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Sportsbook Budget Calculator

 

How much does it cost to start a sports betting business in 2025? What are the main expenses of running a sports betting website? And how profitable can a sportsbook really be?

These are the questions every bookmaker must consider when planning a launch – whether building a sports betting site from the ground up or expanding into new markets. The Sportsbook Budget Calculator helps answer them with data-led clarity.

This tool breaks down the full economic model behind sportsbook operations: licensing costs, platform development, payment infrastructure, trading, staffing, marketing, and more. It also projects potential revenue based on your input, offering a realistic view of how a modern sportsbook P&L might look.

Get Results

How to Use the Sportsbook Cost Calculator

This tool is independent of any specific platform or provider, including SOFTSWISS. It can estimate the cost of launching or running a sportsbook with any setup, from in-house development to third-party solutions.

The calculator relies entirely on the data you provide. The more accurate the inputs – tech stack, team size, marketing budget, licensing – the more precise the results.
  1. Step 1

    Enter your cost estimates step by step. The calculator will generate a 12-month financial projection based on your figures.

  2. Step 2

    Complete each step in a sequence. Once a section is filled in, the next will appear.

  3. Step 3

    Fill in all fields. If a field doesn’t apply to your case, enter zero but aim for realistic data.

  4. Step 4

    Click ‘Calculate Results’ to view your projections. All numbers can be adjusted at any time.

  5. Step 5

    Optional: enter your email to receive a downloadable, pre-filled P&L template tailored to your scenario.

Calculate Your Sportsbook Costs

Get a clear picture of what it takes to launch and run a sportsbook – from one-time setup costs to monthly operations and potential revenue.

Step 1: Sportsbook Pre-launch expenses Plan one-time costs paid before starting a sports betting brand
Costs of company registration, legal setup, and compliance paperwork for your sportsbook
One-time fees for obtaining a betting licence in your target market(s)
Upfront payment for sportsbook platform — provider fee, setup, customisation (if applicable)
Design and development of your branded front end and player-facing interfaces
Initial spend on branding, launch campaigns, partner deals, and traffic acquisition
Any additional one-time costs before launch: consulting, legal review, localisation, etc.
Total pre-launch expenses 0
Fill in all fields to calculate the amount and proceed to the "Operational Expenses" step
Step 2: Operational expenses Dive into the ongoing costs of running an online sports betting business
Step 3: Revenues Calculate potential revenue for your sports betting business
Results Discover your projections

Make Your Sportsbook Happen

Whether you are starting from zero or adding a new vertical, the Sportsbook platform connects fast, fits any setup, and comes with a team that knows the iGaming market inside out.

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How to Start a Sportsbook

Quick Guide: How a Sportsbook Works

In 90 seconds, get a clear, no-fluff breakdown of how online betting operates. Understand the tools and tech you need to succeed.

FAQ

What is the Sportsbook Cost Calculator?

The Sportsbook Cost Calculator is an interactive tool that helps estimate the budget required to launch or operate a sportsbook. It is fully independent of SOFTSWISS and works with any platform – proprietary, third-party, or in-house.

The tool walks through key financial areas:

  • Pre-launch costs (licensing, setup, early-stage marketing)
  • Operational costs (platform, team, marketing, infrastructure)
  • Revenue estimates
  • A summary of financial projections

The model helps visualise the scope of investment and ongoing expenses, offering a clear base for planning and decision-making.

How does the calculator estimate costs?
The calculator relies entirely on the data entered. Inputs such as licensing, platform fees, team salaries, and marketing budgets are used to calculate a monthly breakdown, which is then projected over a 12-month period. While the model simplifies certain aspects, it is designed to give a grounded view of overall spend and expected returns. Accuracy depends on the quality of the input – the more precise the numbers, the more useful the outcome.
Who should use this calculator?
The tool is built for businesses at different stages – from early-stage founders exploring the market to bookmakers scaling existing products. Whether the sportsbook is a standalone launch or an additional vertical, the calculator helps structure financial expectations and compare scenarios.
How do I use the sports betting website cost calculator?

Simply follow the step-by-step guide within the tool. You will be prompted to enter your data indicator by indicator (for instance, platform fees, team salaries, or marketing budgets). If you are not sure about a particular field or it doesn’t apply to your business, enter ‘0’. Leaving fields blank will not let you proceed to the next step of calculations.

We also encourage you to explore the industry – use the SOFTSWISS Knowledge Base and ebooks to gain insights into iGaming business strategies and enter more accurate estimates.

What if I don’t know some of the costs?
If a cost is irrelevant to your operation, enter ‘0’. However, if you’re unsure about a specific figure, industry averages or research can help fill the gap. The calculator gives you flexibility, but the accuracy of your results depends on the accuracy of the data you input.
Can I adjust my results after submitting my initial input?

Yes, you can revisit any section of the calculator to tweak your inputs and immediately recalculate your estimates. This is particularly useful as you gather more data or refine your business model.

However, once you leave the page, your data won’t be saved, so make sure to complete everything in one session or be prepared to start fresh when you return.

What does the 12-month trend projection mean?

The 12-month projection gives you a simplified, high-level view of your expected costs and cash flow during your first year of operation. This projection helps you plan financially by showing what your cash flow could look like if costs stay consistent.

It’s a useful tool for budgeting and anticipating any potential gaps or funding needs as you launch or expand your iGaming business.

What should I do if the calculator isn’t working properly?
Try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache. If issues persist, contact us at [email protected]. We are here to ensure you get the most out of this tool.
How is my data handled? Is it safe to enter sensitive information?
We take data privacy seriously. All information you provide is handled in accordance with our strict privacy policy and terms of use. We store only what’s necessary to run the calculations, and we maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and security.
Can I save my progress and come back later?
At the moment, the calculator doesn’t support saving your progress. This means you’ll need to complete the calculation in one go. We recommend having your data ready before you start to ensure a smooth experience.
What costs should I consider when starting a sportsbook?
Pre-Launch Costs (One-Time):
  • Legal entity setup
  • Licence acquisition
  • Software purchase
  • Website development
  • Initial marketing
  • Other expenses

These are totalled as Pre-Launch Expenses.

Ongoing Operational Costs (Monthly and Yearly):

  • Licence and software fees
  • Team salaries and office upkeep
  • Marketing and affiliate budgets
  • Odds provider fees
  • Payment, game provider, bonus fees
  • Taxes and other expenses

These are projected as Total Operational Expenses.

What are the typical startup costs for a sportsbook?

Startup costs can vary widely depending on factors such as the platform, licensing fees, marketing approach, and target markets, as every business is unique in its needs and goals.

While a basic setup might start at around EUR 10,000, businesses aiming for a more solid and scalable operation should consider budgeting at least EUR 1 million for the setup and first year. Depending on the specifics of the venture, actual costs may be higher or lower.

What is the P&L (profit and loss) calculator template?
The Profit and Loss (P&L or PnL) template is a customisable tool designed to help you map out your business’s financial performance. It is pre-filled with your estimated costs from the calculator, giving you a ready-made foundation to build on.
How do I use the P&L template with my cost estimates?
After downloading the P&L template, you can input your data to project potential profits, losses, and adjust your strategy accordingly. As your business evolves, you can continuously update this template to reflect your actual financials.
Can I customise the P&L template?
Absolutely. The P&L template comes in XLSX format, which is compatible with Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, and Apple Numbers.
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