Projected Optimism from DraftKings CEO Regarding Potential Expansion of Sports Betting in Texas and California
In the ever-evolving world of online sports betting, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins believes the industry is at an "important inflection point." This is evident as the company continues to expand its reach, but the Florida market remains a challenge due to ongoing legal issues.
As of August 2025, DraftKings does not have an operational online sports betting offering in Florida. The company, however, continues to offer daily fantasy sports (DFS) in the state. The lack of a full sportsbook service is a result of the legal challenges that have stalled the launch of real-money online sportsbooks in Florida.
Given Florida’s current regulatory impasse, any future DraftKings partnerships in Florida will depend heavily on the resolution of these legal and legislative matters. Once regulatory clarity is achieved, DraftKings might seek either a direct license or a partnership aligned with state requirements.
While DraftKings has been actively acquiring companies to strengthen its platform offerings, there are no public reports of the company having current local partnerships in Florida tied to online sports betting. This is largely due to the market remaining legally uncertain and online sports betting not being fully authorized or launched there.
In recent months, DraftKings has completed the acquisitions of Sports IQ and Simplebet, albeit for undisclosed sums. The company also acquired Jackpocket for $750m in February. These acquisitions are part of DraftKings' general strategy in states where regulatory conditions allow. This strategy often involves securing direct mobile sports betting licenses, partnering with local entities or operators where required by state law, and offering proprietary technology and exclusive game content to strengthen its platform offerings.
Robins is optimistic about the expansion of legal sports betting markets in California, Texas, and Florida in the coming years. He also mentioned potential additional acquisitions in the future. However, as of now, there is no information from recent 2025 news indicating DraftKings has announced or secured any future strategic partnerships specifically for Florida’s sports betting market.
Hard Rock Bet, on the other hand, controls the entire online sports betting market in Florida. The parent company of Hard Rock Bet has hinted at potential strategic deals with big operators like FanDuel and DraftKings, but no new information about these potential deals was provided.
In summary, DraftKings currently has no known active or announced strategic partnerships for online sports betting in Florida due to the market’s legal uncertainties, but potential future partnerships or direct licensing could emerge following regulatory clarity.
DraftKings might seek a direct license or a partnership aligned with state requirements once regulatory clarity is achieved in Florida's online sports betting market.
Despite the lack of a full sportsbook service in Florida, DraftKings has been actively acquiring companies like Sports IQ, Simplebet, and Jackpocket to strengthen its platform offerings in states where regulatory conditions allow.
