DraftKings Inc. is one of the leading American digital sports entertainment and gaming companies. It has evolved from a niche daily fantasy sports (DFS) provider into a powerhouse that dominates the U.S. online sports betting market. The company is also aiming to expand into federally regulated prediction markets.
Established: 2012
Headquarters: 222 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, United States
Licenses: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, Michigan Gaming Control Board, West Virginia Lottery Board, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), UKGC, MGA, etc.
About DraftKings
DraftKings was founded in 2012 by Jason Robins, Paul Liberman, and Matt Kalish. They were all former Vistaprint employees who came together and started DraftKings out of Liberman’s spare bedroom. Here’s an overview of the most important milestones in DraftKings’ history so far:
- 2012: Launched its first product, a one-on-one MLB daily fantasy competition.
- 2014: Acquired DraftStreet and increased its user base by 50%.
- 2016: Launched daily fantasy soccer after acquiring the UKGC license in the UK.
- 2017: Attempted a merger with FanDuel, which was stopped by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over fears of a monopoly position
- 2018: After the Supreme Court’s repeal of PASPA, DraftKings became the first operator to launch a legal mobile sportsbook outside of Nevada in New Jersey.
- 2020: Went public on the Nasdaq Stock Market via a three-way reverse merger with SBTech and Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp.
- 2021–2024: Acquired Golden Nugget Online Gaming (GNOG) and Jackpocket (a digital lottery courier).
- 2025: Entered a partnership with ESPN as the network’s official sports betting and odds provider and launched DraftKings Predictions, a standalone app offering CFTC-regulated event contracts.
Major Product Verticals
Starting as a DFS operator, DraftKings grew quickly to offer a comprehensive ecosystem of real-money gaming products, including:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| DraftKings Sportsbook | A digital and retail betting platform available in 27 states |
| DraftKings Casino | Online casino games, including slots, blackjack, and live dealer games, operating in 5 U.S. states and Ontario |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | The company’s flagship product, available in all U.S. states except for WA, OR, MT, ID, and NV |
| DraftKings Predictions | A federally regulated prediction market for sports, culture, and financial events (event availability subject to location) |
| Jackpocket | A third-party lottery app that allows users to purchase official state lottery tickets |
The company also offers a separate DraftKings Pick6 product as part of its fantasy game services (available in 35 states and all Canadian territories except Ontario) and DK Horse, a horse racing betting app available in 23 states.
Senior Executives & Leadership
DraftKings’ original founders still lead the company, with Jason Robins serving as its CEO and Chairman of the Board. Other leadership roles include:
- Paul Liberman: Co-Founder and President of Operations
- Matt Kalish: Co-Founder and President of DraftKings North America
- Alan Ellingson: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- R. Stanton Dodge: Chief Legal Officer
- Lori Kalani: Chief Responsible Gaming Officer
Other board members and advisors include:
- Michael Jordan: Special Advisor to the Board
- Cal Ripken Jr.: Special Advisor to the Board
- Richard Rosenblatt: Special Advisor to the Board
- Harry Evans Sloan: Vice Chairman.
- Woodrow H. Levin: Director
- Jocelyn Moore: Director
- Ryan R. Moore: Director
- Valerie Mosley: Director
- Steven J. Murray: Director
- Marni M. Walden: Director
- Gregory W. Wendt: Director
Awards & Recognition
DraftKings has consistently been recognized for its technological innovation and workplace culture. Its name is often found on the lists of finalists for all the prestigious industry awards. Some of its latest accolades include:
- EGR North America Awards (2024): Winner — “Safer Gambling Operator”
- SBC Awards North America (2023): Silver Laurel — “Sportsbook Operator of the Year”
The company has also been recognized on the Built In’s list of the best places to work for 2026 in Boston, Houston, and New York categories. DraftKings’ CEO Jason Robins received the C-Suite Gaming Executive of the Year award at the American Gambling Awards for 2025.
In the Media
Here are some of the latest news pieces about DraftKings that you can find on Gambling Insider:
- DraftKings Sportsbook tests crypto-to-cash funding in four states — DraftKings has launched a pilot program in Illinois, Kentucky, Vermont, and New Hampshire, now allowing users to convert cryptocurrency into cash and fund their sportsbook accounts.
- DraftKings predictions to offer NFL, NBA player markets through pact with Crypto.com — DraftKings has expanded its prediction market catalog to include NFL and NBA player-specific contracts, allowing users in states like Texas and California to trade on individual athlete performances via a federally regulated exchange.
- DraftKings and FanDuel eye parlay-style prediction markets ahead of Super Bowl LX — Ahead of Super Bowl LX, DraftKings and FanDuel have moved to introduce parlay-style products to their prediction market platforms to compete with rivals like Kalshi.
- DraftKings commits $1.6m to responsible gambling initiative across U.S. — DraftKings established a multi-year financial commitment of $1.6 million to support local non-profit organizations through the State Council Funding Program.
- DraftKings integrates neuroscience-based assessment tool in Mindway AI partnership — DraftKings has integrated “Gamalyze,” a neuroscience-based assessment tool from Mindway AI, into its Responsible Gaming Center to monitor player behavior. This tool uses a simulated card game to analyze a user’s risk tolerance and loss sensitivity and provides personalized feedback to encourage safer play.
Social Media
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/draftkings/
- Twitter/X – https://x.com/DraftKings
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/draftkings
- YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMJAKnrVv1sRzlq_vqige3Q
- LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/draftkings-inc-/
- TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@draftkings
Frequently Asked Questions
A: DraftKings is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company and one of the biggest sports betting operators in the U.S. It was founded in 2012 in Boston, MA, as a daily fantasy sports operator, but over the years, it expanded to include a sportsbook, online casino, lottery, prediction market, and horse racing betting app.
A: The availability of DraftKings depends on the product you’re interested in. Its sportsbook is available in 27 states, while its online casino is accessible only in 5 U.S. states. We advise you to use the official DraftKings website to check the availability for your specific location.
A: Currently, the citizens of California and Texas can only use DraftKings Predicts (the company’s prediction market) and its DFS services due to regulations in these states.
A: DraftKings went public in 2020 (NASDAQ: DKNG). Major shareholders include institutional investors like Vanguard and BlackRock, besides the original founders.
A: Jason Robins, one of the company’s founders, has served as DraftKings’ CEO since its founding in early 2012, overseeing its strategy and operations. He has also taken on the role of Chairman of the Board in 2020.