DraftKings vs. FanDuel

One of the first factors that you have to weigh when choosing which sportsbook to get started with is comparing the new user promos that they're running. There are both FanDuel and DraftKings welcome bonuses available to new users right now, so let's take a look at what they are and how to access each of them.

DraftKings: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + Get a SGP Everyday for the NBA Playoffs!

Currently, DraftKings has the offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + Get a SGP Everyday for the NBA Playoffs! This is for all new users who sign up using the promo code or any of the links found throughout this article. In order to take advantage of this generous offer, you have to sign up for the sportsbook using the sign-up process detailed below, and after linking your payment method of choice and making a deposit, make a wager of just $5.

Once you've followed those steps, you will be eligible to collect the $150 of bonus bets promised in this DraftKings offer for new users with the sportsbook. These dollars cannot be withdrawn as if they were cash, but you can bet them on any contest across major sports. Once you've done that, you can keep playing with your winnings, or withdraw them if that is what you wish to do.

FanDuel: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets - Guaranteed!

Currently, FanDuel offers the following for new users: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets - Guaranteed! All you have to do is sign up for FanDuel sportsbook using the appropriate promo code or link, add a payment method, make your deposit, and place a small bet of $5.

After you've made your bet, and if you win,  you will receive $150 worth of bonus bets. Just like with DraftKings, you'll have to place these dollars as wagers before they are withdrawn, but not to worry; FanDuel offers essentially all the sports you want to bet on, so you'll have no problem finding a bet to get started.

For those in NC, you'll get the following offer: Live in North Carolina: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets!

Our Verdict - Tied 🥇

When it comes to new user promos, both sportsbooks boast the same offer. Both are excellent options!

A History of the Brands

As two brands that each operate in a very similar niche as the other, and originated at similar times, the history of these two companies is necessarily intertwined, and has even taken the form of a rivalry in many ways. With that in mind, lets take a look through the histories of these major players in the sports betting market.

DraftKings

DraftKings has its roots in baseball, perhaps the perfect platform for daily fantasy sports (DFS), given the everyday nature of the season's competition. After being founded as a day-to-day baseball fantasy platform in 2012, they received an investment from the MLB itself just a year later, the first investment from a US pro sports league into any fantasy sports platform.

Several years ago, DraftKings and FanDuel even worked together to prove in a legal proceeding that fantasy sports are based on skill, rather than pure chance, an important distinction before the federal government moved to legalize sports betting.

Today, with sports betting widely legalized across the US, DraftKings operates one of the most popular platforms on the market, as well as well-received DFS and casino apps.

FanDuel

FanDuel's history begins back in 2009 as a self-described "backyard Texas brainstorm" between the company's five co-founders, as the initial concept was to develop a way to experience fantasy sports in a quicker format than a season-long competition.

The idea took off, and the brand continued to grow, putting the company in the perfect position to jump when sports betting was legalized in the US, and they've been a major player in the online sportsbook field ever since.

As mentioned above, the history of FanDuel overlapped with DraftKings as the two sides worked towards their common interest to support the legality of daily fantasy sports as a skill-based competition. To this day, that portion of the business can be found on its own app, much like the FanDuel casino app, and is a major draw for the overall brand.

DraftKings vs. FanDuel Comparison

Let's take a deep dive into the mobile apps and features of DraftKings vs. FanDuel. 

Which Mobile App is Better: DraftKings or FanDuel?

With two high quality mobile apps to choose from, the head to head comparison between DraftKings and FanDuel is a tough one. Let's take a look at some of the reviews from users who have experience the platforms via both iOS and Google play.

DraftKings Sportsbook App

The DraftKings app is considered to be one of the very best in the field in terms of both ease of navigation, as it features a very intuitive layout, as well as operating speed. The bet slip building is also a major plus with this sportsbook, when it comes to building parlays or cards of individual plays alike.

One major issue users have had with DraftKings mobile apps is difficulty making deposits, such as credit cards that have worked in the past being unable to be accessed. Overall, this issue does not seem to be too pervasive, as the vast majority of reviews are positive, so it should not discourage prospective new users.

DraftKings doesn't always offer better odds compared to other sportsbooks, but it really shines in this arena when it comes to football and basketball, two of the most popular sports for US betting. Providing competitive odds in these two sports, especially when it comes to moneyline odds, is a major positive that appears in reviews repeatedly.

The DraftKings Sportsbook app is one of the top rated mobile apps for sports betting on the iOS app store with a rating of 4.8 stars, based on over 583,000 ratings.

FanDuel Sportsbook App

Users of the FanDuel sportsbook mobile app have noted that FanDuel offers a wide range of ways to play, as well as top-notch live betting capabilities, and an overall user-friendly app. Some have reported difficulties with bet payouts and customer service, but this seems to be a relatively rare or at least inconsistent issue as there has been positive commentary in both of these area as well.

Sports bettors have also remarked that FanDuel's offerings of player props are some of the best in the industry, especially when it comes to both college and pro football and basketball, as well as major league baseball. FanDuel also pioneered Same Game Parlay placing, and their tool makes it extremely easy to build and place these multi-leg wagers.

Overall, users seem to really enjoy FanDuel app as it has earned a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 from over a million individual reviews on the iOS App Store.

Android users of the FanDuel app enjoy it for many of the same reasons as Apple users; plenty of different markets, lots of ways to play, quick to refresh on live bets and very user-friendly.

DraftKings and FanDuel Sign Up Processes

Signing up for a sportsbook for the first time might feel like an intimidating or complicated process, but DraftKings and FanDuel make it easy and intuitive for you to do.

Once you've done one, you'll have a much better understanding of how to go through the process for the other, so let's dive right in, making sure we cover how to claim the welcome bonus as you sign up.

Signing Up at DraftKings Sportsbook

1. 1. Navigating to DraftKings sportsbook website or downloading the app is going to be your first step. You can do this using any of the links that are distributed across this article for DraftKings sportsbook.

2. 2. Next, you will have to enter personal details to confirm that you are legally able to participate in online sports betting, namely in terms of age. Remember that while the legal age for sports betting in some states is 18, sportsbooks are allowed to set their own age requirements, and many have expressed that they will be 21+ only products even if that differs from a specific state's legal requirement.

3. 3. As part of accepting the terms and conditions, you will be required implement geolocation software, which will allow DraftKings to verify that you are in a location where the sportsbook is operating.

4. 4. Make an initial deposit by linking an approved payment method to your DraftKings account. This is usually going to be a credit or debit card, or even an online banking account. Once you save this method, your future deposits will be easier and quicker.

5. 5. Now you're ready to start betting! Your first bet should be $5, so that you can be sure to secure the $150 bonus dollars from the new user promotion.

Signing Up at FanDuel Sportsbook

1. 1. First and foremost, you must create a FanDuel account. You can start this process by clicking on any of the many helpful links found throughout this article that will take you right to the FanDuel Sportsbook sign-up page.

2. 2. Once you follow the link to FanDuel's sign-up page, FanDuel sportsbook must confirm that you are of legal age to use FanDuel online sportsbook.

3. 3. Like DraftKings, FanDuel will need you to supply information such as your full legal name, date of birth, phone number, email, and the last four digits of your social security number. You will also be required to consent to the usage of FanDuel's geolocation software, which will confirm that you are in a legal sports betting location.

4. 4. While going through the sign-up process, you will be able to enter a code to activate the FanDuel Sportsbook sign-up bonus. To take advantage of the FanDuel welcome bonus, you will enter the FanDuel sportsbook promo code code, which can be found across this article.

5. 5. To start betting on sports, you will have to make an initial deposit. To do this, you can link a payment method, usually either a bank account or credit card, to the app.

6. 6. After you've made your deposit, you're ready to start betting! Don't forget to bet $5 to take advantage of the new user promo and collect your $200 worth of bonus bets.

DraftKings vs FanDuel: Existing Promos

While it's great to take advantage of a new user bonus, that's going to be a one-time benefit; staying on top of all the offerings from your sportsbook of choice is an important way to make sure you're securing as much value as you can.

Let's take a look at some of the promotions from these two sportsbooks that are often made accessible to returning users.

Existing Promotions at DraftKings Sportsbook

Users have repeatedly noted in app reviews on both the Apple and Google play stores that daily promotions and odds boosts are the norm on DraftKings sportsbook.

Parlay boosts are a common promotion for everyday users, as are bets for any wager on specific featured games. These can even be offered for entire betting markets, such as the opportunity to bet with boosted odds on any baseball game for a day.

Referral bonuses are also in play, if you have a friend who wants to get in on the fun and hasn't signed up yet.

Existing Promotions at FanDuel Sportsbook

In addition to the Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets deal for new users, FanDuel frequently runs promotion offers for existing customers.

Most days, FanDuel will offer odds boosts on individual games, or even boosts on pre-built parlays. These offer players the opportunity to earn increased winnings compared to what they normally would if they made the same bet, as the odds will be "boosted" beyond their inherent value.

FanDuel will also offer profit boost tokens, which give you more control over where the boost takes place, or no-sweat parlays, where your stake or a portion of it can be returned to you if the wager loses.

DraftKings vs FanDuel: NFL Betting

Draftkings is the NFL's official sports betting partner, and as such, often offers odds boosts and other promotions in this particular market. Action Network also considers DraftKings to have the best spread pricing for NFL football, even though this is not an area of strength for the sportsbook in other betting markets.

This is especially true for those who like to bet underdogs, as DraftKings often tends to skew a bit towards favorites. Let's take a look at a real upcoming matchup as an example. While the Carolina Panthers have -112 odds on FanDuel to cover a spread of +9.5 against the Detroit Lions, their odds to cover the same line are -108 on DraftKings, creating a small but meaningful edge.

Of course, the lines are constantly moving throughout the week and even during the game, for those interested in live betting. Be sure to check out both FanDuel and DraftKings sportsbooks to compare odds before placing your bets on the NFL or anything else.

What States Have DraftKings Sportsbook or FanDuel Sportsbook?

While there's no specific reason that either of these sportsbooks would be legal in a state where the other isn't, they aren't currently set up to operate in the exact same states. Let's take a look at which states offer each sportsbook.

• DraftKings states: 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, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

• FanDuel states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, Vermont

DraftKings vs FanDuel: General Sports Betting

With countless different betting markets and ways to play, let's take a look at just a few different angles from which we can evaluate these two sportsbooks.

Stumped by this list? Check out our guide to sports betting terms.

Bet Types

• Moneylines

Moneylines are perhaps the simplest, most intuitive ways to get involved with sports betting. These straightforward wagers simply require you to select who you think is going to win a game. DraftKings is known for having competitive moneyline odds specifically for NFL football, but less so for other sports.

• Totals

Just like a moneyline, totals are a bet that requires you to simply pick one side of a line, but this one is more about predicting game flow than a winner. The sportsbook will provide you with a projected amount of points that the two teams will combine to score, and you have to decide if there will be more or less points than that number. As far as pricing on totals, DraftKings is once again a leader for NFL betting, but you're better off heading to FanDuel for MLB or college basketball.

• Spreads

Spreads are one of the most traditional ways to bet; the sportsbook will project the winning margin for the favored team, and you have to decide whether or not they'll beat that number. Similarly to the above wagers, DraftKings will give you the most competitive pricing for NFL and NCAA football, but if you're betting any other sports, check out FanDuel's odds.

• Player Props

Player props allow you to bet on individual players' performances, such as projecting a player's rushing yardage, strikeout total, or rebounds grabbed in a game.

This is an area where there's an interesting debate; DraftKings tends to have a better array of player props posted earlier in the week for football, but FanDuel is going to give you a more favorable price for your selections, so consider what's most important to you between those factors.

• Parlays (including same-game parlays)

These multi-leg wagers are one of the most popular ways to play, as they allow you to create a big payday out of smaller bets.

With parlays, you pick multiple individual bets, often ones that are very favored, and the odds compound, giving you a major payout if all of your picks are correct, but nothing at all if any one of these legs is wrong.

Parlays, especially same game parlays, are often eligible for odds boosts from both of these sportsbooks.

• Futures

Futures allow you to project things across an entire season, like who will win major awards or championships, who will make the playoffs, how many home runs a player will hit, or whether a team will go above or below their projected win total.

Both of these major sportsbooks are very comparable when it comes to offering futures; these markets are understandably less sensitive, so there's less of a difference in this corner of the FanDuel vs. DraftKings comparison, except when it comes to betting on more niche sports, where DraftKings shines.

Boosts

While both of these sportsbooks offer competitive odds on a regular basis, it's never a bad thing to take full advantage of odds boosts. These offers give you the opportunity to increase your payout on a given wager, sometimes on a bet of your choice, but sometimes on pre-selected same game parlays or multi-contest parlays.

This is a key aspect of the FanDuel vs. DraftKings debate, as while DraftKings offers plenty of boosts, FanDuel is considered by many users of both apps to have an edge in this area.

Live Betting

Live bets are essentially the same as any of the above types of bets, but they're made during a game in progress, so the odds are constantly changing based on what's actually happening on the field.

FanDuel has a slightly better array of live bets, as well as an intuitive interface that makes it easy to make these bets with the speed needed for them to be effective. DraftKings also has impressive live bet features on their app and website, but FanDuel gets the edge here due in large part to that speed.

DraftKings vs FanDuel: Payment Options

DraftKings and FanDuel offer essentially the same options for sports bettors to deposit funds and start gambling. Credit and debit cards as well as online banking accounts are definitely the most common options, but you can use sources such as Venmo and wire transfers as well.

The only difference between these two in this arena is that FanDuel accepts Apple Pay and PayNearMe while DraftKings does not. Oftentimes, FanDuel takes less time when it comes to processing withdrawals, but rest assured that your money will arrive as promised from either sportsbook.

DraftKings vs FanDuel: Customer Service

FanDuel is considered to offer some of the highest-quality customer service of any online sportsbook. They have 24/7 support available through live chats, with further availability through the phone. For less-urgent requests, customers can also reach out to FanDuel with an email, and can receive support that way.

DraftKings offers essentially the same customer service options, but the feedback hasn't been quite as positive. Several users, especially on the Android app, have reported that they have had to resort to the email option, as the others have been hard to find and/or access.

The best sportsbooks, and the only ones we review, offer responsible gambling resources to their users. 

Other Sportsbooks to Think About

While this is of course a DraftKings/FanDuel comparison, and these are two of the very best options on the market, there are plenty of great sportsbook offers on the market. Let's take a look at a few other sportsbooks and how they stack up with the FanDuel and DraftKings offers we've already covered above.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook, formerly PointsBet, is entering the sports betting market for the first time and is already live in a number of states. It has received a rating of 9.8 out of 10 on the Action Network website, as one of the top sportsbooks on the market. The app is streamlined and puts sports at the front and center, which is what you'd expect from such a big name in athletic apparel.

BetMGM Sportsbook

Much like Fanatics, BetMGM is one of Action Network's top-graded online sportsbooks with a rating of 9.8 out of 10. New users can receive a solid welcome offer granting bonus bets on sign up. You can also enter the bonus code found on our BetMGM review to access an additional bonus. New users in the newly-legal state of Kentucky are highly encouraged to take advantage of this offer.

bet365 Sportsbook

Viewed by many as the biggest and best online sportsbook in the World, bet365 has earned a rating of 9.5 out of 10 on the Action Network website.

New users can use a promo code found on our bet365 review to get bonus bets just for betting with the platform. 

DraftKings or FanDuel?

Reasons to pick DraftKings:

📌 Competitive odds in the popular NFL and NCAA Football markets.

📌 Superior Rewards program.

📌 More coverage on niche sports markets.

📌 Easy-to-use app.

📌 More player props.

Reasons to pick FanDuel:

📌 Quicker payout on withdrawals.

📌 More-favorable odds on more sports.

📌 Stronger live betting capabilities.

📌 Better Customer Service.

📌 More existing user promotions.

📌 Higher max win limits.

Both of these major online sportsbooks have been around for more than a decade now, and they've gained an enormous share of the US sports betting market. Both have their roots in daily fantasy sports, which both of course still broadly offer, but now they each boast a wide array of sports betting markets, presented with intuitive, modern apps that make betting easy for their users.

Owned by Flutter Entertainment, the World's largest online gambling company, FanDuel has a lot of operational power, and has pulled ahead in the US betting market in terms of share. That being said, DraftKings sportsbook remains a fan favorite with a strong loyalty rewards program, and outstanding coverage on niche sports for which other books often don't offer odds.

Both brands also offer online casino games, which are quite different than the sports betting markets but can be a lot of fun for those looking to have the casino experience from their own homes. Overall, DraftKings and FanDuel have their own pros and cons, but they're both outstanding products and we can highly recommend that you sign up for not just one, but both sportsbook.

Our DraftKings vs FanDuel Final Verdict

With some of the broadest sports offerings in the market, FanDuel and DraftKings are rightfully seen as leaders in not just the DFS space where both initially launched, but due to all of the features of their respective online sportsbooks. Both are easy to use, and have plenty of fun boosts and bonuses you can take advantage of, and are reliable and safe options to play.

Whichever of these sportsbooks you choose to sign up for, or if you do get started with both, make sure you do so using the bonus codes found throughout this article to take advantage of each platform's new user welcome bonus. Right now, each sportsbook offers bonus bets after making an initial bet of just $5. Note that if you use the FanDuel promo code, your first bet must win for you to receive bonus bets.

Between the excellent offerings in each of the categories of daily fantasy, casino, and of course sportsbook, it's extremely hard to pick a side between these two brands, both of which are user-friendly and highly recommended. That being said, there can only be one winner, so we have to give the slight edge to FanDuel, for their array of promotions for existing users, competitive odds across sports, and live betting capabilities.