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Media Last Updated May 1 2024, 1:38 PM

DraftKings vs. FanDuel – A Comprehensive Comparison

Sydney Hostelley
Sydney Hostelley Sports Betting Expert
22 minute read

When it comes to the realm of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and sports betting, two names rise above the crowd: DraftKings and FanDuel.

These platforms have become synonymous with sports entertainment, providing a modern avenue for fans to engage with their favorite sports in a competitive and financially rewarding manner. Their prowess in the DFS domain is unmatched, setting the bar high for other platforms trying to carve a niche in this burgeoning market.

The key differentiators between FanDuel and DraftKings lie in their user interface, the level of competition, the variety of sports and leagues offered, and their fee structures. These elements play a crucial role in shaping the user experience and could significantly influence a bettor’s preference for one platform over the other.

We're going to do a comprehensive comparison to aid bettors in making an informed choice between DraftKings vs. FanDuel.

CONTENTS

DRAFTKINGS VS. FANDUEL: SIGNUP PROCESS

The first thing you'll need to do on your sports betting journey, no matter which one of the two leading sports betting apps you use, is get through its signup process. Both FanDuel and DraftKings offer streamlined registrations that are quick and user-friendly. Let's take a look at what each one involves.

DRAFTKINGS SIGNUP PROCESS

To kickstart your betting adventure, head over to the official website or download the DraftKings mobile app from the app store. The process begins with providing an email address, creating a username, and choosing a strong password.

After this, you'll be prompted to fill in some personal information such as your name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number so that your identity can be confirmed. DraftKings puts a strong emphasis on ensuring a secure and responsible gaming environment, hence the need for thorough verification. Once the verification is complete, you're all set to explore the offerings of DraftKings.

FANDUEL SIGNUP PROCESS

FanDuel's signup process mirrors that of DraftKings to a large extent. You can register via their website or by getting the FanDuel mobile app from the appropriate app store. You proceed by furnishing an email address, creating a username, and setting a password.

Subsequent steps involve providing personal details for verification purposes, including your name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. The verification process at FanDuel is rigorous, adhering to the industry standards to ensure a secure gaming experience. Post verification, you're ready to dive into the plethora of gaming and betting options available on FanDuel.

DRAFTKINGS VS. FANDUEL: WELCOME OFFERS

Both FanDuel and DraftKings provide enticing welcome offers to attract new customers, each with its own set of terms and conditions. While both offers appear similar at first glance, the devil's in the details. You could take advantage of both offers to try out each platform, but some sports bettors might want to go with one or the other.

DRAFTKINGS WELCOME OFFERS

New customers at DraftKings Sportsbook can take advantage of a special offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + Get a SGP Everyday for the NBA Playoffs! Here’s how to claim it:

  1. Sign-Up: Create a DraftKings Sportsbook account using the promo code.
  2. Deposit: Deposit $5 or more into your sportsbook account.
  3. Place a Bet: Your first wager of $5 or more on any sport will be your qualifying wager.
  4. Receive Bonus Bets: Once your qualifying wager is placed, you will instantly receive $200 in Bonus Bets. These Bonus Bets can be found on your Rewards Page and expire 7 days (168 hours) after being received in your account.

Qualifying wagers include moneyline bets, spread bets, player props, over/under bets, same-game parlays, live bets, and traditional parlays. Bettors cannot claim this offer with bonus bets or with wagers that are being cashed out.

Note: In North Carolina, the offer for DraftKings is: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + Get a SGP Everyday for the NBA Playoffs!

Must be physically located in AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY or WV. (“each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”).

Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543, or visit https://morethanagame.nc.gov/.
21+. NC only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook/nc

FANDUEL WELCOME OFFERS

At FanDuel Sportsbook, new users can also enjoy a welcome offer of Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!. Here’s how to claim this offer:

  1. Sign-Up: Register for a new FanDuel account using the promo code.
  2. Deposit: Make your first deposit of $10 or more.
  3. Place a Bet: Place your first moneyline ($5 minimum).
  4. Receive Bonus Bets: Win or lose, you’ll receive $150 in Bonus Bets. These bonus funds can be used on multiple sportsbook bets and don't need to be used in one lump sum.

To claim this offer, you must be a new FanDuel user. Any bets placed with bonus funds before making a real-money deposit will not qualify for this offer.

DRAFTKINGS VS. FANDUEL: ONGOING BONUSES AND PROMOTIONS

DraftKings and FanDuel don't just stop at welcoming new members; they ensure a rewarding experience continues with a variety of ongoing bonuses and promotions. These offers keep the excitement levels high, making every bet and contest entry as thrilling as the first.

DRAFTKINGS ONGOING BONUSES AND PROMOTIONS

DraftKings Sportsbook promotions and ongoing bonuses cover pretty much all of the bases. Examples include:

  • New customer bonuses
  • Profit boosts
  • Bonus bets
  • Odds boosts
  • No-sweat token bonuses
  • Deposit bonuses

FANDUEL ONGOING BONUSES AND PROMOTIONS

FanDuel Sportsbook is constantly rotating its bonuses and promotions, particularly for current bettors. Some of the current promotions at the time of writing include:

  • NBA Profit Boosts
  • Same Game Parlays
  • NFL Profit Boosts
  • Refer-a-friend bonuses

DRAFTKINGS VS. FANDUEL: MAJOR SPORTS AND BETTING MARKETS

Both FanDuel and DraftKings offer a range of online sportsbook action that covers many different sports and sports betting markets. Whether you're a fan of major sports or have a taste for something more niche, these platforms have you covered.

FANDUEL BETTING MARKETS

FanDuel is often applauded for its extensive selection of betting markets. It covers popular North American sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, and NHL. In addition to these, FanDuel also caters to fans of more obscure markets like darts and snooker, providing a diversified betting experience.

Here's a full list of all that sports bettors can wager on at FanDuel:

  • Aussie Rules Football
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Darts
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Handball
  • Ice Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • MMA
  • Motorsport
  • Rugby League
  • Rugby Union
  • Snooker
  • Soccer
  • Table Tennis
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball

DRAFTKINGS BETTING MARKETS

DraftKings provides a similarly broad spectrum of betting markets. Alongside all the sports available on FanDuel, DraftKings goes a step further by including niche sports like futsal, badminton, handball, pickleball, and softball. This wide array caters to a variety of bettors, including those interested in less mainstream sports. Below is a full list of the sports as of the time of writing:

  • NFL
  • NBA
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • PGA
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • College Football
  • College Basketball
  • NASCAR
  • F1
  • MMA
  • USFL
  • eSports
  • Premier League Football
  • UEFA Champions League Football
  • Canadian Football League (CFL)
  • XFL
  • Boxing
  • All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
  • WWE

DRAFTKINGS VS. FANDUEL: MOBILE APP

The FanDuel Sportsbook app is designed with a default blue and white color scheme, which imparts a light, clean, and easily navigable interface. However, a dark mode option is also available for those who prefer a darker theme.

This app is rich in features, boasting a reputable live betting section, live streaming capabilities, same-game parlays, and daily odds boosts. The app also stands out for its more prominent display of odds boosts and its compact size, needing less than 130 MB of space on iOS.

On the flip side, the DraftKings app flaunts a dark, sophisticated design characterized by a black and green color palette. Similar to FanDuel, DraftKings has crafted an impressive mobile offering with intuitive menus and well-organized betting markets.

It also provides reliable live streaming options alongside a top-tier live betting section, boosted sports betting odds, SGPs, and more. When it comes to layout and menu organization, DraftKings might take a slight edge for some users thanks to a particularly well-thought-out design that facilitates easy navigation.

DRAFTKINGS VS. FANDUEL: DAILY FANTASY SPORTS

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is where both FanDuel and DraftKings have rooted their origins, evolving to provide a variety of gaming options to their user base. While both platforms offer a robust DFS experience, they each have unique features that cater to different preferences among fantasy sports enthusiasts.

DRAFTKINGS DFS

DraftKings is known for its wider adoption of the 'Late Swap' feature, contrary to FanDuel which was initially resistant to this concept. It also has an international presence, operating in countries like the UK, Germany, Malta, Austria, Ireland, and Australia.

DraftKings stands out with its scoring system, especially in fantasy football where it awards 1 point per reception as opposed to FanDuel's 0.5. Other notable features include freerolls with no entry fee but with monetary prizes, a referral program where a free $10 ticket into a contest is awarded for every friend referred, and the use of Crowns (earned through gameplay) to gain entry into contests or for purchases at the DraftKings Shop.

High-stakes games with lower rakes and statistical milestone bonuses in fantasy scoring, like 300-plus passing yards for a quarterback or a double-double in basketball, add more dimensions to the fantasy play.

FANDUEL DFS

On the other hand, FanDuel offers mini contests featuring smaller lineups and season-long leagues where new lineups are created each week. The platform helps players with "Guru suggestions" and "short lists" for lineup construction by offering player recommendations.

Referral bonuses are also present here; every referral earns you and your friend $15 in your account after they've played $10 in contests. FanDuel Points, earned through gameplay, can be used to enter paid contests. Additionally, FanDuel has designated experiences for those with a certain amount of contests entered and/or money won.

From the DFS homepage, users can easily access FanDuel's Sportsbook and Racebook platforms, further enhancing the gaming experience.

DRAFTKINGS VS. FANDUEL: LOYALTY PROGRAMS AND REWARDS

Loyalty programs and rewards are essential features that enhance the betting experience, as they reward players for their continued engagement on the platforms. Players who bet more frequently and want to maximize their betting dollars might be interested in what the FanDuel and DraftKings rewards programs have to offer.

DRAFTKINGS LOYALTY PROGRAMS AND REWARDS

DraftKings allows plays to advance in its Dynasty loyalty program by earning Tier Credits. Tier Credits replaced Crowns as the way to move up in the DraftKings loyalty program, and you can earn Tier Credits across the platform's DFS, sportsbook, casino, and marketplace products. The program is structured to benefit both casual players and high rollers, ensuring everyone gets a slice of the reward pie. The five Dynasty tier levels are:

  • Bronze
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Diamond
  • Onyx

While Tier Credits replaced Crowns as your way to move up in the Dynasty loyalty program, Crowns are still around. Crowns have no cash value but allow you to enter contests and redeem DK dollars or Casino credits.

Additionally, DraftKings often runs special promotions and contests that allow players to earn extra Crowns or other rewards. They also have a 'Missions' feature which encourages players to engage with different aspects of the platform by completing daily or monthly missions in return for additional rewards. Through these missions, players can earn extra Crowns, free contest entries, and other exciting prizes.

DraftKings also has a VIP program for their most devoted players. The VIP program offers a host of benefits including personalized customer service, exclusive promotions, and top-tier rewards. This program is designed to provide an enhanced experience and added value to the most active and loyal DraftKings players, making the platform even more engaging and rewarding over time.

FANDUEL LOYALTY PROGRAMS AND REWARDS

FanDuel shows appreciation for its loyal user base through several loyalty programs and rewards. At the core of its loyalty offerings is the FanDuel Players Club. As users participate in paid contests, they earn FanDuel Points (FDPs) which are instrumental in advancing through the tiers of the Players Club. Each tier comes with its own set of benefits including free plays, merchandise, and even tickets to live sports events depending on the level achieved.

FanDuel often rolls out special promotions and challenges that allow players to accrue additional FDPs or win other enticing rewards. These challenges range from daily to season-long, offering varied opportunities for players to earn rewards. The earned FDPs can be used to enter paid contests, acting as a currency that rewards active players with more opportunities to play and win.

FanDuel has a VIP program for its high-volume players, providing a more personalized experience. VIP members enjoy a range of benefits including dedicated customer support, exclusive game content, and invitations to VIP events. These added perks are designed to enhance the overall gaming experience for loyal and active players, making FanDuel a rewarding platform for those who engage with it consistently.

DRAFTKINGS VS. FANDUEL: PAYMENT METHODS

The variety of payment methods available at FanDuel vs DraftKings is going to be very similar, though there may be one or two payment methods they don't have in common. One of the important things to look for is their processing speed since some payment methods will take much longer to pay out than others. Common payment methods accepted by both platforms include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Play+ cards.

DRAFTKINGS PAYMENT METHODS

Here's an overview of deposit and withdrawal methods at DraftKings:

  • Visa and Mastercard
  • PayPal (1-2 days for withdrawal processing)
  • Play+ cards (1-4 days for withdrawal processing)
  • VIP Preferred (e-check)
  • Wire Transfers
  • Debit (1 business day for withdrawal processing)

FANDUEL PAYMENT METHODS

Deposit and withdrawal methods at FanDuel are listed below. Note that up to 48 hours of processing time can be required for withdrawal requests. Once approved, winnings can be received in under 24 hours depending on the withdrawal method chosen.

  • Visa and Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Play+ cards
  • Apple Pay
  • Debit Cards
  • Venmo
  • PayNearMe

DRAFTKINGS VS. FANDUEL: CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Bettors must have reliable customer support options for resolving any issues or queries. Here's a look at what FanDuel and DraftKings offer in terms of customer support.

DRAFTKINGS CUSTOMER SUPPORT OPTIONS

DraftKings ensures its users have ample support through:

  • Live Chat
  • Email Support: sportsbook@draftkings.com
  • Phone Support: 1-855-357-2377
  • Twitter: @DK_Assist

FANDUEL CUSTOMER SUPPORT OPTIONS

FanDuel also provides a variety of support options to assist its users:

  • Live Chat
  • Email Support: sportsbook@fanduel.com
  • Phone Support: 1-646-930-0860
  • Twitter: @FanDuel_Support

DRAFTKINGS VS. FANDUEL: BET TYPES

Luckily, you won't have to decide whether FanuDuel or DraftKings is better based on the types of bets they each offer. Both FanDuel and DraftKings offer all common bet types in their online sportsbook apps. Here's a breakdown of the bet types, and how they function:

  • Moneyline Bets: Moneyline bets are straightforward wagers on which team or individual will win a particular event. These bets are easy to use and make a great way to get into betting apps.
  • Point Spread Bets: Spread betting involves wagering on the margin of victory in a game. The spread levels the playing field between the favorite and the underdog, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the betting experience.
  • Over/Under Bets: Total bets, also known as Over/Under bets, are wagers on the combined score of both teams in a game. This type of betting is appealing to those who prefer to focus on the overall performance of the teams rather than picking a winner.
  • Prop Bets: Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are wagers on specific events or statistics within a game. Bet on everything from player performance to Gatorade color. These bets add a personalized dimension to the betting experience, allowing bettors to engage with games on a deeper level.
  • Futures Bets: Futures bets are long-term wagers on events that will happen in the future, such as the winner of a league or tournament. These bets are enticing for those who enjoy making predictions on season-long outcomes and building long-term anticipation.
  • Parlays: Parlay bets are accumulative wagers where bettors can group multiple bets into one. Both FanDuel and DraftKings facilitate parlay betting, allowing bettors to potentially win big if all selections in the parlay come through.
  • Same-Game Parlays: With a same-game parlay, a bettor can combine multiple wagers within a single game. Both platforms even allow you to mix and match various betting markets, like moneylines, point spreads, and player prop bets, within the same game.
  • Teasers: These are a type of parlay bet where the bettors can adjust the point spreads or totals in their favor. By altering the spreads or totals, bettors have more control over the conditions of their bets, which can be an appealing aspect for strategic bettors.
  • Live Bets: Live betting allows bettors to place wagers while a game is in progress. The live betting feature enhances the interactive experience, enabling bettors to react in real-time and find value as the situation changes.
  • Round Robin Bets: Round Robin bets are a way to create multiple parlays from a single set of selections. Betting round-robin lets you spread out your risk while still maintaining a potentially significant payoff.

DRAFTKINGS VS. FANDUEL STATE AVAILABILITY

The availability of FanDuel and DraftKings varies across the United States due to differing state regulations concerning sports betting and daily fantasy sports. Both platforms have been actively expanding their presence in compliance with state laws as they evolve.

DraftKings is currently available in the following states: AZ, CO, IA, KS, LA, MA, MI, MD, NJ, NY, NC, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY.

On the other hand, FanDuel is accessible to residents in AZ, CA, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV.

As more states move towards legalizing sports betting and daily fantasy sports, it's anticipated that both FanDuel and DraftKings will continue to extend their services to a wider audience across the US.

THE HISTORY BEHIND TWO SPORTS BETTING GIANTS

FanDuel and DraftKings have both carved out significant niches in the sports betting and daily fantasy sports sectors, with their histories showcasing a trajectory of rapid growth and innovation.

DRAFTKINGS HISTORY

DraftKings was founded in 2012 by Jason Robins, Matthew Kalish, and Paul Liberman. The platform quickly gained traction by offering daily fantasy sports contests, distinguishing itself from traditional fantasy sports platforms.

Over the years, DraftKings expanded its offerings to include sports betting and online casino games, following the relaxation of sports betting laws in the United States. The company went public in 2020, marking a significant milestone in its journey.

Today, DraftKings is recognized as a major player in the US sports betting market, offering a comprehensive range of legal sports betting options across various states.

FANDUEL HISTORY

FanDuel was established slightly earlier than DraftKings, in 2009, by Nigel Eccles, Tom Griffiths, Rob Jones, Chris Stafford, and Lesley Eccles. Initially focused on fantasy sports, FanDuel also incorporated sports betting following the change in US sports betting legislation.

FanDuel has built a strong reputation for its daily fantasy sports and sports betting platforms. The company's merger with Paddy Power Betfair, which became Flutter Entertainment, in 2018 significantly boosted its position in the market, allowing for expanded offerings and a stronger place among US sports betting apps.

ALTERNATIVE SPORTSBOOKS TO DRAFTKINGS AND FANDUEL

While DraftKings and FanDuel are dominant players in the sports betting market, there are other noteworthy alternatives that bettors might consider. Here’s a look at a few of them.

CAESARS SPORTSBOOK

Caesars Sportsbook presents a royal betting experience, distinguishing itself with a rich heritage tied to its iconic casino brand. Unlike DraftKings and FanDuel, which were born in the digital realm, Caesars carries a legacy of land-based casino glamour into the online betting sphere.

This sportsbook offers a wide array of betting markets, much like DraftKings and FanDuel, but adds a touch of opulence to the user interface. The integration with its casino rewards program also provides a unique advantage, allowing bettors to earn and redeem rewards at Caesars properties across the globe.

BETMGM

BetMGM stands as a formidable alternative to DraftKings and FanDuel, providing a distinctive blend of online betting with a touch of traditional casino elegance inherited from its MGM Resorts lineage. Unlike the tech-startup vibes of DraftKings and FanDuel, BetMGM carries a sense of established gaming tradition with it.

Offering a broad spectrum of betting markets and a user-friendly interface, BetMGM also boasts a unique rewards program. This program intertwines online betting with real-world perks at MGM Resorts, blending digital and physical gaming experiences that set it apart from the primarily digital realms of DraftKings and FanDuel.

BETRIVERS

BetRivers offers a more localized betting experience when compared to the expansive national footprint of DraftKings and FanDuel. Just like FanDuel and DraftKings, however, it hosts a massive array of betting markets and competitive odds.

It provides a strong community feel, often tailoring promotions and offerings to the local sports teams in the states where it operates. BetRivers also emphasizes its iRush Rewards loyalty program which offers a solid range of rewards and benefits to its bettors.

FANDUEL VS. DRAFTKINGS FAQ

In this section, we answer some of the most common questions revolving around the comparison between DraftKings and FanDuel to provide a clearer perspective on what each platform offers.

WHICH IS THE BETTER SPORTSBOOK: DRAFTKINGS OR FANDUEL?

There's no easy answer to 'Which is better, Fanduel or DraftKings?' In most cases, the choice between which sportsbook is better for your needs will be a highly personal decision. DraftKings is often appreciated for its daily fantasy sports offerings, while FanDuel is known for its user-friendly interface and large prize pools in fantasy contests.

WHICH SPORTSBOOK HAS BETTER BONUSES BETWEEN DRAFTKINGS AND FANDUEL?

Both DraftKings and FanDuel offer competitive bonuses and promotions. The right one for you would depend on your betting preferences and the types of promotions you value more. The current promotions, odds boosts, and bonuses change frequently, so it's advisable to check the latest promotions on both platforms to decide which one aligns with your betting goals.

ARE FANDUEL AND DRAFTKINGS THE SAME COMPANY?

No, FanDuel and DraftKings are not the same company. They are competitors in the sports betting and daily fantasy sports market. DraftKings was founded in 2012, while FanDuel was established in 2009. At one point there was a potential merger on the table, but the FTC blocked it to prevent a monopoly.

CAN I WIN MORE AT DRAFTKINGS OR FANDUEL?

The potential to win can vary based on the specific contests, the odds offered, and the betting markets available. Both DraftKings and FanDuel offer a variety of contests and betting options, providing ample opportunities for winning.

DOES DRAFTKINGS OR FANDUEL HAVE BETTER ODDS?

The odds can fluctuate between DraftKings and FanDuel depending on the event and market. It's a good practice to compare the odds on both platforms before placing a bet to ensure you're getting the best value.

SHOULD I USE DRAFTKINGS OR FANDUEL?

Ultimately, the choice to use the FanDuel vs DraftKings sportsbook is going to be up to you. Look at the pros and cons of each, and consider which one may fit your needs or preferences more closely. Both platforms provide a high-quality betting and daily fantasy sports experience, each with its own set of features and promotions.

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Sydney Hostelley

Sydney Hostelley

Sydney is an editor and marketer with five years of experience in niches spanning sports media, sports betting, and iGaming. She takes pride in staying up-to-date on the industry's latest trends and legislative advances. When she's not publishing content surrounding the more well-known sports, Sydney is playing on the ultimate frisbee field. More from Sydney Hostelley
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