FanDuel Posts 14% Hold in New York During Massive December
FanDuel posted a strong December in New York, reporting a 14% hold, one of the highest figures among major U.S. sports betting markets. The number narrowly trailed Indiana (15.2%) and Maryland (16%), while significantly outperforming New York’s overall sportsbook hold of 10.9%.
Breaking Down Hold Percentage in Sports Gambling
In sports betting, “hold” refers to the percentage of total wagers that sportsbooks retain as revenue after paying out winning bets. For example, a 10% hold means sportsbooks keep $10 for every $100 wagered. Hold can vary widely from month to month based on betting behavior, promotional activity, and the types of wagers being placed. Parlays, same-game parlays, and futures bets typically carry higher margins, often leading to elevated hold rates during peak sports months.
December is historically one of the strongest months for sportsbooks, and New York was no exception. The state reported a total handle of $2.39 billion, representing a 4% increase year-over-year. Revenue surged to $260 million, up a staggering 73%, driven in part by the elevated hold. With New York’s 51% tax rate on sportsbook revenue, the state collected approximately $133 million in taxes for the month alone.
FanDuel’s 14% hold stands out even within that context. The operator’s figure significantly exceeded the statewide average, suggesting particularly efficient pricing and a favorable mix of higher-margin wagers. While a high hold does not necessarily mean bettors lost more than usual, it does indicate that sportsbooks were able to retain a larger share of wages during a highly active betting period.
Compared to other large markets, New York’s December results highlight the continued profitability of regulated sports betting, especially during the NFL season. As betting activity remains strong and operator strategies evolve, hold percentage will continue to be a key metric in evaluating sportsbook performance.
Tags/Keywords
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.
Latest News
