DraftKings Sees Women’s Sports and Live Wagering as Key Growth Drivers

The US sports betting industry is on the cusp of significant growth, with emerging opportunities tied to women’s sports and live wagering. Jason Robins, co-founder and CEO of DraftKings, made these observations during his keynote address at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. He discussed how evolving customer interests and technology advancements shape the industry’s future.

Female Athletes Are Quickly Gaining Popularity

Robins noted that interest in wagering on women’s sports is gaining momentum. Recent data suggests that the WNBA’s leading teams, the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty, have reinvigorated the market for betting on women’s basketball. This popularity presents a significant growth opportunity for sportsbooks and operators to cater to the increasing demand for women’s sports betting.

We’re definitely seeing a growth in women’s sports… I also think that the way that customers engage with the product has changed.

Jason Robins, DraftKings co-founder and CEO

DraftKings data shows that The US Women’s National Team received more bets than Inter Miami, featuring soccer star Lionel Messi. Expanding betting markets into women’s sports aligns with ongoing shifts in the sports industry, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for female athletes. Appealing to a broader audience should also help onboard new demographics and aid sustained growth.

Innovation Remains a Driving Industry Force

Live wagering’s rising relevance became another vital talking point. This service, also known as in-play betting, has become an irreplaceable component of the sports betting landscape. It allows bettors to place wagers during a game, taking advantage of changing odds and game dynamics. However, this service hinges on reliable technology, highlighting the importance of partnerships with leading technology providers.

As online wagering exceeds 90% of regulated sports bets in the US, operators are hard-pressed to deliver a seamless and reliable experience, contributing to customer satisfaction and long-term engagement. Robins emphasized that innovation remained at the forefront of industry developments, highlighting the need for continual innovation to keep the industry fresh, exciting, and responsive to customer demands.

The USA Is a Diverse and Challenging Market

DraftKings currently enjoys a leading position in the USA, as the operator and its primary competitor, FanDuel, control roughly 70% of the market. Despite rising competition from Fanatics and ESPN Bet, Robins was confident that DraftKings would remain the preferred choice of US bettors, relying on its cutting-edge technology and clever marketing to retain its customers and maintain momentum. 

The leading operator has also expressed interest in expanding its daily fantasy sports presence, recently filing a trademark application for a new game. As the US sports betting industry experiences dynamic shifts in customer interests and technological advancements, DraftKings tries to stay one step ahead, poised to meet the evolving demands of sports enthusiasts.