If you’ve ever browsed betting sites, you’ll probably have noticed that they all claim to be “the biggest”. But in the world of bookmakers, only a select few can substantiate that claim with hard facts, an excellent reputation, and significant global influence.
So, let’s explore what ‘biggest bookmaker in the world’ really means and who truly deserves that title today.
What Does “Biggest” Actually Mean in Betting?
In everyday conversation, ‘biggest’ sounds simple — it just means size, doesn’t it? But in the gambling industry, it’s much more complex. Here are the most common ways in which people measure a bookmaker’s size:
- Revenue and profit: How much money the company makes after paying out winnings.
- The number of active bettors: How many real users log in, bet and keep coming back.
- Global reach: How many countries the bookmaker legally operates in.
- Brand power: How recognisable and trusted the name is.
- Innovation and technology: In 2025, speed, design and user experience will be crucial.
Depending on which factor you prioritise, the ‘biggest’ bookmaker may change. However, one company consistently sits at the top of nearly every ranking across most of these factors: Flutter Entertainment.
Betfair, Paddy Power, PokerStars and FanDuel are all part of the Flutter family. It’s like a music label owning The Beatles, Queen, and U2 all at once.
A Brand Portfolio That Spans Continents
Paddy Power is known for its cheeky humour and clever adverts in the UK and Ireland. In Australia, Sportsbet is the market leader. Betfair revolutionised betting across Europe with its peer-to-peer exchange model, which lets punters bet against each other instead of the house.
In the US, FanDuel dominates the newly legalised sports betting market. It alone helped Flutter secure a significant share of the American market, which is growing faster than any other gambling market in the world.
Flutter’s greatest strength is its diversity. When one market slows down, another one picks up. If new regulations hit the UK, for example, the company can rely on profits from the US or Australia. It’s a bit like having several engines on the same jet — if one cuts out, the plane can still fly smoothly.
Bet365
Founded by the Coates family in Stoke-on-Trent, Bet365 is a rare example of independence in a world of mergers and acquisitions. It has no sister brands or flashy parent companies. It has just one platform — and it is one of the best in the business.
Their platform is like a Swiss watch: smooth, reliable and meticulously crafted. There’s no unnecessary clutter or confusion — just clear markets, fast updates and seamless navigation. Ask any seasoned bettor which site feels the most ‘professional’, and Bet365 will probably be the first answer.
What also sets Bet365 apart is that it’s still privately owned. There are no shareholders or quarterly reports, just a long-term vision driven by people who actually understand betting. This allows for faster decision-making, a higher tolerance of risk, and a focus on users rather than investors.
Entain
Next is Entain (formerly GVC Holdings), another major player that has been part of the gambling landscape for decades. While Flutter is the empire and Bet365 the maverick, Entain is the seasoned general. Its brands, including Ladbrokes, Coral, bwin and PartyPoker, are among the most recognisable in Europe and the UK.
Unlike Flutter and Bet365, Entain has thousands of physical betting shops. Walk through almost any British high street and you are bound to spot a Ladbrokes or Coral storefront. This retail presence gives Entain stability and visibility that pure-online operators lack.
At the same time, Entain has embraced digital transformation wholeheartedly. Its online platforms compete directly with those of Flutter and Bet365, and it is also a major player in the US through its joint venture with MGM — BetMGM. Entain may not always make the headlines, but it is deeply respected in the industry.
The Wildcards
Outside of the regulated Western world, there is another layer of major operators that often fly under the radar: 1xBet, Fonbet, Parimatch and many more.
They have millions of players across Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia. In terms of sheer volume, some of them might even rival the major European names. However, they operate in a much more complex legal environment, frequently changing licences and adapting to rapidly changing regulations.
They are the pirates of the gambling world: unpredictable, flexible and bold. Although they are not as transparent as Flutter or Bet365, they have an enormous influence on market trends, payment systems, and localisation.
The Top Bookmakers Side by Side
Here’s a simplified overview of how the industry’s giants compare:
| Company | Structure | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flutter Entertainment | Multi-brand group | Global presence, brand diversity, FanDuel in the U.S. | Complexity, regulation risk |
| Bet365 | Independent | Tech excellence, in-play innovation, trust | Limited U.S. reach |
| Entain | Multi-brand group | Retail + online balance, compliance, BetMGM JV | Slower innovation |
| 1xBet / Parimatch | Global private operators | Massive emerging market base | Regulatory uncertainty |
It’s similar to Formula 1. Flutter is the dominant team with the best car and driver line-up. Bet365 is the underdog constructor that wins through skill and engineering. Entain is the reliable podium finisher: consistent and professional, but not particularly flashy.
Where Does the Crown Sit?
So, after all that, who is the world’s biggest bookmaker?
In terms of size, reach and money, it’s Flutter Entertainment. Its portfolio of global brands, substantial user base and dominant position in the US market through FanDuel make it the undisputed heavyweight champion of betting.
However, if you ask professional bettors which site they trust the most, you will often hear Bet365 mentioned. Ask regulators which operator is the safest, and they might say Entain.
In short, Flutter may wear the crown, but Bet365 and Entain are right beside it, reminding everyone that the race in this game never really ends.