DraftKings CEO: More States Could Legalize iGaming in 2025 Following Election Year Slowdown
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins expects increased iGaming legislation activity in 2025, following a relatively quiet 2024 that saw limited expansion in online gambling markets.
Man speaks into mic
Speaking at Craig-Hallum's 4th Annual Online Gaming conference, Robins expressed optimism about potential state-level legislative momentum, particularly for iGaming bills. The slow progress in 2024 was largely attributed to it being an election year, with Missouri being the only state to approve online sports betting through a voter ballot.
Currently, only seven states permit iGaming: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. While Robins didn't specify target states, New York and Illinois are considered likely candidates for iGaming legislation in 2025.
For sports betting expansion, Minnesota emerged as a potential market, though tribal gaming compacts add complexity to the legislative process. With California and Texas unlikely to advance sports betting initiatives in 2025, industry focus remains on Georgia and Minnesota.
Addressing market competition, Robins acknowledged the FanDuel-DraftKings duopoly controlling over 70% of the US online sports betting market. However, he emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant against Tier 2 competitors, including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics, and Penn Entertainment's ESPN Bet.
"Everything that we do every day, we have to earn with the customer," Robins stated, highlighting the company's commitment to maintaining market leadership while staying alert to potential disruption from emerging competitors.