Casino giant Hard Rock International expands operations in Colorado, while competitor Betfred retreats from the American market.
In a significant shift for the American sports betting landscape, British bookmaker Betfred is set to exit the U.S. market, marking the end of its operations in the country. This follows a series of challenges in a competitive market dominated by major players like FanDuel and DraftKings.
The first new sportsbook to debut in Colorado since January 2024, Hard Rock Bet, is seizing the opportunity in the market left by Betfred's departure. Matt Primeaux, Executive Managing Director and CRO of Hard Rock Bet, expressed excitement about bringing an exciting new experience to Colorado players.
Betfred's departure from the U.S. market is attributed to rising costs, stiff competition, and limited market share. The company, which had a presence in about ten states at its peak, including Colorado, had to cease operations in several states, including Nevada, Arizona, Maryland, Iowa, Washington, and Pennsylvania. By early 2025, only Pennsylvania and Nevada remained active markets for Betfred. The company's final U.S. operation in Pennsylvania officially ended in July 2025.
Meanwhile, Hard Rock Bet, with its legacy brand and nationwide casino presence, is making a renewed digital push. The new sportsbook operator is offering a "Bet $5, Get $150" bonus to new customers and promotes local niche favorites such as table tennis and MMA, in addition to staples like football and basketball.
Hard Rock Bet's sportsbook is integrated with Unity by Hard Rock, a global rewards program, providing players with a seamless gaming experience across multiple platforms.
Notably, Michael Molter, a former college basketball scout, is now covering legal sports betting bills, sports betting revenue data, tennis betting odds, and sportsbook reviews. A graduate of Florida State University and the University of Alabama, Molter enjoys playing basketball, hiking, and kayaking when not covering sports betting.
The exit of Betfred and other sportsbooks like Tipico, Unibet, SI Sportsbook, and Betway from the U.S. market in the last 18 months has contributed to the growing dominance of giants like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM in the U.S. sports betting market.
In related news, Hard Rock Bet customers will receive resolutions for bets made after July 31 via mailed checks, according to a notice on the site. The company's entry into Colorado marks a new chapter in the state's sports betting industry, offering players a fresh and exciting experience.
[1] Betfred Exits US Market [2] Betfred Exits Pennsylvania Market [3] Betfred Exits Colorado Market [4] Betfred Faces Challenges in US Market [5] Betfred Posts $91.7 Million Loss
- Betfred, a British bookmaker, has announced its exit from the U.S. market, marking the end of its operations in the country.
- Betfred officially ended its operations in the state of Colorado, following a series of challenges in a competitive market.
- Betfred, which had a presence in about ten states at its peak, including Colorado, had to cease operations in several states due to rising costs, stiff competition, and limited market share.
- Despite the challenges faced by Betfred in the U.S. market, competitors like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM have continued to dominate the sports betting landscape.
