Circa Casino’s Vision: Expanding Sports Betting Beyond Las Vegas

In the heart of downtown Las Vegas, where the lights never dim and the excitement never wanes, Circa Resort & Casino has emerged as a haven for sports enthusiasts. Co-owned by the dynamic Derek Stevens, Circa is not just a place to gamble; it’s a thriving environment where sports fans can indulge in their passion. As Stevens contemplates the future, he has his sights set on the expansion of Circa Sports, particularly in mobile sports betting and potential retail locations in California.

A Focus on Technology and Market Expansion

Currently operational in Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, and Kentucky, Circa Sports is strategically plotting its next moves. Stevens emphasized the importance of developing in-house technology before expanding further into the mobile sports betting marketplace. “We’re currently in the process of developing our own tech. We’re going to wait until our tech is completed before we launch in any additional states,” Stevens explained during an interview at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas.

This approach guarantees that Circa Sports will offer a quality product that can compete with more established players in the mobile betting arena, even as the growth process may feel slow and cumbersome. “We’ve been working on this project for a year, and we’re still probably a year away,” he said. The deliberate pace of development reflects Stevens’ commitment to delivering a robust platform that meets the needs of today’s tech-savvy bettors.

Home to the World’s Largest Sportsbook

Since its inception in 2020, Circa Resort & Casino has cited the “world’s largest sportsbook” among its many attractions. From its unique outdoor viewing area, known as Stadium Swim—which features six enormous heated pools and a stunning 40-foot high-definition screen—Circa has created an unbeatable environment for sports viewing. The resort’s sportsbook has quickly gained a reputation for being fair to sharp gamblers and providing competitive betting lines.

While the retail sportsbook has thrived, the digital side of the operation has faced challenges. The sports betting domain is largely dominated by industry giants such as FanDuel and DraftKings, making it difficult for emerging brands like Circa to capture significant market shares. Furthermore, the varied and often complex regulatory landscape across states can make establishing a mobile presence a daunting task.

Regulatory Challenges and Strategic Considerations

Stevens expressed the difficulties posed by the regulatory environment, particularly when it favors remote registration and funding options. “When you have a regulatory environment that allows for remote registration and remote funding, (there will be) unintended consequences,” he noted. Such regulations can deter potential investors and restrict job creation, as significant capital investments are often linked to retail locations.

In light of these challenges, Stevens has focused on monitoring the evolving landscape of sports betting legislation, particularly in California—a market that remains largely untapped yet ripe with potential.

The California Opportunity

Calling California one of the biggest opportunities for expansion in the realm of sports betting, Stevens underscored the importance of the state’s tribal leaders in shaping its gambling policies. Despite setbacks in 2022 when two major measures to legalize sports betting were defeated, efforts are underway to rebuild relationships with these influential stakeholders.

Experts at G2E have suggested that California voters may see another opportunity to vote on sports betting as soon as 2026, although 2028 appears more plausible. Stevens expressed optimism about what could happen if California were to adopt sports betting regulations similar to Nevada’s, which require in-person registration for mobile sports betting apps. “If California does not have remote registration, then you might see some massive investments that could create a lot of jobs, and we would be the first ones who would do it,” he affirmed.

Conclusion

Derek Stevens’ vision for Circa Sports is ambitious yet measured. By focusing on developing proprietary technology and navigating the challenging regulatory landscape, Stevens aims to position Circa as a formidable player in the sports betting industry. As the most populous state in the nation gears up for potentially transformative legislation, Circa’s move into California could mark a significant milestone, not just for the brand but for the future of sports wagering in the U.S.

With a commitment to quality and an eye toward expansion, Circa Sports is set to redefine how sports fans engage with their favorite games—both in person and online. Whether it’s through state-of-the-art betting apps or expansive retail locations, the journey is just beginning.