Digital Operator of the Year 2026

We present to you the 2026 Shortlist for the Digital Operator of the Year award.

Mariya Savova avatar
digital operator shortlist
digital operator shortlist

FanDuel - America's #1 Sportsbook continues to set the standard for digital sports betting through innovation, market expansion, and customer engagement. Recent launches include BetProtect+, the industry's first full-game injury protection for player prop bets; Futures Day, the first betting holiday; Pass The Leg, the first collaborative in-app parlay experience; and AceAI, the first generative AI-powered betting assistant embedded in a sportsbook app. FanDuel also expanded its reach through a partnership with Amazon Prime Video as the exclusive odds provider for NBA and WNBA broadcasts. In Q4 2025, the operator maintained a 41% GGR market share, while sportsbook revenue grew 35% and active players increased to 4.8 million. FanDuel also delivered the leading launch in Missouri, capturing 44% GGR market share in its first month.

DraftKings - When reporting its financial results for Q1 2026, DraftKings’ net revenue increased 16.8% year-over-year to $1.6bn. Along with increases in total revenue and net income, DraftKings also generated a 63.6% increase in adjusted EBITDA to nearly $167.9m. Having expanded to Missouri and Arkansas over the past 12 months, DraftKings also extended its Puerto Rico business to open a new retail facility and introduce online sportsbook operations. DraftKings made headlines after unveiling its new “Super App” in 2026, amid new innovation for its horseracing and MLB offerings. ESPN also named DraftKings as its Official Sportsbook and Odds Provider in late 2025, providing the operator exposure to the sports media network’s global consumer base. 

bet365 - bet365 continued to strengthen its position across the Americas through market expansion, strategic partnerships, and product innovation. Over the past year, the operator expanded into Missouri and Michigan, bringing its total US footprint to 17 live states, while also entering Alberta and forming a partnership with the Canadian Football League (CFL). bet365 further enhanced its offering by becoming the official sports betting partner of the UFC in the US and Canada, alongside new partnerships with suppliers EveryMatrix, Incentive Games, and Inspired Entertainment to broaden its gaming portfolio. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the operator launched a dedicated mobile game for football fans, while continuing to maintain one of the leading positions in the regulated Brazilian online gaming market.

Betano - Betano strengthened its position in South America through major sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and high-profile marketing campaigns. The operator became an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026 across Europe and South America, marking its third collaboration with FIFA after the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Betano also expanded its partnership with Big Brother Brasil and signed a regional sponsorship agreement with the Argentina National Team. These and other initiatives reinforced Betano's brand leadership, particularly in Brazil, where Blask reports the operator holds a 24.15% Brand Awareness and Preference share, more than double that of its nearest competitor, while continuing to invest in responsible gambling tools and exclusive fan activations.

BetMGM - BetMGM delivered a defining year in 2025, generating $2.8bn in net revenue, up 33% year over year, driven by 24% iGaming and 63% online sportsbook growth. The operator reached a landmark profitability milestone with positive EBITDA and returned $270m to its parent investors. BetMGM expanded its online casino portfolio to more than 7,000 games, became the fastest-growing live dealer operator in the US, and strengthened its loyalty offering through MGM Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy. The operator also continued to invest in exclusive content and product innovation, helping deepen customer engagement across both casino and sportsbook. Active iGaming users grew 24%, sportsbook handle per user increased 26%, and BetMGM achieved a 13% GGR market share across active markets, including 21% in iGaming.

Caesars Digital - Caesars redefined digital gaming by seamlessly connecting proprietary technology, omnichannel engagement, loyalty and immersive player experiences. Throughout 2025 and into 2026, it accelerated innovation across sportsbook and iCasino while delivering exceptional financial performance, generating $1.4bn in digital revenue (+21% YoY) and increasing Adjusted EBITDA 101% to $236m. A rebuilt sportsbook platform introduced expanded Same Game Parlays, enhanced live wagering through ZeroFlucs technology and one of North America's broadest betting menus. Super Bowl LX produced company records for Same Game Parlay handle and live betting, while NFL Flips generated 1.86 million plays, increasing bets per active user by 66% and Net Gaming Revenue by 4.5%. Caesars also differentiated its iCasino business through exclusive partnerships, proprietary content and omnichannel activations.

Rush Street Interactive - In Q1 2026, RSI posted record revenue of $370m (+41% YoY). Adjusted EBITDA reached $60m (+81%), double the revenue growth rate, as marketing costs fell to a record-low 12.5% of revenue. FY2026 guidance was raised to $1.49bn-$1.54bn in revenue and $230m-$250m in EBITDA, representing 56% YoY growth. RSI derives around 80% of US GGR from iGaming, holds approximately 10% North American market share, marking a three-year high, and has outperformed the iGaming industry for nine consecutive months. North American iCasino monthly active users grew 62% YoY, while Latin American revenue increased 134%, reflecting the operator's continued momentum across the Americas. Proprietary innovations including Rush Jackpot (70%+ engagement) and Rush Packs (30%+ handle lift) continue to drive strong player engagement and retention.

Hard Rock Bet - Hard Rock Bet's past year stands as one of the most complete performances of any digital operator in the Americas – measured by market expansion, product innovation, platform quality and player engagement. The platform entered Michigan in December 2025, delivering the highest GGR debut of any new operator in the state's iGaming history, while simultaneously ranking as the fastest-growing top-tier operator in New Jersey – with year-over-year growth nearly three times the overall NJ market rate. The company also expanded from eight to ten sportsbook markets. Active customers grew 75% year-over-year, with amounts wagered up 95% as well. Legendary Reward Drops, the industry's only weekly structured rewards program backed by a global hospitality brand, surpassed 20 million Drops opened, doubled monthly player redemption rates year-over-year, and matched New Jersey engagement benchmarks in Michigan within four weeks of launch.

Codere Online - Codere Online delivered a record financial performance in 2025, generating €224.1m ($264.7m) in net gaming revenue and €13.8m ($16.3m) in adjusted EBITDA, driven by the continued acceleration of its Mexican operations. Fourth quarter net gaming revenue reached a record €60.7m ($71.7m), up 15% year over year and marking the strongest quarter in the operator's history. Building on this momentum, Codere partnered with Playtech to launch a new poker app in Mexico and strengthened its brand presence by signing Mexico international Edson Álvarez as a brand ambassador. Supported by continued product investment and strong growth in one of Latin America's most important regulated markets, Codere Online further reinforced its position as a leading digital operator in the region.

ToonieBet - Launched in Ontario in Q1 2025, ToonieBet uses Soft2Bet's MEGA engine to transform traditional iGaming into a highly personalized, gamified experience focused on long-term player value and engagement. ToonieBet delivered industry-leading performance, achieving a 106.59% increase in GGR. This growth is driven by the platform's ability to seamlessly merge casino and sportsbook mechanics with immersive storytelling. Focused on the Ontario market, the operator has demonstrated agility in navigating a complex regulatory environment while maintaining rapid expansion. During the year, ToonieBet was also named an Official Sports Betting Partner and Official Online Casino Partner of the Canadian Football League (CFL), becoming an Official Partner of the 112th Grey Cup and further strengthening its presence among Canadian sports fans.