Bet365 Abandons American Gaming Association as Digital First Operators Pivot Toward High Growth Prediction Market Verticals

Bet365 follows DraftKings and FanDuel in leaving the AGA. Discover how the rise of prediction markets is splitting the gambling industry into two camps.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 11:09 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Gambling Insider

The Growing Schism Within National Gaming Advocacy

The American Gaming Association (AGA) is facing a significant restructuring of its membership core as bet365 becomes the latest digital-first operator to surrender its seat at the table. This departure follows the late 2025 exits of market leaders DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics, all of whom reportedly clashed with the trade group over its stance on prediction markets. In an official statement, bet365 characterized the move as a strategic withdrawal from an organization increasingly focused on the retail and brick-and-mortar casino sectors. While the company maintains it values its industry partnerships, the exit signals a fundamental disagreement on the future direction of the American gambling landscape and the regulatory frameworks that should govern it.

Prediction Markets as the New Strategic Battleground

Industry analysts view the exit of bet365 as a clear precursor to the company’s eventual entry into the prediction market space, a vertical that has already seen rapid adoption by its primary competitors. Fanatics led the charge by launching its own offering in December 2025, quickly followed by branded platforms from the industry’s two largest players. Although bet365 has not yet filed for official approval with the National Futures Association, the digital-first nature of its platform makes such a pivot logically consistent with current market trends. The expectation within the sector is that the UK-based operator may seek a technology partnership or a targeted acquisition to expedite its entry into this high-growth wagering segment.

The AGA’s Refocused Commitment to State and Tribal Sovereignty

In response to the departure of its most prominent tech-centric members, the AGA has doubled down on its commitment to traditional, state-regulated gaming entities. CEO Bill Miller recently reaffirmed that the organization views sports event contracts as a form of gambling that must remain under the strict authority of state and tribal regulators. This "unwavering" position has effectively created a firewall between the trade group and operators who favor federal or commodity-based oversight for prediction products. By prioritizing the interests of land-based casinos and tribal sovereign rights, the AGA is positioning itself as the primary defender of the established regulatory framework against the dis...