IGT has solidified its position in the North American sports betting market by renewing its agreement with FanDuel for another four years. This deal highlights the growing importance of retail sportsbooks, even in a digital age dominated by online betting platforms. Since 2018, IGT has been a critical partner for FanDuel, offering in-person betting solutions at some of the most prominent sportsbooks across the U.S., including the iconic FanDuel Sportsbook at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.
FanDuel, now a leader in both online and retail betting under the Flutter Entertainment umbrella, has relied heavily on IGT’s established gaming expertise for its in-person offerings. The success of these sportsbooks has proven that brick-and-mortar betting still holds value, especially for those seeking the social, immersive experience that a physical location provides. IGT’s deep roots in land-based gaming make it the ideal partner for FanDuel’s retail expansion, ensuring cutting-edge technology and user experiences.
Meanwhile, UK-based bet365 has made a significant move in its North American expansion by opening a 120,000-square-foot headquarters in Denver. With nearly 1,000 jobs expected to be created over time, this Denver HQ marks a major milestone in bet365’s ambitions to capture the U.S. market. The move underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the highly competitive American sports betting space, where it faces competition from heavyweights like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.
Entain, one of BetMGM’s joint venture partners, has also made a leadership shift with the appointment of Stella David as its new board chair. This leadership change comes at a time when BetMGM continues to perform well across its key markets, despite increased competition from international brands. Entain’s strategic movements signal continued growth for the joint venture as it strives to maintain its position among the top players in the market.
Underdog, a rising star in the fantasy sports and sports betting world, continues to gain attention. Ranking No. 15 on LinkedIn’s Top 50 Startups for the second consecutive year, Underdog has quickly cemented its place in the sports gaming ecosystem. While it started with fantasy sports, Underdog’s successful foray into sports betting, including the launch of its first sportsbook in North Carolina, signals that it’s poised for even greater success in the coming years.
These developments show how diverse and dynamic the U.S. sports betting landscape has become, with each player—from established giants like FanDuel and IGT to rising startups like Underdog—carving out their own niche.
