Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler team.
What is FanDuel Sportsbook?
FanDuel is a comprehensive online platform that allows users to place bets on a wide variety of sports events. It offers both pre-match and live betting options across numerous leagues and sports, including popular ones like NFL, NBA, MLB, and many others.
One of the key features of FanDuel Sportsbook is its live betting functionality. This allows bettors to place wagers on games that are already in progress, with odds that update in real-time based on the current state of the match.
For example, if you're watching an NFL game and believe a team is about to make a comeback, you can place a bet on them to win even if they're currently behind.
FanDuel also offers a variety of betting markets for each event. These can range from simple moneyline bets on the winner of a match to more complex prop bets on specific occurrences within a game.
The diversity of options caters to both novice bettors and experienced wagerers looking for more nuanced betting opportunities.
Getting Started with FanDuel
FanDuel offers a comprehensive platform for sports betting and casino games. To begin your journey with the sportsbook, you'll need to create an account and familiarize yourself with the platform's interface.
The process is straightforward, but it's crucial to understand the basic FanDuel betting rules before placing your first wager.
When you first log in, you'll be presented with a wide array of sports and casino games to choose from. Take some time to explore the different options available.
Each sport and game type has its own set of rules and nuances, so it's beneficial to start with familiar territory.
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Understanding FanDuel House Rules
FanDuel's house rules serve as the foundation for all betting activities on the platform. These rules govern how bets are placed, settled, and managed across different sports and scenarios.
One key aspect of the house rules is how they handle postponed games. When a game is postponed, the rules determine whether bets remain valid or are voided. For instance, in many sports, if a game is postponed but played within a certain timeframe (often 24-48 hours), bets typically remain valid.
However, if the postponement is longer, bets may be voided and stakes returned.
Real-World Example: In 2020, many sports events were postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. FanDuel's house rules were put to the test as they had to manage a large number of affected bets. In most cases, bets on canceled events were voided and stakes returned to bettors.
The house rules also cover scenarios such as changes in venues, player injuries, and other unforeseen circumstances that may impact bets.
For example, if a football match is moved to a neutral venue due to unforeseen circumstances, FanDuel's rules would dictate whether existing bets stand or are voided.
Sports Betting on FanDuel
FanDuel offers a wide variety of sports bets to cater to different preferences and strategies. Understanding these bet types is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing your betting experience. Some of the most common types of bets include moneyline, point spread, and over/under (totals) bets.
Moneyline bets are straightforward wagers on which team or player will win a match. For example, in an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets, you might bet on the Patriots to win outright.
Point spread bets involve a margin of victory, where the favored team must win by more than a specified number of points. Over/under bets focus on the total combined score of both teams in a game.
More advanced bet types include parlays (combining multiple bets for higher payouts), prop bets (wagers on specific events within a game), and futures (bets on long-term outcomes like season winners).
Each of these bet types has its own set of rules and considerations, so it's important to understand them before placing your wagers.
Managing Bets in Postponed Games
Dealing with postponed games is an inevitable part of sports betting.
FanDuel has specific rules in place to handle such situations, which can vary depending on the sport and the length of the postponement. Understanding these rules is crucial for managing your bets effectively.
In most cases, if a game is postponed but played within a short timeframe (usually 24-48 hours), bets will typically remain valid. However, if the postponement is longer, bets may be voided and stakes returned.
For instance, if an NBA game is postponed due to severe weather causing a travel disruption but played the next day, your bet may stand. On the other hand, if a tennis match is postponed to the following week due to rain, your bet might be voided.
It's important to note that different sports and leagues may have different rules regarding postponed games.
For instance, baseball betting often has specific rules related to starting pitchers. If a listed starting pitcher doesn't start the game, some types of bets may be voided.
Casino Games on FanDuel
FanDuel not only offers sports betting but also provides a wide array of casino games for those looking for a different type of gambling experience.
These casino games range from classic table games to modern video slots, providing options for various preferences and skill levels.
One of the most popular categories of casino games on FanDuel is slot machines. These games offer a mix of themes, features, and potential payouts. There are often slot games based on popular movies or TV shows, as well as games with progressive jackpots that can offer substantial winnings.
Table games are another significant category in FanDuel's casino offering. These include classics like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
Each of these games has its own set of rules and strategies; here is a summary of some of the most popular examples:
| Game Type | Examples | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | Progressive Jackpots, Themed Slots | Various themes, bonus rounds |
| Table Games | Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat | Strategic gameplay, classic casino feel. |
| Video Poker | Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild | Combines elements of slots and poker |
Using Half Wins in Sports Betting
Half wins, also known as Asian handicaps, are a more advanced form of sports betting that can provide additional options and potentially reduce risk.
This type of bet splits your stake between two related bets, often with the possibility of winning one part of your bet while the other part is a push (where your stake is returned).
In soccer betting, for example, a -0.75 Asian handicap would split your bet between a -0.5 handicap and a -1 handicap. If your team wins by one goal, you win half your bet (the -0.5 part) and get a push on the other half (the -1 part).
This can be particularly useful in matches where you expect a team to win, but you're not confident they'll win by a large margin.
Understanding and using half wins effectively can add nuance to your betting strategy. It allows for more precise betting based on your expectations of a game's outcome.
However, it's important to note that these bets can be more complex and may require a deeper understanding of betting mechanics and odds calculations.
Responsible Gaming
Responsible gaming is a crucial aspect of the betting experience, and FanDuel provides several tools to help users manage their gambling activities.
One of the most important features is the ability to set limits on your account. These limits can be applied to deposits, wagers, or time spent on the platform.
For example, you might set a daily deposit limit of $50 to ensure you don't overspend. Or you could set a weekly time limit of 10 hours to manage how much time you spend gambling. These limits are customizable and can be adjusted based on your personal preferences and circumstances.
Self-exclusion is another important tool for responsible gaming. If you feel that your gambling is becoming problematic, you can choose to self-exclude from FanDuel for a set period of time or indefinitely.
During this period, you won't be able to access your account or place any bets. This can be a valuable step for those who need a break from gambling or who want to address potential gambling issues.
FAQ
Game Postponement
What happens to my bet if a game is postponed?
The outcome depends on the sport and the length of the postponement. Generally, if the game is played within 24-48 hours, bets stand.
For longer postponements, bets are often voided and stakes returned. Always check the specific rules for the sport you're betting on.
Live Betting Odds
How do live betting odds work?
Live betting odds are updated in real-time based on the current state of the game. Factors like score, time remaining, and key events (like injuries or red cards in soccer) can all impact the odds. These dynamic odds allow bettors to place wagers as the action unfolds.
Pushes
What is a push in sports betting?
A push occurs when the outcome of a bet results in neither a win nor a loss. For example, if you bet on a team with a -3 point spread and they win by exactly 3 points, it's a push. In these cases, your original stake is returned to you.
Void Parlay Legs
How are parlays settled if one leg is void?
If one leg of a parlay is void (due to a postponement, for example), that leg is typically removed from the parlay and the odds are recalculated based on the remaining legs. If only one leg remains, it usually becomes a single bet.
Void Bets
What happens when a void bet is part of a larger wagering strategy?
When a void bet occurs as part of a larger wagering strategy, such as a parlay or a system bet, the void bet is typically removed from the calculation. The odds are then recalculated based on the remaining valid bets.
Your original bet amount is usually redistributed among the remaining valid selections. For example, if you placed a $10 parlay on four games and one game is voided, your $10 original bet would be recalculated as if it were a three-game parlay. It's important to note that the specific handling of void bets can vary depending on the sportsbook's rules, so always check the terms and conditions.
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Meet our Authors
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.
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.
Experience:
- Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
- Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group
- Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
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”.
Nick Ashbourne
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler team.
Sergey Demidov
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
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.
