Jim Chanos, a renowned short seller known for his shrewd market insights, has shifted his stance on the US sports betting industry. His newfound bullishness stems from an intriguing discovery: American gamblers, it seems, aren’t particularly skilled at betting.
Chanos, who famously shorted companies like Enron and Tesla, initially bet against the sports betting platform DraftKings in mid-2021. His skepticism was rooted in the company’s business model, where marketing expenditures were outstripping revenue. “You can believe in sports betting, but this business model is flawed,” he noted at the time.
However, a surge in riskier gambling behaviors prompted Chanos to change course. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, he observed a trend in the US betting scene toward more complex and speculative forms of wagering. This includes in-game bets and multi-layered accumulator wagers, some offering “really bad-odd bets.”
The shift in betting patterns has led to an increase in the profits of betting firms. The margin, or the amount of money these firms retain from each dollar wagered, is projected to hit 9%, up from 6.7% five years ago. This substantial growth in profitability led Chanos to close his short position in DraftKings in July 2022.
Chanos’ decision to go bullish on the sector marks a significant shift in his investment strategy, especially considering the $10 million profit his fund made from the DraftKings short. Since the beginning of the year, DraftKings shares have surged by 218.72%, overtaking FanDuel as the leader in the US online betting market. Moreover, DraftKings reported profitability in the second quarter, further validating Chanos’ revised outlook.
For investors and entrepreneurs, Chanos’ pivot serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the betting industry and the importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviors. The rise in online gambling platforms offering more complex betting options has not only transformed the industry but also created new opportunities for profitability.
As the sports betting market continues to evolve, Chanos’ bullish stance underscores the potential for growth in this sector, even in the face of initial skepticism. For those keeping an eye on market trends and consumer habits, the sports betting industry is certainly one to watch, as it navigates the fine line between risk and reward.