FanDuel Projections Reflect Rough NFL Season for Sportsbooks

Michael Savio
By: Michael Savio
Sports Betting
Photo by EJ Hersom, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by EJ Hersom, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Key Takeaways

  • NFL betting favorites won at the highest rate in two decades
  • Flutter had success with betting platforms in international success
  • DraftKings recently launched a subscription service for stepped-up parlays

The NFL betting season has not been kind to sportsbooks in the US.

FanDuel parent Flutter has lowered its revenue projections for the NFL season. While this season has seen a record number of wagers, many of them have won. Sportsbooks, including FanDuel, have suffered a revenue hit. The industry-leading operator’s revenue was down $390 million, leading to Flutter making an EBITDA adjustment of $260 million.

Favorites Dominated Season

This NFL season saw favored teams win at the highest rate in two decades. Betting favorites draw the most wagers, meaning sportsbooks lose more when they win. The record-setting handle makes that losing hurt even more, leading to Flutter’s decision to drop the EBITDA by such a large amount.

The uptick in favorites winning this season has also led to more parlays cashing. Many bettors combine favorites when placing multi-leg wagers, leading to more winning. The combination of the immense popularity of parlay and the higher payouts make these losses hurt operators like FanDuel far more.

Flutter Fares Better in International Markets

Unlike many of its US competitors, Flutter has gambling operations across the globe. Many international markets don’t see much action on the NFL, helping overall revenue numbers remain strong. 

This success allows Flutter to offset its poor results in the US. That is a significant advantage, especially compared to their top rival, DraftKings. 

Will FanDuel Match DraftKings’ Parlay Service?

This disappointing NFL season ended as DraftKings launched an industry-changing new service. The Massachusetts-based operator is now offering a parlay subscription service called DraftKings+. Bettors can sign up for $20/month to access stepped-up odds on their parlays.

Parlays have become immensely popular in the US, making DraftKings+ a unique and likely in-demand service. 

Many expect FanDuel and other operators to launch similar services in 2025. However, the 2024 NFL season has shown the damage parlays can do to the bottom line of sportsbooks. While the subscription cost would help offset losses, the boosted odds mean far bigger payouts.

We will soon see if FanDuel decides to rush out its own subscription service or wait to see how DraftKings+ performs.

Michael is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid. As an adult, Michael started picking games for a small sports betting site and has built it into a career. His experience allows him to provide tips and information to help other bettors improve their game. Michael cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams, the Arizona State Sun Devils (his alma mater), and the Ottawa Senators. He specializes in baseball betting but has extensive experience in football, basketball, and hockey. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children or hiking and enjoying the outdoors.