After the Supreme Court threw open the door for sports betting, 34 US states and DC are now offering it in some form. The industry has evolved rapidly since that June 2018 ruling, and it’s still evolving.
New Jersey – known as “The Gold Standard” for legal sports gambling – has been a leader in the race to attract operators and bettors, setting state handle records thanks to a highly competitive, operator-friendly system. The state is a top choice for bettors, and it’s also hosting new operator models like betting exchange Prophet.
The NBA has started to get its hands dirty on sports betting policy, and the leagues are pushing a list of concessions that include official data. The leagues are also seeking a cut of the sports betting handle in the US, known as an integrity fee.
David Purdum has been covering the gambling industry for ESPN since long before the Supreme Court ruling and he talks to us about the changes in the industry after that ruling and the effect it’s had on the NFL.
As more states allow legal sports gambling, the competition to attract bettors is intensifying. The early leaders are FanDuel and DraftKings, followed by legacy casino brands like Caesars Sportsbook. Newer, digital-only operators like Fanatics and ESPN BET are also gaining traction. Despite the competitive market, some of these startups are already shuttering, and it’s essential for bettors to read reviews and understand each site’s offerings before deciding on where to place their bets.