FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook have quickly emerged as the two best sports betting sites in the North American mobile sports betting industry. Originally arising from daily fantasy sports (DFS), both FanDuel and DraftKings have over 15 million active users in North America.
While both are similar in many ways, there are some notable differences between the two sportsbooks. Let’s analyze these two sports betting giants and crown a winner of the ongoing FanDuel vs. DraftKings debate.
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FanDuel vs. DraftKings Features Comparison
Before getting into the nuts and bolts of our DraftKings vs. FanDuel comparison, it may be helpful to discuss the look and feel of each sports betting provider’s mobile app. In our testing, each proved superb in visual appeal, responsiveness, and overall quality.
Both FanDuel and DraftKings offer top-tier sports betting experiences, from modern graphics to their platforms’ ease of use and intuitiveness. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference, with little separating the two providers from a physical standpoint.
Overall, however, our testing ultimately sided with FanDuel by the slightest margin regarding look and feel. Despite this, both FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook should be ranked among the best platforms in the online sports betting market. Many of the reasons for this are cited below:
Best Features of FanDuel Sportsbook
- Industry-best mobile app
- Terrific Same Game Parlay builder
- Massive selection of props
- Plethora of withdrawal methods
- Quick payouts
Best Features of DraftKings Sportsbook
- Top-tier rewards program
- Extensive promotions for existing users
- Live betting menu covers all sports
- Modern interface for desktop website and mobile app
- In-app live streaming
FanDuel Sportsbook History
FanDuel was founded in 2009 as a daily fantasy sports (DFS) provider and made the seamless jump to legal sports betting after the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA).
Ireland-based bookmaker Paddy Power Betfair became the majority shareholder of FanDuel in 2018. Around the time mobile sports betting became legal in the U.S., the FanDuel Group was born. Since then, the company has parlayed its status as a top DFS provider into the sportsbook with the most significant market share in the United States.
FanDuel’s status has only grown with major acquisitions and high-level partnerships within major sports leagues and franchises. The FanDuel Sportsbook mobile app is now available in 20 states (AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, and WY) and is almost always mentioned in any prospective new state’s plans to legalize sports betting.
DraftKings Sportsbook History
DraftKings was founded in 2012 as a DFS provider of its own and was quickly propped up by some of the major professional sports leagues in the U.S., including the MLB and NHL, which signed partnership deals with the company in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
ESPN and Fox Sports partnered with DraftKings in 2015. Similar co-marketing deals followed with the NFL and NBA, giving the company unprecedented exposure and credibility among sports leagues and the fans that make such leagues what they are.
In May 2018, PASPA was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, paving the way for DraftKings, which had already spent years providing DFS services throughout the U.S., to enter the newly legalized sports betting space.
DraftKings Sportsbook has since set up shop in 22 U.S. states plus Ontario. Their jurisdictions include AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OR, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, and WY.
Comparing Welcome Offers at FanDuel vs. DraftKings
Online sportsbooks have been locked in a battle to attract new customers to their sites, forcing them to constantly come up with new and creative welcome bonus offers. Our DraftKings vs. FanDuel comparison shows why the two sportsbooks are among the top sports betting destinations in the jurisdictions where they have a presence.
Both DraftKings and FanDuel offer some of the most generous welcome bonus options in the industry. Welcome bonus offers will fluctuate, but for the most part, both DraftKings and FanDuel typically offer welcome promotions involving bonus bets.
Here are two recent new customer offers up for grabs:
- DraftKings is offering “Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly!”
- FanDuel is also offering “Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets!”
FanDuel and DraftKings each supply $200 in bonus bets to first-time customers with just a $5 initial wager required. These promos function as most “bet and get” offers do. You must place a qualifying bet, wait for it to settle, and then you receive $200 worth of bonus bets once it does.
Despite FanDuel and DraftKings often offering the same welcome bonus, these promotions are subject to frequent change. Regardless, the offers you will see from DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook will always be top-notch.
Winner: Draw
Because the offers at both sportsbooks are often the same, the FanDuel vs. DraftKings battle in new-user promos is a draw. If either site’s welcome bonus takes a step up in the future, we will be sure to shift our evaluation.
FanDuel vs. DraftKings Existing User Promotions
Our comparison between FanDuel and DraftKings found that the two rivals make concerted efforts to incentivize existing customers with ongoing promotions.
Each sportsbook has its own version of a refer-a-friend program, and for DraftKings, the site offers bonus bets based on the amount your friend deposits. FanDuel, on the other hand, will give you $50 in bonus bets on FanDuel Sportsbook just for having one of your friends sign up for an account.
Aside from that, we determined that DraftKings holds the advantage when it comes to daily existing user promotions. DraftKings offers a healthy amount of profit boosts for straight bets, numerous parlay bonuses, No Sweat Bet opportunities, Early Win promos, and countless exciting contests. Alternatively, FanDuel offers some of the same but at a much lower volume and bases the majority of its existing user promotions around Same Game Parlays.
Existing FanDuel Promotions
- Same Game Parlay Profit Boost Tokens
- No Sweat Same Game Parlays
- Daily Odds Boosts on preselected bets
- Parlay Insurance
- Refer-a-Friend Bonus
Existing DraftKings Promotions
- No Sweat Tokens for straight bets and parlays
- Profit Boosts for straight bets and parlays
- Early Win Promotion for NFL, NBA and MLB
- Deposit Match Reloads
- Referral Program
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
As mentioned above, DraftKings definitely excels in the area of promotions for existing customers. While the offerings between the sportsbooks are somewhat similar, DraftKings has better boosts, a higher volume of promotions, and a superior referral bonus in place.
The promotional value is one of the most important parts of evaluating a sportsbook, given that it makes the experience worthwhile. Answering the FanDuel vs. DraftKings question for this section is an easy task: DraftKings wins resoundingly.
For example, while most of FanDuel’s profit boost tokens typically offer 33% boosts, DraftKings usually offers at least 50%. The FanDuel Sportsbook referral bonus also unleashes a maximum of $50 in bonus bets with $25 for use at the brand’s online casino in select states. You can claim as much as $100 in bonus bets with the referral program at DraftKings.
FanDuel vs. DraftKings Odds Pricing
The average odds available are among the most critical factors when evaluating an online sportsbook. While the sports betting odds for individual markets resemble each other at most sportsbooks, there are often minor deviations that can present value for sports bettors. However, a sportsbook can also be unfriendly with odds, particularly for futures bets.
The better the odds you can get on a specific bet, the more long-term profit you will receive.
Below are some examples of odds seen at DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook for a few NFL matchups and futures wagers.
NFL Game Odds Comparison
- Seahawks vs. Giants: Over 47.5 (-105) at FanDuel, Over 47 (-108) at DraftKings
- Bears vs. Commanders: Bears moneyline (+260) at FanDuel, Bears moneyline (+240) at DraftKings
- Jaguars vs. Bills: Jaguars +5.5 (-112) at FanDuel, Jaguars +6 (-112) at DraftKings
- Texans vs. Falcons: Texans +1.5 (-118) at FanDuel, Texans +1 (-115) at DraftKings
- Titans vs. Colts: Titans +1.5 (-115) at FanDuel, Titans +1 (-108) at DraftKings
Super Bowl Futures Comparison
- Kansas City Chiefs: +550 at FanDuel, +550 at DraftKings
- San Francisco 49ers: +550 at FanDuel, +550 at DraftKings
- Philadelphia Eagles: +650 at FanDuel, +750 at DraftKings
- Miami Dolphins: +1300 at FanDuel, +900 at DraftKings
- Detroit Lions: +2000 at FanDuel, +1800 at DraftKings
Winner: FanDuel Sportsbook
On a game-by-game basis, FanDuel offers odds that are far more friendly to sports bettors. While some of the big-named teams in the NFL can be had at better prices to win the Super Bowl at DraftKings, the middle-tier teams are all more valuable at FanDuel with better odds.
FanDuel offers a more complete package when comparing the odds at each sportsbook, but DraftKings is still excellent in its own right.
Sports Market Comparison at FanDuel vs. DraftKings
Unsurprisingly, our FanDuel vs. DraftKings review brought us to the two most extensive menus of sports to bet on in the business. You can’t find a more complete sportsbook than these two in terms of the sports they offer.
With DraftKings running on the Kambi platform and FanDuel being a part of the Flutter Entertainment network, the sheer volume of sports markets for both sites is impressive. All the sports leagues you could ask for are on both platforms, ranging from prominent leagues to more niche sports.
You can find obscure sports, major sports, and even college sports within each brand’s selection of markets.
The extensive catalog of betting markets available at FanDuel and DraftKings are the primary reasons the sites rank amongst the best in the business. Available sports can vary by state, but most states offer the following sports:
Available Markets at FanDuel Sportsbook
Available Markets at DraftKings Sportsbook
- Australian Rules
- Badminton
- MLB Baseball
- NBA Basketball
- Boxing
- College Basketball
- College Football
- Cricket
- Darts
- E-sports
- NFL Football
- Golf
- Handball
- NHL Hockey
- Lacrosse
- MMA
- Motor Racing
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
There are a few minor differences in the FanDuel vs. DraftKings sports menus, but they have to do more with “niche sports” from around the globe. DraftKings offers action on badminton, handball, softball, and lacrosse, among other sports, while FanDuel offers better betting options for the menu of sports they possess.
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
For the sake of this review, we are giving DraftKings the nod here. DraftKings offers much better betting market variety with niche sports like badminton and darts included, but FanDuel offers more bet types by market. Market variety is more important, though, so we give the win to DraftKings here.
FanDuel vs. DraftKings Bet Types
Both sportsbooks offer an elite menu of bet types – there are only subtle differences between the sites. Providers must back it up to be elite with as many wagering opportunities as possible. Our comparison found similar menus of bet types that consist of the following:
- Futures
- Totals/Over-Under
- Parlay (including same-game parlay)
- Teaser
- Moneyline
- Prop bets (including player prop bets)
- Spreads
- Round Robin
- Live betting
- And more depending on the state
Our testing found that FanDuel offers a slightly better prop betting menu (especially for the NBA) and more parlay betting options. Additionally, we sided with FanDuel here due to its wider variety of Same Game Parlay options.
Winner: FanDuel Sportsbook
DraftKings and FanDuel are quite close in the area of bet types offered. All of the wager types you would expect to see at both are present, but FanDuel adds a bit more with prop betting, Same Game Parlay construction, traditional parlay betting, and more. DraftKings is excellent in this regard, but FanDuel wins by a small margin.
Managing Your Funds on FanDuel vs. DraftKings
Banking options have become a badge of honor for sportsbooks in the North American market – the more they make available, the more status they seem to gain. In our FanDuel vs. DraftKings comparison, there isn’t much that separates the two books, just like many of the topics already discussed.
Banking Options at FanDuel
- Apple Pay (FanDuel only)
- Venmo
- Credit/Debit Card
- Online Banking/Bank Transfer
- PayPal
- Play+ Prepaid Card
- PayNearMe
- Gift card
- Cash at the cage at any participating retail sportsbook
Banking Options at DraftKings
- Venmo
- Credit/Debit Card
- Online Banking/Bank Transfer
- ACH eCheck (DraftKings only)
- PayPal
- Play+ Prepaid Card
- PayNearMe
- Gift card
- Cash at the cage at any participating retail sportsbook
DraftKings gains a slight edge thanks to their acceptance of ACH deposits, which FanDuel did accept at one time but discontinued. DraftKings also has a lower minimum deposit of $5, rather than FanDuel’s $10 minimum.
However, FanDuel has more total banking options, including Apple Pay, a new-age payment method that is pretty popular in the sports betting community.
Winner: FanDuel Sportsbook
This one is very close. Both FanDuel and DraftKings have exceptional structures of payment methods with quick processing times on transactions. DraftKings has the edge in player convenience by offering a lower minimum deposit requirement. Still, FanDuel gets a slight edge by offering more modern payment methods such as Apple Pay.
DraftKings vs. FanDuel Customer Support
While both FanDuel and DraftKings offer a variety of different ways to contact customer support, there is one glaring difference between the two. FanDuel offers 24/7 live chat from within its app and website, while DraftKings does not.
FanDuel Customer Support Options
- Comprehensive FAQ section
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Phone
- Fantastic social media presence
DraftKings Customer Support Options
- Detailed FAQ section
- Phone (Callback only)
- Physical mail
- Strong social media presence
Winner: FanDuel Sportsbook
In our DraftKings vs. FanDuel comparison, customer service goes to FanDuel. They both have similar methods of contact and wait times associated with each one, however, DraftKings’ lack of a live chat option is too much to overcome. Additionally, FanDuel has phone numbers available for customers in all states to reach out to, while DraftKings requires its players to request a callback.
FanDuel DFS vs. DraftKings DFS
FanDuel and DraftKings were the primary operators for DFS at the outset of the industry. While both companies have advanced to online sports betting and online casino gambling, DraftKings still offers exceptional DFS contests. FanDuel is arguably even better, offering some of the most prominent contests across all major sports leagues.
Daily fantasy sports are an enjoyable experience, essentially mixing sports betting with season-long fantasy sports contests. There is much entertainment value here, just as with betting on your favorite sports. One of the most important factors to consider is prize pools. DraftKings offers far bigger prize pools in its average DFS contest. The average FanDuel contest is still exemplary but lags behind DraftKings in that regard.
FanDuel DFS Contests
- Guaranteed Prize Pool (GPP) tournaments
- Head-to-head cash games
- 50/50s
- Double-Ups
- Multiplier
- Satellites
- Qualifiers
DraftKings DFS Contests
- Guaranteed Prize Pool (GPP) tournaments
- Freerolls
- Beginner
- Head-to-head cash games
- 50/50s
- Double-Ups
- Multiplier
- Satellites
- Qualifiers
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
DFS represents the humble beginnings of both the FanDuel and DraftKings brands, but DraftKings has undoubtedly done the best job of staying true to its roots. FanDuel’s DFS skin is still one of the best, but DraftKings offers more daily contests than any other DFS operator. The one area that helps DraftKings stand out is its commitment to expanding the DFS community via freeroll and beginner tournaments.
FanDuel vs. DraftKings Rewards Programs Comparison
Another critical question to answer in the FanDuel vs DraftKings battle is what brand poses the best rewards program. However, this is an easy one. DraftKings has one of the most well-established loyalty programs in the industry, while FanDuel doesn’t have one at all.
Let’s compare and contrast each site’s rewards program.
DraftKings Dynasty Rewards
DraftKings Dynasty Rewards is the loyalty program offered by the brand. You will be automatically enrolled in the program once you sign up for any DraftKings skins, including the online sportsbook, online casino, and DFS products.
You can earn terrific prizes like hotel stays, vacations, and many bonus bets with Dynasty Rewards.
FanDuel Players Club (DFS only)
The FanDuel Players Club offers rewards points to those who play DFS games on FanDuel. It’s a decent program, but it is limited to DFS only. Unfortunately, FanDuel Sportsbook has no rewards program of any kind. This is the biggest drawback of the sportsbook compared to DraftKings or any other competitor.
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings has done an outstanding job of intertwining its rewards program between the brand’s daily fantasy sports, online sportsbook, and online casino skins. DraftKings offers a solid rewards program, while FanDuel offers none at all, so the matchup winner is clear.
App Availability for FanDuel vs. DraftKings
FanDuel and DraftKings have outstanding sports betting apps that can be downloaded from multiple sources. Both mobile apps can be acquired from the App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices.
Both mobile apps offer the same betting markets and competitive odds you have come to expect from desktop sites. Additionally, both products are available in a large number of states, with each app currently accessible in at least 20+ total jurisdictions.
With all of that being said, FanDuel and DraftKings both possess high-quality mobile apps that are widely available in the United States, which leaves us no choice but to grade this one as a draw.
Winner: Draw
FanDuel vs. DraftKings — Who is the Winner?
Despite the thorough analysis of each aspect of the two sportsbooks, deciding on a true winner between FanDuel and DraftKings is difficult. FanDuel and DraftKings excel in many areas and are the cream of the crop within the online sports wagering industry. However, we are declaring DraftKings Sportsbook the winner of the matchup.
In the area of promotions, DraftKings dominates. Despite both brands offering similar welcome bonuses, DraftKings offers far more promos for existing customers. This helps keep sports bettors engaged with the product in the long run, which bodes well in our evaluation process.
DraftKings also crushes FanDuel by offering a wider variety of betting markets for the sports it offers. FanDuel has plenty of markets available, but DraftKings has gone far more global with the niche sports in abundance. This can help increase the action you take from day to day, giving you more flexibility.
Initially beginning as DFS operators, FanDuel and DraftKings have somewhat lost their way and moved into other ventures. However, DraftKings remains the better place to play DFS and should remain so moving forward.
FanDuel offers much better odds on sporting events and does so with regularity. DraftKings also has competitive odds, but not to the degree that FanDuel does. FanDuel also has more bet types within each market, but DraftKings excels in every other area mentioned. That said, DraftKings is our choice in the FanDuel vs. DraftKings debate.
FanDuel vs. DraftKings FAQ
Below are a few commonly asked questions regarding the ongoing debate of FanDuel vs DraftKings. For specific questions about either brand, be sure to check out the detailed FAQ section available on either company’s app or website!
Should I use FanDuel or DraftKings?
Whether FanDuel or DraftKings is the better platform is extremely difficult to answer. While most people have personal preferences, our objective view is that they are roughly equal, with DraftKings getting the slight edge overall. FanDuel beats out DraftKings in a variety of categories and vice versa. The best way to answer this question is to try both brands and see which one you prefer.
How old do I have to be to bet with FanDuel or DraftKings?
You must adhere to the legal gambling age of 21 in most U.S. states.
What is the FanDuel promo code?
No FanDuel promo code is required to claim the welcome bonus on the site, simply click on the link above! The offer supplies all new customers with $200 in bonus bets after settling their first $5 bet.
Which sportsbook has better bonuses between FanDuel and DraftKings?
DraftKings has a much better package of promos for existing customers. While both sites have the same structure of welcome bonuses, DraftKings excels with its rewards program and daily offers to existing users.
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