FanDuel Eyes U.S. Online Poker Expansion After 2025 Rollout
FanDuel signals broader U.S. online poker expansion following initial platform rollout heading into 2026.
FanDuel is preparing to expand deeper into the U.S. online poker market, signaling renewed ambition in a vertical long dominated by a handful of legacy brands. Many sportsbooks and online casinos have been looking to expand their online poker reach, including MGM and other major players.
The move follows the company’s initial online poker rollout in select states and reflects a broader strategy to build out a full-suite iGaming ecosystem alongside sportsbook and casino offerings. Fanduel is simultaneously launching programs to help players play more responsibly, alongside its expansion of friendly betting options.
For industry insiders, the expansion is less about entering a new category and more about completing the product stack.
Where FanDuel Stands Today
FanDuel already operates online casino and sportsbook products across multiple regulated U.S. jurisdictions. Its poker presence, however, has been limited relative to competitors such as PokerStars and WSOP.
The company’s online poker platform first launched in Michigan, leveraging shared liquidity opportunities and integration with its broader gaming ecosystem.
Now, FanDuel is eyeing expansion into additional states where online poker is legal, including:
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Potential multi-state compact markets
Key expansion signals:
- Strategic focus on scaling U.S. online poker footprint
- Leveraging existing iGaming licenses
- Integrating poker into broader casino and sportsbook ecosystem
- Potential participation in multi-state liquidity agreements
Why Poker Matters Again
Online poker has historically been a smaller revenue driver compared to slots and sportsbook. However, it remains strategically important for several reasons:
- Player retention and cross-sell opportunities
- High engagement and time-on-platform
- Brand credibility among core gaming audiences
- Entry point for higher-value casino players
FanDuel’s parent company, Flutter Entertainment, operates PokerStars globally, giving it deep technical and liquidity expertise.
That infrastructure advantage positions FanDuel to accelerate U.S. poker growth more efficiently than standalone operators.
Multi-State Liquidity Is Key
One of the biggest unlocks in U.S. online poker has been shared liquidity agreements between states.
States such as Michigan and New Jersey participate in multi-state compacts that allow operators to pool players across borders, increasing tournament prize pools and game selection.
If FanDuel expands into additional compact states, it could immediately tap into larger shared player networks.
Critical factors for expansion:
- Regulatory approval in target states
- Integration with multi-state liquidity frameworks
- Competitive tournament offerings
- Marketing differentiation versus incumbents
Without shared liquidity, poker markets can struggle to achieve sustainable scale.
Competitive Implications
The U.S. online poker market has been relatively stable, with established brands maintaining loyal player bases.
FanDuel’s entry introduces:
- A powerful cross-selling engine
- Deep marketing resources
- Existing sportsbook database leverage
- Brand recognition across sports audiences
For competitors, the move could intensify tournament guarantees, promotional spending, and player acquisition efforts.
What Comes Next
FanDuel has not announced a full national rollout timeline, but the strategic direction is clear.
The operator wants to round out its digital offering and compete more directly in poker-heavy states.
For the broader gambling industry, the takeaway is straightforward. Online poker may not be the largest revenue vertical, but it remains a strategic asset in a fully integrated iGaming ecosystem. And FanDuel appears ready to play a bigger hand.
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
