DraftKings Sportsbook vs. DK Daily Fantasy
DraftKings has established a prominent presence in the sports entertainment arena, captivating fans with two unique offerings: its innovative daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform and its rapidly growing sportsbook. Originally known as a groundbreaking DFS provider, DraftKings has now expanded its range of services to include a comprehensive sports betting platform, meeting the evolving needs of sports bettors worldwide.
DraftKings entered the fantasy sports scene in 2012, introducing daily contests with real-money prizes. Its growth was marked by significant funding rounds in 2013 and 2014 to further expansion. The platform secured strategic partnerships with prominent sports leagues like the NHL, MLB and MLS, enhancing its industry standing. Legal challenges arose in 2015-2016 about whether DFS should be classified as a game of skill or chance, prompting regulatory developments. Throughout its evolution, DraftKings prioritized user-friendly interfaces and innovation. From its origins as a Boston startup to its current global presence, DraftKings has played a notable role in shaping the landscape of daily fantasy sports, offering fans new ways to engage with sports entertainment and fantasy gaming.
DraftKings expanded into sports betting in 2018, capitalizing on the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). It utilized existing infrastructure and user base from its fantasy platform during this transition. DraftKings underwent a merger with Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp. and SBTech, which allowed them to become a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ stock exchange in April 2020 under the ticker symbol "DKNG." With current ownership, including investors such as The Raine Group, DraftKings has achieved a significant market share in the rapidly growing sports betting industry. As of March 2024, it maintains a substantial user base, solidifying its position as a prominent player in the sports betting market. Through innovative platforms, DraftKings offers fans and bettors the opportunity to enact upon their passion for sports.
Great Choice for NFL & NBA
What Users Say About Their Overall Experience at DraftKings
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.
Features Comparison
| Feature | DFS | Sportsbook |
| Welcome Bonus | 20% Deposit Match | No Sweat Bet up to $1000 |
| Mobile Apps (iOS/Android) | Yes | Yes |
| App Store Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Google Play Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Legal and Active States | 44 | 25 |
| Live Betting | N/A | Yes |
| Live Streaming | N/A | Yes |
| Entry Fee Range | $0.10 - $26,200 | $0.10 |
| Prize Pool Range | $1 - $1M | N/A |
| Payout Speed | 1-5 Days | 1-5 Days |
| Rewards Program | Dynasty Rewards | Dynasty Rewards |
| Sportsbook Review | DraftKings |
Bonuses Comparison
DraftKings offers bonus promotions across its sportsbook and daily fantasy platforms to actively engage and reward its user community. These promotions aim to enhance user experiences by offering added value, regardless of whether users are engaged in sports betting or fantasy contests. Through various incentives such as matching deposits, odds boosts, sign-up bonuses, and freeroll contests, DraftKings aims to attract and retain users while improving their overall gaming experience on both platforms. Ultimately, the goal is to encourage continued usage of DraftKings for users' gaming preferences.
Active DFS Welcome Bonus
- New customers to DraftKings daily fantasy sports are entitled to a 20% deposit match up to $500 in DK Dollars by entering the promo code or clicking the appropriate link/button at signup. DK dollars have no cash value and can only be utilized on the platform.
Active DFS Bonus Promotions
DFS players are privy to a bunch of bonus promotions spanning from free tickets into paid contests, qualifiers that result in entries to big money contests, and sport specific achievements that when accrued can result in crowns, tier credits, or entries into paid contests.
- DraftKings routinely allows customers to earn a free ticket into a different paid contest by entering a predetermined dollar amount worth of contests in a suggested sport at the time of promotion. The current promo offers a $4 ticket to the MLB Four Seamer if $10+ in entry fees are made for any NBA contests going that day.
Listed qualifier contests run daily giving users an opportunity to earn their way into big money contests down the road:
- $6M Fantasy Golf World Championship
- $1M Fantasy MMA World Championship
- $600K King of the Pitch
- $400K King of the Bracket
- $300K King of the Baseline
- $300K Fantasy League of Legends Championship
- $150K King of the Circuit
Active DFS Refer-A-Friend Bonuses
- The DFS Refer-A-Friend promo earns current platform users and friends $20 DK Dollars to use in any DFS contest or for Marketplace purchases. Referees must be a new DraftKings customer that never deposited funds into any DK account.
Active DraftKings Sportsbook Bonuses
What Users Say About DraftKing's 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.
DFS Contests vs. Sportsbook Betting Markets
DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Contests
| Contest Type | Description |
| Classic | Participants draft a roster of players under a salary cap. Formats include Guaranteed Prize Pools (GPPs), Head-to-Head (H2H) matchups, 50/50 contests, and Multipliers, with varying payouts based on contest size and entry fees. |
| Showdown | Focus on a single game or event, allowing lineups for high-profile matches. These competitions have unique scoring systems and guidelines, including GPPs, head-to-head matchups, and 50/50 contests. |
| Single-Game | Concentrate on individual matches with features like MVP and utility roster spots. Participants draft players from both teams, aiming for the highest score. Formats include GPPs, H2H matchups, and 50/50 contests. |
| Head-to-Head | Direct competition between two participants, with the winner taking the prize pool after platform fees are deducted. |
| Tiers | Instead of drafting a complete lineup with a salary cap, participants select players from predetermined categories based on expected performance or salary range, offering choices of similarly valued players. |
DraftKings Sportsbook Betting Markets
| Betting Type | Description |
| Moneyline | Simple wagers predicting the winner of a game or match, with odds reflecting each team's perceived likelihood of winning. |
| Point Spread | Bets based on predicting the winning margin of a game. One team is handicapped to even the playing field, with bets on whether a team will win by more than the spread or keep the game close enough. |
| Total Bets | Also known as over/under bets, these involve predicting the combined score of both teams in a game. Bettors wager on whether the actual combined score will be over or under the sportsbook's prediction. |
| Prop Bets | Center on the individual performances of players, such as total points, rebounds, or assists in a game. Bets are determined by whether a player exceeds or fails to reach specific statistical benchmarks. |
| Parlay Bets | Consolidation of multiple bets into one wager, requiring all selections to win for the parlay to pay out. Offers the chance for larger winnings from a smaller wager but increases risk as all bets must be successful. |
What Users Say About DraftKings Markets
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.
Prize Pools & Winnings
DFS and sports betting each provide opportunities for strategic betting and the chance to win money, but they operate in distinctly different ways. On the DFS platform, there is a wide range of prize pools for users to choose from, with options ranging from casual contests with small entry fees to high-stakes tournaments that offer significant payouts. In contrast, the Sportsbook provides users with the flexibility to determine potential winnings through chosen wager amounts and the odds assigned to selected outcomes.
DraftKings DFS Platform:
- Offers a diverse range of prize pools.
Prize pools vary based on:
- Contest type.
- Entry fee.
- Number of participants.
Examples:
- Casual contests with entry fees as low as $1 with modest prize pools.
- High-stakes tournaments with entry fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars with prize pools reaching into the millions.
DraftKings Sportsbook:
Potential winnings are directly tied to:
- Wager amount.
- Odds assigned to chosen outcomes.
Flexibility for users to determine potential winnings based on:
- Wager amounts.
- Selected betting options.
Examples:
- A $50 moneyline bet on a -150 favorite could yield $33.33 in winnings.
- A $100 Parlay bet at 10-1 odds could pay off in the thousands if all legs cash in.
DraftKings Payment Methods
DraftKings offers various options for depositing and withdrawing funds, making it easier for users to manage their daily fantasy or sportsbook accounts. The specific payment and withdrawal options at your disposal will vary depending on the local financial regulations of the state you reside. You will only be shown the available methods that are applicable to your location and the chosen product. Payment methods may vary and are subject to potential changes. DraftKings does not impose any fees for transactions, but it is advisable to contact the payment provider in advance to obtain a comprehensive understanding of their policies regarding payments and withdrawals.
DK Fantasy App Vs. DK Sportsbook App
Daily Fantasy
- iOS App Store: 515,000 ratings, 4.9 average.
- Google Play Store: 155,000 ratings, 4.7 average.
- Issues: Reports of app timeouts, error messages, and disconnections.
DraftKings Sportsbook Apps
iOS
- Ratings: High number, strong user satisfaction.
- Features: Wide range of betting options, intuitive interface.
- Issues: Occasional glitches and bet placement delays.
Android
- Ratings: Comparable to iOS in popularity and satisfaction.
- Features: Similar to iOS, with effective security measures.
- Issues: Fewer reported technical issues but not without occasional bugs.
DraftKings Betting App User Reviews
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.
Customer Support
DraftKings offers multiple avenues for users to reach out to their customer support team regarding questions about their daily fantasy and sportsbook platforms. Apart from 24/7 live chat and email support, they provide easily accessible FAQ sections and instructive video tutorials to address queries or concerns. Furthermore, DraftKings actively engages with users on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, facilitating additional channels of communication and interaction.
How to Contact DraftKings
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Submit a Ticket
- Email (support@draftkings.com)
- Social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube
We undertook a thorough assessment of DraftKings' customer support teams by participating in live chat discussions on four separate occasions spread across the day. Our aim was to assess the promptness, usefulness, and general quality of the assistance rendered. Through these engagements, we acquired valuable insights into the efficacy of their support mechanisms and their capacity to swiftly resolve our inquiries and address concerns pertaining to payment methods, geolocation issues, contest and betting market availability, as well as state legalities in real-time scenarios.
| Time (ET) | DraftKings Average Wait Time |
| 10:00 | 4m 44s |
| 15:00 | 7m 32s |
| 18:00 | 14m 43s |
| 23:00 | 11m 26s |
DraftKings started off strong earlier in the day, but as it progressed, their efficiency and speed diminished. However, they were still able to successfully address all concerns and provide answers to all inquiries. Despite this, their level of consistency did not match some of their competitors, who consistently delivered speedy and resolute service throughout the entire day.
Additional DFS and Sportsbook Features
DraftKings DFS Features
| Feature | Description |
| Player Tracking Notifications | Notifications for injuries, lineup changes, or noteworthy performances. |
| Free Contest Entries | Participation in fantasy sports contests without paying an entry fee. |
| Single-Game Contests | Focus on a single real-life sporting event, such as a football, basketball, or baseball game. |
| Live Leaderboards | Real-time rankings of participants as the games unfold. |
| Customizable Contests | Tailor aspects of contests according to preferences. |
| Beginner Contests | Contests for beginners for a fair playing field and learning opportunity. |
| Late Swap | Change lineups after the start of the games in a contest. |
| Mission Based Challenges | Complete tasks or objectives for rewards or bonuses. |
| Reignmakers | Build collections of Digital Player Cards, officially licensed by NFLPA, PGA TOUR, and UFC. |
DraftKings Sportsbook Features
| Feature | Description |
| Early Cash Out | Lock in profit or cut losses before an event concludes. |
| Same Game Parlays | Combine multiple bets from a single event into a single wager for potentially higher payouts. |
| Live Betting | Bet the odds in real-time during a game. |
| Live Streaming | Watch live streams of various sports within the app. |
| Bonus Promotions | Receive boosted odds on select events for potentially higher payouts. |
| Player Centric Prop Betting | Consolidated individual athlete prop betting. |
| DK Social | Integrated social media platform. |
| DK Marketplace | Buy, sell, and trade sports digital collectibles. |
| Dynasty Rewards | Loyalty program offering crowns and tier credits for various rewards. |
Responsible Gambling at FanDuel
Promoting a safe and responsible gambling environment remains paramount in the realm of online betting, whether it involves betting on sports or participating in fantasy contests. DraftKings offers a variety of tools and resources aimed at assisting users in betting responsibly and managing their finances prudently. Below is an outline of the responsible gambling features currently offered by DraftKings for users engaging in DFS or the 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.
- Contest Limits: Users can set maximum entry fee weekly contest limits.
- Cool-Off Period: Users can take a short break from betting on the platform.
- Educational Resources: Information and resources to promote responsible gaming.
FAQs
More Comparisons
Meet Our Authors
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol's interest in sports was sparked at a young age, inspired by athletes such as Barry Sanders, Michael Jordan, and Wayne Gretzky. This early fascination evolved into a deep-seated passion, guiding him toward a career in sports journalism in 2007. Over the years, Sol has contributed numerous articles and reviews to various online platforms, sharing his knowledge and perspectives.
Central to Sol's approach is his dedication to honesty, especially regarding sports betting platforms. He believes in providing bettors with straightforward and detailed reviews, distinguishing his work by avoiding the often overly positive spin on bonus offers and promotions. His commitment to truthfulness has made his reviews a reliable source for those seeking authentic advice and information, thereby earning him a reputation for integrity among his readers.
“In the world of sports betting, truth is more valuable than any bonus offer.”
| Experience | Year |
| Content Manager, OnlineCasinoReports | 2012-2021 |
| Sports Journalist, Dottraffic | 2009-2011 |
| Content Writer, HouseTech | 2007-2009 |
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project
“Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.
In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content.
Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.
| Experience | Year |
| Engaged in private entrepreneurship | 2000-2013 |
| Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting | 2013-2020 |
| Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol | 2022 |
"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports."
- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG
Principles and Ethics
Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.
Future Perspectives
Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.
Anna Kravtcova
Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
Mike Rosenberg
Mike made the decision to dive headfirst into the booming world of sports betting fresh out of college. Back in the day, when 1-800 pick lines and sports pagers were all the rage, he couldn't resist the allure, having grown up idolizing sports legends like Sweetness, MJ, and Slammin Sammy. Mike dedicated his early years to the industry, tirelessly analyzing games, writing articles with free picks, and selling his expertise on reputable handicapping sites. Unlike many others, Mike was known for his integrity and only released one Game of the Year per sport, per season. His hard work and unwavering commitment paid off, earning him a devoted following and propelling his career to new heights. Then came the explosion of Daily Fantasy Sports. Believe it or not, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel used to pay Mike's company to increase their brand exposure. Now, those same industry giants don't even bother responding to his emails. While Mike appreciates the convenience of being able to place legal bets in his own backyard, he can't help but feel disheartened by what has become of the industry. People are being led astray, falsely believing that a mere $5 wager on a 20-team same-game-parlay will be their ticket to financial security. If there’s one thing Mike learned from making book back in the day, it’s that parlays are a bookie’s best friend. A bankroll is the only leg you have to stand on in the battle with the books, and Mike’s here to offer up advice on how to protect it.
