The FanDuel vs. DraftKings debate is still going strong. The sports betting giants are recognized industry leaders and continue to battle over market share. So which sportsbook is better: FanDuel or DraftKings?
In this complete FanDuel vs. DraftKings guide, we examine in depth what the two powerhouses offer. We compare bonuses and promotions, betting markets and odds, the overall user experience, and much more.
Read on as we try to get to the bottom of FanDuel vs. DraftKings and which of the two sportsbooks is the better option for sports bettors.
Which sportsbook is better, FanDuel or DraftKings?
When determining which sportsbook is better, FanDuel or DraftKings, a tale of the tape is a natural starting point. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of what the two giants bring to the table.
| Feature | FanDuel | DraftKings |
|---|---|---|
| Key Features | Incredibly user-friendly, large prop menu, easy SGP and parlay building, great for live betting. | Smooth and slick platform, ease of navigation for props, solid live betting experience, betting pools. |
| Welcome Bonus | Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win | Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly |
| Other Promos | Odds and profit boosts, No sweat bets, Special SGPs and parlays, Referals, Free-to-play game | Odds and profit boosts, Enhanced SGPs and parlays, Jackpot pools, VIP program, Referrals |
| User Experience | User-friendly platform available on both desktop and mobile app. | Slick platform for both desktop and mobile app users. |
| Markets Covered | Betting available for allof the major sports plus a wide selection of niche sports. | Bet on all of the top games and events pllus a variety of smaller sports. |
| Betting Options | Prematch wagers, player props, SGPs, parlays, futures, live betting, and more. | Pregame bettting, player props, SGPs, parlays, futures, live betting, and more. |
| State Availability | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV & WY | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV & WY |
| Banking Options | Online Banking, Credit and Debit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal, PayNearMe, Play+, Gifft Card, Wire Transfer | Online Banking, Credit and Debit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal, Play+, Gift Card, Wire Transfer |
| Payout Speed | Typically within 24 hours, but time may vary depending on method and amount. | Typically within 24 hours, but time may vary depending on method and amount. |
| Customer Support | FAQ, live chat, phone, and email. | FAQ, live chat, phone, and email. |
FanDuel and DraftKings are the recognized market leaders in online sports betting across the US. In terms of overall market share, FanDuel has the edge, with the two books jockeying for first place in numerous markets. DraftKings is available in a few more states: Maine, New Hampshire, and Oregon.
They both offer wagering on all of the top sports and bet types that you would expect to see at a top online sportsbook. DraftKings has one key feature that you won’t find on FanDuel: betting pools. These are daily, weekly, and even season-long contests where you compete against other bettors for a share of the prize pool, such as NFL Survivor or College Football Pick’em.
The available banking methods are nearly identical, while FanDuel has received higher marks for its customer service. The user experience is top-notch on both platforms, whether you’re playing on a desktop or a mobile device. FanDuel is slightly more user-friendly overall, while DraftKings has better navigation in a few spots, such as player prop menus.
FanDuel sportsbook overview
FanDuel sportsbook is an industry leader that tops the charts in many of the markets in which it is available. It’s an incredibly user-friendly platform, making it an attractive option for new players and casual bettors while also appealing to those with more experience.
From its roots as a top daily fantasy sports operator, FanDuel has always prioritized the customer experience. When legal online sports betting became a reality in 2018, the company was ready to go and launched in New Jersey, with other markets following quickly.
All of the bases are covered for sports and markets, with the NFL and NBA among the featured attractions. FanDuel has also helped bring forth innovation, including being one of the driving forces behind the introduction and astronomical growth of same-game parlays.
FanDuel is regarded as the top sportsbook in the US by many, and also in terms of betting volume, total users, and overall popularity. If there’s a top game or event on tap, FanDuel is a go-to spot for scores of bettors.
Pros
- User-friendly platform
- Same game parlay innovator
- Ongoing promo offers
Cons
- Player prop menus could be better
- No loyalty program
- Must win to receive credits on the welcome promo
DraftKings sportsbook overview
DraftKings Sportsbook is a recognized leader in online sports betting. In terms of overall market reach, DraftKings leads the way as it’s available in more states than the competition. The betting giant regularly finds itself firmly among the leaders in monthly volume.
The company became a household name thanks to its success in daily fantasy sports, with massive guaranteed prize pool tournaments serving as one of its hallmarks. It launched in NJ once online sports betting went live in 2018, and rapidly expanded as other states debuted.
You can choose from a huge menu of sports and bet types at DraftKings. It’s highly-regarded for a great live betting experience and also separates itself from the competition by offering betting pools where you can compete against other bettors for your share of prize pools.
DraftKings caters to more experienced bettors with several advanced features, including detailed statistics and customized betting tools. In many legal sports betting states, DraftKings is battling with FanDuel to be the overall leader.
Pros
- Fast and slick platform
- Advanced tools for experienced bettors
- Great for live betting
Cons
- Customer service quality
- Occasional lags in payout times
- Sometimes light on odds and profit boosts
FanDuel vs. DraftKings welcome bonuses and promotions
FanDuel and DraftKings both have great welcome bonus offers for new players. They also offer a similar assortment of ongoing promotions for existing players, such as odds and profit boosts, occasional no-sweat bets, and pre-built SGP and parlay wagers with enhanced odds.
The FanDuel welcome bonus is to bet $5 to get $150 in bonus bets. Once you’re registered for an account, make a deposit of $5 or more and place a minimum wager of $5. If that bet is a winner, you’ll be credited with $150 in bonus bet credits that are good for seven days.
The DraftKings welcome bonus is very similar, as you bet $5 to get $150 in bonus bets. The difference is that DraftKings provides you with the credits instantly, win or lose. You have seven days to use the bonus bets before they expire.
During our test run, several other promos were available at FanDuel. There was a 50% profit boost for use on an upcoming college football game, plus a 25% bet boost available for live wagers on an NFL primetime matchup.
We also found several promos to choose from at DraftKings. There was a profit boost token that could be applied to three-leg college football parlays, as well as one for use on four-leg NBA same game parlay on any of that day’s games.
For one key difference, DraftKings has a Dynasty Rewards program that you can join. As you rack up points based on your play, you can climb tiers and earn various perks. FanDuel does not have a loyalty program but does drop special offers and bonus opportunities via email.
How the sign-up process compares
The sign-up process is very similar at FanDuel and DraftKings. You can be signed up for either sportsbook in mere minutes by following the below process:
- Click the links on this page to begin signing up for an account.
- You’ll then tap the “join now” button for FanDuel, or the “sign up” button at DraftKings.
- From there, choose your legal sports betting state and simply follow the prompts.
- You’ll enter the requested information, such as your name and date of birth.
- A government-issued photo ID may be required for verification.
- Accept the sportsbook terms and conditions and confirm your details.
- Click through to create your account.
- Visit the cashier section and make a deposit to activate your welcome offer.
From start to finish, it takes just a couple of minutes to sign up at either site, which means neither one has a distinct advantage in this facet.
User experience: website and mobile app
The user experience on FanDuel and DraftKings is part of what helps to separate them from the competition. Whether you’re playing on the website or the iOS or Android mobile apps, it’s a smooth experience that lets you get down to business right away.
FanDuel website and mobile app performance
The FanDuel website and mobile app are widely regarded as being the most user-friendly in the industry. Navigation is a breeze thanks to the clean menu and layout. Top features included the dedicated “live now” link, which lets you jump right into events that are in progress. The parlay builder is a huge time-saver and helps you build out multi-leg wagers quickly and painlessly.
DraftKings website and mobile app performance
The DraftKings website and mobile app are incredibly slick. Designed with speed in mind, it lives up to that billing by loading quickly in all areas. Live betting markets move fast, but DraftKings passes that test as well with odds that update with lightning speed. For player props on top sports, DraftKings has an exceptional layout that helps you find what you want in an instant.
Which one has the best betting markets and odds?
For the best betting markets and odds, FanDuel and DraftKings are once again incredibly competitive. You can place all of your bets of choice on either platform, such as point spreads, player props, same game parlays, and futures.
The odds are generally in close proximity for most betting markets, but there will naturally be some differences due to betting volume on either platform. For live betting, DraftKings has a slight edge on speed in updating the odds.
On player props and same-game parlays, it’s close to a toss-up with a few ticks of difference in favor of either side. Both offer wagering on all of the major sports and events, as well as a selection of niche and smaller sports, with just a few minor differences on the latter group.
Available sports at FanDuel
- NFL
- NBA
- MLB
- NHL
- College Football
- College Basketball
- MLS
- International Soccer
- UFC
- Boxing
- Golf
- Tennis
- Aussie Rules
- College Baseball
- International Baseball
- WNBA
- International Basketball
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Darts
- Canadian Football League
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Darts
- Handball
- College Hockey
- International Hockey
- Lacrosse
- MMA
- Motorsport
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
- Snooker
- Table Tennis
Available sports at DraftKings
- NFL
- NBA
- MLB
- NHL
- College Football
- College Basketball
- MLS
- International Soccer
- UFC
- Boxing
- Golf
- Tennis
- Aussie Rules
- College Baseball
- International Baseball
- WNBA
- International Basketball
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Darts
- E-sports
- Canadian Football League
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Darts
- Handball
- College Hockey
- International Hockey
- Lacrosse
- MMA
- Motorsport
- Rodeo
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
- Snooker
- Table Tennis
Banking options and payout speed
The banking options at FanDuel and DraftKings are right in line. You have your choice of common deposit and withdrawal options at either sportsbook.
- FanDuel banking options: Online Banking, Credit and Debit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal, PayNearMe, Play+, Gift Card, Wire Transfer
- DraftKings banking options: Online Banking, Credit and Debit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal, Play+, Gift Card, Wire Transfer
At both sportsbooks, the cashier function is smooth and painless. You simply choose your preferred method and follow the prompts to complete your transaction. Barring any trouble with the payment source, deposits are processed instantly.
Withdrawal times can vary based on the method chosen and the amount. Both books tend to process quickly, as in 24 hours or less. In terms of overall speed, FanDuel generally moves at a more rapid pace, with some withdrawals processed as quickly as within an hour.
Where is it legal to play on FanDuel and DraftKings?
It’s legal to play on FanDuel and DraftKings in a similar list of markets. FanDuel is currently available in 22 states plus Washington DC. DraftKings is available in 25 states plus Washington, DC. FanDuel online and mobile sportsbook is legal and available to play in the following markets:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
DraftKings online and mobile sportsbook is legal and available to play in the following markets:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
The difference is that DraftKings is available in Maine, New Hampshire, and Oregon, while FanDuel isn’t available in those three states. In New Hampshire and Oregon, DraftKings holds a monopoly on online sports betting.
Both sportsbooks first launched in New Jersey in 2018, and have since steadily grown their presence as additional markets legalized and regulated online sports betting. As additional states come online, we can expect both books to focus on launching in those markets.
Sportsbooks will verify that you’re in a legal market via geo-location technology. The legal age to bet on sports in most of the markets in which FanDuel and DraftKings are available is 21. The exceptions are Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Washington DC, which have set the bar at 18+.
FanDuel and DraftKings responsible gambling features
FanDuel and DraftKings prioritize responsible gambling features. You’ll find dedicated links to the company policies on both their websites and mobile apps. Users can set their own limits, take a time-out, and self-exclude themselves in an instant.
Sports betting is supposed to be a source of fun and entertainment. Fanduel and DraftKings help make that happen by offering exceptional sportsbooks. However, the two industry giants also know that problem gaming is a real issue that some users will deal with.
They both outline their policies in full detail and provide educational information for users who are interested in learning more. There’s also contact information for trusted resources, such as the National Council on Problem Gambling and specific state assistance options.
For users interested in setting parameters, there are direct links to setting limits on deposits, losses, and entries. You can also quickly and easily take a break or self-exclude altogether.
Customer support and help options
FanDuel and DraftKings both provide extensive customer support and help options. For simple queries, the frequently asked question sections of both sites are quite in-depth and provide information on banking options, location verification, troubleshooting tips, and more.
If you need more specific help, there is phone, email, and live chat support. FanDuel also takes direct messages for its agents on Facebook and X, providing even more ways for users to get live support rapidly.
Overall, the Fanduel customer support team is more on point than their counterparts at DraftKings. Inquiries are handled quickly and efficiently at the former, while wait times can be lengthy at the latter.
What else can you play at FanDuel and DraftKings?
FanDuel and DraftKings both offer other ways to play beyond sports betting. The two companies trace their roots to the daily fantasy sports boom. FanDuel launched in 2009 and helped lead the charge. DraftKings followed suit in 2012, and the two have been battling for DFS dominance ever since.
FanDuel and DraftKings also offer online casino gaming in the legally available markets of Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. As online casinos expand to become legalized and regulated in additional states, we can expect the two companies to offer their products in those markets as well.
FanDuel and DraftKings both have horse racing betting as well. Here’s where you can play:
- FanDuel Racing: AZ, CO, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, WY
- DraftKings Racing: CO, FL, IN, KY, MA, MN, MT, OR, VA, WV, WA, WY
In short, the battle between the two behemoths extends far beyond sports betting. That’s good news for consumers, as the intense competition could lead to even more innovations, plus more bang for the buck with promos and bonuses.
Other popular sportsbooks to consider
There are other popular sportsbooks for sports bettors to consider. While FanDuel and DraftKings are at or near the top of the charts in all of the markets that they serve, they aren’t the only game in town. Other sportsbooks that capture a good share of the market include:
BetMGM and Caesars are two of the most recognized names in the world of gaming. For online sports betting, they don’t quite match FanDuel and DraftKings in terms of the overall user experience, but they’re not too far behind.
Both books are packed with all of the sports and bet types that you could ask for, and feature a steady stream of ongoing promotions. BetMGM and Caesars both have excellent rewards programs that afford you the chance to rack up points and climb tiers based on your play.
On the international stage, bet365 is a sports betting powerhouse. The sportsbook is working towards doing the same in the US and has captured plenty of attention while doing so. The smooth and simple platform packs in everything you need, along with very competitive odds.
Final verdict: Is FanDuel or DraftKings better?
Is FanDuel or DraftKings better? The debate rages on and shows no sign of being completely settled. For bettors, that’s actually great news. The fierce competition should translate into continued innovation and improvements, plus more enticing bonuses and promos.
FanDuel is generally regarded as the most user-friendly sportsbook, while DraftKings is typically regarded as the fastest. For payout speed and customer service, FanDuel has a clear advantage. Meanwhile, DraftKings gets higher marks for live betting and advanced features.
In markets in which both books are available, plenty of bettors have an account with both and then base their play on current odds and promos for what they want to wager on. On the other hand, some bettors draw a line in the sand and have a clear preference for one over the other.
For you, it comes down to what kind of bettor you currently are or plan to be moving forward. If your main interests are featured games and events, player props, and SGPs, FanDuel is the top choice. For experienced bettors and those who like to live bet, DraftKings fits the bill.
- FanDeul is best for casual bettors: The ease of use, clean layout, and focus on popular sports and events make it a great place for bettors of all levels.
- DraftKings is best for experienced bettors. It is faster for live betting, has advanced features and tools, and has bettor pools, making it a great spot for experienced bettors.
- Overall recommendation: It’s a toss-up. It comes down to user preferences. FanDuel has the edge on a user-friendly platform, withdrawal speed, and customer support. DraftKings gets the nod on speed, menu navigation, and live betting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does FanDuel or DraftKings have the best new customer offer?
The FanDuel and DraftKings new customer offers are nearly identical. At both sportsbooks, new customers can bet $5 to get $150 in bonus bets. At FanDuel, you get bonus bets if you win your first wager. DraftKings credits you with bonus bets, win or lose.
Did FanDuel or DraftKings come out first?
FanDuel and DraftKings both debuted online sportsbooks in 2018. In terms of company history, Fanduel launched in 2009 in the world of daily fantasy sports. DraftKings also started out in DFS, debuting in 2012.
Who owns FanDuel and DraftKings?
FanDuel is owned by Flutter Entertainment, an international sports betting and gambling company. DraftKings is a publicly traded company that’s listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol DKNG.
Are FanDuel and DraftKings available in all of the same states?
FanDuel is currently available in 22 states plus Washington D.C., while DraftKings is available in 25 states plus Washington D.C. For the difference, DraftKings is available in Maine, New Hampshire, and Oregon, while FanDuel is not.
Can you win more on Fanduel or DraftKings?
There are no guarantees that you can win more while playing at FanDuel or DraftKings. Sports betting returns will vary based on tour success rate, the amount of your stake, the odds for the wager, and any bonuses or promos that have been applied.
