DraftKings CEO Expects iGaming Growth Industry

DraftKings CEO Expects iGaming Growth in 2025

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 11 December 2024

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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At the 4th annual Craig-Hallum Online Gaming Conference held on December 2, DraftKings’ CEO Jason Robins took to the virtual stage to speak to a wide-ranging panel regarding online betting in the US. He was optimistic about 2025, with many iGaming bills being revisited and a period of growth sure to follow.

While only Missouri legalized sports betting in 2024, Robins is hopeful that 2025 will be pivotal for industry growth. He highlighted the increasing momentum behind legislative efforts to expand sports betting and iGaming across multiple states.

In response to a question from Craig-Hallum analyst Ryan Sigdahl, he had this to say:

I think this year coming up, 2025, we’re going to get some real momentum and potentially even get some iGaming bills over the hump, which should be great.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Robins candidly discussed the initial hurdles DraftKings faced as a US-based company without the backing of a global gambling giant. The company’s early challenges were primarily in product development and technological infrastructure.

However, through strategic acquisitions like SBTech,  substantial investments in technology and marketing, and a focus on user experience, DraftKings has emerged as a major player in the industry.

Market Dominance and Future Outlook

Despite intensifying competition, Robins remained confident in DraftKings’ position as one of the market leaders. The company’s strong performance in college sports and its strategic focus on higher-hold sports like the NBA positions it for continued growth. He also highlighted the potential for consolidation in the industry, with DraftKings and FanDuel likely to maintain their dominance.

Parallels and contrasts were drawn between the US and UK sports betting markets. While the UK market has a more extended history and more mature infrastructure, the US market possesses immense potential due to its larger population, diverse sports landscape, and increasing cultural acceptance of sports betting. Robins believes that the US market can eventually surpass the UK in size and economic impact.

2025: A Year of Opportunity

Robins expressed optimism about the potential for significant legislative advancements in 2025, particularly in iGaming. While Missouri was the sole state to legalize sports betting in 2024, there’s growing momentum behind efforts to expand sports betting and iGaming in states like New York, Illinois, and California. With their large population and significant gaming markets, these states could appreciably contribute to the growth of the US online gambling industry.   

While DraftKings and FanDuel currently dominate the US market, Robins acknowledges the presence of other significant players, including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics, and Penn Entertainment’s ESPN Bet. However, he emphasized the importance of continuous innovation, customer focus, and strategic partnerships to maintain a competitive edge.

Key Takeaways

2025 is poised to be a significant year for US online sports betting.
Legislative advancements in key states like New York, Illinois, and California could drive significant growth.
DraftKings’ strategic investments and focus on user experience have positioned it as a market leader.
The US market has the potential to surpass the UK in size and economic impact.
The competitive landscape is intensifying, but DraftKings is well-positioned to maintain its dominance.

As the industry continues to evolve, DraftKings remains committed to delivering exceptional products and services to its customers, driving innovation, and capitalizing on emerging opportunities.