bet365 Leaves American Gaming Association During Industry Change

Key Points

• bet365 leaves the American Gaming Association, pointing to a mismatch with digital-first plans and focus on land-based casinos.
• This exit follows DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, and OpenBet, many tied to interest in prediction markets.
• bet365 has not confirmed prediction market entry but expands in the US with new markets, a Denver base, and iCasino growth.

bet365 has ended its membership with the American Gaming Association AGA, becoming another major operator stepping away as divisions increase across the US betting sector, raising unease across industry lines. The company confirmed its exit while AGA noted the change but did not state when membership officially stopped. Bet365 just sees that focusing on land-based casinos doesn’t fit with their digital-first approach, so they’re shifting gears to stick with what they do best.

Digital and Land-Based Divide Expands

bet365 stated it will continue working with regulators and partners across markets where it operates, keeping steady links despite the exit. Still, this step shows a widening gap between online operators and groups tied to retail casino interests, creating tension in direction. The exit puts bet365 among several known operators who recently left AGA within a short period. DraftKings and FanDuel left in November 2025, followed by Fanatics Betting and Gaming and OpenBet during the same six-month window. These departures reduced AGA’s presence among large online betting companies, shifting the balance within the association. Growth of prediction markets now stands as a key issue shaping how the industry moves and responds.

DraftKings and FanDuel pointed to expansion into this area as a reason for leaving AGA, as their plans moved away from an association focus. Both firms launched prediction platforms in December 2025 across several US states, letting users trade on outcomes of real events. Fanatics Betting and Gaming also released a similar product called Fanatics Markets after leaving the association.bet365 has not confirmed entry into prediction markets, making it the only major operator here without a clear plan. Yet, industry observers suggest the company may look into entry through partnerships or acquisitions, building quiet anticipation.

Regulation Concerns and Industry Reaction

AGA has taken a firm position against prediction markets, saying sports event contracts count as gambling and must stay under current rules. The group warned that allowing such products outside regulation may weaken consumer protection and risk sports integrity. This view differs from online operators who push to expand into new product areas, increasing pressure across the sector. At the same time, some firms linked to land-based casinos show caution due to unclear regulation and possible risk.BetMGM stated it will avoid this segment until clearer legal rules appear, with executives saying prediction markets look like unregulated betting.

Even after leaving AGA, bet365 continues to grow its US market presence with steady expansion steps. The company opened its headquarters in Denver in 2024 and extended its sportsbook into more states. It also increased iCasino’s reach in markets like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, strengthening its position further. The exit from AGA shows a wider shift in the gaming industry as companies rethink partnerships and strategies amid change and rising pressure.