CEO Jason Robins intends to compete and win in the rapidly expanding prediction market industry, but investors aren’t so sure.
Shares of DraftKings (DKNG 13.73%) tumbled on Friday after the digital sports entertainment and gaming leader issued a tepid growth forecast.
By the close of trading, DraftKings’ stock price was down more than 13%.
Image source: Getty Images.
Profitability is improving
DraftKings’ fourth-quarter revenue surged 43% year over year to $2 billion. The company’s mobile sports betting operations are now live in 26 states and Washington, D.C., making them available to about half of the U.S. population.
DraftKings’ average monthly unique paying customers were flat at 4.8 million, while its average revenue per customer increased 43% to $139. A higher mix of parlay bets and sportsbook-friendly sporting event outcomes contributed to the gains.

DraftKings
Today’s Change
(-13.73%) $-3.46
Current Price
$21.70
Key Data Points
Market Cap
$13B
Day’s Range
$21.02 – $22.78
52wk Range
$21.01 – $53.61
Volume
3.3M
Avg Vol
13M
Gross Margin
39.23%
All told, the online betting pioneer generated net income of $136 million, compared to a loss of $135 million in the prior-year quarter.
Moreover, DraftKings’ adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) soared 284% to $343 million.
A lackluster forecast
Still, investors appeared to focus on the company’s 2026 guidance. DraftKings expects full-year revenue of $6.5 billion to $6.9 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $700 million to $900 million. Wall Street had expected revenue of $7.3 billion.
The shortfall likely sparked concerns about intensifying competition, not just from rival sportsbook operators but also fast-growing prediction markets.
CEO Jason Robins, however, sees prediction markets as a “massive, incremental opportunity” rather than a threat.
“We plan to deploy growth capital to build the best customer experience in predictions, and acquire millions of customers,” Robins said. “We have the playbook to execute and win.”
Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.









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