FanDuel vs. DraftKings

The two biggest names in daily fantasy sports have entered the online sports betting market. FanDuel vs. DraftKings. They’re names you’ve certainly heard, but which sportsbook should you go with?

Considerations When Judging Sportsbooks

A few considerations need to be made when judging which sportsbook is best for you. For the purposes of this article, we will look at eight categories:

• Interface
• App
• Odds
• Welcome Offer
• Other Bonuses
• Deposit Methods
• Stability
• Variety/Betting Markets

These categories are decided based on customer reports and a general sense of what players look for in a worthwhile sports betting app. Take a look at the review below to make an educated choice on the best sportsbook, FanDuel vs. DraftKings, for your needs.

A special note: if you’re looking to bet with one of these services, both are available in Indiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. If you live in another state, check back here soon for updates!

Interface – DraftKings

When taking a look at sports betting apps, the interface is the first thing that you’ll notice. Is it too busy; is all the information displayed in an easy-to-read manner?

Interface is, of course, a factor that can make or break a sports betting app. If an operator offers competitive odds and good bonuses but the app functions poorly, it won’t attract users.

DraftKings

Visiting the DraftKings website makes it easy to get on the DraftKings app quickly. This makes it a great way to get online and bet on your favorite sports. Initially, you’re greeted by a clear-to-read screen listing upcoming events and bets. Plus, the app has quick links front and center for easy access to events, sports, and even casino games.

The main issue is that the app could be a bit faster. That said, the platform overall is snappy and has what you need right at your fingertips. Also, the Intelligent Betslip is a nice addition but sometimes pops up at exactly the wrong time. Sliders and context-based menus can be a bit confusing, and sometimes the app will advertise other events at the top of the page.

Lastly, the app’s dark mode is much easier on the eyes and helps make the odds pop on the screen.

FanDuel

Meanwhile, the FanDuel app doesn’t offer dark mode, so long-term use could be a bit harsh on the eyes. However, the FanDuel sportsbook app has a great interface nonetheless.

If you don’t like dark mode, you may find the FanDuel interface a bit easier to read. Also, FanDuel makes great use of a tab system, giving you quick access to all the information you need without having to navigate through contextual windows.

It is worth noting that FanDuel has started to offer Horse Racing. Read our FanDuel Racing Review to learn more.

Mobile App – DraftKings

In addition to the interface, we’ll consider the basic functionality of each app, including reported bugs and glitches. This also involves how open the developer handles customer comments and concerns.

DraftKings

The interface is one consideration to make when using an app, but how functional is it? In the case of DraftKings, the app does exactly what you want. Of course, there are a few user-reported bugs. However, overall, a secure connection meant that all bets went through without a problem.

That said, users have reported numerous bugs with the other features of the app. This includes missing bonuses and parlay insurance glitches. User reviews are notoriously unreliable though, so it could simply be disgruntled players who lost a bet. Either way, we’re hoping to see a bit more responsiveness to user concerns when commenting on the app.

FanDuel

The FanDuel app does not offer you as much on-screen information as does the DraftKings sportsbook app. In this case, however, the simplicity lends itself to a great in-app experience.

You won’t be inundated with unnecessary information. Instead, the app keeps you focused on the sport you’re watching and the specific odds you need. (Also, yes, you read that right, you can stream live sports while betting on them!)

In addition to considering how the app functions, we noticed the FanDuel Sportsbook team is a bit more involved in addressing user comments. They often post a reply in a timely manner. Again, who’s to say how genuine angry commenters are about an app’s functionality.

Overall, due to slightly better functionality and a clear developer interest toward responding to bugs, Draftkings again takes the edge ahead of FanDuel.

Odds – Tie

Considering FanDuel vs. DraftKings, they are both national operators looking to stay competitive in a growing field. That being said, it’s important to look at the odds set by both operators to be sure that one doesn’t have an edge over the other.

Looking at FanDuel vs. DraftKings, we’ve noticed a few minor discrepancies in the odds. At times, DraftKings offered better payouts, while other times FanDuel had the edge on the moneyline.

DraftKings

Taking a look at the odds on DraftKings, we’ve noticed that these figures stay about 2 points ahead or behind of that on FanDuel. Take, for example, the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks played on December 2nd, 2019. DraftKings had Minnesota at +130 and the Seahawks at -148.

Compare that to FanDuel, who lists the same game with odds of Minnesota at +130 to the Seahawks at -150. Overall, we’ve noticed that DraftKings tends to offer slightly lower payouts about half the time. This is not a hard and fast rule, but rather an occasional trend.

FanDuel

FanDuel had the better odds payouts about 60% of the time, but usually the discrepancy was minuscule. As such, this is only a slight advantage, and there are certainly instances where DraftKings Sportsbook pays out better than FanDuel.

For example, take the Week 14 game between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets. DraftKings has the odds set at +210 to -265 (Miami to New York), while FanDuel Sportsbook has the odds for Miami at +196 and New York at -230.

When looking at FanDuel vs. DraftKings overall, both sportsbooks offer competitive odds, so this category is a tie.

Welcome Offers

DraftKings

DraftKings offer new players a deposit bonus, of up to $1,000.

You must be 21 or older. If you have deposited on any DraftKings product before, you cannot participate in this promotion. For new users, your first deposit (minimum $5) qualifies you to receive up to $1,000 in bonus funds in the form of site credits, which can only be used on DraftKings. The bonus amount is equivalent to 20% of your deposit, up to a maximum of $1,000 (which means you need to deposit $5,000 to get the highest possible bonus). The bonus funds will be awarded to you based on the following play-through requirement: for every $25 you play on DraftKings in DFS/Sportsbook/Casino, you will receive $1 in bonus funds deposited into your player account. For example, if you deposited $5,000, you will need to play through a total of $25,000 in daily fantasy contests, sportsbook (-300 odds or longer), casino products, or any combination of those to receive the maximum possible bonus of $1,000. You have 90 days from the date of your first deposit to meet the play-through requirement and get the maximum bonus. If you do not meet the requirement within this time frame, you will not be eligible for any additional bonus funds under this promotion. If you have previously deposited on DraftKings, you cannot participate in this promotion, and each user is limited to one deposit bonus.

Availalbe in: AZ, CT, CO, NH, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY.

21+, Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.

FanDuel

FanDuel offers newly singed-up players a special welcome bonus: “Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets!“

Deposit Methods – DraftKings

Deposit and payment methods may seem like a secondary concern, but the availability of a wide variety of payment options can make a huge difference in an app’s ease of use. We’ve detailed available payment options on FanDuel vs. DraftKings, in addition to the differences between states.

DraftKings

DraftKings payment methods run pretty standard for the states in which DraftKings is legal. Users will be able to take advantage of credit/debit card payments, PayPal, Skrill, wire transfer, and a Play+ prepaid card. In addition, you can deposit using online banking through a list of trusted financial institutions.

You can also visit the Resorts casino cage for pickup right at the casino. Because of the consistency of available deposit and withdrawal methods, when considering FanDuel vs. DraftKings payment methods, DraftKings has the edge.

FanDuel

FanDuel payment methods vary based on your location. For example, PayNearMe is not offered in West Virginia. Also, be sure to check the list of financial institutions that offer bank transfer as a FanDuel payment method, as these differ from state to state.

All users of FanDuel can expect to be able to make deposits with PayPal, ACH, check, or credit/debit cards. Any winnings can be withdrawn using checks, eChecks, prepaid cards, and PayPal.

Stability – FanDuel

This was covered slightly in the app section, mainly regarding how developers maintain and update their apps. This section focuses not on the developers and instead focuses on how well each app performs under different conditions.

DraftKings

After a while using DraftKings, we’ve noticed a few slowdowns and other network-based issues that didn’t seem to get better based on the local download speed. In addition, though DraftKings offers the live in-app betting function, there were a few connection errors reported by users.

DraftKings doesn’t offer support for older Apple devices, such as those running iOS 8 – 9. For this reason and the network issues mentioned above, DraftKings falls slightly behind FanDuel in terms of app stability.

FanDuel

When comparing FanDuel vs. DraftKings, we’ve already noted that the FanDuel developers have been more open to user concerns. Upon further testing of the FanDuel sports betting app, we’ve noticed that it performs well on older operating systems in addition to fully updated devices.

Additionally, the FanDuel sportsbook app does well on most connections. If the unlikely happens and you do experience a dropped bet, contact customer support for a prompt resolution.

Variety/Betting Markets – DraftKings

You’re not going to enjoy using a sports betting app if it doesn’t host your favorite sports. Take a look at FanDuel vs. DraftKings to discover which offers your favorite sports.

(A special note: New Jersey residents will not be able to bet on NJ -based collegiate events.)

DraftKings

DraftKings offers a sizeable variety of sports and a great variety of leagues therein. If you’re looking for a specific match in an international sport, the DraftKings app is the right choice for you.

In this case, the overall winner for the best variety of betting markets is clearly DraftKings. With the ability to bet on international sports and leagues not offered by any other operator, DraftKings has the edge.

FanDuel

While it seems like FanDuel offers more sports, in reality, DraftKings has a wider variety of available leagues. Still, FanDuel offers a decent variety of leagues including all favorite national sports: NFL, NBA, NHL, and more.

In addition, you can bet on Australian rules football, MMA, motorsport, cricket, and more. FanDuel covers every sport that’s legal to bet on in your state of choice. You can discover how to signup at FanDuel.

Final Thoughts & Overall Score

At first, it seemed like FanDuel was sweeping the board, but considerations of rewards programs and available betting markets gave DraftKings app a few points near the end. In terms of FanDuel vs. DraftKings, we have to give a slight overall edge to DraftKings.

If you’re looking for the most well-rounded overall sports betting app, download the DraftKings app today. It’s the more straightforward of the two platforms, offering a no-hassle betting experience with a clean interface, competitive odds, and transparent promotions.

That said, as part of a huge conglomerate, Flutter Entertainment, FanDuel offers a more impersonal experience. DraftKings, on the other hand, is and has been a privately-owned company. Born and bred in Boston, DraftKings Sportsbook provides a true blue American experience.

Plus, while DraftKings’ welcome promotion may not seem as enticing, they regularly offer special promotions. Over Thanksgiving, for example, DraftKings offered all players a bonus-back Thanksgiving Day parlay up to $100. So, with DraftKings, expect to see more bonuses after you’ve signed up.

Overall, it’s up to you to decide which sportsbook is best for you. In terms of state expansion, the two are neck and neck. It remains to be seen who will expand further across the US. Until then, go with your gut. Whoever you choose, make sure to get your Super Bowl bets in before game day!