FanDuel Eyes US Online Poker Expansion

Flutter Entertainment may be gearing up for a high-profile poker launch in the United States. New evidence suggests that FanDuel and its sister platform, PokerStars, are considering deeper integration and exploring potential synergies to deliver a comprehensive experience to users. Favorable market conditions in the USA could significantly accelerate this rumoured launch.

Conditions in the US Support Such a Move

According to a recent Poker Industry PRO report, Flutter is preparing to expand into poker via the PokerStars brand. A growing trail of updated web infrastructure, revised internal roles, and new hiring activity tied to poker-facing functions suggests those plans may become a reality. While the operator has yet to make a formal announcement, the data hints that a FanDuel-branded poker client may materialize sooner rather than later.

Such a launch would mark a significant departure from FanDuel’s current offerings. Despite its leadership position in online sports betting and iGaming, FanDuel has never fully prioritized poker in the US. However, parent company Flutter Entertainment also controls popular online poker platform PokerStars, enabling significant synergies.

Operating conditions are also favorable. Last year, Pennsylvania joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, making online poker expansion even more favorable for operators. The framework enables states to merge player pools, removing one of the biggest hurdles that historically limited the appeal of regulated US poker. It enables fuller tables, more frequent tournaments, and bigger prize pools.

The Two Brands Could Explore Significant Synergies

For a brand with such an extensive market presence, such as FanDuel, operating across state borders can be critical. Instead of launching into isolated state-by-state environments, a potential FanDuel Poker product could allow users to access a broader, interconnected network from day one. Notably, such an environment may attract high-spending customers who rely on consistent volume.

Branching out into poker could have significant financial implications for FanDuel. Cross-selling remains a powerful tool in the regulated gaming space. Adding poker to the company’s offerings could give users a different type of engagement compared to iGaming or sports wagering. If the experience is housed within the same digital wallet, various promotions could easily push existing FanDuel customers to try out poker.

However, a FanDuel poker launch remains far from certain. Flutter has generally been relatively quiet regarding its plans for US online poker, preferring to focus on other verticals, and has even introduced its own prediction market offerings. It is not yet clear whether a FanDuel poker expansion will fully merge the company’s branding with PokerStars or just strengthen the synergies between the two brands.