US Online Betting Brands Topple Vegas as World’s Leading Gambling Brand

The combined value of the world’s top 25 gambling brands ranked has surged by 21% year-on-year to USD60.8 billion this year, according to the Gambling 25 2025 rankings by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy.

The latest data from Brand Finance highlights the sector’s remarkable resilience and transformation, fuelled by a post-pandemic tourism rebound, rapid legalisation of online betting in the US, and rising sports sponsorships that have lifted brand awareness among millions of new fans.

Following the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), the US has become the world’s largest regulated online gambling market, with more than 35 states now permitting sports betting. Major operators have responded with record marketing expenditure and high-profile sponsorship deals, driving strong brand growth nationwide.

Online gambling in the US is quickly catching up to Las Vegas in both brand value and public interest. Brand awareness is rising fast, with FanDuel up 26% and DraftKings up 18% since 2022. In contrast, traditional Vegas-based brands like Caesars and MGM have seen more modest gains; just 1% and 14%, respectively. With FanDuel now at 74% awareness and DraftKings at 82%, they’re closing in on Caesars (82%) and MGM (87%), signalling strong future growth for online operators.

In 2024, Americans wagered an estimated USD172 billion online, helping to drive record brand value growth among major players. Online gambling brand, FanDuel (brand value up 25% to USD7.0 billion) has risen to become the world’s most valuable gambling brand ranked this year. DraftKings (brand value up 59% to USD5.1 billion) has entered the global top three for the first time while MGM (brand value up 102% to USD3.8 billion) and Wynn Resorts (brand value up 25% to USD3.7 billion) have also posted significant gains, reflecting strong demand across both online and destination gaming.

Advertisement

Other prominent US names ranked include Harrah (brand value up 4% to USD2.4 billion) which has strengthened customer loyalty through revamped rewards programmes and integrated resort experiences, and Penn Entertainment (brand value down 15% to USD2.2 billion).

China’s Studio City (brand value up 118% to USD801 million) is the world’s fastest-growing gambling brand in this year’s rankings, following its Phase 2 expansion in Macau which boosted operating revenue by 40% year-on-year. Macau’s gaming industry continues to recover strongly, with visitor arrivals up 43% in the first half of 2024 and gross gaming revenue in July rising 12% compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, Marina Bay Sands remains the strongest brand ranked in the casino and gambling sector, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.9/100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating, ahead of the US’ Caesars (BSI score 92.4/100) and Malaysia’s Genting (BSI score 87.7/100). These brands continue to stand out for their premium entertainment experiences and strong reputation for customer loyalty and trust.

Henry Farr, Director at Brand Finance, said: “Reaching a record USD60.8 billion in brand value, the gambling sector continues to demonstrate its strength and agility in meeting changing consumer demands. The US online betting boom, with FanDuel now surpassing traditional Vegas giants, alongside major sports sponsorships, has driven impressive brand growth.”