The sports betting market shows incredible potential with projections reaching $182.12 billion by 2030. Building an app like FanDuel puts you in a market growing at 10.3% CAGR.
The 2018 PASPA repeal triggered an online sports betting explosion that spread to over 30 U.S. states. This created a $149 billion market in just a few years. Major platforms like FanDuel have turned this growth into success, generating over $1.5 billion in annual revenue. You might want to know how to build an app like FanDuel from scratch or maybe even learn what it takes to develop one.
This piece covers everything you need to know about creating a sports betting app. We'll explore market research, feature planning, technical development, and post-launch strategies. The market presents a huge chance with 60+ million Americans using sports betting platforms and industry projections of $48.6 billion by 2027.
The lucrative sports betting market awaits. Let's explore the key steps to build your successful sports betting app.
Step 1: Research the Market and Legal Landscape
You need to understand the fantasy sports landscape before starting development. The global fantasy sports market hit USD 24.85 billion in 2024 and experts project it to reach USD 56.38 billion by 2030. This represents a 15.2% CAGR.
Understand your target audience
Fantasy sports attracts a more diverse audience than most people think. The old stereotype of sports-obsessed males no longer holds true - women now represent nearly 47% of fantasy players. Your potential users come from demographics of all types:
Users under 25 currently hold the largest market share. This makes sense since younger users naturally gravitate toward interactive platforms and technology. The 25-40 age group shows the fastest growth, driven by higher disposable income and growing interest in fantasy sports.
This audience brings exceptional value. They don't just watch games passively - they're active multitaskers. About 77% of fans use multiple screens during live sports. They switch between watching games, checking stats, and getting involved on social media. These players spend 15-20 hours each week researching and managing their teams. This makes them one of the most engaged digital audiences you can find.
Fantasy sports fans typically are:
- Multi-dimensional consumers with strong purchasing behaviors
- Digital natives with heavy social media engagement
- Active spenders across retail, health/wellness, and apparel categories
Analyze competitors like FanDuel and DraftKings
Two major players dominate the fantasy sports landscape. FanDuel and DraftKings together control approximately 80% of the U.S. market. FanDuel leads with about 45% market share, while DraftKings holds roughly 32%.
These platforms got an early start in fantasy sports and expanded into sports betting after the 2018 Supreme Court struck down PASPA. Flutter Entertainment's FanDuel now operates in 23 states, and DraftKings serves 26 states.
Several smaller operators compete for the remaining market space. BetMGM claims 11%, Caesars Sportsbook has 6%, Bet365 maintains 3.5%, ESPN Bet quickly captured 3.7%, and Fanatics Sportsbook holds 2.8%.
Key areas to examine in these competitors include:
- Revenue models - Entry fees, in-app purchases, sponsorships, and sports betting crossovers
- User experience - Registration process, live betting features, and social components
- Technology stack - Platforms and frameworks that power their applications
Bovada, an offshore gaming brand, remains the most used sportsbook in the U.S.. This shows new entrants can still succeed with the right strategy.
Check legal requirements in your region
Sports betting and fantasy sports laws vary significantly by location. Legal sports betting exists in 38 states plus Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Online sports betting through smartphone apps or websites is legal in 30 of these states.
Each target region requires specific regulatory review. Some states restrict sports betting to tribal casinos only, including North Carolina, New Mexico, North Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin.
You'll need proper licensing from regulatory bodies or gaming commissions. These licenses require:
- Strict responsible gambling measures
- Geolocation services to prevent betting from restricted areas
- Staff training policies
- Transparent reporting systems
Legal compliance covers age restrictions (18-21 depending on state), data protection regulations, and tax requirements. The commercial gaming industry generated USD 15.91 billion in direct gaming tax revenue for state and local governments in 2024.
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Step 2: Define Your Business Model
Your choice of business model plays a key role when you build an app like FanDuel. The fantasy sports industry will reach USD 5.00B by 2027. This creates many ways to earn money in this game-changing market.
Choose between fantasy sports, sportsbook, or hybrid
You need to pick your main offering first. Fantasy sports apps put the spotlight on how players perform rather than game results. Users create virtual teams and compete based on real athletes' stats in this skill-based gaming setup.
Sportsbooks let users bet directly on game outcomes and specific events during matches. They make money through "vigorish" or "juice" - a built-in commission they take from bets no matter who wins.
The hybrid model brings both worlds together. Major platforms have found success with this approach. FanDuel and DraftKings started with fantasy contests and added sportsbooks after the 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Rules vary for each model. Fantasy sports face fewer restrictions because many places see them as skill games. Sportsbooks must follow stricter gambling laws and get proper licenses.
Decide on monetization: entry fees, ads, subscriptions
The way you make money will determine if your app lasts. Top fantasy sports platforms use several ways to earn:
- Commission-based model: FanDuel and DraftKings take about 10% from what users pay to enter. When users put in $1.00, the platform keeps $0.10, and $0.90 goes to prizes.
- Subscription packages: You can offer different subscription levels with premium features like better odds, VIP perks, or advanced stats. This creates steady income.
- In-app purchases: Users can buy virtual items, betting credits, or special features. These small purchases can add up fast.
- Advertising revenue: Smart ad placement throughout your app brings in passive income. DraftKings spent over USD 1.26 billion on marketing in 2024. This shows how much money moves through advertising.
- Freemium model: Basic features come free while premium ones cost money. This helps you get more users while creating ways to earn.
You can also make money through affiliate marketing and team-ups with sports leagues. Flutter, FanDuel's parent company, invested USD 3.20 billion across its brands in 2024. This shows the massive potential in partnerships.
Plan for scalability and user retention
Keeping existing users costs less than finding new ones. These strategies help you keep users coming back:
Quick response times below 200ms and accessible navigation matter most. How well your app performs directly affects user happiness and loyalty.
Add game-like elements such as achievements, leaderboards, and rewards. These features create loops that keep users engaged.
Let users compete with friends, join leagues, and share their results. Social features help keep users around longer.
Learn about user behavior through data analysis. Track what happens in your app to create customized promotions.
A microservices setup lets different parts of your app grow on their own. This helps handle sudden traffic spikes during big games without slowing down.
Note that keeping users has become the main goal for sportsbooks worldwide. Yes, it is the only way to stay profitable as getting new users gets more expensive.
Step 3: List the Core Features of Your FanDuel Clone
Your fantasy sports platform's success depends on adding the right features. The U.S. fantasy sports sector will generate over USD 45.00 billion in revenue by 2025. Let me guide you through the essential features you need to build an app like FanDuel.
User registration and KYC
A simple registration process helps you get more users. Data shows that 30% more users complete signup when you reduce the number of steps. Your registration should give users:
- Login options through Facebook, Google, or other social media platforms
- Email and phone number verification methods
- Clean interface with minimal required fields
After registration, proper Know Your Customer (KYC) checks become essential. Fantasy sports platforms need to verify user identities to stop fraud and follow regulations. This process needs:
Users must submit government-issued IDs like passports or driver's licenses for document verification. Some high-risk cases need selfie verification to match the user's face with their ID document.
Most jurisdictions need users to be 18 or 21 years old, making age verification critical. Users need to confirm their location through utility bills or bank statements because regulations differ by state.
KYC also means checking against watchlists, sanctions lists, and self-exclusion lists - databases that help spot high-risk individuals. These verification steps protect your users and business from legal issues.
Live betting and real-time odds
Many major sportsbooks now make more than 70% of their total revenue from live betting. Your app needs to deliver immediate data to stay competitive.
A powerful betting odds API helps interpret and deliver insights that make betting better. Your odds API should offer:
- Quick line updates (under 200ms)
- Odds that change during live events
- Protection from latency arbitrage (users trying to exploit slow updates)
Sports data APIs give you live scores, player statistics, team data, and past results. Users can track game momentum and make smart betting choices without leaving your app.
APIs automate many tasks, which reduces mistakes and lets your trading team work on strategy. Bets get settled and paid out right after an event ends.
Leaderboards, contests, and social features
Social elements turn betting into a community experience. Good leaderboards show rankings clearly with team names, scores, and user positions.
The best fantasy sports apps offer:
- Rankings based on ROI and win percentage that update in real-time
- Chat rooms and forums where players talk strategy and create leagues
- Ways to share achievements and match highlights
- Programs that give rewards for inviting friends
Secure payment gateways and wallet system
Fantasy sports platforms must have secure payment processing. Users need to trust your platform when they deposit money or pay fees.
Your payment system needs:
- Several payment options like credit/debit cards, net banking, and digital wallets
- SSL/TLS encryption and PCI DSS compliance
- Easy refund process for disputed transactions
The platform should have an in-app wallet where users manage their funds. This digital vault holds deposits, winnings, and bonuses while tracking all transactions.
Fantasy sports face more chargeback risks - often from users disputing valid bets. You can protect your revenue with good chargeback prevention tools and clear policies shown throughout your app.
Platforms with secure payments convert 20-30% better than less secure ones. Working with payment processors who know fantasy sports helps handle these complex requirements.
Step 4: Choose the Right Tech Stack
The right technologies are the foundations of any successful fantasy sports application. A good tech stack speeds up development and helps your app handle heavy traffic - this matters when thousands of users place bets at the same time during major sporting events.
Frontend: React Native or Flutter
Two leading frameworks dominate cross-platform mobile development. React Native, from Meta, uses JavaScript - making it available to web developers right away. This framework creates a native feel by connecting with native components through a bridge system.
Flutter, Google's UI toolkit, takes a different path by using its own rendering engine called Skia to draw everything. Flutter brings several benefits:
- Designs stay consistent across all devices without platform differences
- Animations and transitions run smoother with no JavaScript bridge slowdown
- Pre-designed widgets following Material or Cupertino patterns come built-in
Learning Dart might take time, but Flutter's performance makes it worth the effort. Developers love how Flutter's hot reload shows code changes right away, which speeds up development.
Backend: Node.js, Python, or Ruby on Rails
Your app's engine runs on the backend, managing users and processing live data. Here are your options:
Node.js - This handles many connections at once and processes real-time data without delays. Its non-blocking I/O system works great with thousands of users during big games.
Python with Django - Django keeps user information and payment data safe with strong security features. Its ORM makes building admin dashboards easier by simplifying database work.
Ruby on Rails - You get quick development with ready-made solutions. Rails delivers reliable results without complications when you need to build something fast.
Database: PostgreSQL or MongoDB
Fantasy sports apps process huge amounts of data - from user profiles to live scores and team stats. Your database choice determines how this information flows.
PostgreSQL works best with complex, connected data like player rankings. Its ACID compliance proves vital for handling money matters such as entry fees and payouts.
MongoDB excels at updating large amounts of data like live stats or scores. Its document structure adapts well to storing different types of information without strict rules.
Adding Redis as an in-memory cache helps with leaderboard calculations and session storage. This approach keeps response times quick while reducing database load.
APIs for live data and payments
Your app needs to work with several types of APIs:
Sports Data APIs - These deliver key information including live scores, player stats, team data, and past results. Good APIs should have:
- Coverage for many sports and leagues worldwide
- Updates in real time (under 200ms delay)
- Easy-to-use data formats like XML and JSON
- Support teams working round the clock
Payment Gateway APIs - These handle money safely. Look for:
- Support for various payment methods
- Full encryption for all transactions
- Systems to prevent fraud and money laundering
Note that security measures like OAuth 2.0 for logins and SSL/TLS encryption must run throughout your tech stack to keep user data safe.
Build a High-Performance Betting Engine
You need a tech stack that handles high traffic without lag. Hire developers specialized in Flutter and Node.js for sports apps.
Step 5: Design a User-Friendly Interface
The app's interface design plays a crucial role in FanDuel-like app development. Research shows 38% of users will stop engaging with an app if they find the layout unattractive. Your design choices matter as much as your feature set.
Create wireframes and prototypes
A detailed wireframe helps you visualize the app's structure before development begins. You need to map out every screen and user flow, from registration to bet placement and withdrawal. This blueprint guides you throughout the development process.
Your fantasy sports app wireframes should highlight:
- Dashboard layout showing upcoming contests
- Team creation screens with player selection interfaces
- Contest lobbies and entry processes
- Wallet and transaction screens
Tools like Figma or Adobe XD excel at creating interactive prototypes that mirror the actual user experience. These prototypes help you test navigation flows and spot usability issues early, which saves money on fixes later.
User testing should follow your original wireframes. This feedback reveals interface pain points that might stay hidden until launch.
Focus on intuitive navigation and fast loading
Users quit sports betting apps that feel complex or slow. Your priority should be clean layouts with proper visual hierarchy. Strategic use of fonts, sizes, colors, and spacing helps distinguish different elements.
Essential navigation principles include:
- Visual grouping of related components
- Effective white space to avoid cluttered designs
- Strong visual cues through color, typography, and dividers
- Easy-to-use controls like buttons, tabs, and sliders that feel natural
Fantasy sports users make time-sensitive decisions, so speed matters. Apps lose up to 70% of users when pages take more than 3 seconds to load.
The betting slip needs special attention. Users should understand potential payouts and bet types quickly.
Live updates present another challenge. Your interface must show live scores and changing odds without disrupting the experience or causing confusion. This requires careful animation and notification design.
Ensure responsive design for all devices
Mobile devices generate over half of online traffic. Your design should adapt naturally across screen sizes. Consistent design elements help users switch between devices smoothly.
Mobile-first interactions must include:
- Swipe gestures for browsing contests and players
- Tap-and-hold actions for quick bet placements
- Thumb-friendly navigation zones
- Minimal input requirements where possible
Screen content should work well in both portrait and landscape modes. This flexibility becomes vital during live betting when screen space counts.
High-contrast colors and larger touch elements make your app more accessible. These features help users with visual or motor disabilities. This inclusive approach protects you from legal issues in some jurisdictions.
Light/dark themes and adjustable layouts that highlight favorite sports can enhance personalization. These features build stronger connections between users and your platform.
Step 6: Develop and Integrate Key Modules
Your app blueprint comes to life during the development phase. The time has come to build working modules that will power your fantasy sports platform after you've locked in designs and tech choices.
Build backend logic and betting engine
The contest creation engine serves as the foundation of your app. It supports multiple formats such as head-to-head contests, public leagues, and guaranteed prize pools. Each contest type needs specific rules, entry fees, and payout logic. A flexible engine can handle these variations even under heavy load.
Live scoring stands out as another key component. Player statistics change non-stop as games unfold, and your app must update user scores right away. The scoring engine must process incoming data with perfect accuracy.
The backend performs best when structured with:
- Node.js with Express.js to handle thousands of concurrent connections with non-blocking I/O
- Go (Golang) to process live sports feeds with high performance
- Python with Django to power admin dashboards and data analysis
Smart session management helps maintain user state as people switch between devices. This becomes valuable when users place live bets.
Integrate third-party APIs for sports data
Sports data integration makes a huge difference in user experience but adds complexity to development. Your app needs reliable third-party data providers to supply player stats, match schedules, and results.
Key APIs to integrate:
- Sports Data APIs to get live and historical statistics
- Payment Gateways to process secure transactions
- Authentication APIs to enable secure social media or email logins
- Analytics APIs to monitor user behavior and app performance
Implement real-time updates and notifications
WebSockets (Socket.IO) help push score updates, chat messages, and notifications instantly. A publish-subscribe model works best - your score ingestion service publishes to a Redis channel that Socket.IO servers subscribe to.
Users want push notifications about new wagers and game changes. Time-sensitive updates should reach users on both web and mobile. Research shows these live alerts boost engagement by keeping users connected to ongoing contests.
Redis sorted sets make leaderboard processing quick. This setup allows fast updates and retrievals as contests move forward.
Ensure cross-platform compatibility
Your app must work perfectly on devices and platforms of all sizes. Cross-platform compatibility goes beyond looks, it directly affects conversion rates.
Mobile-first design becomes essential since mobile gaming generates over 60% of online gambling revenue. Each target operating system and device needs thorough testing, with automated testing where possible.
Users should switch devices mid-bet without losing progress through session continuity. Cloud infrastructure enables this continuous connection while cutting down latency, crucial when odds change every second.
These development principles will help create a solid fantasy sports application that users love across all platforms.
Step 7: Test, Launch, and Promote Your App
Your app development's final checkpoint is the testing phase before release. This step shows if your FanDuel clone meets user expectations.
Conduct functional and security testing
A detailed testing process verifies if your app is ready for market. Start by checking all features from registration flows to payment processing. Your testing approach should include:
- Performance tests to check stability during traffic spikes (like major sporting events)
- Security checks for payment gateways and user data protection
- Tests for compatibility on different device types and screen sizes
Quality assurance teams target 80% code coverage on backend services. They focus on critical modules like scoring engines and payment processing. Tools like JMeter help test up to 100,000 users at once, similar to major sporting event traffic.
Launch on iOS and Android stores
After tests show your app works right, get ready for app store submission. Build attractive store listings with great screenshots, clear descriptions, and the right keywords. Apple and Google have strict rules about gambling apps. Review these rules really well before submission.
Start with a small release to watch how the app performs in real life. This soft launch lets you collect feedback and make final tweaks before the big release.
Use SEO, influencer marketing, and ASO
App Store Optimization (ASO) helps your app get noticed. Pick the right keywords about fantasy sports for your app title and description. Great screenshots and eye-catching icons make users more likely to download.
Social media works best when you share useful content like match predictions and fantasy tips. Sports influencers can help reach more users quickly. Contests and giveaways are affordable ways to attract new users.
Partner with a mobile app development company like CISIN
A skilled software developer like CISIN makes launching easier. Their teams watch app performance, fix security issues, and add new features based on what users say. Regular updates keep your app running smoothly and fix any bugs or security problems.
Step 8: Post-Launch Support and Optimization
Getting your fantasy sports app to market is just the start. What you do after launch will decide if you succeed in this competitive space.
Monitor user feedback and analytics
App store reviews give you a treasure trove of insights you can act on. The best betting platforms watch what people say about them on social media, app store reviews, and in-app surveys. BetMGM makes changes to their platforms based on what customers tell them and what their test panels find. AI tools now capture live feedback from many sources at once, which shows what users like and don't like.
Release regular updates and new features
The top betting platforms fix bugs that users report, make their apps faster, and add more betting options. Take ESPN's approach - they keep making their betting features better. They let users connect their ESPN BET app with their main platform.
Ensure legal compliance and data security
Fantasy sports companies need to follow rules in jurisdictions of all types. They must check users' age, protect data, keep prize structures clear, and follow tax rules. Breaking these rules can lead to fines, damage your reputation, or shut down your business.
Turn Your Sportsbook Vision into Reality
Don't wait while competitors take the market. Schedule a free strategy session to roadmap your app development today.
Conclusion
Building a successful sports betting app like FanDuel takes careful planning and execution. The sports betting market is booming. Market projections show growth to $182.12 billion by 2030. Here's an eight-step roadmap to help you tap into this expanding industry.
Market research lays the foundations of any successful fantasy sports venture. You need to understand your target demographics and analyze competitors like FanDuel and DraftKings to shape your business strategy. Local regulations are non-negotiable and they vary between states and countries.
Your choice of business model will shape your long-term success. You can opt for pure fantasy sports, a sportsbook model, or a hybrid solution. Your monetization strategy should balance user appeal with profit potential. Building scalability into your platform from the start prevents future growth limitations.
The technical side needs equal focus. Your app should have core features like smooth registration flows, secure payment systems, and social elements that users love. Pick the right tech stack - from React Native or Flutter frontends to Node.js backends and suitable databases. This supports these features and lets you expand later.
A great user experience can make your betting app stand out. Users stay longer when they see clean interfaces with accessible navigation and quick loading times. Your app should work flawlessly on all devices, especially on mobile where most betting happens now.
Testing comes next as a vital phase. A complete testing process covering functionality, security, and performance shows if your app is ready for market. Launching your app is just the beginning. You'll need to keep monitoring, updating, and improving based on what users tell you.
Creating a fantasy sports app comes with its challenges. But with good planning and technical expertise, you can build a platform that competes in this profitable space. Mobile app development companies like CISIN specialize in mobile app development for betting platforms and can help simplify this complex process.
Note that the fantasy sports industry grows faster each day. Starting your development now puts you in a great position to grab your share of this growing market. This piece gives you everything you need to turn your FanDuel clone idea into reality.
