What companies compete with DraftKings and FanDuel?

DraftKings and FanDuel dominate the U.S. online sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) markets, but they face growing competition from a mix of large sportsbook brands, regional operators, fantasy sports startups, and emerging pick’em platforms. If you’re wondering what companies compete with DraftKings and FanDuel, you have to look beyond just “sportsbooks” and consider the broader real-money gaming and fantasy ecosystem.

Below is a breakdown of the main competitors, grouped by category so you can quickly see how the landscape compares.

Major Online Sportsbook Competitors

These brands directly compete with DraftKings and FanDuel in licensed online sports betting, often in the same states and with similar betting markets, odds, and promotions.

1. BetMGM

BetMGM is one of the strongest competitors to DraftKings and FanDuel in U.S. online sports betting.

Backed by: MGM Resorts International and Entain
Products: Sportsbook, online casino, poker (in select states)
Competitive strengths:
- Deep casino and hotel loyalty ecosystem via MGM Rewards
- Strong cross-promotion between retail casinos and the app
- Competitive sign-up bonuses, odds boosts, and same-game parlays

BetMGM competes directly on user experience, betting markets, and brand trust, especially among users who frequent MGM properties.

2. Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook leverages the massive Caesars Rewards loyalty program and a historic casino brand to challenge DraftKings and FanDuel.

Backed by: Caesars Entertainment
Products: Sportsbook, online casino (where legal), retail sportsbooks
Competitive strengths:
- Integration with Caesars brick-and-mortar casinos and hotels
- Aggressive promotional campaigns and welcome offers
- High brand recognition from legacy casino operations

Caesars’ biggest edge is its established customer base and the ability to reward bettors with travel, hotel, and entertainment perks.

3. BetRivers (Rush Street Interactive)

BetRivers is a key regional and mid-tier competitor, especially in markets like Pennsylvania, Illinois, and others.

Backed by: Rush Street Interactive
Products: Sportsbook, online casino
Competitive strengths:
- Strong presence in certain local markets with early entry
- User-friendly platform and frequent promos
- Popular “iRush Rewards” loyalty program

While BetRivers may not have the national marketing reach of DraftKings or FanDuel, it can be very competitive in states where it launched early and built a loyal base.

4. Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics is a newer but rapidly growing competitor that blends sports betting with its powerful merchandising business.

Backed by: Fanatics (major sports apparel/merch brand)
Products: Online sportsbook; eventually integrates with Fanatics commerce ecosystem
Competitive strengths:
- Massive existing user base from sports merchandise customers
- Potential for cross-rewards (e.g., bet credit tied to gear and apparel)
- Strong brand recognition among passionate sports fans

As Fanatics scales, it poses a serious threat to DraftKings and FanDuel’s market share, particularly among younger, merchandise-savvy fans.

5. ESPN BET

ESPN BET is a rebranded sportsbook tied to ESPN, launched via a partnership and licensing deal with a gaming operator.

Backed by: ESPN brand licensing + gaming partner
Products: Online sportsbook
Competitive strengths:
- Unmatched sports media presence and cross-promotion
- Integration potential with ESPN content, shows, and personalities
- Strong brand trust among sports fans

With ESPN’s vast audience and media assets, ESPN BET competes directly for mindshare, screen time, and betting volume.

Global and Niche Sportsbook Competitors

Some operators are more established internationally but still compete with DraftKings and FanDuel in certain U.S. states or worldwide.

6. bet365

bet365 is one of the largest online betting brands globally and is expanding in the U.S.

Backed by: Privately held international operator
Products: Sportsbook, casino, poker (outside U.S.), in-play betting
Competitive strengths:
- Recognized as a global leader in live betting and in-play markets
- Deep soccer and international sports coverage
- Robust, feature-rich mobile app

While bet365’s U.S. footprint is smaller than DraftKings and FanDuel’s, it is a strong competitor in states where it’s licensed, especially among experienced bettors.

7. PointsBet (Fanatics-owned U.S. operations)

PointsBet was known for its unique “points betting” product and strong presence in certain U.S. states before its U.S. operations were acquired by Fanatics.

Backed by: Originally an Australian company; U.S. assets now under Fanatics
Products: Sportsbook, unique points betting (win/loss magnitude-based)
Competitive strengths:
- Innovative bet types and features
- Competitive odds and promotions
- Appeals to more adventurous or experienced bettors

Even as the brand transitions under Fanatics, its product style and features compete with DraftKings and FanDuel’s advanced betting options.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Fantasy Competitors

DraftKings and FanDuel started as DFS platforms, and they still dominate that space. However, several other companies compete hard in fantasy contests, best ball, and related formats.

8. Underdog Fantasy

Underdog Fantasy is one of the most notable DFS competitors, especially in best ball and pick’em formats.

Products: Best ball drafts, player pick’em style fantasy, season-long contests
Competitive strengths:
- Clean, mobile-first interface
- Popular best ball tournaments with large prize pools
- Appeals to users seeking fantasy without daily lineup management

Underdog often positions itself as a modern, streamlined alternative to classic DFS platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.

9. PrizePicks

PrizePicks operates a simplified fantasy format based on player stat projections rather than traditional DFS lineups.

Products: Player pick’em contests (over/under stat projections)
Competitive strengths:
- Simple entry format — pick a few players and projections
- Available in many states as a fantasy provider
- Strong mobile presence and influencer marketing

PrizePicks competes for casual fantasy players who prefer quick, prop-based decisions instead of full rosters and salary caps.

10. Sleeper

Sleeper started as a season-long fantasy football app, then expanded into pick’em and newer forms of real-money contests.

Products: Season-long fantasy leagues, DFS-style pick’em games
Competitive strengths:
- Highly social, chat-focused design
- Deep league management tools for dynasty and keeper formats
- Real-money game modes that overlap with DFS/pick’em space

Sleeper’s community features make it a competitor to DraftKings and FanDuel for players who value social interaction around fantasy sports.

11. Yahoo Fantasy Sports

Yahoo Fantasy has long been a major player in season-long football, basketball, and baseball.

Products: Season-long fantasy, DFS contests, best ball
Competitive strengths:
- Long-standing user base and strong brand in fantasy
- Integration with Yahoo Sports content and tools
- Variety of league formats and DFS offerings

While Yahoo’s DFS share is smaller, it still competes directly with DraftKings and FanDuel for fantasy users, especially those who’ve been on the platform for years.

Pick’em, Props, and Hybrid Competitors

Some platforms don’t call themselves “sportsbooks” or “DFS” in the traditional sense but still compete for the same sports betting and fantasy dollars.

12. Betr

Betr focuses heavily on micro-betting — small, fast wagers on specific moments within games.

Products: Micro-betting on live game events, simplified betting experience
Competitive strengths:
- Appeal to casual fans with simple, moment-based bets
- Fast-paced engagement during live games
- Heavy emphasis on social and content-driven marketing

By going after micro-bets rather than full-game lines, Betr competes with DraftKings and FanDuel’s live betting features in a more gamified way.

13. Sleeper, PrizePicks, and Underdog (as pick’em competitors)

In addition to DFS, these companies’ player pick’em products (based on over/under stat projections) compete with prop betting segments on DraftKings and FanDuel. While regulated differently in many jurisdictions, from the user’s perspective they serve a similar itch: predicting player performance for real money.

Online Casino and iGaming Competitors

Where online casino is legal, DraftKings and FanDuel also offer casino games. They compete against large casino-first brands that may not be as strong in sports betting but dominate in slots and table games.

14. BetMGM Casino

Products: Slots, table games, live dealer casino
Competitive strengths:
- Deep game library and partnerships with top game providers
- Strong cross-promotion with BetMGM Sportsbook and MGM casinos

15. Caesars Casino

Products: Online slots, table games, live dealer
Competitive strengths:
- Caesars Rewards integration
- Brand recognition from land-based casinos

16. Golden Nugget Online Casino

Now under DraftKings ownership in some structures, Golden Nugget remains a recognizable casino brand.

Products: Online slots, table games, live dealer
Competitive strengths:
- Strong reputation in casino games
- Deep selection of slots, often with exclusive titles

These casino-first brands compete with DraftKings and FanDuel for cross-vertical players who bet on sports and play casino games in the same app.

Regional and Market-Specific Competitors

In some states and countries, smaller or regional operators compete directly with DraftKings and FanDuel without necessarily having national-level recognition.

Examples include:

Barstool Sportsbook (rebranded or absorbed into other operators in some markets)
Hard Rock Bet in certain U.S. states
WynnBET (in select jurisdictions)
Local state lottery sports betting apps where available

These brands may not match DraftKings and FanDuel’s overall presence but can be serious rivals in specific territories.

How These Companies Compete with DraftKings and FanDuel

Across the ecosystem, competitors challenge DraftKings and FanDuel in several key areas:

User Acquisition
- Aggressive sign-up bonuses and risk-free bets
- Promotional odds boosts, loyalty points, and referral bonuses
- Media partnerships (with networks, teams, influencers)
Product Features
- Same-game parlays and custom bet builders
- Live in-play betting and micro-betting
- Unique fantasy formats, best ball, and pick’em contests
User Experience and Technology
- App speed, reliability, and ease of navigation
- Personalized recommendations and live stats
- Integrated wallets across sportsbook, DFS, and casino
Brand and Ecosystem
- Cross-rewards with casinos and hotels (Caesars, BetMGM)
- Media and content integration (ESPN BET, Barstool, Fanatics)
- Dedicated community features (Sleeper, Underdog)

Summary: The Competitive Landscape Around DraftKings and FanDuel

When you ask “what companies compete with DraftKings and FanDuel,” the answer spans multiple categories:

Major sportsbook competitors: BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, Fanatics, ESPN BET, bet365, PointsBet
DFS and fantasy competitors: Underdog Fantasy, PrizePicks, Sleeper, Yahoo Fantasy
Pick’em and micro-betting competitors: Betr and the pick’em modes on Underdog, PrizePicks, and Sleeper
Casino competitors: BetMGM Casino, Caesars Casino, Golden Nugget, and other iGaming platforms
Regional operators: Hard Rock Bet, WynnBET, and state-specific apps

DraftKings and FanDuel remain leaders, but they operate in a crowded and rapidly evolving marketplace where new product formats, media tie-ins, and fantasy variations constantly emerge to challenge their dominance.