FanDuel to launch prediction market platform by late 2025
Flutter Entertainment’s FanDuel is reportedly planning to begin a new phase in its US operations soon. The New York-based company is preparing to enter the federally regulated prediction markets space by the end of 2025 through its partnership with derivatives giant Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group, a move that marks the operator’s most ambitious expansion beyond sports betting yet.
The platform, provisionally called “FanDuel Markets,” will allow users to place small, fully funded “yes or no” bets on financial and economic outcomes such as stock indices, commodities, and inflation trends.
FanDuel markets: A new intersection of finance and gaming
The new platform from FanDuel, created in partnership with the CME Group, with the goal of enabling regular users to trade financial predictions. Starting at just $1, each wager will cover gold, oil, the S&P 500, and important economic metrics like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and inflation.
While the technology can support sports contracts, Flutter CEO Peter Jackson confirmed at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas that FanDuel would initially avoid sports outcomes due to “ongoing legal uncertainty.” He added, “We’ll start by focusing on financial, leisure, and entertainment products.”
The partnership gives CME a pathway to consumer engagement, while FanDuel gains access to a federally regulated market under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Analysts at Jefferies note the move could help FanDuel diversify revenue streams and hedge against rising state taxes on sports betting.
Nevada regulators push back on FanDuel’s expansion
Just one day after FanDuel revealed its CME partnership, executives from Flutter Entertainment were questioned by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). Commissioner Brian Krolicki pressed Flutter’s counsel Erica Okerberg and FanDuel’s SVP of Public Policy & Sustainability Cory Fox over the company’s plans.
Under the new agreement, FanDuel users will be able to wager on outcomes of economic indicators such as whether the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or GDP will exceed certain thresholds. However, Okerberg admitted that sports contracts remain “under consideration” for the future—depending on regulatory clarity.
“They are looking into whether sports contracts might be offered in compliance with local laws,” Okerberg told the NGCB, according to media. Nevada remains in the middle of multiple lawsuits involving prediction market operators Kalshi and Robinhood Derivatives, both of which claim state agencies are overstepping federal authority. Krolicki acknowledged the dilemma: “Reconciling federal and state matters isn’t possible today… but something’s already out of the barn door.”
FanDuel, which currently operates in Nevada only through its partnership with Boyd Gaming’s Fremont Hotel & Casino, reaffirmed that maintaining its state license remains a “top priority.” Okerberg also confirmed Flutter has “no intention to file suit anywhere.”
FanDuel keeps options open with Kalshi
To note, FanDuel has not rule out working with Kalshi, the federally sanctioned prediction market that is presently facing legal action from Nevada. The CME partnership is “not exclusive,” according to Flutter management, opening the possibility of further partnerships.
Industry observers suggest such a partnership could eventually merge binary prediction trading with FanDuel’s consumer-friendly interface — potentially introducing traditional betting mechanics like parlays, point spreads, and player props into the regulated event-contract space.
In separate news, the company paid $5 million to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars in September to settle claims related to an embezzlement case involving former employee Amit Patel, who misappropriated nearly $20 million, a large portion of which was deposited into FanDuel accounts.
Although FanDuel denied any wrongdoing, the case raised new concerns about responsible gambling, AML controls, and corporate accountability.
Subscribe HERE to SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown and SiGMA’s weekly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest iGaming News from the biggest iGaming community in the world and benefit from subscriber-only offers.
