Exclusive from Flutter CEO: The US market is significant, but the global opportunity is even greater

In May 2024, Flutter reported that its sportsbook operation, FanDuel, had secured the top spot as the leading iGaming operator in the US, further solidifying its #1 position in sports betting. At G2E 2024, Flutter CEO Peter Jackson reflected on this achievement during an interview with Gambling Insider and Gaming America. He discussed how FanDuel plans to maintain its dominant position and the impact of recent acquisitions as the company looks ahead to 2025.

Jackson emphasized that maintaining their leadership in the US market would depend on continuing to offer the best product available. “We provide the best pricing, ensuring customers receive the best value, and we’re becoming increasingly sophisticated in our approach to generosity. It’s our technology and global expertise that will keep us at the top,” he said.

Although Jackson acknowledged the competition from companies like DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, and ESPN Bet, he pointed out that FanDuel’s scale and investment capabilities give it a significant advantage. “If you don’t have the same revenue base as us, you can’t invest in the same product development or generosity. It’s hard to compete with our level of scale and expertise,” Jackson remarked.

However, Jackson noted that while the US market is huge, the opportunity outside the US is even larger. Flutter recently hosted an Investor’s Day to showcase its future goals, introducing Flutter Edge, a strategy leveraging global scale for competitive advantages in talent, technology, and capital. He stressed that both in the US and globally, Flutter sees tremendous opportunities for continued growth.

Jackson also highlighted Flutter’s recent acquisitions, such as its €2.3bn purchase of Playtech’s Italian B2C arm, Snaitech, and its majority stake in Brazil’s NSX Group. These moves are designed to secure leadership positions in international markets, mirroring the company’s success in the US.

On responsible gambling, Jackson reaffirmed Flutter’s commitment, referencing FanDuel’s recent $1m donation to Operation Hope. He acknowledged the ongoing challenge and opportunity of enhancing responsible gambling initiatives, such as tools that help users manage their spending. Flutter plans to introduce new tools, including one from Australia called Real Time Intervention, which assesses whether customer deposits align with their past behavior, allowing intervention when necessary.

Looking forward to 2025, Jackson expressed excitement about FanDuel’s continued product innovation and Flutter’s plans for international growth. He emphasized that while the US market is crucial, global expansion is where the greatest opportunities lie. Flutter is focused on growing its international presence while also planning to return $5bn to shareholders over the next few years.