FanDuel Launches Bet Protect+ and AceAI to Strengthen NFL Season

FanDuel, owned by Flutter Entertainment, has launched a series of new product experiences in its sportsbook focusing on customer personalization and enhancing its analytical tools, prioritizing these innovations ahead of the start of the NFL season in the United States. The operator introduces Bet Protect+, the AceAI assistant, and a revamped Rewards Club, products aimed at reactivating engagement and retaining market share in light of the decline in sports revenues observed in the first half of 2026.

New Generation of Rewards Club and Loyalty Programs

The update to FanDuel's Rewards Club transforms the current loyalty model into a monthly points system. Users unlock levels as they increase their bets; each level grants expanded benefits. The reward offerings include:

• Daily promotions
• Weekly rewards and prize boxes
• Customizable challenges

FanDuel emphasizes that, within this framework, players gain greater flexibility to select which rewards to redeem and how to obtain upsizes and bonuses. This renewal responds to the company's strategy to optimize its promotional offerings in a competitive landscape where user retention is key.

Bet Protect+ Debuts in the NFL: Focus on Bet Protection

Bet Protect+, a feature tested in the NBA and WNBA, now arrives in NFL betting. For the cost of 3% of the wagered amount, users access an optional insurance that protects their player prop bets in real-time against injuries. In injury scenarios:

• If a player leaves the game injured, the single bet is refunded in cash.
• In parlay bets, the affected selection is removed, and the payout is recalculated.

FanDuel enables automatic subscription to Bet Protect+ this year. Moreover, the protection is compatible with bets made using promotional bonuses. When an injury is confirmed, the "My Bets" tab shows the user in real-time the impacted bets and settles the corresponding amounts immediately.

"This year we want to give our customers more control over their experience and make it the most rewarding of the season," said Karol Corcoran, Managing Director of Sports at FanDuel.

Game Intelligence Features and the Arrival of AceAI

FanDuel presents improvements in in-app navigation and statistical analysis. Player pages now include game logs, detailed performance breakdowns, and summaries of form in the last five matches. The interface offers:

• Team statistics
• Player betting trends
• Injury reports
• League rankings (available mid-season)

The AceAI chatbot is integrated directly into each player's page. AceAI allows users to consult statistics, view active markets, and add selections to their bet slip from the same interface. The "Ask AceAI" tab facilitates access to recommendations and data on demand, thus responding to the demand for real-time research.

Performance and Market Share: Product Context

FanDuel and DraftKings renewed their multiyear agreement with the National Football League (NFL) on August 28, consolidating their status as official partners ahead of the season start on September 10. Flutter, FanDuel's parent company, acknowledged in its Q1 results presentation that its promotional strategy was less effective at the close of Q4 2025 following favorable results for the bookmakers at the conclusion of the NFL season.

Eleven weeks of the NFL season generated a margin of over 30% for FanDuel, a figure that, according to its own management, had a "real impact on consumer sentiment," raising churn rates and cutting market share. In May, Amy Howe stepped down as CEO of FanDuel after five years; Christian Genetski assumed the CEO position.

In Q2, Flutter reported 3% year-on-year growth in global revenues, reaching $14.3 billion. However, FanDuel's revenue in the U.S. decreased by 6% year-on-year to $1.69 billion, with sportsbook dropping 15%; the igaming segment grew by 14%. Despite this context, FanDuel maintains its leadership in the U.S. market, recording a 39% share in sports betting and 27% in igaming by gross revenue.

Outlook: Positioning Against Competition

The additions of Bet Protect+, AceAI, and the new tools in the Rewards Club reflect FanDuel's commitment to sustaining its dominant position in a landscape of increasing regulatory and competitive challenges. In a market where loyalty strategies and value-added offerings make a difference, these developments aim to retain bettors beyond the cycles of sports results. To operate in an environment like the NFL, marked by high volatility and promotional expectations, FanDuel is investing in strengthening its technologies and enhancing the in-app experience.