How Much Does it Cost to Build an App Like FanDuel? 

Platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM have redefined how fans experience the thrill of their favorite sports. Imagine crafting your virtual team, strategically selecting athletes based on real-world performance, and then competing with friends and family.

Fantasy sports apps provide this immersive and dynamic experience, blending strategy, competition, and the thrill of witnessing your chosen athletes dominate.FanDuel, a New York-based powerhouse, is a prime example of success in this domain. This multifaceted platform offers a one-stop shop for sports enthusiasts.

This guide unveils the key factors that influence the development cost of an app like FanDuel, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate this exciting venture effectively.

What is the FanDuel App? 

FanDuel is a multifaceted platform that offers a one-stop shop for sports betting enthusiasts. Acclaimed initially as a daily fantasy sports provider, FanDuel’s strategic 2018 merger with Flutter Entertainment positioned the company as a significant player in the legal sports betting industry. 

Today, FanDuel is an industry titan, claiming a whopping 43% share of gross sports betting revenue in Q4 of 2023. This dominance reflects their commitment to providing a cutting-edge platform with an intuitive user interface and diverse betting options, serving both casual and experienced bettors.

How Does An App Like FanDuel Work?

Apps like FanDuel let you engage in fantasy sports by building a virtual team and competing against others. Your success hinges on the actual performance of the athletes you’ve selected.FanDuel offers a daily fantasy sports experience. You pick a sport like football or basketball, then build a virtual team by selecting athletes based on your predictions for their upcoming performances. 

• Pick your sport: From football to baseball, various options are available.
• Craft your team: Select athletes based on your predictions for upcoming games.
• Budget your picks: There’s a limit on how much you can spend on your virtual roster.
• Challenge others: Join contests and compete against other users for prizes.
• Live updates: Track your team’s performance and scoring as the real-world games unfold.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that while such apps may be legal in certain regions, they involve real money wagering. 

Online Sports Betting Market Poised for Explosive Growth

The US Market: A Lucrative Frontier

The online sports betting market is experiencing a surge in popularity, with revenue projected to reach a staggering US$9.65 billion in 2024. This momentum is expected to continue, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.03%, propelling the market to US$15.75 billion by 2028.

A rapidly expanding user base fuels this growth. By 2028, the number of online sports bettors is expected to reach 52.0 million, representing a significant increase in user penetration from 11.1% in 2024 to 15.0%. This translates to an average revenue per user (ARPU) of US$256.60.

Interestingly, the global landscape of online sports betting reveals regional variations. While Australia is expected to be the top revenue generator in 2024 with US$9.76 billion, Canada boasts the highest user penetration rate, projected to reach a remarkable 48.9% by 2028. These trends suggest a maturing market in Australia alongside a rapidly emerging one in Canada.

Cost Breakdown Of a Fantasy Sports App Like FanDuel

Component	Description	Estimated Cost (USD)
Pre-Development research	Providing ongoing bug fixes and updates and addressing user issues.	$5,000 – $10,000
UI/UX Design	User interface and user experience design	$10,000 – $20,000
Frontend Development	Creating the part of a website or web application that users directly interact with.	$20,000 – $40,000
Backend Development	Research, Market Analysis, and App Concept	$30,000 – $50,000
Admin Panel	Creating a control center for managing users, content, and data.	$10,000 – $20,000
Player Analytics	Implementing systems to collect, analyze, and interpret player data.	$5,000 – $10,000
Payment Gateway Integration	Enabling secure in-app transactions.	$5,000 – $10,000
Push Notifications	Sending real-time alerts and updates to users.	$5,000 – $10,000
Testing & Quality Assurance	Rigorously testing the app for functionality, performance, and security.	$15,000 – $30,000
Launch & Deployment	Making the app available to users on the desired platforms	$5,000 – $10,000
Maintenance & Support	Providing ongoing bug fixes, updates, and addressing user issues.	$10,000 – $20,000
Legal & Regulatory Compliance	Ensuring the app adheres to all relevant laws and regulations.	$5,000 – $10,000
Contingency	Planning for and addressing potential issues that may arise after launch.	$10,000 – $20,000
Total		$130,000 – $250,000

The fantasy sports market offers immense potential but demands a focus on user experience. By carefully considering the cost-shaping factors, prioritizing core functionalities, and potentially partnering with experienced development teams, you can craft an engaging and successful fantasy sports app that stands out in this competitive landscape.

Cost Affecting Factors To Consider To Develop An App Like FanDuel

in Fantasy Sports where strategy meets passion, creating a real-time mobile app is thrilling and requires a keen eye for cost management. Before embarking on this exciting venture, understanding the factors influencing the budgetary landscape is crucial.

Here’s a breakdown of the key cost factors that will influence your budget:

Feature Funhouse vs. Core Carousel:

• Feature Funhouse: Imagine a feature wonderland – live game updates, complex scoring systems, and real-time social feeds create an immersive experience but come at a premium development cost.

• Core Carousel: Start with the essentials like user-friendly team creation, intuitive contest joining, and a smooth interface. This core functionality provides a solid foundation at a lower initial cost. You can always add fancier features later!

The In-House Home Team vs. The Outsource

• The In-House Home Team: Building your development squad offers complete control but requires significant investments in hiring experienced developers, designers, and project managers.

• The Outsourced All-Stars: Partnering with an external development company provides cost-efficiency and access to a pool of skilled professionals. Consider factors like location and expertise when choosing your development partner.

Platform Power Plays

• Platform Power Plays: Expanding your reach to iOS and Android territories maximizes your audience but necessitates separate development processes, increasing costs.

• Choose Your Arena: Targeting a single platform initially allows for a more cost-effective launch. Depending on user demographics and market trends, you can always consider conquering the other platform later.

Tech Stack Symphony

• Native Notes: Building native apps for each platform (iOS and Android) delivers an optimal user experience but requires separate development efforts.

• Cross-Platform Harmony: Utilize frameworks like React Native or Flutter to create a single codebase that functions on both platforms. This approach is faster and potentially cheaper but might have limitations in advanced features.

Beyond the Code

• Data Dragons: Integrating with real-time sports data feeds and APIs is essential, but these data dragons have a price tag—factor in data licensing fees when budgeting.

• Security Sentinels: Financial transactions necessitate robust security measures. Implementing secure payment gateways and user data protection protocols adds to the development expense.

• The Update Odyssey: Budget for ongoing maintenance, bug fixes, and future feature updates to keep your app competitive and user-friendly.

By carefully considering these cost factors, you can craft a realistic budget for your fantasy sports app. Remember, the cost spectrum can range from a streamlined single-platform app for around $130,000 to a feature-rich, multi-platform powerhouse reaching $250,000 or more.

How To Make An App Like FanDuel 

Building a fantasy sports app like FanDuel requires a multi-step approach, focusing on functionality, user experience, and legal considerations. Here’s a high-level roadmap:

Concept & Target Audience:

Clearly define your app’s unique features and target a specific sports fan demographic. Research existing apps and identify potential market gaps.

Team & Technology Stack:

Assemble a development team with expertise in mobile app development, backend infrastructure, and fantasy sports data management. Choose technologies like Node.js or Python for the backend and build a robust database like MySQL or MongoDB.

Core Features:

Focus on core functionalities like user registration, team drafting and management, real-time scoring updates, contest creation and entry, and secure payment processing.

User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX):

Design a user-friendly and intuitive interface that simplifies navigation and keeps users engaged. Prioritize a smooth user experience across all platforms (Android, iOS).

Backend & Data Management:

Develop a robust backend infrastructure that can handle real-time data updates, user activity, and secure financial transactions. Integrate with reliable sports data providers.

Testing & Refinement:

Rigorously test your app for bugs and ensure seamless functionality across different devices and operating systems. Gather user feedback during beta testing and iterate based on their input.

Launch & Marketing:

Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to reach your target audience. Consider app store optimization, social media campaigns, and influencer partnerships.

Compliance & Regulations:

Ensure your app adheres to all relevant gambling regulations in your target markets. Partner with legal and financial experts to navigate licensing and payment processing requirements.

Tech Stack To Consider To Develop An App Like FanDuel

Just like building a magnificent ship requires the perfect combination of materials, your app’s tech stack is fundamental. The programming languages, databases, and frameworks you choose significantly impact the development process:

• Frontend: Languages like Java/Kotlin (Android) and Swift/Objective-C (iOS) or frameworks like React Native provide a versatile toolbox for crafting exceptional user interfaces.

• Backend: Robust server options, such as Node.js, Python (Django/Flask), or Java Spring, ensure seamless data processing, user requests, and secure communication.

• Database: The information vault. Scalable options like MySQL or PostgreSQL efficiently store user data, game information, and player statistics.

• API Integration: This is the bridge to the external world. Integrating with sports data providers and payment gateways is essential for real-time updates and secure financial transactions.

Must-Have Features To Consider in a Sports Betting App like FanDuel

Here are some features to consider:

The Admin Panel: The Command Center for Efficiency

The Admin Panel is the cornerstone of your sports betting application, empowering comprehensive control and strategic decision-making. This vital interface equips you to cultivate a secure and engaging user environment, fostering long-term success. Let’s delve into the core functionalities:

Ensuring User Trust: User Management

Stringent user management practices are fundamental to building trust and a secure environment. Implementing robust KYC (Know Your Customer) verification helps mitigate fraud and money laundering risks. Proactive account management through activity monitoring allows for the swift identification and response to suspicious behavior, ensuring responsible practices and fostering a safe platform for all users.

Financial Transparency: Price and Payment Management

A secure financial ecosystem requires efficient transactions and real-time oversight. A robust payment gateway ensures seamless deposits, withdrawals, and payouts, while real-time monitoring empowers discrepancy identification and upholds transparency. This combined approach strengthens the platform’s security and fosters trust.

Maintaining Game Integrity: Game Management

Live monitoring safeguards the user experience by promptly addressing technical issues in ongoing games. This maintains a reliable betting environment. Real-time control over events, including adjusting odds or match details, is not included as Such actions would jeopardize the system’s integrity and fair play.

Driving User Engagement: Marketing Tools

Effective user engagement hinges on a data-driven approach. Targeted communication through personalized push notifications, promotions, and social media messages re-engages users and drives app activity. Additionally, analyzing user behavior allows for tailored marketing efforts, fostering deeper user engagement and promoting long-term app retention.

Content Curation: Content Management System (CMS)

A user-friendly Content Management System (CMS) empowers effortless management of app content. This streamline updates to sports data, odds, news, and promotions, keeping the app informative and engaging. Furthermore, multilingual support fosters inclusivity by serving a wider audience and giving a seamless user experience across languages.

User panel: Cultivating an Engaging Experience

The User Panel serves as the mainstay of your sports betting application, offering a gateway to a world of thrilling sporting action and strategic wagers. Designed with the user in mind, this intuitive interface empowers informed decision-making and fosters a deeply engaging experience.

• Seamless Onboarding: Prioritize a swift and user-friendly registration process. Secure login options, such as two-factor authentication or social media integration, streamline user acquisition.

• Intuitive Interface:  A clean and well-organized user interface is paramount. Users should effortlessly navigate betting options, live scores, and personalized settings, fostering a smooth and intuitive experience.

• Comprehensive Sportsbook:  Offer diverse sports and events to cater to various interests. Include popular choices alongside niche markets to attract specific demographics.

• Diverse Bet Types: We offer a spectrum of betting options, encompassing point spreads, money lines, totals, and parlays. This caters to various risk tolerances and betting strategies.

• Real-time Game Center: This center informs users with constant updates on game progress, live scores, in-depth statistics, and dynamic odds fluctuations. This empowers users to make informed decisions throughout the game.

• Personalized Dashboard:  Allow users to customize their dashboard. This grants them easy access to view their favorite teams, upcoming wagers, and betting history, fostering a sense of ownership and deeper engagement.

• Secure Transactions:  Integrate a reliable and secure payment gateway supporting various methods. This may include debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and potentially even cryptocurrency (adhering to regulations) to ensure a seamless and trustworthy financial experience.

• Targeted Push Notifications:  Leverage push notifications strategically. Keep users informed about crucial game updates, bet confirmations, and occasional promotional offers. However, avoid overwhelming them with excessive notifications.

Some Unique Features To Consider For Sports Betting App

While the core functionalities outlined previously are essential for any sports betting app, incorporating features that set your platform apart is crucial for attracting and retaining users. Here’s how you can draw inspiration from FanDuel:

Same-Game Parlays: 

This feature allows experienced bettors to combine wagers within a single game, offering the potential for significant rewards alongside increased risk. It caters to those seeking exciting and potentially lucrative betting opportunities.

Live In-App Streaming (where permitted): 

Enable live broadcasts of sporting events directly within the app to elevate the user experience. This immersive feature allows users to witness the action unfold while placing wagers, fostering a deeper level of engagement and excitement.

Hyper-personalization: Betting on You

Imagine an app that curates bets based on your deepest sports fandom. Think AI-powered suggestions for parlays that combine your favorite player props with your team’s money line. Real-time alerts about unexpected stat trends that align with your betting preferences could provide an edge.

Augmented Reality Overlays: Seeing is Believing

Imagine using your phone’s camera to overlay injury reports, live win probabilities, and key player stats directly onto the game you’re watching. This “X-ray vision” would add a whole new level of engagement and strategic decision-making to your bets.

Social Betting: Sharing the Thrill

Imagine a seamless way to create a virtual pool with friends for a specific game. Each friend would throw in a set amount, pick their bets, and the app would facilitate a secure payout to the winner. This social element would gamify the experience and build a sense of community around shared sports passion.

Beyond the Scoreboard: Niche Market Magic

The future isn’t just about traditional sports. Imagine niche markets like esports or fantasy horse racing integrated into betting apps. Tailoring features and odds to these growing communities could unlock a loyal user base hungry for a dedicated platform.

The Ethical Arena: Responsible Gambling

With innovation comes responsibility. Imagine AI-powered features that track a user’s betting behavior and gently nudge them towards setting limits or taking a break if necessary. Integrating educational resources and promoting responsible gambling practices can build trust and user loyalty.

The sports betting app landscape is poised for a revolution. By embracing these trends and prioritizing user experience, developers can create apps that not only capture the crowd’s roar but also redefine the future of sports betting.

How Do Sports Fantasy Apps Generate Revenue?

While FanDuel stands as a titan in the fantasy sports industry, the secrets to its success extend far beyond simply offering a platform for competition. Here’s a glimpse into the diverse monetization strategies employed by these engaging apps:

Entry Fees

The cornerstone of many fantasy sports apps, entry fees fuel the competitive spirit. Users pay to participate in contests, with some of the collected fees filling the app’s coffers. The remaining sum is distributed as prize money, incentivizing participation and keeping the adrenaline pumping.

Freemium Model

This approach casts a wider net. Basic features entice users to join, while premium features like advanced statistics, expert analysis, or exclusive high-roller contests are unlocked through subscriptions or in-app purchases. This caters to a broader audience and allows users to tailor their budget.

Strategic Advertising

Sports data providers, merchandise retailers, and other relevant businesses recognize the value of reaching this highly engaged user base. By strategically integrating targeted ads within the app, fantasy sports platforms generate revenue by displaying them to their users.

Leveraging Sponsorships

Partnering with sports teams, leagues, or media outlets fosters brand recognition and attracts new users. Sponsorship deals can encompass displaying logos, offering exclusive content within the app, or even integrating sponsored contests, creating a win-win situation for both parties.

Affiliate Marketing

Fantasy sports apps can forge partnerships with sportsbooks or other relevant businesses. By referring users to these partners and driving sales, the app earns a commission on each successful transaction, creating an additional revenue stream.

Beyond the Basics

• In-App Purchases: Think virtual jerseys, custom avatars, or exclusive power-ups. Selling these virtual items within the app allows users to personalize their experience and provides another revenue stream.

• Data Monetization (with Caution):  Apps may collect and anonymize user data for market research. This data can then be sold to interested parties, generating additional income. However, strict adherence to data privacy regulations is paramount in such cases.

Conclusion

The cost of building a fantasy sports app like FanDuel can vary significantly depending on the features and complexity you envision. While a basic app for one platform might start at around $70,000, a feature-rich app for iOS and Android can reach up to $200,000. To ensure a competitive and successful app, consider the additional costs of backend infrastructure, data security, and ongoing maintenance. Remember, the initial investment is crucial, but just as important is building a user experience that keeps players engaged and returning for more.

How Can We Help You Develop An App Like Fanduel?

if you Are looking to develop a dynamic sports betting app like Fanduel, Idea Usher can be your one-stop shop. Our team of veteran developers has expertise in the sports betting industry and the technical intricacies required to craft an engaging and secure platform. 

We’ll guide you through every stage of development, from conceptualizing features like in-play betting and real-time odds to ensuring seamless integration with secure payment gateways. Our focus on responsible gambling practices ensures your app prioritizes user well-being.

Partner with Idea Usher and leverage our expertise to transform your sports betting app idea into a thriving reality.

FAQ

How much does it cost to develop a fantasy sports app?

Developing a fantasy sports app can cost between $130,000 and $250,000, but the final cost will depend on the complexity of the features and functionalities included.

How do you make a fantasy sports app?

The process of developing a fantasy sports app consists of Market Research, App Concept and Feature Definition, Technical Feasibility, Development, Testing, and Deployment.

How does a fantasy sports app work?

Fantasy Sports Apps let you engage in fantasy sports by building a virtual team and competing against others. Your success hinges on the actual performance of the athletes you’ve selected.FanDuel offers a daily fantasy sports experience. You pick a sport like football or basketball, then build a virtual team by selecting athletes based on your predictions for their upcoming performances.