The Rise of FanDuel

One of the biggest success stories of the fledgling United States gambling industry, FanDuel is a first choice for many Americans. Established in 2009, the company initially offered daily fantasy sports but has since grown into a full sportsbook with a host of options for its customers. FanDuel is now a major player in the sports betting sector, and its rise has been remarkable.

The Current State of Play

When you call up the main FanDuel website today, there are a host of different options. The daily fantasy sports section remains, and it still enjoys a huge following. Alongside it is a sportsbook with a focus on the core US leagues, including NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. Global events are also included with FanDuel attracting attention outside of America.

As a logical extension of the sportsbook, there’s also a casino with slots, plus a host of card and table games. A FanDuel promo code is available on most of those platforms, and over on Casino.org, there are reviews and other information about this established operator.

It’s the comprehensive platform that every player demands, but FanDuel hasn’t always provided such a huge range of options.

FanDuel’s Early Inroads

Back in 2009 when FanDuel was formed, there were no options for legal online sports betting in the US. The operator began life with a range of daily fantasy sports markets, and it quickly became established as one of the best options for DFS players.

Fantasy sports have existed as a concept for decades, and competitions predate the digital era. FanDuel, and other providers, used their online platforms to offer more innovative options to players.

Previously, choices were limited. DFS players would typically compile a football, soccer or baseball team using players from different franchises. Fantasy teams still form a part of the overall landscape, but operators such as FanDuel stepped in to provide much more.

Innovative new gaming options such as player props came along. DFS enthusiasts could now speculate on player performance during a game. FanDuel improved the choice around Daily Fantasy Sports, and its position in the market was to prove advantageous.

Right Place Right Time

In 2018, the US Supreme Court made an announcement that would transform betting and casino play across the country. An earlier ruling that had effectively outlawed sports betting was overturned and the decision on whether to legalize the practice was handed over to state governments.

In the same year, a number of states moved quickly to allow online play for real money, while others took time to consider their position. Online casinos were slower to gather momentum and, as of 2025, there are only six states that allow digital real money gaming platforms.

The landscape continues to evolve, but back in 2018, FanDuel was perfectly placed to take advantage. While DFS games are separate from sports betting, there are similarities between the two practices, and FanDuel saw an opportunity.

In July of 2018, the company opened its first official sportsbook. This was an offline facility at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in Pennsylvania. More physical sports betting halls followed, while FanDuel also opened its digital doors to several states that had legalized sports betting.

The company was in the right place at the right time. As an established DFS provider, the move into sports betting was seamless, and FanDuel is now the go-to platform for many Americans.

FanDuel Today

In the present day, FanDuel provides the complete platform for anyone interested in real money wagers. The Daily Fantasy Sports options remain at the core of the business, and the markets listed are among the most comprehensive in the sector.

The sports betting and casino sections also enjoy a growing customer base, with more players joining up with FanDuel on a regular basis. As with the DFS side of the operation, there is a great choice of casino games and sports markets, which help to keep those players engaged.

In terms of revenue, the company continues to benefit from the evolving landscape in the USA. As more states legalize sports betting and online casino, FanDuel has a ready-made platform that can be dropped in at a moment’s notice.

FanDuel’s gross income for 2024 came in at $5.79 billion, according to confirmed reports. This represents a significant increase on the $4.84 billion achieved across the previous year, and it continues a sharp rise in revenue over the last five years.

Back in 2019, FanDuel’s gross revenue was reported to be a relatively modest 0.49 billion.

The story of FanDuel shows a meteoric rise, and it proves what is possible in the online gambling and DFS industry. While some may argue that the company has been fortunate in its timing, not every operator has succeeded in the new, open US gambling landscape. The business has an excellent set of products, each of which meets customer needs perfectly, and there is no sign of a slowdown anytime soon.