NFL Season Kickoff Boosts FanDuel, DraftKings, Robinhood, Kalshi, and Polymarket

The NFL regular season kicks off on Thursday night, marking the busiest time of year for sportsbooks and online platforms such as DraftKings, FanDuel, Robinhood, Kalshi, and Polymarket. These platforms offer various betting options and trading opportunities for fans and investors.

The NFL regular season is set to commence on Thursday night, signaling the peak season for sportsbooks and online betting platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, Robinhood, Kalshi, and Polymarket. As the sports betting industry continues to grow, the upcoming 2025 NFL season is expected to see a record-breaking $30 billion in legal wagers, according to the American Gaming Association [1].

The surge in betting is attributed to the growing acceptance and legalization of sports betting across the United States. Since the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, 38 states and Washington, D.C., now offer regulated sports betting options [2]. This expansion has created a significant opportunity for sports betting companies, with DraftKings (DKNG) and FanDuel (FLUT) among the top beneficiaries.

The NFL's regular season begins after Labor Day in September, providing sportsbooks with the biggest opportunity of the year. The expected $30 billion in wagers includes preseason games, futures booked as early as March, the playoffs, and Super Bowl LX (February 2026) [1]. This substantial increase in betting activity is expected to boost sports betting companies, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM (MGM), and Caesars Entertainment (CZR).

The growing popularity of sports betting is driven by technological advancements, such as mobile betting apps and real-time wagering opportunities. Additionally, the increased use of artificial intelligence and data analytics has enhanced the accuracy of odds and personalized betting experiences, further attracting new clients and retaining existing ones [3].

Kalshi, a prediction market platform, has submitted a new type of contract with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission that includes multiple parts and payouts determined by multiplying the odds of each component of the bet. This contract resembles parlay or prop bets made on sports betting apps, posing a competitive threat to established sports betting companies like DraftKings and FanDuel [4].

FanDuel has entered a strategic partnership with CME Group (CME) to create a platform that allows retail users to bet on the outcomes of financial market events. The joint venture is set up to operate as a non-clearing futures commission merchant, pending regulatory review. The partnership could include sports events in the future [4].

In conclusion, the $30 billion expected to be wagered on the 2025 NFL season is a testament to the growing acceptance and legalization of sports betting in the United States. This surge in betting activity is poised to benefit sports betting companies and contribute to the overall growth of the sports betting industry.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aga-estimates-30-billion-in-legal-wagering-on-2025-nfl-season-302540331.html
[2] https://cdcgaming.com/american-gaming-association-estimates-30-billion-will-be-wagered-on-nfl-in-2025/
[3] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/28/3140920/28124/en/Sports-Betting-Market-Forecast-and-Company-Analysis-Report-2025-2033-Featuring-888-Bet365-Bet-at-Home-Betfred-Betsson-DraftKings-Entain-Flutter-International-Game-Technology-Kindre.html
[4] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4491470-kalshi-eyes-a-new-form-of-a-prediction-market-contract-that-resembles-a-traditional-sports-betting-parlay