Mobile Sports Betting in New York: A Growing Phenomenon
Online gambling revenue in New York soars to $192 million in April.
In the vibrant world of sports betting, New York stands out as a major player. The latest fiscal year has seen a jaw-dropping boost, with theEmpire Statebreaking records, boasting a whopping $23.94 billion handle - a jaw-dropping 21.9% increase from the previous year [1][5]. This remarkable growth is a testament to the electrifying atmosphere during major sporting events. The months of January 2025 and March 2025, featuring the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl LIX, and the NCAA March Madness tournament respectively, became the peak months, with the handle reaching over $2.43 billion in March alone[1][5].
As the race for supremacy heats up, several high-profile brands have emerged as the frontrunners. Names likeBetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, DraftKings, andPointsBetare dominating the landscape, thanks to intelligent marketing strategies and competitive offerings [2]. Let's delve a bit deeper into the performances of these titans.
The Heavyweights
FanDuel takes an impressive lead with a $822.5 million handle and $84.8 million in gross revenue in April 2025 [3]. This figure represents a significant leap from the $62.6 million revenue in March [3]. Far from resting on their laurels, DraftKings is hot on FanDuel's heels with a $727.3 million handle and $66.8 million in revenue. Notably, DraftKings' 9.2% hold edged out FanDuel's, generating an additional $7.4 million compared to March [3].
BetUS, though third in total bets, recorded a $12.5 million revenue in April 2025 [3], which might seem like a slight dip compared to the prior month. However, with BetMGM and Caesars posting over $150 million each in wagers, the competition is fierce [3]. In an interesting turn of events, ESPN BET managed to leap ahead of BetRivers in April with a $56 million handle [3]. This marked the second-highest handle since the platform debuted in late September 2024 [3].
State Gains in Pocket
Such mind-boggling figures translate into substantial tax revenue for the state. With a 51% tax rate on mobile betting revenue, New York pocketed an enormous $98.3 million in April 2025 - a significant leap from $82.5 million in March [3]. This underscores the transformative power of even marginal gains for the operators, translating into major returns for the state.
Among other notable allocations of these funds, a significant portion supports statewide educational programs, while $6 million goes towards addiction treatment and prevention programs, and $5 million is invested in youth sports initiatives in underprivileged communities [5]. This responsible approach ensures that sports betting tax revenue not only fuels the gambling industry's growth but also serves as a critical funding source for essential public services.
- In New York's burgeoning sports-betting market, FanDuel registers a striking lead with a $822.5 million handle and $84.8 million in gross revenue, surpassing its revenue from March by a significant margin.
- Trailing closely behind FanDuel, DraftKings records a $727.3 million handle and $66.8 million in revenue in April, boasting a competitive edge with a higher hold rate.
- Although BetUS ranks third in total bets, it generates a substantial $12.5 million revenue in April, despite a slight dip compared to the prior month.
- With a 51% tax rate on mobile betting revenue, New York's substantial gains from platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetUS translate into a substantial $98.3 million in tax revenue in April alone, contributing to statewide educational programs, addiction treatment, and youth sports initiatives.
