GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Fantasy Sports Industry Statistics

The fantasy sports industry has experienced significant growth with an estimated 59.3 million players in the United States and a market value of over $7 billion.

Highlights: Fantasy Sports Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, the global fantasy sports market size was valued at $20.7 billion.
  • As of 2021, North America had the largest market share in the global fantasy sports industry at about 58%.
  • The Fantasy Sports Trade Association reported that 59.3 million people in the USA and Canada were playing fantasy sports in 2017.
  • In 2019, 10% of all men aged 18-29 reported that they play fantasy sports every day.
  • The estimated projected growth rate of the fantasy sports industry between 2020 and 2027 is 13.9%.
  • The average annual spending per fantasy player is about $653 on league-related costs, single-player challenge games, and league-related materials.
  • About two-thirds of all fantasy sports players are employed full-time.
  • 66% of fantasy sports users are mobile users in the 2020 survey.
  • In India, a report in 2020 indicated that there are over 100 fantasy sports platforms.
  • The fantasy sports industry benefits the NFL the most, generating an estimated $1 billion annually.
  • According to a 2017 report, over 20% of fantasy sports players say that they now watch more sports on TV since they started playing fantasy sports.
  • As of 2018, around 34% of DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) players were between the ages of 18-34.
  • In 2019, the number of estimated users of the largest provider of fantasy sports, Dream11, was around 50 million.
  • In 2020, the average amount of time spent by fantasy players on sports in a week is approximately 8 hours.
  • The fantasy sports industry is dominated by two companies – DraftKings and FanDuel, which reportedly hold a combined market share of 95% as of 2015.
  • A 2013 study found that 32% of fantasy players are women.
  • The majority of fantasy sports players have a college degree or higher (about 78%), according to a 2018 report.

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The Latest Fantasy Sports Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, the global fantasy sports market size was valued at $20.7 billion.

The statistic “In 2020, the global fantasy sports market size was valued at $20.7 billion” indicates the total estimated value of the fantasy sports industry worldwide during the year 2020. This figure represents the combined revenue generated by various aspects of fantasy sports including participation fees, advertising, sponsorships, and merchandise sales on a global scale. The significant market size underscores the growing popularity and economic impact of fantasy sports, which have become a lucrative industry fuelled by increasing engagement from fans and advancements in technology that have facilitated online participation and interaction. This statistic reflects the substantial financial presence and expansion of the fantasy sports market in the contemporary sports and entertainment landscape.

As of 2021, North America had the largest market share in the global fantasy sports industry at about 58%.

The statistic indicates that as of 2021, North America dominated the global fantasy sports industry with a market share of approximately 58%. This suggests that more than half of the fantasy sports enthusiasts and revenue generated in the industry are concentrated in North America, encompassing the United States and Canada primarily. The substantial market share held by North America underscores the popularity and significance of fantasy sports in the region, likely fueled by factors such as widespread access to internet and mobile technology, strong sports culture, and a large fan base for various professional sports leagues. This statistic highlights the economic and cultural impact of fantasy sports in North America, positioning the region as a key player in the global fantasy sports market.

The Fantasy Sports Trade Association reported that 59.3 million people in the USA and Canada were playing fantasy sports in 2017.

The statistic from the Fantasy Sports Trade Association stating that 59.3 million individuals in the United States and Canada were participating in fantasy sports in 2017 highlights the widespread popularity and engagement in this interactive and competitive sports-related activity. This figure signifies a sizeable portion of the population actively involved in creating virtual teams of real-life sports players and competing based on their statistical performance. The significant participation in fantasy sports showcases the enduring appeal of this leisure pursuit, as well as its impact on consumer behavior, sports fandom, and media consumption patterns within the North American market. Tracking such statistics can provide insights into the continuous evolution and growth of fantasy sports as a significant segment within the sports entertainment industry.

In 2019, 10% of all men aged 18-29 reported that they play fantasy sports every day.

The statistic ‘In 2019, 10% of all men aged 18-29 reported that they play fantasy sports every day’ indicates that a proportion of 10% of the total male population within the age group 18-29 engaged in playing fantasy sports on a daily basis. This suggests that fantasy sports are a popular recreational activity among young adult males, with about one in ten individuals in this demographic spending time on these online sports games regularly. This statistic can provide insights into the interests and preferences of young men in the context of sports and leisure activities, showcasing a notable segment of the population that actively participates in fantasy sports as a form of entertainment and engagement with sports content.

The estimated projected growth rate of the fantasy sports industry between 2020 and 2027 is 13.9%.

The estimated projected growth rate of the fantasy sports industry between 2020 and 2027 at 13.9% indicates the anticipated annual increase in the industry’s size and revenue over this period. This statistic suggests that the fantasy sports industry is expected to experience substantial expansion, likely driven by factors such as increasing popularity among sports fans, advancements in technology enabling enhanced user experiences, and potentially broader acceptance and legalization of fantasy sports in various markets. A growth rate of 13.9% signifies a robust trajectory for the industry, pointing towards a promising future outlook for companies operating within this sector and indicating opportunities for investment and strategic development.

The average annual spending per fantasy player is about $653 on league-related costs, single-player challenge games, and league-related materials.

The statistic that the average annual spending per fantasy player is approximately $653 on league-related costs, single-player challenge games, and league-related materials reflects the financial investment made by individuals participating in fantasy sports. This figure captures the total amount that fantasy players typically spend in a year on various aspects of their fantasy sports activities, including league fees, player challenge games, and materials like draft kits or subscription services. The data highlights the significant commitment and engagement of fantasy players in their leagues, demonstrating the popularity and financial implications of participating in fantasy sports.

About two-thirds of all fantasy sports players are employed full-time.

This statistic indicates that roughly two-thirds, or around 66.7%, of individuals who participate in fantasy sports are employed in full-time positions. This suggests that a majority of fantasy sports players have regular employment, likely reflecting a level of financial stability and disposable income to engage in this leisure activity. The statistic may also imply that fantasy sports appeal to a broad demographic that includes employed individuals with varying occupations and income levels, contributing to the widespread popularity of fantasy sports across different segments of the working population.

66% of fantasy sports users are mobile users in the 2020 survey.

In the 2020 survey, it was found that 66% of fantasy sports users utilize mobile devices to access and engage with fantasy sports platforms. This statistic indicates a significant preference among fantasy sports enthusiasts for mobile platforms, highlighting the importance of mobile-friendly interfaces and applications in catering to the needs and preferences of this user demographic. The high percentage of mobile users underscores the ubiquitous nature of mobile technology and the trend of shifting towards mobile-centric experiences across various online activities, including fantasy sports. This data suggests that fantasy sports providers should prioritize mobile optimization to enhance user accessibility, convenience, and satisfaction in order to better serve the majority of their audience.

In India, a report in 2020 indicated that there are over 100 fantasy sports platforms.

The statistic of over 100 fantasy sports platforms in India as reported in 2020 highlights the significant popularity and growth of the fantasy sports industry in the country. This data indicates a thriving market for online sports gaming and engagement among Indian users. The presence of a large number of fantasy sports platforms suggests a competitive landscape and a wide variety of options for users to choose from, catering to the diverse interests and preferences of sports enthusiasts in India. This statistic also implies a potential economic impact in terms of revenue generation, job creation, and technological advancements within the fantasy sports sector in India.

The fantasy sports industry benefits the NFL the most, generating an estimated $1 billion annually.

The statistic provided indicates that the fantasy sports industry, specifically within the context of the National Football League (NFL), is a significant source of revenue generation with an estimated annual contribution of $1 billion. This suggests that fantasy sports have a substantial economic impact on the NFL, indicating a mutually beneficial relationship between the fantasy sports industry and the league. The statistic highlights the financial symbiosis between the popularity of fantasy sports and the success and profitability of the NFL, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the two entities in the sports entertainment landscape.

According to a 2017 report, over 20% of fantasy sports players say that they now watch more sports on TV since they started playing fantasy sports.

The statistic presented indicates that, based on a 2017 report, a notable portion, specifically over 20%, of individuals who play fantasy sports have reported an increase in their consumption of televised sports since they began engaging in fantasy sports activities. This suggests a positive association between participating in fantasy sports and a heightened interest in and viewership of sports content on television. The finding implies that fantasy sports may serve as a catalyst for increased engagement with traditional sports broadcasting, potentially enhancing the overall viewership and engagement levels within the sports media landscape.

As of 2018, around 34% of DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) players were between the ages of 18-34.

The statistic “As of 2018, around 34% of DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) players were between the ages of 18-34” indicates that a significant proportion of participants in Daily Fantasy Sports activities fall within the demographic cohort of young adults aged 18 to 34. This suggests that DFS platforms are particularly popular among this age group, potentially due to factors such as the perceived excitement and skill-based nature of the games. The statistic provides insight into the target audience for DFS services and highlights the importance of engaging with and catering to the preferences and behaviors of younger consumers within the industry.

In 2019, the number of estimated users of the largest provider of fantasy sports, Dream11, was around 50 million.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, approximately 50 million users were estimated to be using Dream11, the leading provider of fantasy sports. This suggests a significant level of popularity and widespread adoption of the platform among sports enthusiasts. The large user base reflects the appeal of fantasy sports as a leisure activity and the growing trend of engaging with sports in a virtual, competitive setting. Given the size of the user base, Dream11 likely holds a dominant position in the fantasy sports market, attracting a broad audience of users who enjoy the unique experience of managing virtual teams and competing against others based on real-life sporting events.

In 2020, the average amount of time spent by fantasy players on sports in a week is approximately 8 hours.

The statistic suggests that, on average, fantasy sports players dedicated around 8 hours per week to participating in fantasy sports activities during the year 2020. This figure provides insight into the considerable amount of time individuals are willing to invest in fantasy sports, indicating a level of engagement and commitment to the activity. It also highlights the popularity and appeal of fantasy sports, as many participants are likely to be actively managing their fantasy teams, researching players, and following sports news regularly. This statistic could be valuable for understanding the extent of the fantasy sports community’s involvement and interest in the past year.

The fantasy sports industry is dominated by two companies – DraftKings and FanDuel, which reportedly hold a combined market share of 95% as of 2015.

The statistic indicates that the fantasy sports industry in 2015 was highly concentrated, with nearly all of the market share held by just two companies, DraftKings and FanDuel. The dominance of these companies suggests that they have a significant competitive advantage over other players in the industry, potentially limiting consumer choice and competition. This high level of market concentration can have implications for pricing, innovation, and overall market dynamics, as the two dominant companies likely wield considerable influence and control over the fantasy sports market at that time.

A 2013 study found that 32% of fantasy players are women.

The statistic that 32% of fantasy players are women, as reported in a 2013 study, indicates the proportion of female participants within the fantasy gaming community. This finding suggests that there is a notable presence of women engaging in fantasy sports, a traditionally male-dominated activity. The statistic sheds light on the growing diversity within the fantasy gaming realm, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the increasing interest and involvement of women in this recreational pursuit. The study’s result not only provides insights into the demographic composition of fantasy players but also underscores the importance of inclusive representation and gender diversity in the realm of sports and gaming.

The majority of fantasy sports players have a college degree or higher (about 78%), according to a 2018 report.

The statistic indicates that around 78% of fantasy sports players possess a college degree or higher based on a 2018 report. This suggests that participation in fantasy sports is predominantly among individuals with higher levels of education, which may reflect characteristics such as higher income levels, analytical skills, and competitiveness. The finding could potentially have implications for marketers targeting this demographic, as well as for understanding the demographics and behaviors of fantasy sports players. This statistic underscores the correlation between education level and engagement in fantasy sports, highlighting a trend within this specific leisure activity.

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How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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