If gambling operators could have set a line on the first question asked at Tuesday’s Flutter quarterly earnings call, one choice likely would have been the heavy favorite.
As expected, an analyst opened the question-and-answer section by pressing Flutter CEO Peter Jackson on whether FanDuel planned to follow DraftKings‘ lead and institute a proposed surcharge on select winning bets. On Aug. 1, DraftKings unveiled a bold proposal to impose a small fee on bettor wins in four high-tax states. In response, Jackson emphasized that Flutter had a good deal of “patent recognition” internationally in jurisdictions with elevated tax rates. Historically, Flutter replied by “moderating generosity” in those areas through a reduction in levels of local marketing and promotions.
