Macquarie Forecast Puts DraftKings and FanDuel in Prediction Markets Spotlight – What It Means for Video Poker Players

A new report from Australian investment bank Macquarie projects that the global prediction markets sector could reach $1.5 trillion in trading volume by 2030, a figure roughly 50% higher than other analysts’ estimates. The report, authored by analyst Chad Beynon, names DraftKings and FanDuel as two of the most promising companies that could become top players in the space. Both operators are also major providers of video poker games to US players, giving the forecast direct relevance for the video poker community.

Macquarie’s volume breakdown

Beynon’s note splits the $1.5 trillion projection into $705 billion from sports markets and $783 billion from non-sports markets, including event contracts tied to political outcomes and cryptocurrencies. The analyst believes that non-sports trades will continue to differentiate prediction markets from traditional sports betting. He also expects sports volumes to remain high during major events such as the FIFA World Cup.

Key facts

Video poker operators in the spotlight

DraftKings and FanDuel each operate online casino platforms that include video poker titles such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and multi-hand variants. Macquarie’s endorsement of these companies as potential leaders in prediction markets signals that their financial resources and user bases could expand further. For video poker players, that may mean continued investment in game libraries, promotions, and platform stability.

Regulatory uncertainty remains

Beynon’s projections assume favorable regulatory conditions, but the report acknowledges that prediction markets remain a legal gray area. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulates these products, and several states, tribal gaming entities, and commercial operators have argued that they constitute illegal gambling. Kalshi, another prediction market operator, faces a legal challenge in Washington, D.C., where its products could be ruled illegal under local gambling laws. The CFTC has also sued states that have attempted to regulate prediction markets on their own.

How this affects video poker players

If DraftKings and FanDuel successfully enter the prediction market sector, they could generate new revenue streams that may fund broader casino operations, including video poker. However, adverse regulatory rulings could force them to scale back non-sports offerings, potentially affecting their overall gaming platforms. Players should monitor how these legal battles unfold, especially if they affect the availability of video poker in states where DraftKings or FanDuel operate.

Source limitations and caveats

The Macquarie report is a forward-looking analysis, not a confirmed outcome. The $1.5 trillion figure is based on assumptions about legal clarity and consumer adoption. The companies named have not publicly confirmed expansion plans into prediction markets beyond existing statements. This article does not constitute financial advice; video poker players are encouraged to verify the current regulatory status of any platform they use.

Source: GamblingNews – https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/macquarie-optimistic-about-prediction-markets-as-sector-continues-to-excel/