• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, March 4, 2026

DraftKings Takes Market Share Lead In U.S. Online Gambling

  • New report shows major change in industry’s established pecking order
  • Further disruption expected from ESPN Bet, Fanatics
DraftKings
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

A new market reality in U.S. online gambling is emerging as DraftKings has overtaken incumbent leader FanDuel for the overall market share lead, suggesting more change to come in the still-developing market. 

In August, DraftKings took the U.S. online gambling lead, according to a new study by prominent research entity Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, capturing 31% of overall gross gaming revenue compared to FanDuel’s 30%. FanDuel had been the clear American market leader for several years.

The figure includes revenue from both sports betting and other online casino games. For sports betting specifically, FanDuel still has a 39.3% market share lead compared to DraftKings’ 34.1%. But the leadership flip in overall gaming revenue marks a key inflection point in the still-developing U.S. wagering market. 

“[This] is a major move that signals a shifting competitive landscape — one that we believe will continue to shift as big new brands Fanatics and ESPN Bet begin to ramp,” Eilers & Krejcik said.

To that end, ESPN Bet is set for a November debut of its new Sportsbook in partnership with PENN Entertainment, while Fanatics is continuing to integrate its recently acquired PointsBet assets.

Company Escalation

Those two entities represent perhaps the greatest threat yet to the established DraftKings-FanDuel market duopoly, but DraftKings said it is not planning to yield its leadership position. 

“We enjoy the chart, but no one is anywhere close to satisfied yet at DraftKings!,” DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish posted on X. 

The company plans to release its next set of financial results on Nov. 2, and its stock has risen more than 144% this year, fueled in part by the market share gains and a reining in of its much-debated marketing and customer-acquisition costs.

“DraftKings’ ability to reel in FanDuel speaks to a company that is stepping away from squishy narratives and harnessing the power of more focused, disciplined execution,” Eilers & Krejcik said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Foxborough World Cup Funding Fight: ‘These Guys Need It Now’

The town has withheld a key license FIFA needs to stage matches.

NFL Teams Hand Out Nearly $100M in 1-Year Deals at Tag Deadline

Four players were tagged by Tuesday’s deadline.

No Iran Soccer Staff at FIFA Event With World Cup Future Unclear

Trump said that he doesn’t care if Iran plays in the tournament.
A Reebok garment display is seen at a Walmart Supercenter on W. Greenfield Ave. on Thursday November 20, 2025 in West Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Reebok, On, and Other Sports Retailers Demand Tariff Refunds

Reversing tariffs will generate up to $175B in refunds, says one group.

Featured Today

Nicole Silveira

The Tattoo Marking Membership in the Most Exclusive Club in Sports

For athletes, the Olympic rings tattoo is “about everything it took.”
Dec 25, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Ball Arena.
March 1, 2026

Young Athletes Have Entered Their LinkedIn Era

Athletes can’t play forever. Some are laying the groundwork for Act 2.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.
February 27, 2026

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium
February 21, 2026

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Underdog Fantasy

Underdog Makes Major Job Cuts in Pivot to Prediction Markets

More than 20% of Underdog employees were laid off, Front Office Sports has learned.
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball defended by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Garret Wallow (49) and defensive end Keion White (56) during the third quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field.
February 26, 2026

​​FanDuel Parent Pins Betting Slowdown on Lackluster NFL Season

Flutter Entertainment eyes World Cup as key growth driver.
March 2, 2026

Trump’s Former Chief of Staff Challenges Sports Prediction Markets

Mick Mulvaney’s stance stands in contrast to members of the Trump family.
Sponsored

From USWNT Star to NWSL Franchise Founder

Leslie Osborne, former USWNT midfielder, shares how athletes are moving from the pitch to the ownership table.
February 26, 2026

Penn Entertainment Is Staying Away From Prediction Markets

Penn CEO calls prediction markets controversial, seeks Supreme Court clarity.
In this photo illustration, a mobile device displays the Kalshi logo while a laptop displays the webpage of the prediction market platform in Copenhagen, Denmark, on February 10, 2026. (Photo by Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/NurPhoto)
February 25, 2026

Kalshi Bans, Fines 2 Traders Who Bet on Inside Information

One is a former California gubernatorial candidate who bet on himself.
February 23, 2026

Kalshi Abandons Affiliate Badges After Twitter’s Policy Shift

Polymarket has yet to take the same step with its affiliate accounts.
ESPN Bet broadcasts inside the PGA Tour Studios building in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on March 14, 2025. [Clayton Freeman/Florida Times-Union]
February 23, 2026

Penn Settles Long-Running Fight With Activist Investor

The deal follows the termination of Penn’s sports betting deal with ESPN.