Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of FanDuel and Paddy Power, has made a bold prediction that by 2027, its core profits will more than double.

The driving force behind this confidence? The U.S. sports betting market is booming, with expectations that nearly 80 percent of Americans will participate in sports betting as state regulations relax. Flutter’s projections offer insight into the future of both the American and global gambling markets, hinting at rapid expansion, fierce competition, and potentially lucrative opportunities for stakeholders.

This confident forecast reflects more than just optimism—it signals a massive shift in the sports betting industry, both in terms of scale and market dynamics.

Race to dominate US betting space

Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to legalise sports betting, the industry has witnessed a meteoric rise.

Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia have now opened their doors to legal sports betting. This surge is partly driven by states seeking new revenue streams through taxation, alongside the growing consumer demand for accessible betting platforms.

Flutter’s CEO Peter Jackson revealed that 50 percent of Americans currently have access to sports betting, and this number could soar to 80 percent as additional states embrace regulation. With an expanding market, Flutter expects U.S. operations—primarily driven by FanDuel—to generate nearly $2.4 billion in adjusted core profit by 2027. This represents close to half of its predicted global profits of over $5 billion for that year, underscoring the importance of the American market in its growth strategy.

Notably, FanDuel leads the U.S. market with a staggering 53 percent share, well ahead of rivals like DraftKings (31 percent) and BetMGM (7 percent). FanDuel’s market dominance, coupled with its recent achievement of profitability after years of heavy marketing investments, places Flutter in a commanding position as the U.S. betting industry matures.

$63 billion market by 2030

Flutter’s future outlook rests on its forecast that the U.S. sports and online casino market will reach a massive $63 billion by 2030—an upgrade from previous projections. This anticipated growth hinges on the continuing liberalisation of gambling laws in states that are yet to legalise sports betting, as well as innovations in online casino gaming.

With the rapid expansion of the U.S. market, there is fierce competition among operators to capture market share early. DraftKings and BetMGM are racing to close the gap, yet FanDuel’s head start gives Flutter a significant edge. Additionally, the entry of more European players into the American market is likely to intensify competition, as operators seek to leverage their expertise in more mature betting environments abroad.

But this growth isn’t without its challenges. U.S. regulators are still fine-tuning their approach to gambling laws, with the potential for tax changes or advertising restrictions to affect market dynamics. Nonetheless, Peter Jackson remains confident, noting that the thirst for tax revenue among states makes it unlikely for regulators to stifle growth. “States are hungry for further tax revenues,” he emphasised, a crucial factor that will drive further legalisation efforts.

Is M&A the cornerstone of growth

While Flutter’s U.S. business is flourishing, its expansion plans are not limited to North America. In recent years, the company has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy to bolster its global presence. Most notably, Flutter’s €2.3 billion acquisition of Snaitech from Playtech marked a significant step into the Italian market, one of Europe’s largest for online gaming.

Furthermore, Flutter is making strides in Latin America, acquiring a majority stake in Betnacional, a leading Brazilian gaming brand, for $350 million. This deal underscores Flutter’s ambitions in emerging markets where sports betting and online gaming are on the rise. Brazil, with its population of over 200 million and growing interest in sports betting, presents a tantaliinsg opportunity for future growth.

Given that Flutter operates in an “incredibly fragmented market globally,” as Jackson described it, mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are likely to remain central to its strategy. The company has already demonstrated a keen eye for valuable assets, and future acquisitions will likely focus on expanding into untapped markets and consolidating its position in regions where it already has a foothold. With its deep pockets and proven track record, Flutter is poised to become an even more dominant global player.

Forecast and consolidation

Flutter’s leadership in the U.S. betting market is not just about capturing revenue; it’s about setting the stage for long-term dominance. In a market with vast potential, its strategy hinges on leveraging early advantages, maintaining a strong market share, and expanding into complementary areas like online casino gaming. As FanDuel continues to grow, its profitability will serve as a model for other ventures, creating a template for success in other territories.

Looking beyond 2027, the global gaming landscape is ripe for consolidation, particularly in Europe, Latin America, and even Asia. Flutter’s approach to acquisitions suggests that it will continue to acquire businesses with strong market positions in regions where online gambling is either emerging or undergoing regulatory shifts. This positions Flutter to tap into new revenue streams as global legalisation efforts gather momentum.

Risks and regulatory landscape

Despite Flutter’s bullish outlook, risks remain. U.S. gambling regulation, though expanding, is still subject to political and legal volatility. Some states have imposed stringent restrictions on advertising and tax rates that could affect profit margins. Similarly, anti-gambling sentiment could gain traction in regions where concerns about addiction and consumer protection are increasingly debated. Additionally, growing competition, both domestic and international, may squeeze market share and drive up costs for player acquisition.

However, Flutter has proven resilient, and its diversified global portfolio offers a buffer against market-specific risks. As the U.S. market matures, and other territories come online, Flutter’s global strategy will be tested—but its strong foundation and early success suggest it has the capacity to navigate these challenges.

Flutter’s high-stakes bet on the future

Flutter’s forecast of doubling profits by 2027 is an ambitious gamble, but one grounded in careful market analysis and strategic foresight. The U.S. sports betting market is set to explode, and Flutter’s commanding presence via FanDuel ensures it will capture a significant portion of this growth. Meanwhile, its global expansion efforts, particularly in Europe and Latin America, promise to secure long-term profitability.

In an industry marked by fragmentation and rapid change, Flutter’s approach to consolidation and innovation places it in an enviable position. The next few years will be critical as regulatory, competitive, and consumer dynamics evolve—but if Flutter’s bets pay off, the company could emerge as the undisputed leader in the global online betting space.

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