FanDuel

Brothers Matt and Austin Karp launched FanDuel in 2009 to transform how people interact with sports through daily fantasy contests. The platform quickly gained momentum by offering high-liquidity tournaments where users could build rosters based on real-world player statistics. This early success established the brand as a pioneer in the digital gaming space before legalizing sports betting opened new doors.

The company pivoted aggressively after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, expanding from daily fantasy into online sportsbooks and casinos across states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. A major shift occurred in 2023 when Irish gaming giant Flutter Entertainment acquired FanDuel for roughly $6.4 billion, integrating it into a global portfolio while maintaining its U.S.-focused operations.

Marketing campaigns featuring NFL stars and heavy ad spending during events like the Super Bowl cemented its presence in American culture. Despite facing scrutiny over ethical practices, such as the 2026 controversy involving Bryce Harper, the platform continues to dominate market share alongside rivals like DraftKings. [edit]