Sportsbook Comparison: DraftKings vs. FanDuel
The aim of this article is to present a comprehensive comparison between FanDuel and DraftKings, two prominent North American sportsbooks. The focus will be on various aspects such as bonuses, payment options, user feedback, mobile app performance, available leagues, customer support, odds comparisons, and responsible gambling tools.
FanDuel, currently owned by Flutter Entertainment, Fox Corporation, and Boyd Gaming, first launched at the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey in September 2018. DraftKings is an independent company traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange (DKNG) and introduced its first legal online sportsbook in New Jersey in August 2018.
Both FanDuel and DraftKings have successfully transitioned from the daily fantasy sports industry to become internationally recognized sportsbooks. They have achieved this by partnering with licensed brick-and-mortar casinos in various jurisdictions across the United States and Canada (Ontario), allowing for the expansion of their operations.
Comparison Overview
Feature | FanDuel | DraftKings |
Welcome Bonus | ||
Mobile Apps (iOS/Android) | Yes | Yes |
App Store Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
Google Play Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Legal States | 21 | 23 |
Live Betting | Yes | Yes |
Live Streaming | Yes | Yes (Limited) |
Payout Speed | 1-5 Days | 1-5 Days |
Rewards Program | Yes | Yes |
Sportsbook Review |
Great Choice for NFL & NBA
What Users Say About Their Overall DraftKings Experience
DraftKings Sportsbook has mixed feedback from its users. This summary sheds light on their perspectives across various aspects of the sportsbook, such as functionality, payments & withdrawals, market coverage, support, and bonuses.
Functionality & User Experience
The sportsbook is praised for its diverse betting options and user-friendly interface, enhancing the overall betting experience. However, it faces criticism for performance issues like slow loading times, frequent freezing, and unreliable live betting features. The sportsbook's geolocation functionality also causes problems, leading to account lockouts and bet placement issues.
Payments & Withdrawals
DraftKings is commended for its quick deposit process. Yet, users express dissatisfaction with the withdrawal process, citing delays and difficulties in accessing their winnings, which taints the cashiering experience.
Market Coverage
The sportsbook offers a wide range of betting options, indicating extensive market coverage. This variety is likely appreciated by users, although some may desire more betting options or coverage for specific sports and events.
Support
Customer support at DraftKings is a major area of user discontent. Slow response times and ineffective problem resolution contribute to negative feedback. Issues with account restrictions and complications in the withdrawal process are frequent user complaints.
Bonuses & Promotions
The bonus bets and promotions are a highlight, with users enjoying the added value they offer. However, some users face challenges in claiming these bonuses, leading to mixed feelings about the promotional offers.
Most Popular Sportsbook in U.S.
What Users Say About Their Overall FanDuel Experience
FanDuel Sportsbook has been a topic of much discussion among its users. Let's jump into what they have to say, covering everything from the odds they get to the way the app works, and how they feel about the support and perks they're offered.
Odds & Pricing
There's a real mix of feelings about the odds. Many users give a thumbs up for competitive odds and the variety of bets they can place. But, there's also a fair share who think the odds lean too much in the house's favor, especially when it comes to live betting. Issues like payout discrepancies and unclear pricing also pop up now and then.
Functionality & User Experience
On the brighter side, the sportsbook gets props for being user-friendly, easy to navigate, and keeping up with live sports betting updates. However, it's not all smooth sailing. Users point out hiccups with the location verification feature and general performance issues like slow loading and app crashes. The casino games section doesn't seem to hit the mark for some users either.
Payments & Withdrawals
When it comes to handling money, users appreciate the quick payouts and the straightforward cash out process. But, it's not all rosy. There are gripes about deposit and withdrawal hiccups, unexpected charges, and some run-ins with unapproved withdrawals. And when they reach out for help, the customer service experience often leaves them wanting more.
Market Coverage
The sportsbook scores points for offering a wide range of sports and betting options. Yet, some users feel left out, missing certain sports or betting options they're after. And then there's the frustration with geolocation issues that block betting in certain areas.
Support
Talking about customer support, it seems to be a bit of a sore spot. A lot of users talk about long waits, less-than-helpful responses, and issues that just don't get resolved. There are also mentions of accounts getting suspended out of the blue. It's not all bad, though – a few users have had positive experiences with the support team.
Bonuses & Promotions
Regarding the perks, about 30% of users are happy with the bonuses and promotions, saying they add a nice touch to their betting experience. However, the majority aren't too pleased. They're talking about missing out on promised bonuses, glitches that get in the way, and rewards that don't really feel rewarding. And again, when they try to talk to customer service about it, it often adds to their frustration.
Whose Bonuses are Better?
Both FanDuel and Draftkings constantly roll out new bonuses, be it first time users or current customers, to promote betting on their respective platforms and keep the user base loyal to the brand. These types of promos come highly valued by sports bettors of the sites, so let's examine and compare what each sportsbook currently has to offer.
DraftKings Bonuses
DraftKings Dynasty Rewards
DraftKings Refer-a-Friend
What Users Say About DraftKings Bonuses
After analyzing the reviews, it's clear that users have a mixed experience with the bonuses and promotions offered by the sports betting app. On the positive side, approximately 40% of users appreciate the variety and frequency of the promotions, highlighting the daily boosts, sign-up bonuses, and rewards for new players. They find these incentives attractive and beneficial, with some users even mentioning specific successful betting experiences due to these bonuses.However, a significant number of users (around 60%) express dissatisfaction with the app's performance, particularly in relation to bonuses and promotions. They report issues with the app's speed and stability, which often leads to difficulties in claiming bonuses and promotions. Some users mention that the app freezes or crashes, especially when they are about to win a bonus or during peak betting times. A few users also complain about the app's customer service, stating that their complaints about these issues are often ignored or not resolved satisfactorily. Some users also mention that they have been unable to redeem their rewards or that the rewards system is not as beneficial as it initially seems. In conclusion, while the app's bonuses and promotions are generally appreciated, the technical issues and customer service problems significantly impact the user experience. The app's developers may need to address these issues to improve user satisfaction.
FanDuel Bonuses
FanDuel Players Club Rewards Program
FanDuel Refer-a-Friend
What Users Say About FanDuel's Bonuses
After analyzing the reviews, it's clear that users have mixed feelings about the bonuses and promotions offered by the sports betting app. On the positive side, around 30% of users appreciate the promotions and bonuses offered, highlighting the ease of use and the generous boosts. They also commend the app for its fast payouts and the variety of betting options available. However, a significant number of users, approximately 70%, express dissatisfaction with the app's bonuses and promotions. The most common complaints include not receiving promised bonuses, experiencing technical issues that prevent them from using their bonuses, and feeling that the rewards from bonuses are too small. Some users also express frustration with the app's customer service, feeling that their concerns about bonuses and promotions are not adequately addressed. A few users also mention issues with the app's location verification system, which prevents them from redeeming their bonuses. Additionally, some users feel that the app's promotions are not as good as those offered by competitors. In conclusion, while the sports betting app does offer bonuses and promotions that some users find appealing, there are significant areas for improvement. These include ensuring that bonuses are awarded as promised, addressing technical issues that prevent users from using their bonuses, and improving customer service responses to concerns about bonuses and promotions.
Mobile Apps Comparison
FanDuel and DraftKings mobile betting apps are accessible to users in the United States and Canada, providing a unified sports betting experience. Designed for mobile devices, these apps prioritize user-friendly navigation, enabling customers to easily place bets, manage deposits and withdrawals, take advantage of odds boosts promotions, and access customer support. The inclusion of live betting and live streaming features enhances the overall betting experience.
- FanDuel iOS betting app: 4.8/5 stars from 1.4M ratings in the App Store
- FanDuel Android betting app: 4.6/5 stars from 274K reviews in the Play Store
- The DraftKings iOS betting app: 4.8/5 stars from 682.9K reviews in the App Store
- DraftKings Android betting app: 4.6/5 stars from 136K reviews in the Play Store
Great Choice for NFL & NBA
What Users Say About DraftKing's App
The sports betting app has received a mixed bag of reviews from its users. On the positive side, users have praised the app for its wide range of betting options and the speed of deposit and withdrawal processes. The bonus bets offered by the app have also been well-received, with users appreciating the extra value they provide. The user interface has been commended for its simplicity and ease of navigation, contributing to a generally positive betting experience.However, the app has also been criticized for its performance issues. A significant number of users have reported slow loading times and frequent freezing, which has disrupted their betting activities. The live betting feature, in particular, has been a source of frustration due to its unreliability. The app's geolocation feature has also been problematic, with users experiencing account lockouts and difficulties in placing bets due to inaccurate location data.Customer service has been another area of concern. Users have reported slow response times and difficulties in resolving issues, which has led to dissatisfaction. There have also been complaints about account restrictions and challenges in withdrawing winnings.In terms of user experience, the app's design and usability have been a point of contention. While some users find the app easy to use, others have criticized its design as unintuitive. The app's bonus offers and promotions have also been a source of frustration for some users, who have reported difficulties in claiming these bonuses.In conclusion, while the sports betting app has several strong features, it also has significant areas for improvement. Addressing the performance issues, improving customer service, and enhancing the user experience could greatly improve the overall satisfaction of its users.
Most Popular Sportsbook in U.S.
What Users Say About FanDuel's App
The sports betting app has received a range of reviews from users, with a focus on its functionality and user experience. Users have praised the app for its user-friendly interface, ease of navigation, and the wide range of betting options available. They also appreciate the quick deposit and withdrawal process, and the real-time updates on live sports betting. The app's promotional offers and bonuses have also been well-received, with some users stating that they add to the excitement of betting. However, there are also significant areas for improvement. A number of users have reported issues with the app's location verification feature, which is often unreliable and frustrating. There are also complaints about the app's customer service, with some users finding it unresponsive and unhelpful. Some users have reported issues with the app's stability, particularly during crucial moments of gameplay. Problems with the authentication process have also been reported, preventing some users from using the app. There is a perceived disparity between the app's offerings on different platforms, with some features reportedly only available on Apple devices. This has led to calls for the app to level the playing field between Apple and Android users. In terms of user experience, while some users find the app satisfactory, there is a desire for more rewards and incentives, such as parlay boosts and insurance. In conclusion, while the app has some strong points, it also has significant areas for improvement, particularly in terms of its location verification feature, customer service, app stability, authentication process, and feature parity across different platforms.
Leagues Comparison
Both platforms provide access to a broad range of leagues, covering major American sports such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAAF, and NCAAB. FanDuel appears to have a more extensive offering in international sports, boasting a larger selection in soccer, hockey, and basketball markets. Specifically, FanDuel features 111 soccer leagues, surpassing DraftKings' offering of 91 leagues. In addition, FanDuel offers 13 ice hockey and 34 basketball leagues, indicating a stronger presence in these sports' international markets. Aside from these, both platforms include betting options for motorsports, mixed martial arts, Jai Alai, lacrosse, darts, and cycling.
Considering the diversity of league offerings is crucial for users in selecting a sportsbook that aligns with their betting interests and requirements.
DraftKings' Leagues
User Reviews for DraftKings Leagues
The reviews indicate a mixed experience with the sports betting app's market coverage. A significant number of users (around 40%) appreciate the wide variety of betting options available on the app, including the ability to bet on a diverse range of sports and games. They also commend the app for its unique features like player tracking, fantasy bets, and the ability to create custom bets. However, about 30% of users express dissatisfaction with the app's performance, citing frequent crashes, lagging, and slow loading times. These technical issues seem to particularly affect live betting, with some users reporting that the app often suspends picks during live games, making it difficult to place bets in real-time.Around 20% of users criticize the app's market coverage, stating that it lacks betting options for certain sports and leagues, particularly international ones. They suggest that the app should expand its market coverage to include more leagues and tournaments.A small number of users (about 10%) express concerns about the app's fairness and transparency, alleging that it sometimes fails to pay out on winning bets or displays incorrect information about bets.In terms of bonuses, around half of the users appreciate the app's bonus features and promotions, including sign-up bonuses and daily promos. However, some users complain about not receiving the advertised bonuses or finding it difficult to claim their bonus winnings.Overall, while the app's market coverage is generally well-received for its variety and unique features, improvements could be made in terms of app performance, market coverage expansion, and transparency.
FanDuel's Leagues
User Reviews for FanDuel's Leagues
The reviews indicate a mixed bag of experiences with the sports betting app's market coverage. A significant proportion of users appreciate the extensive variety of sports and betting options, with special commendation for the parlay options. The user-friendly interface and swift payouts also received positive feedback.However, there were some areas of dissatisfaction. Some users expressed disappointment with the absence of certain sports or betting options, such as women's NCAA, horse racing, and esports. Location verification issues were another point of contention, with users frustrated by restrictions preventing them from betting in certain states or regions.A few users criticized the app for not providing comprehensive player information, which they felt impacted their betting decisions. Additionally, some users were dissatisfied with the promotional offers, stating they were not as generous or frequent as those offered by competitors.In conclusion, while the app is generally praised for its market coverage, there are areas that could be improved. These include expanding the range of sports and betting options, improving location verification, and enhancing the quality and frequency of promotional offers.
Unique Offerings
FanDuel and DraftKings stand out from their competitors by offering a unique combination of daily fantasy sports contests alongside traditional sports betting. What sets them apart is the seamless integration between their DFS sites and sportsbooks, providing customers with a convenient, streamlined experience.
Additional unique features include:
- Same Game Parlays: Also known as live betting, placing bets during an event.
- Prop Betting: A wager on specific occurrences within an event, not tied to the outcome.
- Early Cash Out: An option to settle a bet before the event concludes.
Customer Support Comparison
FanDuel and DraftKings provide multiple channels for users to reach their customer support staff. FAQ sections and video guides are also accessible to answer questions. Additionally, each sportsbook has a strong social media presence where they can also be contacted.
FanDuel Sportsbook Customer Service Options:
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Submit a Ticket
- Email (support@fanduel.com)
- Social Media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | SnapChat
DraftKings Sportsbook Customer Service Options:
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Email (sportsbook@draftkings.com)
- +1-(855)-357-2377
- Social media: Facebook | X | Instagram
We tested the customer support staff of both FanDuel and DraftKings via live chat with different issues at four separate times throughout the day. The following is what occurred:
Time (ET) | FanDuel Average Wait Time | DraftKings Average Wait time |
10:00 | 3 minutes and 47 seconds | 4 minutes and 44 seconds |
15:00 | 3 minutes and 11 seconds | 7 minutes and 32 seconds |
18:00 | 4 minutes and 16 seconds | 14 minutes and 43 seconds |
23:00 | 5 minutes and 27 seconds | 11 minutes and 26 seconds |
Per our experience, FanDuel emerged as the clear winner in terms of responsiveness. Regardless of the time of day, they consistently had shorter response times and resolved issues quicker compared to DraftKings, which took longer to reply; especially in the evenings.
DraftKings Customer Support User Reviews
After analyzing the reviews, it's clear that the majority of users have had a negative experience with the support provided by the sports betting app. The most common complaints revolve around poor customer service, with many users reporting that their issues were not resolved in a timely manner, if at all. Some users reported that their accounts were locked without explanation, and they received little to no assistance from the support team. Others complained about the lack of responsiveness and the difficulty in reaching a human representative, with most communication being handled through email or automated responses. A few users also mentioned that they had issues with the app itself, such as freezing or lagging, and they felt that the support team was not helpful in resolving these issues. Some users also reported problems with payouts and felt that the support team was not helpful in these instances.However, it's worth noting that there were a few positive comments about the support, with some users praising the responsiveness and helpfulness of the customer service team. These positive experiences, however, were significantly outnumbered by the negative ones. In conclusion, the support experience for this sports betting app appears to be largely negative, with a small number of positive experiences. The main areas for improvement are the responsiveness and effectiveness of the customer service team, as well as the functionality of the app itself.
FanDuel's Customer Support User Reviews
After analyzing the reviews, it is clear that the sports betting app's support has received mixed feedback, with a majority leaning towards negative experiences. The most common complaints revolve around account issues, with many users reporting their accounts being suspended without clear reasons. Users have expressed frustration over the lack of assistance from the support team in resolving these issues. Customer service quality is another area of concern. Many users have reported long waiting times, unhelpful responses, and a lack of resolution to their issues. Some users also mentioned that the support team was rude and unprofessional.Technical glitches were another common complaint. Users reported various issues with the app, such as location verification errors and the app crashing or becoming unresponsive. These issues were not resolved in a timely manner, leading to frustration among users.However, a small number of users reported positive experiences with the support team, stating that their issues were resolved in a timely manner. These positive reviews were, however, overshadowed by the negative ones.In conclusion, the sports betting app's support service needs significant improvement. The company should focus on enhancing their customer service, resolving technical issues promptly, and ensuring clear and honest communication about promotions and bonuses.
Who's Got Better Security?
Both sportsbooks, FanDuel and DraftKings, employ a comprehensive suite of security measures to ensure user data protection and maintain a secure betting environment. Some of the security tools and protocols they use, according to industry best practices, include:
- SSL Encryption: Both platforms use Secure Socket Layer encryption to secure data transmission between the user's device and the sportsbook's servers. This encryption ensures that all personal and financial information is transmitted securely.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): FanDuel and DraftKings both offer Two-Factor Authentication as an additional security layer. This feature requires users to provide two forms of identification when logging in, significantly enhancing account security.
- Know Your Customer (KYC) Process: The KYC process is a standard security practice in the industry, employed by both sportsbooks. This process involves verifying the identity of users to prevent fraud and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
These security measures reflect both sportsbooks' commitment to safeguarding user information and providing a secure online betting experience.
Comparing Additional Features
FanDuel Sportsbook
- FanDuel Racing: Bet on the ponies and watch the races on FanDuel TV+ (The Bettor Sports Network) while getting betting tips and content from celebrity hosts. Stream on Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV devices.
- FanDuel Faceoff: Play skill games like Scrabble Cubes, Wheel of Fortune, and Boggle, and compete for real money prizes.
DraftKings Sportsbook
- Access horse racing through DK Horse
- DraftKings Pick 6: Apply your sports betting and fantasy expertise in a pick ‘em type contest for those residing in states where sportsbooks are not yet legal
- DK Store: Peruse the latest DK merchandise, including shirts, hats, and accessories.
- DK Marketplace: An ecosystem for buying and selling NFTs related to sports, entertainment, and culture, featuring integration with the DraftKings wallet.
Odds Comparison
Odds Comparison
Comparing odds and lines across sportsbooks opens a window to see which sportsbook aligns with your personal preferences so as to promote a more enjoyable wagering experience. The following table shows how the betting odds from FanDuel and DraftKings stack up against each other in two selected games from the NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Premier League, and MLS.
Matchup | FanDuel | DraftKings |
Pelicans vs. 76ers | -6.5 (-110) O 224 (-110) | -6.5 (-110) O 225 (-110) |
Bucks vs. Lakers | -1 (-110) O 234.5 (-110) | +1 (-115) O 235.5(-110) |
Missouri State vs. Indiana State | O 147.5 (-110) -9.5 (-110) | O 148.5 (-110) -9.5 (-110) |
VCU vs. Dayton | O 138.5 (-106) -8.5 (-105) | O 138 (-110) -8.5 (-115) |
Red Wings vs. Coyotes | -120 U 6.5 (-115) | -135 U 6.5 (-110) |
Stars vs. Ducks | -285 U 6.5 (-120) | -285 U 6.5 (-120) |
Man U vs. Everton | -120 +280 O 2.5 (-164) | -115 +285 O 2.5 (-150) |
New York City vs. Portland | -120 +250 O 2.5 (-110) | -120 +250 O 2.5 (-110) |
When comparing the betting odds and lines at FanDuel and DraftKings, it’s clear that the two sportsbooks are highly competitive with one another. There are however two instances in the table above that need to be addressed with one offering better overall moneyline odds and the other a more attractive betting line.
Which Sportsbook is More Responsible?
Ensuring a safe and responsible gambling experience is crucial when it comes to online betting. FanDuel and DraftKings each provide a range of tools and resources to help users bet responsibly and stay within their financial means. Here is an overview of the responsible gambling features currently available on both platforms.
FanDuel Sportsbook
- Self-Exclusion: Users can exclude themselves from the platform for a specified period.
- Deposit Limits: Users can set limits on deposit amounts over a given time frame.
- Time Limits: Limits can be set on the amount of time spent on the platform.
- Wager Limits: Users can limit the amount wagered within a certain period.
- Cool-Off Period: Users can take a short break from betting on the platform.
- Educational Resources: Provides information and resources to promote responsible gambling.
DraftKings Sportsbook
- DK Safer Play: promotes safer and positive play, offering information about responsible gambling, quizzes, myths and facts, limit setting tools, cool-offs and exclusion, and help resources for gambling problems.
All Sportsbooks with the “RG” logo maintain Responsible Gambling best practices. If you do not find this logo you should stay away from the website.