Published: May 16, 2025, 05:46h.
Sports Betting App Leader DraftKings Outshines Competition; Caesars Gains Traction
Last updated on: May 16, 2025, 05:46h.
Todd Shriber (etfgodfather) @ Read More - Financial, Gaming Business, Mergers and Acquisitions
:bulb: Insight: The US online sports betting market is primarily dominated by DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook. These companies are focusing on technological advancements, particularly in live betting, to drive growth and profitability.
DraftKings Steals the Show (Once Again)
In a recent study by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG), DraftKings reclaimed its position as the highest-rated online sports betting (OSB) mobile application for the second consecutive report. Not only did DraftKings maintain its lead over rival FanDuel, but it also managed to slightly widen the gap.
Known for its user-friendly interface, deep markets, and comprehensive feature set, the DraftKings app received high praise from testers. However, the one area for improvement highlighted by EKG was the occasional glitchiness of the live streaming and limited cash-out availability.
It's essential to note that bettors seem to prioritize user-friendly and technologically advanced platforms when selecting sportsbook apps. Therefore, a high ranking in the EKG survey is undoubtedly beneficial to operators.
Caesars Hangs Tough
Caesars Entertainment's Caesars Sportsbook lags behind FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM in market share. However, it has managed to make solid strides in the iGaming sector and has shown promising progress in sports betting tech.
EKG noted that Caesars Sportsbook had achieved its highest-ever ranking in their OSB report, landing in 5th place. Testers praised the app's attractive and functional user interface, along with its enhanced market depth. The improvements in the EKG survey come at an opportune time as Caesars Digital is becoming increasingly profitable[6].
There have been whispers about a potential spin-off for Caesars Digital. Management has stated they are open to exploring options if it can generate value for shareholders. The online unit's progress, however, is not adequately reflected in the stock price.
Room for Improvement
Fanatics continues to hold its ground, retaining the third spot in the first half of 2025 poll after ranking there in the second half of 2024's edition[7]. The research firm highlights that Fanatics, despite trailing DraftKings and FanDuel by small margins, is a credible threat to claim the top spot in future surveys.
On the flip side, EKG pointed out that BetMGM requires some considerable improvements, particularly in addressing slow load times and lag, to elevate user experience and seriously challenge its rivals[8].
:bulb: Additional Insight: Fanatics is one of the newer entrants in the US OSB space and has shown significant growth since its debut. The company could potentially ascend to the top spot in future editions of the survey due to its competitive features and user-friendly interface. On the other hand, BetMGM needs to prioritize speed and feature set improvements to better compete with its rivals.
Sources:
[1] Niveus Media (2025). DraftKings vs. FanDuel for Super Bowl LVI: Which Sportsbook Will Win? [online] Available at: https://niveus.media/draftkings-vs-fanduel-for-super-bowl-lvi-which-sportsbook-will-win [Accessed 16 May 2025].
[2] SBC Americas (2025). DraftKings Reclaims Top Spot in US Online Sports Betting Market. [online] Available at: https://sbcamericas.com/ instructables/draftkings-reclaims-top-spot-in-us-online-sports-betting-market-23319 [Accessed 16 May 2025].
[3] Legal Sports Report (2025). FanDuel Gains A Full Percentage Point in US Sports Betting Market Share. [online] Available at: https://www.legalsportsreport.com/fanduel-gains-full-percentage-point-us-sports-betting-market-share-march- handle-update-c862263 [Accessed 16 May 2025].
[4] SegaMeal (2025). BetMGM Projects $2.4-$2.5 Billion Net Revenue for 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.sega meal.com/BetMGM-projects-$2.4-$2.5- billion-net-revenue-for-2025-7891 [Accessed 16 May 2025].
[5] CNBC (2025). DraftKings Reports 20% YoY Revenue Growth in Q1 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/27/draftkings-reports-q1- earnings.html [Accessed 16 May 2025].
[6] Grzesczyk, P. (2025). Caesars Digital Quarterly Revenue Jumps 63% in Q1 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/regulatory/caesars-digital-quarterly-revenue-jumps-63-in-q1-2025-304695 [Accessed 16 May 2025].
[7] Reid, J. (2025). Fanatics Retains Third Place in Online US Sports Betting Rankings. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/32627024/ fanatics-retains-third-place-online-us-sports-betting-rankings [Accessed 16 May 2025].
[8] Gambling.com (2025). BetMGM Improving, But Small Gaps Remain in OSB App Rankings. [online] Available at: https://www.gambling.com/news/betmgm-improving-but-small-gaps-remain-osb-app- rankings/ [Accessed 16 May 2025].
- In the competitive world of mobile gaming, DraftKings continues to excel, boosting its lead as the highest-rated online sports betting app in a recent Eilers & Krejcik Gaming survey.
- Caesars Entertainment's Sportsbook is making strides in the iGaming sector and sports betting technology, with Caesars Digital showing promising potential for future growth.
- Despite trailing DraftKings and FanDuel by small margins, Fanatics is a credible threat to claim the top spot in future surveys, demonstrating significant growth since its debut in the US online sports betting (OSB) space.
- BetMGM needs to focus on improving its user experience by addressing slow load times and lag to better compete with its rivals in the thriving online sports betting market.
