Betfred ends US online operations as European sportsbooks scale back

UK-based sportsbook Betfred will shut down its online sports betting operations in Pennsylvania on July 31, completing its withdrawal from the US digital betting market. 

The company had operated in the state through a partnership with Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino, but its online platform has already stopped accepting new bets. Existing users may settle wagers and use early cash-out options through the end of the month. For bets that settle after the closure date, Betfred will issue payouts by mail.

It’s unclear whether Betfred will keep managing the retail sportsbook on-site. Betfred has yet to issue a statement on the online betting platform closure.

This move follows Betfred’s earlier departure from Nevada in January 2025, which left Pennsylvania as the sole remaining state. Before that, in late 2024, the company also ended both online and land-based operations in Iowa and Washington, including at the Silver Reef Casino Resort. Other market exits include Arizona, Colorado, Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia.

Difficulties in US market penetration

The US sports betting industry remains dominated by established operators such as FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM, whose scale and brand recognition present challenges for newer or international competitors.

Operators must navigate varying state regulations, obtain separate licenses, and meet localized tax and compliance obligations—factors that increase operational complexity and cost.

Differences in bettor behavior between US and European markets, combined with high marketing and customer acquisition costs, have made profitability difficult. Holding a licence in the US sports betting market does not guarantee profitability, industry analysts have noted, with several European firms reconsidering their position.

Regulatory developments in Pennsylvania

As these operators exit, Pennsylvania legislators are exploring new betting verticals. State Rep. Ed Neilson recently introduced HB1636, a bill that proposes to legalize esports betting by expanding the definition of sporting events to include video game competitions.

The bill defines esports as skill-based contests involving individual or team play but does not specify age restrictions, raising questions around wagering on events featuring underage competitors. Pennsylvania currently prohibits bets on high school player props.

Neilson stated that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board should have the flexibility to adapt to emerging betting trends. Whether the bill progresses remains uncertain, but it signals a potential shift in strategy as traditional sportsbooks leave the market.

The continued departure of international firms may lead to further consolidation in the US market. Domestic operators could seek mergers or acquisitions to absorb customers or technology assets.

Meanwhile, Betfred is expected to refocus on markets where it has a solid presence, such as the UK, and other regions with fewer regulatory hurdles and more sustainable margins.

More international withdrawals

Betfred’s exit aligns with similar decisions by other European operators. Super Group discontinued Betway’s US sportsbook operations after an internal review concluded that the timeline to profitability was too long. The company also announced plans to pull its online casino brands from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, citing regulatory costs.

German-based Tipico sold its US assets to LeoVegas, a subsidiary of MGM Resorts, in 2024. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Meanwhile, 888 Holdings paid a $50 million penalty to terminate its joint venture with Authentic Brands Group, citing low returns and high operational expenses from the SI Sportsbook and Casino.