How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Fantasy Sports App like Fanduel?

The landscape of digital entertainment has been dramatically transformed by the rise of sports betting apps, redefining how fans engage with their favorite sports. Leading this revolution is FanDuel, a powerhouse in real-time fantasy sports that has captivated millions with its comprehensive range of betting services. From daily fantasy sports to online casinos and horse race betting, FanDuel has become a staple for over millions of users, setting high standards in the industry.

The growing popularity of such apps can be attributed to the seamless integration of technology and user experience, which brings the excitement of live sports betting directly to users’ fingertips. This accessibility has opened up new avenues for fan engagement, making every game or match a more interactive and thrilling event. Moreover, the legal relaxation in many regions regarding online betting has further fueled the market expansion, making sports betting apps a lucrative investment opportunity.

For entrepreneurs and businesses looking to venture into this booming market, understanding the financial commitment involved is essential. The development cost of a sports betting app like FanDuel can range significantly, typically from $50,000 to $300,000. This variation is influenced by several factors, including the app’s complexity, the features it offers, the technology used, and the geographical location of the development team.

This blog aims to delve deeper into the intricacies of developing a sports betting app, discussing not only the cost factors but also the strategic planning required to launch a successful platform. We will explore how to create an app that not only meets legal and market demands but also delivers a compelling user experience that can stand out in the competitive sports betting industry. So, without any further ado, let’s begin.

Market Overview of Sports Betting App Industry

• The global sports betting industry is expected to reach a market size of $182.12 billion by 2030.
• Within the sports betting app market, there are over 22,000 active businesses with nearly 200,000 employees running the fantasy sports industry.
• Many countries are a part of the legal sports betting market, including the US. The sports betting revenue in the US is estimated to grow to as much as $10 billion by the end of 2028.
• The sports betting market is expected to witness a CAGR of 10.3% from 2023 to 2030.
• In the U.S., the legal casino gaming, sports betting, and iGaming verticals generated $1.08 billion in state gaming tax revenue in October 2024.
• Over the first ten months of the year 2024, regulated gaming operators have paid $12.61 billion in gaming taxes alone.

Note: *Before we start with fantasy sports app development, you must note that you require a license from the compliance authority to launch a realtime fantasy sports mobile app in your country. However, the compliance will depend upon the standard legal protocols followed by your country. Therefore, consult with a legal advisor before taking any further steps.*

Factors Affecting The Fantasy Sports App Development Cost

When it comes to developing a real time fantasy sports app, the cost is undoubtedly one of the first considerations. In order to determine the budget for your project, you must first determine the cost of development be it through freelancing or hiring a fantasy sports app development company.

There are four significant aspects that influence the cost of producing a realtime fantasy sports mobile app.

Let’s take a look at every factor in detail:

1. Platform

Which platform should I create my mobile app on?

This is the thought that comes to your mind when you think of launching an app. When it comes to mobile apps, though, you have two options. You can choose from both Android and iOS. The platform you choose will have a big impact on the price of your project.

Fanduel is on both Android and iOS platforms and it has been running its fantasy sports service on Amazon Web Services (AWS) for security and administration, and to make sure services run smoothly. The Amazon RDS for Aurora is used by the team for high performance.

Since Android is more compatible with a wider range of devices, developing an app for iOS is regarded to be far less expensive than developing one for Android. As a result, deciding on a platform before engaging an app development partner is critical. However, if you want to cover more territory in terms of customers, you should develop your app for both platforms.

2. Tech Requirements

After you’ve decided on a platform, the next critical consideration is choosing the right tech stack. You must be able to answer questions such as:

• Which programming language you wish to use or,
• Which database will you use to store data?
• You must also decide if you want to develop your software natively or run on a cross-platform framework.

All of the above questions will help you figure out how much money you’ll need to spend on your mobile app development. It’s a good idea to talk to your development partner first so you can make an informed decision.

3. Fantasy Sports Mobile App Features

Your app’s features will ultimately determine whether it succeeds or fails. As a result, it goes without saying that the functionality your app has will influence the cost of your development project.

The fantasy sports app development cost will vary based on the features you choose to include in your tool. If you opt to add high-end features like multi platform support, expert analysis, live match streaming, multiple payment modes, leader boards, and so on, then the process will be more expensive.

Whatever you choose, there are some things that your real time fantasy sports app simply simply needs to be successful. We will discuss the world class features your sports betting app like Fanduel should include in our next section.

4. Hiring a Sports Development Partner

At last, the cost to create an app like Fanduel or bring any sports app ideas to life will be determined by the sports app development company you choose. It’s critical to work with a development partner who has the experience, resources, and overall goodwill to assist you in developing an app at a reasonable cost.

For instance, check some of the most successful sports app designed and developed by Appinventiv.

How well-optimized your development process is, will influence a large portion of the money you spend. A respectable development partner will help you avoid mistakes, provide you sound advice, and use only the greatest minds and cutting-edge resources to bring your mobile app to life. The cost of your project will also be affected by the location of your developers.

Now that we have looked at the factors that directly affect the development cost of a sports app like Fanduel, we must also take into consideration the features that play a huge part in making your sports betting app successful.

World Class Features To Be Included In Your Sports Betting App

To make any application successful, your prior focus must be on the features and functionality of your sports app. You can categorize the sports betting app features into two parts:

1. The Admin Panel Features
2. The User Panel Features

Note that these features impact the fantasy app development cost and decide the USP of your app.

The Admin Panel Features

The Admin panel is designed to have control of the user activities and overall application functionalities.

The Admin panel includes following functionalities :

• User management – Through this the admin can supervise the actions performed by the users and regular bettors in the app. In case of any malicious activity, the admin can ban any user from the application using the user management feature.
• Price and payment management – This helps admin to manage the payment received as bet money from the user and later distribute the payment price among the winners.
• Game management – Here, the admin can modify the particular event or game of their choice and control the ongoing games with ease.
• Marketing tools – If you focus on the revenue point of view, marketing tools are super crucial in your sports fantasy app. Here, the admin can implement various marketing strategies to send promotional messages, social media messages etc.
• Content management – The content management system features allows admin to modify the content of the app including language, access, updates and delete.

The User Panel Features

The user panel is for your users and subscribers and the features included in this category make your app user friendly and help with maximum engagement. The user panel includes the following features:

• Sign-in – This helps users to sign-up on your sports betting platform using email credentials, phone number, banking details and more. You must also allow users to sign up using their social media accounts for easy onboarding.
• Live scores – This helps users to observe the live scores of the online games or bet matches. In addition, users can also analyze the team or the player performance to make betting decisions.
• Result notifications – Here, the users get information about the match results as a part of push notifications.
• Ranking and upcoming events – One of the best features of your sports app betting app would be the ranking feature where it is handy for users to place bets on a particular team or players based on their ranks. Moreover, you can also alert your users on the upcoming matches and events with the help of upcoming events feature.

• Offers and betting tips – It is always preferable to reward your regular users with exciting offers and discounts especially in a sports betting app.

Apart from this, always keep a “betting tips” section in your fantasy sports app for new users to help them understand more about the game.

You can also include advanced features such as in-app video call, live streaming, app updates etc. to make your sports betting app stand apart from the crowd.

How to a Make a Sports Betting App: A Step-by-Step Guide

Developing a sports betting app requires careful planning and execution to create an app that not only engages users but also complies with legal regulations. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to create a sports betting app that can attract users and stand out in the competitive market.

Step 1: Market Research and Legal Considerations

Begin with thorough market research to understand your competition and user preferences. Simultaneously, explore the legal requirements in the markets where you intend to operate. This dual approach ensures your app is both appealing to users and meets all regulatory mandates.

Step 2: Define Your Feature Set

Identify essential features that your app must have, such as account management, live betting, and secure payment options. Also, consider adding unique features that can set your app apart, like multi-language support, advanced analytics, or personalized betting tips.

Step 3: Choose the Right Technology Stack

Select a technology stack that supports robust and scalable app performance. Your choice of technologies for the frontend and backend will affect the app’s speed, scalability, and security. Popular stacks often include React or Angular for the frontend and Node.js or Ruby on Rails for the backend.

Step 4: Design an Intuitive User Interface

Focus on crafting a user interface that is straightforward and engaging. Effective design should facilitate easy navigation and quick access to important features, enhancing overall user satisfaction.

Step 5: Develop the App

Proceed with the coding and construction of your app, adhering to the design guidelines and technical specifications previously established to ensure a stable and functional product.

Step 6: Perform Rigorous Testing

Implement thorough testing phases to identify and resolve any bugs, assess usability, and confirm compliance with all necessary regulatory standards. This should include functional, performance, and security testing.

Step 7: Launch the App

Release your app on relevant platforms such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Coordinate the launch with targeted marketing efforts to maximize user interest and adoption.

Step 8: Regularly Maintain the App

After launching, continuously monitor the app for performance and user feedback. Regularly update the app to add new features, address any emerging issues, and adapt to any new legal requirements, ensuring the app remains competitive and compliant.

After looking into a detailed process of how to make a sports betting app, let’s move ahead and look at the various revenue models used by sports betting apps like Fanduel.

How Do Fantasy Sports Apps Make Money?

Different monetization techniques are used by fantasy sports apps for making money. You can use a combination of these monetization models like one or two of them, or can use all of them at the same time. With that in mind, let’s look at how businesses are making money on fanduel-like apps:

Participation Fees

One of the primary revenue streams for fantasy sports apps like Fanduel is collecting a percentage from each user’s entry fee. This approach ensures steady income from active players.

Advertising

As the app gains popularity, it becomes an attractive platform for advertisers, especially those targeting sports enthusiasts. Selling advertising space can be a significant source of revenue.

Sponsorships

Partnering with well-known brands or sports leagues for sponsorships can bring in additional revenue. These brands often seek exposure in niche markets with engaged audiences.

In-App Purchases

Offering users the ability to purchase enhancements or additional features within the app can generate further income. This could include things like access to premium content, statistical insights, or personalized coaching tips.

Subscriptions

Implementing a subscription model provides continuous revenue, granting users access to exclusive features, content, or ad-free experiences on a recurring basis.

Risks and Challenges of Building a Sports Betting Application

Developing a sports betting application like FanDuel comes with its own set of risks and challenges. Understanding these hurdles and preparing for them with effective solutions is key to a successful launch. Here’s a look at some common challenges and strategic solutions for each:

1. Regulatory Compliance

Sports betting involves navigating a complex landscape of legal requirements, which can vary significantly between different regions or states.

Solution: Engage with a development partner with expertise in legal compliance early in the development process to ensure your app complies with all local and international gambling laws. Continuous monitoring for legal updates is essential to maintain compliance as regulations can frequently change.

2. Security Concerns

Handling sensitive user information and transactions requires high-level security to protect against breaches, fraud, and hacks.

Solution: Implement state-of-the-art security measures such as SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure payment gateways. Regular security audits and updates can help safeguard the platform against new threats.

3. High Competition

The sports betting market is highly competitive, with many well-established players.

Solution: Focus on unique value propositions such as exclusive features, exceptional user experience, or innovative betting options to differentiate your app from competitors. Continuous market research and user feedback can help refine and improve the offerings.

4. Technological Challenges

Ensuring the app’s performance remains consistent across different devices and operating systems can be technically demanding.

Solution: Use a robust and scalable technology stack. Conduct extensive testing across multiple devices to ensure compatibility and optimize the app’s performance for a smooth user experience.

5. Market Penetration

Acquiring new users in a saturated market requires significant marketing efforts and can be costly.

Solution: Develop a strong marketing strategy that leverages SEO, social media, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising. Offering promotions, free trials, or bonuses can also attract new users and retain existing ones.

How Can Appinventiv Help You With Sports App Development Like Fanduel?

Appinventiv is a leading fantasy sports app development company with a track record of delivering captivating Android and iOS apps for global businesses. Our high-end sports app development services include:

• Mobile game development
• Web 3 game development
• 3D game development
• AR/VR game development
• Metaverse game development and more.

Our highly expert team of developers, designers and gamers utilize advanced technologies and  mobile programming techniques to create impressive sports and gaming apps for businesses. Talk to our experts to get started on your journey now.

Frequently Asked Questions on Sports Betting App Development Cost

Q1. How much does fanduel cost?

A. The cost to create a sports app like Fanduel can start from $10,000. The cost for a fanduel mobile sports betting app with extensive features that too for more than one platform, can go up to $80,000.

Q2. How to create a fantasy sports algorithm?

A. As the daily fantasy sports game is growing, so is the competition and thus use of algorithms. You can create fantasy sport using algorithms like:

• Algorithm for developing, managing, and calculating game points based on live games data coming from a data feed provider.
• Algorithm for building the ideal team for the daily contests.

Algorithm for making a prize pool for contests based on several factors such as entry fees, contest complexity, number of participants, and so on.

Q3. How long does it take to build a sports betting app like Fanduel?

A. The development time for a sports betting app like FanDuel can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the app, the features included, the technology used, and the efficiency of the development team. Generally, you can expect the process to take anywhere from 3 to 12 months. This timeline includes all phases of the development process, from initial concept and market research to design, development, testing, and launch.