Prediction markets are coming to sports in a big way. Heres what you need to know The Athletic

For the sportsbook rankings themselves, we focus on the parts that affect the actual betting experience. Since it’s not the deepest book here, and its offer is only available in four states, the appeal is how it feels to use. When prices move after a goal, injury, pitching change, or lineup update, FanDuel gives you a short path from market to ticket. The layout is clean, the main markets are easy to find, and the app does a good job surfacing popular bet types without crowding the page.

This duopoly has solidified over the past five years as both companies leveraged their existing daily fantasy sports customer bases, invested billions in marketing, and expanded aggressively into new states. BetMGM is strong for football depth, DraftKings and FanDuel are better for app speed and parlay tools, and bet365 is one of the better picks for live betting. Fanatics ranks No. 1 on our list for its speed and FanCash rewards. Utilize the problem gambling resources provided directly within your app or through offshore betting sites your state’s gaming commission. Curious about the worst sports betting sites?

The anticipated sports betting market growth can be attributed to the increasing global use of smartphones and the internet. The platform segment of the sports betting market was led by the online platform segment, which is expected to dominate the sports betting market by the end of the forecast period, with a CAGR of 13%. Further, the sports betting market has begun to capitalize on the opportunity through eSports betting which in turn influences the sports betting market adoption trends. In 2025, the fixed odds wagering segment held a sports betting market share of more than 25%, while the eSports betting segment is expected to secure a significant CAGR of 14.8% in the sports betting market during the forecast period. The sports betting market is also influenced by the adoption of sports betting through video streaming and instant messaging services, as well as changes in the regulatory landscape of the sports betting market.

DraftKings holds approximately 34% of the US sports betting market by GGR. FanDuel holds approximately 44% of the US sports betting market by gross gaming revenue (GGR) as of Q1 2026, making it the largest sportsbook operator in the country. The diversity of operators in New Jersey has made it a benchmark for consumer-friendly market structure.

With an estimated $2.7 billion in 2025 revenue and 2026 guidance of $3.1–3.2 billion, BetMGM leverages the MGM Rewards loyalty ecosystem and iconic brand recognition to maintain its position, particularly among traditional casino customers who also bet on sports. The company provided fiscal 2026 revenue guidance of $6.5–6.9 billion, reflecting confidence in continued growth. The company’s dominance is particularly pronounced in high-revenue states like New York, where FanDuel consistently captures nearly half of all online sports betting revenue.

Any event you can imagine could potentially be added to the market, including elections, economic indicators, sporting events, the Academy Awards, which coach a team will hire, etc. So, what are prediction markets and why are they such a big deal in the sports betting space? Established sports betting companies like Fanatics, DraftKings and FanDuel launched prediction market products earlier this month. A strong core ensures consistent volume, while selected niche markets add depth and engagement without complicating the user experience. Pre-match and live betting markets represent two distinct environments within a sportsbook, each with its own structure and role in the overall betting experience. Some markets go even further, offering minute-based predictions or outcomes within short intervals.

Prediction markets have the appeal of offering something new to users and they are becoming more trusted by the day. Sports bettors who are looking for non-traditional markets may turn to prediction markets to have a stake in things like the U.S. The popularity of prediction markets is likely to grow in the coming months and years. Betting on such serious matters is morally wrong, but people do engage with these markets.

If you like betting after the game starts, that setup is made for you. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). You can start with a spread, check the team total, look at a player prop, then move into a parlay build without feeling like you’ve lost the original event page.

All markets are available in 17 states, including California, Texas and Florida. I think it’s going to continue to be an ongoing conversation because obviously there are a lot of open legal questions and challenges.” “I think it’s an extension of the road that we’ve navigated with regulators for the last seven years,” Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting & Gaming, said. But for sportsbooks, getting into prediction markets means trying to carefully navigate their relationships with state regulators. People in states without legal sports betting can and have turned to prediction markets in growing numbers.