The sports betting sector has invested approximately $76 million in the 2026 midterm elections, aiming to counter state-level bans and restrictions, particularly as many Americans find themselves grappling with significant gambling-related debts.
A considerable portion of this money was directed to Win for America, a super PAC backed by sports betting firms. Records from the Federal Elections Commission show that between November 5, 2025, and June 30, about $72 million came from companies like DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, and bet365. The PAC then allocated funds to American Future and the American Conservative Fund, which engaged in various state-level election campaigns as gambling addiction continues to rise among the populace.
DraftKings has reportedly contributed $34.8 million so far this election cycle, which includes $34 million awarded to Win for America, alongside $500,000 to the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC supporting Senate Republicans, and another $250,000 to New Leadership PAC aimed at Democratic primaries.
FanDuel has given at least $27 million to Win for America, and both Fanatics and bet365 have each contributed around $5.5 million, as outlined in FEC records.
The 20 biggest donors in the 2026 midterm elections poured $1.2 billion into House and Senate races in the 2026 election cycle so far.
The tech industry, sports betting groups, billionaires and special interest groups poured tons of cash into the races ahead of November,… pic.twitter.com/HHq1UeKFYL
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 31, 2026
As for DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics, they didn’t respond to inquiries from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Between November 5, 2025, and June 30, Win for America transferred at least $50.6 million to the American Conservative Fund and noted $17.45 million in expenses for American Future during that period.
Regulation of sports betting, gaming expansions, and related taxation largely falls under the jurisdiction of state governments rather than Congress, prompting super PACs to focus their spending at the local level. Currently, over 35 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized some form of sports betting.
These companies aim to overturn state-level prohibitions on sports betting, stave off significant state tax hikes, impose limits on consumer protection regulations, and block bans on online casinos and certain betting products.
The PACs have focused their efforts significantly in Georgia, where sports betting remains illegal. Reports indicate that the American Conservative Fund has invested $8.5 million to influence legislative candidates in the state, while American Future expended about $3.4 million.
Expenditures have also occurred in Ohio and Pennsylvania, where the American Conservative Fund spent over $1 million supporting Republican candidates for the legislature, including state Rep. Jim Hoops and ex-Sen. Frank Hoagland.
Since the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018, which paved the way for sports betting, the practice has increasingly entered the mainstream. By 2025, it was reported that over $165 billion had been wagered legally on sports in the country, reflecting a substantial increase from figures in 2019.
Problematic gambling rates among sports bettors are notably higher—at least double compared to the general gambler population. It’s been found that nearly 20% of online sports bettors have reached clinical levels of addiction, with 52% reporting they’ve chased losses, 50% utilizing gambling addiction tools available on sportsbook apps, and 37% experiencing shame after losses.
Worryingly, a quarter of sports bettors have admitted to struggling with bill payments due to their wagers, with some even using rent money to gamble. Overall, almost a third, approximately 30%, of sports bettors are in debt due to their gambling activities.
In a societal reflection, 43% of Americans now view sports betting negatively, up from 22% in 2022.
Further, the super PAC has allocated funds to various affiliates like the American Conservative Fund Action Georgia, Texas Conservative Fund, and Win for Pennsylvania.
Alongside the sports betting industry, other sectors such as cryptocurrency and tech have also made significant financial contributions in the 2026 election cycle. In fact, the crypto sector has allocated nearly $200 million to support candidates who endorse the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act.
