Betfred has officially withdrawn from the online US sports betting market, ending the UK-headquartered operator’s nearly six-year stint serving American players.
Word comes by way of a website post by Wind Creek Bethlehem in Pennsylvania – Betfred’s land-based partner and sole remaining US platform – outlining that it would cease all online sports betting operations on July 31, 2025:
“Wind Creek and Betfred will be closing online sports betting operations in Pennsylvania as of July 31, 2025.”
The operator had stopped accepting online wagers on July 3, as Betfred prepared to retreat from the final state in which it served players. To that point, Wind Creek Bethlehem confirmed that customers could continue to view open bets, transaction history and cash-out information until the closure date:
“All pending wagers, transaction history and early cash-out options will remain available to patrons until July 31.”
Further, all winning wagers that settle beyond the July 31 deadline will receive payment via mail: “All existing wagers carrying a settlement date on or after July 31 will be sent via check if the bet results in a winning ticket.”
Wind Creek also affirmed its commitment to state regulations throughout the shuttering process: “We are working closely with regulators to ensure this process is handled securely, correctly, and in accordance with all state regulations and guidelines. We strive to meet player and regulatory needs and expectations.”
Prior to this announcement, Betfred had departed online markets in Nevada, Iowa, Washington, Arizona, Ohio, Colorado, Maryland and Virginia.
European operators continue to struggle in US
Betfred is not the first European sportsbook operator to pull out of the US after falling short against stalwart brands.
The US market continues to be dominated by BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings and Caesars. Domestic challenger operator, Fanatics, also holds a not-insignificant market share – and expects to improve its acquisition and retention figures throughout the next several years.
In turn, Betfred and similar foreign entities vie for an increasingly dwindling player base.
Moreover, global firms entering the US market must quickly understand US player preferences and behavior, fund and acquire relevant certification and comply with state-specific regulations.
In 2024, Betway departed the US sports betting industry despite being granted licenses to operate in nine states, citing profitability concerns. Tipico, a Maltese sportsbook outfit, also dissolved its American division – leaving behind operations in New Jersey, Ohio, Colorado and Iowa.
Another notable exit came in the form of major gaming conglomerate 888 Holdings, which terminated its deal with Sports Illustrated in the wake of disappointing revenue forecasts. This cessation will cost 888 Holdings an estimated $50m in exit fees by 2029.
What next for Betfred?
While Betfred’s exodus from the online US market is complete, the operator is now preparing to shutter physical betting shops in the UK.
Betfred Chairman, Fred Done, outlined that the firm may need to close all 1,287 shops within its retail fleet – laying off 7,500 of its workforce – if the Government’s planned tax hikes come to fruition.
Whether the operator follows through with that warning will become clear from November 26, when the UK Government publishes its autumn budget.
