1. DraftKings - DraftKings continues to set the standard for digital gaming leadership through strategic growth, innovation, and a strong focus on RG. In 2024, it expanded into the lottery space through its acquisition of Jackpocket and enhanced player protection by appointing a Chief Responsible Gaming Officer and launching the My Budget Builder tool. The company also relaunched its Dynasty Rewards program and achieved a 30% revenue increase, as a result of both technological advancement and strong user engagement. In Q1 2025, DraftKings averaged 4.3 million MUPs - a 28% YoY rise - demonstrating impressive retention and acquisition across its sportsbook and iGaming product offerings and the impact of the acquisition of Jackpocket.

2. BetMGM - BetMGM’s enhancements in product, marketing, player engagement and industry-first wallet connectivity in Nevada, resulted in strong financial performance, growth in player engagement and retention KPIs. FY24 net revenue was $2.1bn, while Q1 2025 revenue grew another 34% YoY to $657m. Q1 2025 EBITDA improved +$154m vs Q1 2024. Average monthly actives were up 6% YoY in Q1 2025 and iGaming established itself as a juggernaut, with net revenue of $443m, up 27% over 2024. BetMGM’s product innovation - such as its omnichannel digital wallet, exclusive games, and enhancements to Same Game Parlay - has driven sharp engagement metrics, including a 41% increase in MLB parlay bets per active user and strong cross-sell performance.

3. Caesars Entertainment - Over the past year, Caesars made major strides in digital innovation, delivering record-breaking performance across its online casino and sportsbook platforms. The April ‘24 redesign of Caesars Palace Online Casino introduced a multi-lobby layout that boosted engagement, followed by the October launch of Horseshoe Online Casino, which delivered double-digit growth in FTDs, bets, and GGR by the end of the year. This drove Caesars’ iGaming handle up 40% YoY to $14.9bn, alongside all-time highs in net revenue, EBITDA, and cash flow. On the sports betting side, Caesars acquired software provider ZeroFlucs, powering enhanced live SGPs and expanded betting markets. These improvements helped make Super Bowl LIX the most bet-on event in Caesars Sportsbook history.

4. bet365 - One of the most recognised betting brands globally, bet365 delivered outstanding growth across the US market. Over the past 12 months, the company unveiled its new US headquarters in Denver, expanded operations into five additional states - bringing its total to 14 - and formed high-profile partnerships with the Charlotte Hornets, Colorado Avalanche, and Denver Nuggets. bet365 also unveiled a sponsorship of the popular Roommates podcast starring Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, enhancing brand visibility. On the product side, it introduced new features like Player Parlay, NBA Visualization, SGP build options and upgraded Cash Out availability on SGPs in key betting markets. 

5. FanDuel - FanDuel is America’s #1 Sportsbook, maintaining its ongoing leadership position in GGR share across 2024 along with a 51% share of net gaming revenue. FanDuel is also the #1 rated sports betting app by customers via the App Store. Throughout 2024, it introduced a series of product innovations that revolutionize parlay betting and deliver industry-first upgrades that directly address customer feedback. It also aims to set the standard for what it means to be a responsible operator and has a series of RG initiatives that support customers, such as My Spend. By the end of 2024, FanDuel was also the number-one iGaming brand in the US market based on market share and it remains so today, extending its leadership to a 27% GGR market share in Q1 2025.

6. Fanatics Betting & Gaming - Fanatics is the fastest-growing sportsbook in America, leveraging its deep sports industry ties to deliver a standout betting experience. Following its acquisition of PointsBet, the company rapidly expanded its footprint in 2024 and now reaches approximately 95% of the addressable online sports betting market. In New York, Fanatics achieved a record sports betting handle of $143.2m in September 2024, signaling impressive momentum. Brand awareness climbed to 53% in Q1 2025 (up 11%), supported by standout customer initiatives like the FanCash loyalty program and the Fair Play refund policy, which saved users over $8m in voided prop and parlay bets. These efforts solidify Fanatics’ position as one of the most consumer-driven digital operators in the industry.

7. Hard Rock Bet - Hard Rock Bet has cemented its reputation as a digital gaming innovator. Over the past year, it launched a 24/7 Digital Center at Hard Rock Atlantic City, allowing digital players to interact directly with the brand and receive in-person support. In NJ, Hard Rock’s online casino now features over 2,500 games, including exclusive proprietary titles. Other key enhancements introduced by the operator include: SGP Max (combining up to 20 total wagers), Flex Parlays, and a Sportradar-powered Streaming Hub. Its next-gen casino app lobby and Legendary Reward Drops program further highlight Hard Rock Bet’s focus on personalization and rewarding user experiences.

8. ESPN BET - ESPN BET made a bold debut in the US market in November 2023, drawing a record 1.1 million downloads in its first week. Powered by PENN Entertainment and the trusted ESPN brand, the app blends broad media reach with a smooth user experience and innovative features. Last year’s roll out of account linking between ESPN and ESPN BET has further boosted engagement, while a strategic partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment has expanded its footprint to Washington D.C., aligning the brand with top-tier sports teams like the Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and Washington Mystics (WNBA).

9. Rush Street Interactive - RSI continues to demonstrate strong digital leadership through its BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse brands, delivering a top-tier user experience backed by innovative technology. Its iGaming offering consistently ranks among the top in markets like PA and MI, while the launch of BetRivers Poker across DE, MI, WV, and PA marked a major milestone - creating a merged, multi-state player pool for bigger prize pools and deeper cash-game fields. RSI also unveiled an enhanced iRush Rewards program, offering loyal players easier access to an expanded selection of perks. Internationally, RSI expanded its RushBet platform into Peru, extending its presence in Latin America and reinforcing its leadership in the region’s growing digital gaming market.

10. Bally’s Interactive - Bally’s strengthened its position as an emerging force in the US digital gaming market. In 2024, it launched its proprietary Bally Casino platform in Rhode Island - establishing the state’s first and only legal online casino - while also expanding its iGaming footprint in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ontario. North America Interactive revenue grew 12.5% year-over-year in Q1 2025 to $44.5m, fueled by the integration of the Queen interactive business and strong performance in Rhode Island. The BallyBet sportsbook is now active in 11 states, supported by ongoing platform improvements and a strategic focus on sustainable growth.

The Digital Operator of the Year category is sponsored by SPRIBE: Founded in 2018, SPRIBE managed to change the iGaming industry by introducing a new game vertical - Crash / Arcade games. The company is best known for its flagship game “Aviator”, which gained popularity among Gen Y & Z. Recently it has reached a milestone indicator of 60 million monthly players.