The World’s Biggest Sports Betting Companies: Industry Giants Shaping the Future of Gambling

Flutter Entertainment

Flutter Entertainment is one of the largest sports betting and gaming companies globally, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Formed through the merger of Paddy Power and Betfair in 2016, it later acquired The Stars Group in 2020, bringing in iconic brands like PokerStars and Sky Betting & Gaming. Flutter also owns FanDuel, which dominates the US sports betting market alongside DraftKings. With a multi-brand strategy and strong presence in regulated markets across Europe, North America, and Australia, Flutter’s annual revenues surpass $10 billion.

Entain plc

Entain plc, formerly known as GVC Holdings, is a UK-based sports betting and gambling behemoth. It owns major brands such as Ladbrokes, Coral, Bwin, Sportingbet, and BetMGM (via a joint venture with MGM Resorts). Entain has been aggressively expanding in the United States and Latin America while maintaining a strong European presence. Its focus on responsible gambling and digital innovation makes it a leader in both retail and online betting. Annual revenues exceed $5 billion, with a footprint in over 20 countries.

DraftKings

DraftKings began as a daily fantasy sports provider in the United States but has evolved into a dominant sports betting operator following the legalization of sports wagering in various US states. Listed on NASDAQ, DraftKings offers online sportsbooks, casino gaming, and iGaming products. It operates in over 20 US states and continues to expand through acquisitions and partnerships with sports leagues and media companies. With a tech-driven platform and deep brand recognition, DraftKings generates more than $3 billion in annual revenue.

Bet365

Bet365 is a privately held UK company known for its massive global online presence. Founded by Denise Coates in 2000, it is recognized for its powerful in-house technology, live betting features, and user-friendly interface. Bet365 serves millions of users in multiple languages and currencies, with significant market share in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Despite its low media profile compared to publicly traded rivals, Bet365 consistently posts operating profits exceeding $1 billion annually, making it one of the most profitable in the sector.

Caesars Entertainment

Caesars Sportsbook is the sports betting arm of Caesars Entertainment, a historic name in American casino gaming. After acquiring William Hill in 2021, Caesars rebranded its sports betting operations and launched aggressively into legal US markets. Caesars leverages its extensive customer loyalty program, physical casino network, and marketing partnerships with sports teams to build market share. The company has invested heavily in mobile technology to compete with FanDuel and DraftKings, achieving over $1 billion in annual betting revenue.

MGM Resorts International (via BetMGM)

MGM’s online sportsbook, BetMGM, is a joint venture with Entain plc and is among the top three sports betting operators in the United States. Operating in more than 25 states, BetMGM has built strong partnerships with professional sports leagues and franchises. It integrates well with MGM’s land-based properties, allowing seamless reward systems between physical and digital platforms. The company is valued in the multi-billion-dollar range and plays a critical role in the rapid digitization of American gambling.

PointsBet (Now Fanatics Sportsbook)

Originally an Australian sportsbook, PointsBet expanded rapidly in the US and built a reputation for its unique “points betting” model. In 2023, Fanatics, the sports merchandise giant, acquired the US operations of PointsBet and began rebranding it as Fanatics Sportsbook. With access to a massive sports merchandise customer base and strong digital capabilities, Fanatics aims to become a formidable player in the US sports betting landscape. Though still emerging, its potential is backed by billions in investment.

Kindred Group

Kindred Group is a major European online gambling company based in Malta and listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. It operates brands like Unibet, 32Red, and Maria Casino. The company has licenses in over a dozen countries and serves millions of active users across Europe and Australia. Known for its commitment to sustainable and responsible gambling, Kindred generates revenues exceeding $1.5 billion and remains a major player in the competitive European market.

888 Holdings

888 Holdings is a Gibraltar-based online betting company, publicly listed in London. It operates 888sport, 888poker, and 888casino, as well as owning the SI Sportsbook brand in the US. 888 also acquired William Hill’s non-US assets from Caesars in 2022, significantly expanding its global footprint. Its strong brand portfolio and emphasis on technological development make it a consistent player in online sports betting and gaming, with annual revenues around $2 billion.

Penn Entertainment (formerly Penn National Gaming)

Penn Entertainment made headlines with its acquisition of Barstool Sports and later partnership with ESPN, launching ESPN BET in 2023. As one of the few regional casino operators deeply involved in digital sports betting, Penn aims to leverage media synergies to attract younger demographics. The company’s sportsbook ambitions are tied to content, mobile experience, and cross-platform engagement. Annual digital revenue continues to rise as it builds market share in the US.

Conclusion

The global sports betting industry is dominated by a mix of long-established European giants and fast-growing American tech-driven operators. With regulatory shifts, emerging markets, and evolving consumer behavior, these companies continue to shape the future of betting through mergers, innovation, and strategic expansion. As the market consolidates, expect these names to remain central to the multi-billion-dollar global gambling ecosystem.