Biggest Sports Betting Companies in the United States
FanDuel
FanDuel is the undisputed leader in the U.S. sports betting market, capturing a dominant share of over 40% in most states where it operates. Originally founded as a daily fantasy sports platform in 2009, FanDuel pivoted aggressively into legal sports betting following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that overturned PASPA. It is now owned by Flutter Entertainment, a global gambling giant based in Ireland. FanDuel offers a wide range of betting markets, a sleek mobile interface, live betting options, and casino games in select states. Its strong brand recognition, promotional offers, and integration with fantasy sports have made it the go-to sportsbook for millions of Americans.
DraftKings
DraftKings is another heavyweight in the U.S. sports betting landscape. Like FanDuel, it started as a daily fantasy sports provider and transitioned into sportsbook operations. DraftKings is listed on the NASDAQ and operates in dozens of U.S. jurisdictions. It boasts a robust mobile app, a deep pool of betting options, and innovative features such as same-game parlays and live streaming for certain events. DraftKings also has a strong media presence, with its own sports betting content and partnerships with major broadcasters like ESPN and FOX.
BetMGM
BetMGM is the result of a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and UK-based Entain. It combines MGM’s reputation in brick-and-mortar casinos with Entain’s digital sports betting technology. As of 2025, BetMGM holds a top-three position in most regulated states, especially thriving in states where MGM casinos are already present. Its user-friendly platform, loyalty integration with MGM Rewards, and heavy promotional spending have helped it build a significant user base. BetMGM also offers online poker and casino gaming in jurisdictions that allow them.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook surged in popularity after its acquisition of William Hill’s U.S. assets in 2021. Backed by the iconic Caesars Entertainment brand, it has used aggressive marketing and lucrative bonuses to compete with the market leaders. The app integrates with Caesars Rewards, one of the most established loyalty programs in the hospitality and gaming industries. While its app was initially criticized for usability issues, recent updates have significantly improved the user experience. Caesars has prioritized a broad retail footprint in combination with online operations, appealing to both digital-first and traditional bettors.
ESPN BET
ESPN BET is one of the newer entrants in the U.S. market, launched through a partnership between Disney’s ESPN and Penn Entertainment. Built on the technology previously developed for Barstool Sportsbook, ESPN BET benefits from unparalleled branding and media synergy. With integrations across ESPN’s television, radio, and digital platforms, the sportsbook has immediate visibility with millions of sports fans. Although it is still building market share, its long-term prospects are strong due to Disney’s marketing power and Penn’s operational experience.
PointsBet (Fanatics Sportsbook)
PointsBet originally launched as an Australian sportsbook but gained traction in the U.S. due to its unique “points betting” feature, where winnings or losses vary based on the margin of victory. In 2023, the U.S. operations of PointsBet were acquired by Fanatics, a massive sports merchandise retailer. Rebranded as Fanatics Sportsbook in several states, this company is now leveraging its existing database of millions of sports fans to cross-sell betting services. Its long-term strategy involves deep integration with merchandise, collectibles, and even NFTs.
Barstool Sportsbook (Retired Brand)
Barstool Sportsbook was launched by Penn National Gaming in collaboration with Barstool Sports, the controversial yet wildly popular sports media outlet. It initially captured a young, loyal audience through influencer-driven content and branded experiences. However, by 2023, Penn rebranded its sportsbook under the ESPN BET banner after ending its relationship with Barstool. While Barstool Sportsbook is no longer operational, its initial market disruption is worth mentioning as a key chapter in U.S. sports betting evolution.
Conclusion
The U.S. sports betting industry has rapidly matured, with several key players establishing dominance through brand power, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships. FanDuel and DraftKings continue to lead the market, while legacy casino operators like BetMGM and Caesars are competing fiercely. New entrants like ESPN BET and Fanatics Sportsbook represent the next wave of disruption, showing that the future of American sports betting will be shaped by a blend of media, entertainment, and technology.
