How to Bet Responsibly at DraftKings

10 min read
Dec 27, 2023, 5:51 PM
Author
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief
Last Updated: Nov 25, 2024, 1:20 PM

All About DraftKings

Betting online can be an exciting and enjoyable experience when done responsibly. DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the leading platforms in the U.S. for sports betting, offering users a wide array of betting options while providing crucial tools to promote responsible gambling. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about betting responsibly at DraftKings, from signing up to using their responsible gambling tools.

Sign Up At DraftKings

1. Creating an Account

To begin your journey with DraftKings Sportsbook, the first step is to create an account. Whether you’re using their website or mobile app, the process is straightforward:

  • Visit DraftKings’ website or download their app from your preferred app store.
  • Click on the “Sign Up” button and provide your email address, choose a password, and enter personal details like your name and date of birth to verify your identity.
  • DraftKings will require additional proof of identity to ensure that you meet your state's legal gambling age requirement (typically 21 years old).

Once your account is verified, you can deposit funds to start betting.

2. Depositing Funds

DraftKings Sportsbook offers several deposit methods to make funding your account convenient. You can use:

  • Credit/debit cards
  • Bank transfers
  • PayPal or other e-wallet services

Deposits are usually instant, allowing you to begin betting right away. However, before making any deposits, ensure you have set clear limits for yourself (we’ll discuss this later) to stay within your budget.

3. Welcome Bonuses and Promotions

One of the most appealing aspects of signing up for DraftKings is their welcome bonuses. New users might receive a deposit match or free bets, but it’s important to understand the terms and conditions of these offers. For example, promotions often have wagering requirements, meaning you need to bet a certain amount before you can withdraw any winnings.

Responsible Gambling Reminder
Always read the fine print of bonuses—many promotions have wagering requirements, and exceeding your budget to meet them is a risky behavior.

Responsible Gambling Tools at DraftKings

DraftKings has integrated a variety of responsible gambling tools into its platform, allowing users to manage their time and money effectively. These tools are designed to help bettors stay in control and enjoy a safe betting experience.

1. Deposit Limits

With DraftKings, you can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. This ensures that you never deposit more than what you are comfortable losing.

2. Spending Limits

In addition to limiting deposits, users can also set how much they can spend over a set period. This tool prevents bettors from going overboard and placing reckless bets.

3. Time Limits

It’s easy to lose track of time while betting, but DraftKings’ time limit feature allows you to set a maximum amount of time you can spend on the platform per day.

4. Self-Exclusion

If at any point you feel that betting is negatively impacting your life, DraftKings offers a self-exclusion option. This tool allows you to voluntarily block yourself from using the platform for a certain period, ranging from days to years.

Using self-exclusion is a proactive step for those feeling overwhelmed. It’s a tool that ensures you stay in control.

Responsible Gambling Recommendations

Even with the available tools, responsible gambling ultimately depends on the decisions made by the user. Here are some essential tips for betting responsibly at DraftKings:

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Before you start betting, decide on a budget and stick to it. This is an amount you are comfortable losing, treating betting as a form of entertainment rather than a source of income.

2. Understand the Odds

Take time to understand how betting odds work. Whether you're betting on point spreads, moneylines, or props, understanding the odds helps you make informed decisions and prevents impulsive bets.

3. Avoid Chasing Losses

One of the most common mistakes bettors make is trying to recover their losses by placing bigger bets. This can spiral into financial trouble quickly. If you’re on a losing streak, take a break and reassess your strategy.

4. Take Frequent Breaks

Constant betting can cloud your judgment. Taking regular breaks can help you keep a clear head and avoid making decisions based on frustration or impulse.

5. Recognize the Signs of Problem Gambling

It’s crucial to recognize the warning signs of problem gambling. If you find yourself betting with money meant for essentials or lying to loved ones about your gambling, it may be time to seek help.

If you feel stressed or frustrated about betting, it’s time to take a break or seek support.

6. Leverage Support Systems

DraftKings provides access to resources like Gamblers Anonymous and the National Problem Gambling Helpline. Additionally, they offer in-house support services to help you navigate any gambling-related issues.

Examples of How to Bet Responsibly at DraftKings

Let’s explore a couple of real-world examples of how responsible gambling tools and strategies can be effectively used:

1. Using Limits to Control Betting

Consider a bettor who loves wagering on NFL games but sets a daily deposit limit of $50. This limit helps them avoid overspending, ensuring they can enjoy betting without financial stress.

2. Chasing Losses

A user starts their day with a loss on a basketball game. Feeling frustrated, they place another bet, doubling their stake to recover the loss, but end up losing again. In contrast, if they had stuck to their original budget, the situation could have been avoided. This shows the importance of recognizing when to walk away.

Betting on DraftKings Sportsbook can be a fun and rewarding experience if done responsibly. By using the platform’s responsible gambling tools, setting limits, and staying informed, you can ensure that betting remains an enjoyable activity rather than a source of stress.

How to Bet at DraftKings FAQs

Signing Up and Account Management

How do I sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook?

Visit the DraftKings website, click on ‘Log In’, then select ‘Sign Up’. Provide your personal details, complete identity verification, and set up geo-location and two-factor authentication as required.

What documents do I need for identity verification?

Typically, a state-issued ID is required for identity verification. The process ensures your eligibility and security.

How do I update my personal details on DraftKings?

Log into your account, go to account settings, and you can update your personal information there.

Can I set betting limits on my account?

Yes, DraftKings allows you to set daily, weekly, or monthly betting limits to promote responsible gaming.

Types of Bets

What are the different types of bets I can place at DraftKings?

You can place various types of bets including Moneyline, Point Spread, Over/Unders, Parlay, Futures, Prop Bets, and Live In-Play Betting.

What is a Parlay bet?

A Parlay bet combines multiple bets into one wager, offering a larger payout if all the individual bets win.

Can I place bets during a game?

Yes, Live In-Play Betting allows you to place bets on games as they occur in real-time.

Betting Guidelines

What should I know before placing my first bet?

Understand the sports and markets available, research teams and players, establish a betting budget, and familiarize yourself with bet types and state regulations.

Are there any restrictions on betting based on location?

Yes, you must be physically present in a state where DraftKings is operational to place bets, and the offerings may vary by state due to different regulations.

Financial Transactions

How do I deposit funds into my DraftKings account?

Log into your account, navigate to the deposit section, choose your preferred payment method, and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.

What are the options for withdrawing funds and their processing times?

DraftKings offers various withdrawal methods, including online banking, PayPal, and others. Processing times vary, ranging from instant transfers to several business days.

Customer Support

How can I get assistance if I have issues or questions?

DraftKings provides 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, phone, and social media platforms for any assistance you might need.

Meet our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.

In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.

In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.

Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.

At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.

Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

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 Ashbourne
Senior Writer

Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game in 1998, and he's been writing about them professionally since 2014.

Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports while growing his expertise in sports data analysis and research. 

Between 2022 and 2023, he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets. In 2024, he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.

Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Head of News Department

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
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

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.

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