DraftKings Revenues Up by 26% as Customer Tax Surcharge Announced

Customers in high tax states set to pay a fee to protect company profits

by - Friday, August 2nd, 2024 10:17

Gambling profits protected

DraftKings has released its Q2 2024 financial results revealing revenue of $1.1 billion, up by 26% year-on-year.

In an investors call, DraftKings CEO Jason Robbins cited continued healthy customer acquisition as the main driver of revenues:

DraftKings Revenues Up by 26% as Customer Tax Surcharge Announced

Q2 2024 Report Highlights

  • Q1 Revenue; $1.104 billion, up 26%
  • Loss from operations; -$32.8 million, 53% decrease on losses reported in Q2 2023
  • Adjusted EBITDA; $127.9 million
  • Monthly Unique Payers (“MUPs”) increased to 3.1 million, up by 50%
  • Average revenue per customer was $117, up by 15%

2024 Revenue Guidance Midpoint Raised to $5.15 Billion

DraftKings has revised its fiscal year 2024 revenue projection to between $5.05 billion and $5.25 billion, up from the previously stated range of $4.80 billion to $5 billion announced on May 2nd, 2024.

Alan Ellingson, DraftKings’ Chief Financial Officer said:

DraftKings Revenues Up by 26% as Customer Tax Surcharge Announced

Customer Surcharge for High Tax States

In an precedented move, Robbins also dropped the news that the company would look to implement a customer surcharge for anyone based in states with high sports wagering tax rates.

DraftKings Revenues Up by 26% as Customer Tax Surcharge Announced

“Additionally, we plan to implement a gaming tax surcharge in high tax states that have multiple mobile sports betting operators on January 1, 2025 which could drive Adjusted EBITDA upside on an annual basis.”

Earlier this year when asked about states increasing tax rates Robbins said:

DraftKings Revenues Up by 26% as Customer Tax Surcharge Announced

The surcharge will be introduced in January 2025 with it slated as being a ‘nominal charge for customers’. It will be rolled out in any state with a tax rate above 20%.

DraftKings Revenues Up by 26% as Customer Tax Surcharge Announced that sets out a new progressive tax structure that will see rates ranging from 20% to 40%. The rate charged depends on the sportsbook’s gross revenues. This will see the Prairie State included on the list.

The report state that the surcharge will be rolled out in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Vermont. However, despite news that it will be applicable in states with 20% or higher tax rates, there is no mention of Oregon. The company is the sole sports betting provider in Oregon with 51% of all revenues going to the state.

Jenny Tang

An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.