DraftKings CEO: Our shift to embrace AI is an “amazing thing” 

DraftKings CEO Jason Robins has hailed the use of AI technology as a “big win” for the Boston-based operator in the last two quarters. 

Following the release of the company’s Q1 2025 earnings, the DraftKings chief executive penned a letter to shareholders reflecting on the reporting period, in which Robins revealed that the operator was adopting an “AI-first mindset”. 

The reasons outlined to shareholders were identified as “greater speed, efficiency, and scale across the business”. 

In doing so, DraftKings has noted that it has seen a marked improvement in what is now a streamlined customer support experience, as well as overseeing product development at a quicker rate. 

While speaking to analysts on the company’s earnings call, Robins detailed DraftKings’ stance on AI in greater detail. 

“I think it has been a real big win for us over the last quarter or so, maybe two,” the CEO explained. “It’s gone from something where pockets of the company were using it, to becoming a company-wide movement, it’s really great to see. 

“One example I’d point to is that all the time we would see people thinking about ‘what could I do if I had more headcount?’, and now people are totally shifting that mindset to ‘what could I do with AI?’, it’s an amazing thing.” 

Robins continued by detailing where he feels gains can be made by calling on AI, adding: “As far as where the opportunities are, it’s really across the board on both the revenue and cost side. There’s not a place that you can’t see efficiency gains throughout the company. 

“Everything from documents being created and summarised, to customer service not having to spend 45 minutes to an hour tracking down dozens of emails or other customer communications, because an AI tool can summarise everything that’s been happening in a case to date in two seconds or less. 

“It’s just really a remarkable thing to see how much people have really started to understand how this can be life changing and business changing, and we’re leaning in really hard.” 

DraftKings is not the only operator giant to herald the impact of AI this week, with Lottomatica CEO Guglielmo Angelozzi explaining to analysts how the technology has sparked a near-25% increase in weekly average revenue per user (ARPU). 

Strengthened by a proprietary cross-brand AI platform (LAMP), the Italian company has also seen AI have a significant impact on its customer engagement, as per its own Q1 2025 release. 

Customised integration, an AI-feature that ensures targeted bonuses feature prominently on the login page of Lottomatica’s high-value users, sparked a 23% increase in weekly ARPU compared to before the tech was implemented. 

The use of AI within Lottomatica’s igaming vertical has enabled the operator to tailored campaigns that increase the engagement on newly launched games, handing it an advantage when negotiating with suppliers. 

Outside of the sector, last week language learning app Duolingo said it would be an “AI-first” business, taking a bet on the technology the same way it did in 2012 on being mobile-first.

That stance included no longer using contractors where AI can do the work, measuring AI use in performance reviews and headcount to be given to teams if they cannot automate more of their work.

Meanwhile, Robins comments came after DraftKings posted revenue of $1.4bn for the opening quarter of the year, marking a 20% year-on-year (YoY) increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024. 

Management pointed to healthy customer engagement and increased hold as two key factors behind the growth, as well as an “efficient” approach to customer acquisition and the impact of its $750m purchase of lottery courier service Jackpocket in February of last year. 

Adjusted EBITDA surged by more than 300% YoY, climbing from $22m to $103m this time around, while monthly unique players (MUPS) also rose by 28% to sit at 4.3 million in the three months ending 31 March. 

Despite growth in key metrics, DraftKings has revised its fiscal year 2025 guidance, with group-wide revenue now expected to come in between $6.2bn and $6.4bn, lower than previous estimates released in February which forecast between $6.3bn and $6.6bn. 

The company also anticipates its adjusted EBITDA will generate less than previously expected, with the metric’s prediction shifted to $800m to $900m, down from the prior estimate of between $900m and $1bn. 

The post DraftKings CEO: Our shift to embrace AI is an “amazing thing”  first appeared on EGR Intel.

 Jason Robins explains that all business departments are now making full use of the technology after seeing improvements in customer service and product development
The post DraftKings CEO: Our shift to embrace AI is an “amazing thing”  first appeared on EGR Intel.