Fantasy sports market hits $34bn in 2025, set to double by 2030
The fantasy sports market exceeded $34 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to $67 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 14.7%. This year, the market turnover is expected to increase by almost $5 billion to $38.94 billion. Analysts cite the widespread spread of social networks, the adoption of AI analytics, expanded monetisation through subscriptions and microtransactions, and integration with live sports broadcasts as key growth drivers. This is reported in the latest The Business Research Company (TBRC) report.
Growth factors and trends in the fantasy sports market
Fantasy sports include games and virtual seasons in which players form virtual teams from real athletes and score points based on those athletes’ statistics in real matches. The main game types are fantasy football, baseball, basketball, hockey, cricket and others (golf, tennis, esports, auto racing, MMA). Platforms include websites and mobile applications. Monetisation includes free, paid and hybrid models. Competitions can be individual or team-based in format.
According to the TBRC report, the fantasy sports market reached $34.08 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow to $67.32 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 14.7%. In 2026, the market is expected to reach $38.94 billion with a CAGR of 14.3%.
Source: TBRC.
User activity on social networks is a key growth factor for this market. It increases fan engagement, stimulates discussions and attracts new users. The widespread adoption of mobile platforms, integration of real‑time data and analytics, growth of paid and hybrid leagues, expansion of social and gamification features, and the use of AI suggestions and personalised insights for players are among the latest trends in the fantasy sports market.
Geography and key market players
Major gambling companies are developing their own fantasy sports platforms alongside dedicated fantasy operators. Daily fantasy contests (DFS) remain the most popular format. However, new contest formats featuring dynamic betting functions and real-time strategy elements continue to emerge each year. The first platform to offer in‑match betting and competitions was Mojo Fantasy, launched in 2023. In July 2024, RSports Interactive acquired GameBlazers to combine fantasy, gaming and collectables into a single ecosystem.
Regional dynamics show that North America was the largest market for this sport in 2025. ESPN, FanDuel, DraftKings, CBS Sports, Dream Sports, Mobile Premier League, PrizePicks, RotoWire, FantasyPros and Sleeper are named among the key players in the region.
The North American market attracts the most interest from global players. Earlier this year, Allwyn International, led by Karel Komárek, completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in PrizePicks. The deal with the leading North American fantasy sports operator closed on January 19, 2026. Allwyn acquired 62.3% of PrizePicks for $1.5 billion.
Analysts describe the Asia‑Pacific region as the fastest‑growing market. In particular, the fantasy sports market in the Philippines is actively developing as local fans increasingly choose strategies based on analysis, decision‑making and real sports metrics. This was said in an exclusive comment for SiGMA World by Daily Fantasy business development manager Jeff Chao.
According to him, Filipino fans live and breathe sport, actively use social networks and show interest in data, statistics and team results. “These habits fit perfectly with game formats where success is determined by analytics rather than luck,” he noted.
Global regulatory challenges
In the United States, the legal regime for fantasy sports is complex and largely determined at the state level. There is no single federal licensing framework, but the industry falls under general gambling and financial regulation. Following the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006, the legal status of DFS remained the subject of litigation and legislative debate. In recent years, states have introduced their own requirements on licensing, taxation and consumer protection.
In India, the legal landscape for fantasy games changed sharply over the past year. The question of whether fantasy should be classified as a game of skill or gambling remains key. New restrictions and regulatory initiatives are appearing at both state and central levels. This has led to legal uncertainty for operators and users.
In Europe and the UK, approaches vary by country. Some states treat fantasy games as games of skill and regulate them less strictly; others apply rules similar to gambling, with licensing requirements, advertising controls and measures to protect vulnerable users.
In conclusion
The fantasy sports market is experiencing rapid growth. Digital technology, social networks and AI tools are creating new products and ways to make money. The market is also expanding into the Asia-Pacific region, which creates more opportunities for players and investors. Jeff Chao said that adoption is accelerating as analytical tools and sports content become more widely available: “As more people can access sports data and analytics, they understand that fantasy sports reward those who think ahead.”
The PrizePicks acquisition was part of Allwyn’s diversification strategy: the company is moving beyond lotteries and strengthening its presence in the US sports and entertainment segment, where it already operates the Illinois state lottery. According to a company representative, fantasy sports is seen as a promising direction because, in recent years, it has become a rapidly evolving market with a growing and diverse audience.
This article was first published in Russian on 25 February 2026.
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