AI Summary Powered by PixelBrainyAre you a sports entrepreneur, innovator, or business owner wondering how to tap into the booming world of fantasy sports and online betting? Have you ever asked yourself what it takes to build an app like DraftKings or how to break into this high-growth industry?
In recent years, fantasy sports and online sports betting have exploded in popularity, creating massive opportunities for startups and established companies alike. As more regions legalize online betting and fans demand digital-first experiences, the potential to build a successful platform has never been greater.
Take DraftKings for example. What began as a simple fantasy sports concept has evolved into a global leader in online sports gaming. Its rise to prominence has become a model for anyone looking to launch their own platform and capitalize on the momentum in the digital sports entertainment space.
Whether you're:
This blog will guide you through everything you need to know, from must-have and advanced features to the ideal technology stack, legal considerations, monetization strategies, development costs, and real-world challenges. If you're serious about creating a fantasy sports & betting app like DraftKings, this is your roadmap to launching a winning product.
The success of sports betting software like DraftKings can be attributed to several key factors that have propelled it to the forefront of the online gambling industry. Here's an in-depth look at what makes DraftKings a standout platform:
DraftKings has demonstrated remarkable financial performance in recent years. In 2024, the company reported a revenue of $4.77 billion, marking a 30.1% increase from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by its Sportsbook and iGaming offerings, which saw a 32.7% rise to $4.41 billion in 2024. The increase in Monthly Unique Payers (MUPs) by 39.3% contributed significantly to this revenue boost.
DraftKings has experienced substantial growth in its user base. As of 2024, the platform boasts approximately 4.8 million active users, more than doubling its user base in just three years. This expansion reflects the platform's ability to attract and retain users through engaging features and a user-friendly experience.
The company has been proactive in expanding its market presence. By the end of 2024, DraftKings was operational in 25 states and Washington, D.C., covering nearly 49% of the U.S. population. Additionally, the platform offers iGaming services in five states, representing 11% of the U.S. population, and has a presence in Ontario, Canada, covering approximately 40% of the Canadian population.
DraftKings has invested heavily in technology to enhance user experience. The platform offers a seamless interface across both web and mobile applications, providing users with real-time data, live betting options, and a wide range of betting markets. These technological advancements have contributed to increased user engagement and satisfaction.
To maintain its competitive edge, DraftKings has implemented aggressive marketing strategies. The company has allocated substantial budgets to advertising and promotions, ensuring high visibility and brand recognition. These efforts have been instrumental in attracting new users and retaining existing ones.
The combination of impressive financial growth, an expanding user base, strategic market expansion, technological advancements, and aggressive marketing has solidified DraftKings' position as a leader in the sports betting industry.
For businesses looking to develop a platform similar to DraftKings, these factors provide valuable insights into the elements that contribute to success in this competitive market.
The sports betting and fantasy sports market is booming worldwide, offering huge potential for businesses. Here’s why investing in fantasy sports platform development like DraftKings can be a game-changer:
Platforms that provide engaging features, social interaction, and rewards keep users returning — boosting lifetime value.
Launching a platform through DraftKings Clone App Development or a custom solution offers more than just a trend-following opportunity — it’s a powerful business model built for high returns and scalability. Whether you're planning fantasy sports platform development like DraftKings or full-scale sports betting platform development like DraftKings, the benefits are substantial.
A DraftKings-like platform is a revenue powerhouse. With multiple monetization streams available, your business isn’t limited to just user bets—it becomes a complete digital ecosystem.
Revenue sources include:
Fantasy sports and betting platforms generate a wealth of actionable data. When leveraged correctly, this data can fuel smart business decisions and unlock targeted growth.
How data supports growth:
User retention is key in this industry. A platform inspired by DraftKings thrives because it keeps users engaged through real-time action, gamification, and community features.
Engagement-boosting features include:
One major strength of sports betting platform development like DraftKings is its adaptability. You can expand across sports categories, geographies, and user types without major structural changes.
Scalable elements:
High user engagement attracts big brands. Your platform becomes a digital billboard for sports brands, media companies, and sponsors seeking targeted exposure.
Monetization via partnerships:
Sports betting is being legalized in more jurisdictions worldwide. Being an early mover with a DraftKings-like app and website development strategy allows your brand to stand out and dominate.
Advantages of early entry:
To successfully create a sports betting website and app like DraftKings, it's essential to integrate the foundational features that drive user trust, engagement, and long-term platform growth. These core elements form the backbone of a high-performing fantasy sports and betting ecosystem, ensuring smooth operation for both users and administrators.
Here’s a breakdown of the 10 must-have features every DraftKings-like platform should include:
| Feature | Purpose & Benefit |
| User Registration & KYC | Secure account creation with identity verification to comply with regulations and prevent fraud. |
| Live Match Integration | Delivers real-time sports data and scores, enabling live betting and accurate fantasy scoring. |
| Fantasy Team Creation | Allows users to build and manage their fantasy teams, adding strategic depth and interaction. |
| Secure Payment Gateways | Facilitates safe deposits and withdrawals with support for multiple payment methods. |
| Odds & Betting Engine | Displays real-time betting odds and calculates potential winnings across sports categories. |
| Admin Dashboard & Analytics | Empowers operators with tools to manage users, monitor performance, and generate insights. |
| Push Notifications | Keeps users engaged with instant updates on game results, contest invites, and promotions. |
| Responsible Gaming Tools | Ensures user well-being with features like spending limits, self-exclusion, and gameplay breaks. |
| Multi-Sport Support | Expands the user base by offering betting and fantasy options across various sports leagues. |
| Social Sharing & Invites | Enhances user acquisition through referral programs and community engagement tools. |
These features are not just functional—they’re foundational to building a trusted, engaging, and profitable platform. Integrating them from the start will position your business for sustainable success as you Build a Sportsbook & Fantasy Betting App Like DraftKings.
To truly compete in today’s fast-evolving fantasy sports and betting industry, it’s not enough to just match the basics—you need to elevate the experience. By developing a platform like DraftKings with cutting-edge features, you can drive stronger user retention, create unique engagement loops, and expand your reach globally. These innovations are what set market leaders apart when you build a software like DraftKings.
Here’s a breakdown of 10 advanced features that can give your platform the edge:
| Feature | Purpose & Benefit |
| AI-Based Recommendations & Predictions | Delivers personalized player suggestions, match forecasts, and bet tips to improve user success and experience. |
| Live Streaming Integration | Offers real-time sports streaming within the app to keep users engaged during matches and live bets. |
| NFT-Based Fantasy Cards (Reignmakers Model) | Allows users to collect, trade, or play with blockchain-based player cards for added gamification and monetization. |
| In-App Chat & Social Feed | Builds community by letting users discuss matches, strategies, and share experiences in real time. |
| Multi-Language Support | Makes the platform accessible to global audiences by offering localized content in different languages. |
| Multi-Currency & Crypto Support | Enables users to deposit, bet, and withdraw in multiple currencies including cryptocurrencies for more flexibility. |
| Geo-Fencing & Regional Access Controls | Ensures compliance with legal requirements by restricting or customizing access based on user location. |
| Advanced Analytics & Player Stats | Provides deep insights into performance, betting trends, and fantasy metrics to support smarter decisions. |
| AR/VR for Immersive Gameplay | Enhances user engagement by offering immersive fantasy sports environments or match visualizations. |
| Loyalty & Reward Programs | Encourages long-term user retention through points, badges, and bonus entries based on platform activity. |
Integrating these next-gen features while you build a software like DraftKings ensures your platform goes beyond the standard offering, delivering a differentiated experience that appeals to both casual users and high-stakes players.
Once you finalize the selection of features and define your platform's core vision, the next step is translating that idea into a fully functional product. Whether your goal is Sports Betting Platform Development like DraftKings or Fantasy Sports Platform Development like DraftKings, following a step-by-step development roadmap will help you build a legally compliant, scalable, and profitable solution.
Here’s a complete development lifecycle tailored to DraftKings-like app and website development:
Understanding your target audience and regional legal frameworks is crucial before development begins. This phase sets the direction for your product positioning and technical architecture.
Clearly outline your MVP along with a future-ready roadmap. This helps prioritize development efficiently and keep initial costs controlled.
A user-friendly, intuitive interface is critical in driving engagement and loyalty. Collaborate with a professional UI/UX design company to craft experiences that cater to both new and seasoned users.
This is the core engine of the platform that powers fantasy scoring, odds calculations, and real-time user actions.
Launch a feature-rich MVP that solves your users' main problems. Use this stage to collect feedback and prepare for larger rollouts.
Robust security and regulatory compliance are essential to protect your platform and users. This step ensures a safe and legally sustainable product.
Once live, your focus shifts to user acquisition, feature expansion, and international growth. Continuous improvement is key to staying competitive.
By following this structured process, your DraftKings-like app and website development will be both efficient and future-proof. From MVP to market scaling, every step is designed to build a high-impact fantasy sports and betting experience.
Building a platform as powerful and engaging as DraftKings involves a significant investment—but that investment can yield high returns if executed strategically. The overall development cost largely depends on the platform’s complexity, features, and scalability goals. Whether you’re targeting a lean MVP or a fully-featured solution, understanding the cost factors upfront helps you plan smartly and avoid surprises.
For DraftKings-like app and website development, here’s what you can expect:
Average Cost Range:
The backend and frontend technologies you choose—like Node.js, React Native, AWS, PostgreSQL, etc.—impact both performance and cost. Advanced stacks supporting real-time data and scalability are generally more expensive.
More features = more time + resources. MVPs may focus on registration, team creation, and simple contests. A full version includes live betting, AI suggestions, NFTs, loyalty systems, and more.
A rich, interactive UI/UX with animations, real-time updates, and responsive layouts requires more effort than a static or basic interface.
Your development partner’s geography greatly influences cost. For instance:
Outsourcing to skilled teams in affordable regions is a popular strategy for startups and entrepreneurs.
Pro Tip: Start with an MVP to validate your idea and gather user feedback before scaling. This allows you to enter the market faster and reduce risk while budgeting for growth.
Also Read: AI App Development Cost in 2025: From MVPs to Full-Scale AI App
Developing a scalable and high-performance sports betting platform like DraftKings requires a robust and modern tech stack. From real-time data handling to user interface design and secure transactions, the right tools can make or break your platform’s success.
Below is a breakdown of the essential tools and technologies required:
| Category | Technology/Tool | Description |
| Frontend Development | React.js, Vue.js | Enables fast, interactive, and mobile-responsive user interfaces. |
| Backend Development | Node.js, Python (Django/Flask), Java | Powers the server-side logic, APIs, and handles user data and betting logic. |
| Mobile App Frameworks | Flutter, React Native | Used for building cross-platform mobile apps (iOS & Android) from a single codebase. |
| Database | PostgreSQL, MongoDB | Stores user profiles, betting history, match data, and real-time game stats. |
| Real-Time Data Streaming | Socket.IO, Firebase Realtime DB | Facilitates real-time updates like live scores and leaderboard changes. |
| Payment Gateways | Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay | Integrates secure and reliable transaction systems for deposits and withdrawals. |
| Authentication | OAuth 2.0, Firebase Auth | Manages secure user sign-in, identity verification, and role-based access. |
| Cloud Hosting & Storage | AWS, Google Cloud, Azure | Provides scalable hosting, load balancing, and data storage solutions. |
| Analytics & Tracking | Google Analytics, Mixpanel | Monitors user behavior, app performance, and marketing insights. |
| Security Tools | SSL, JWT, Cloudflare | Ensures data encryption, secure sessions, and DDoS protection. |
| Admin Dashboard | Strapi, React Admin, custom CMS | Used to manage content, monitor users, control settings, and analyze platform performance. |
This tech stack ensures that your DraftKings-like fantasy sports and betting app is fast, secure, real-time, and user-friendly—key ingredients for success in this competitive market.
Once you develop a Fantasy Sports Betting Platform like DraftKings for Web and Mobile, the next crucial step is creating sustainable revenue streams. Platforms like DraftKings thrive not just because of their robust features but also due to a well-planned mix of strategic monetization models. If you're planning to create an app like DraftKings or build Sports Betting software like DraftKings, understanding these monetization strategies is essential for long-term profitability and growth.
Let’s explore the most effective ways to generate revenue:
One of the most lucrative monetization models is the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) format. In this model, users pay an entry fee to participate in fantasy contests, and the platform earns a commission from each prize pool.
Offer added value to users through premium subscriptions that unlock exclusive features or contests. This model promotes long-term engagement and predictable income.
Advertising is ideal for platforms with high user traffic. Well-integrated ads and sponsorships can generate passive revenue without compromising user experience.
Selling digital items or upgrades inside the app can enhance gameplay and personalize user experiences. These micro-transactions can quickly add up in high-volume platforms.
By integrating affiliate programs, you can earn commissions from referrals and cross-promotions. This is a low-risk, high-reward model for growth.
Inspired by DraftKings' Reignmakers, incorporating NFTs brings unique ownership and tradability into the platform. It's ideal for engaging the crypto-savvy demographic.
Combining these monetization strategies ensures your platform stays competitive, profitable, and future-ready. If you plan to build Sports Betting software like DraftKings, mixing direct user payments with passive revenue models will maximize ROI over time.
Creating a DraftKings-like sports betting platform is a promising business opportunity, but it comes with technical, legal, and operational hurdles. To succeed, you must understand not only what the challenges are—but also how to overcome them effectively.
Here’s a detailed look at the common roadblocks and their strategic solutions.
Problem: Sports betting laws vary drastically by country—and even by state or region—making compliance complex and risky if ignored.
Solution:
Problem: Real-time match data, betting odds, and fantasy scoring must be instantly updated—without lags—to ensure fair play and user satisfaction.
Solution:
Problem: Fantasy sports and betting platforms are targets for bots, duplicate accounts, match-fixing, and wallet fraud.
Solution:
Problem: Major tournaments or playoff games can lead to massive traffic spikes, which may crash your app or slow it down.
Solution:
Problem: Security breaches or failed transactions can damage trust and result in user loss or legal penalties.
Solution:
Overcoming these challenges requires strategic planning, a robust tech foundation, and compliance-first thinking. By partnering with a skilled team like PixelBrainy, you can build a secure, scalable, and legally sound sports betting platform—ready to compete in the global market.
You’ve gone through the development process and finalized your vision, now it’s time to consider who can help you build a platform like DraftKings with cutting-edge technology and seamless AI integration. As a leading AI development company in the USA, PixelBrainy offers expert, end-to-end solutions to create scalable and secure sports betting platforms for both web and mobile users.
From MVP development to full launch and ongoing support, our team ensures every aspect of your platform is optimized for performance and user engagement. We integrate AI-powered features such as real-time predictions, personalized recommendations, and fraud detection to keep your users engaged and your platform secure.
Using cloud-native infrastructure and microservices architecture, PixelBrainy builds platforms that scale effortlessly during peak traffic. We also provide multi-language, multi-currency support, along with geo-fencing and KYC compliance to meet regional legal requirements.
When you choose PixelBrainy to develop your end-to-end sports betting platform like DraftKings, you’re partnering with a team that combines deep domain knowledge with advanced technology to bring your sports betting vision to life.
Creating a successful sports betting platform requires more than just a great idea — it demands expert development, seamless AI integration, and a deep understanding of user engagement and legal compliance. Whether you want to build an app like DraftKings, develop a fantasy sports platform like DraftKings, or launch an end-to-end sports betting platform like DraftKings, partnering with the right team is essential.
PixelBrainy, a leading AI development company in the USA, offers comprehensive solutions to help you transform your vision into a scalable, secure, and user-friendly platform for both web and mobile. With expertise in DraftKings-like app and website development, we deliver innovative features and robust architectures designed to thrive in competitive markets.
Ready to start building your winning sports betting platform? Book an appointment with PixelBrainy today and take the first step toward launching your successful product.
The development timeline depends on the complexity and features of your platform. Typically, an MVP can take 4-6 months, while a full-featured product might require 9-12 months or more. PixelBrainy customizes timelines based on your specific needs.
We use a combination of cloud-native infrastructure, microservices architecture, AI integration, and secure payment gateways. Popular tech stacks include React Native for mobile, Node.js for backend, and AWS or Azure for scalable hosting.
We implement geo-fencing, KYC/AML verification, and adhere to local gaming regulations. Our team keeps up with evolving laws to ensure your platform operates legally in targeted regions.
Yes. AI enhances personalized recommendations, real-time betting tips, fraud detection, and customer support, leading to higher user retention and satisfaction.
Costs vary widely depending on features and complexity, generally ranging from $40,000 for a basic MVP to over $300,000 for a fully loaded product with advanced AI and integrations.
Absolutely. We design with scalability in mind, using cloud services and microservices to ensure your platform can handle peak loads during major events without downtime.
About The Author
Sagar Bhatnagar
Sagar Sahay Bhatnagar brings over a decade of IT industry experience to his role as Marketing Head at PixelBrainy. He's known for his knack in devising creative marketing strategies that boost brand visibility and market influence. Sagar's strategic thinking, coupled with his innovative vision and focus on results, sets him apart. His track record of successful campaigns proves his ability to utilize digital platforms effectively for impactful marketing efforts. With a genuine passion for both technology and marketing, Sagar continuously pushes PixelBrainy's marketing initiatives to greater success.
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