Jason Robins

Early Career: From Finance to Fantasy Sports

Born in 1982, Robins’ early career wasn’t in iGaming industry. He studied Economics and Computer Science at Duke University, a combination that later helped him master the data-driven world of fantasy sports and betting.

After graduating, he honed his analytical skills at Capital One, where he worked on customer behavior modeling. Later, at Vistaprint, he focused on growth marketing, learning how to scale a business through digital engagement.

Pioneering Daily Fantasy Sports

In 2012, Robins co-founded DraftKings with Matt Kalish and Paul Liberman, launching a daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform. Unlike traditional season-long fantasy leagues, DFS allowed users to draft teams and win cash prizes in a single day or week.

The company gained momentum quickly. In 2013, DraftKings secured an official partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB), becoming the league’s first DFS partner. Over the next few years, the platform expanded its reach, acquiring competitors like DraftStreet and StarStreet.

As DFS gained traction, regulators began questioning whether it constituted gambling. In 2015 and 2016, attorneys general from multiple states launched investigations, temporarily halting operations in some regions.

Rather than back down, Robins led an aggressive lobbying effort, successfully securing DFS legalization in several states. His ability to navigate legal challenges not only saved DraftKings but also paved the way for an even bigger opportunity—legal sports betting.

DraftKings’ Sports Betting Expansion

The turning point for DraftKings came in 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act), allowing states to legalize sports betting. Robins moved quickly, launching the first legal online sportsbook in New Jersey within months.

DraftKings leveraged its DFS user base and existing sports partnerships to gain an early advantage in the sports betting market. The company’s expansion strategy included:

• Launching mobile sportsbooks in states that legalized betting.
• Partnering with casinos for retail sportsbook operations.
• Integrating betting features into its existing fantasy sports ecosystem.

The strategy worked. By 2024, DraftKings and FanDuel controlled 80% of the U.S. sports betting market. Jason Robins has been the CEO of DraftKings since its founding in late 2011.

Going Public

In April 2020, DraftKings went public via a reverse merger with Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp. and SBTech, debuting on Nasdaq under DKNG. The move provided capital to:

• Expand into new sports betting markets.
• Grow its iGaming and online casino division.
• Acquire Golden Nugget Online Gaming (2022), strengthening its position in digital gambling.

DraftKings in 2025

Jason Robins has outlined several strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond:

• Expanding iGaming operations in states considering online casino legalization.
• Using AI and machine learning to personalize sports betting recommendations.
• Growing esports betting, appealing to younger audiences.
• Advocating for nationwide mobile betting legalization, removing state-by-state restrictions.

Net Worth and Industry Influence

Despite DraftKings’ success, Robins’ net worth has fluctuated due to stock volatility:

• 2021: Estimated at $1.1 billion (Forbes).
• 2024: Estimated at $494 million (Benzinga).
• 2025: Estimated at $139 million (GuruFocus).

Regardless of financial swings, Robins remains one of the most influential figures in sports betting and iGaming. He has served as CEO of DraftKings since the company was founded in late 2011.

Few executives have influenced the sports betting and iGaming landscape as much as Jason Robins. Under his leadership, the company has become synonymous with innovation in the sports betting and daily fantasy sports markets.