We know from our many online sportsbook reviews that you’re looking for a platform that offers a wide range of betting options, a user-friendly interface, and excellent customer support. Both DraftKings and FanDuel meet these requirements, but they each have their own unique strengths. Overall, DraftKings stands out as the better option for sports betting.
DraftKings attracts attention with its extensive selection of sports and events. Whether you’re into major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, or niche sports such as tennis and soccer, you’ll find ample opportunities to put your skills to the test. Additionally, DraftKings is a pioneer in the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platform, providing a unique and engaging way to participate in sports betting. They also offer a better welcome bonus and have been around longer in the industry, giving them a better reputation.
Nevertheless, FanDuel is still a fantastic option for US sports betting. Its robust mobile betting app is recognized as one of the best in the market. It also offers a wide variety of betting options and is known for its more varied payment options. Whichever platform you choose, remember to always check the legal age for sports betting in your state before you sign up.
If you’re a sports enthusiast in the US, you’ve likely heard of DraftKings and FanDuel. They may not be part of the top crypto sports betting sites LetsGambleUSA recommends as yet, but they are still two giants that are among the most popular fantasy sports platforms and online sportsbooks.
Below in the table you’ll find a run-down of the key parts of this sportsbook comparison, or keep reading for a full breakdown of these two sites that are currently dominating the US market.
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Fanduel Sportsbook | |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Up to $200 in bonus bets | No-sweat first bet up to $2,500 in bonus bets back |
| Wagering requirement | N/A (no rollover) | N/A (only first bet counts) |
| Launch year | 2012 | 2018 |
| Rating | ||
| Best for | Suitable for those looking for daily fantasy sports and competitive odds on various sports | Great for those looking for a variety of betting markets and a top-notch mobile app. |
| Minimum deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Mobile betting | Yes | Yes |
| Live streaming | Yes | Yes |
| eSports betting | Yes | Yes |
| Sports available | 20+ | 20+ |
| Deposit methods | e-wallets, bank transfers, paper checks, and prepaid cards, VIP Preferred, Venmo | E-wallets, credit and debits cards, bank transfer, PayPal |
| Withdrawal methods | Online banking, VIP Preferred, PayPal, Venmo, Play + prepaid card, check | Online Banking, Debit Card, Venmo, PayPal, FanDuel Prepaid Play+, Check, and Cash at Counter |
| Security | ||
| Odds | ||
| Customer service |
DraftKings and FanDuel have secured a market-leading position and have a reputation of being the best sportsbooks in the USA, but our experts disagree. Our comparisons have revealed the below three platforms as the best option for American players:
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50% up to $250 112 15Before we begin with our head-to-head sportsbooks comparison, let’s start with a look into the background of these leading betting sites. DraftKings revolutionized the sports betting landscape by introducing Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). DFS is an engaging and unique way to bet on sports, where you create your own fantasy sports teams and compete against other players for cash prizes. Your winnings are based on the actual performance of the players you’ve chosen.
For example, if you’re a football fan, you might draft a team with your favorite quarterback, running backs, and wide receivers. Their in-game stats will then translate into points for your fantasy team. Fantasy sports legalities may differ from sports betting, so it’s always wise to know each US state’s gambling laws before participating.
FanDuel is known for its wide range of betting options and for being one of the best mobile betting apps. You can bet on a variety of sports, from football and basketball to golf and even eSports. For instance, if you’re a basketball fan, you can bet on the outcome of NBA games, the number of points a player will score, or even the number of rebounds a player will get.
When you join DraftKings and FanDuel, you’ll be greeted with a welcome bonus to kickstart your betting experience. DraftKings offers up to $200 in bonus bets. To qualify, you simply need to make a minimum deposit of $5, making it accessible to recreational bettors. This bonus is valid for 7 days (or 168 hours) from the time the bonus amount appears in your account. You can place a wager on any sport at DraftKings, and the bonus will be paid as eight $25 bonus bets.
On the other hand, FanDuel provides a no sweat bet up to $1,000. The minimum deposit to avail of this offer is $10, and it carries a 14-day validity. This means that if you lose your first bet, FanDuel will refund you up to $1,000, making your first betting experience virtually risk-free. For example, if you place a $500 bet on a game and lose, you will receive a refund of $500 in site credit.
As these promotions are valid on deposits of $5 to $10, FanDuel and DraftKings are two are some of the top low minimum sports betting sites open to US bettors. However, we prefer the DraftKings offer. Yes, the $200 offered by DraftKings is lesser value than the $1,000 given at FanDuel. But the FanDuel offer is only rewarded if your initial bet loses. In comparison, DraftKings gives everyone $200 worth of free bets regardless of your bet outcomes.
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
After you’ve claimed the welcome bonus, both DraftKings and FanDuel offer exciting opportunities that can enhance your sports betting experience.
DraftKings is known for its array of promotions and bonuses aimed at attracting new users and rewarding loyal customers. These promotions can range from free bets to deposit bonuses, providing you with additional value and incentives to keep betting. For example, you might find a promotion that gives you a free bet when you wager on a particular sport or event. This gives you the chance to place a bet on a game you might not have considered otherwise, opening up new opportunities to win.
On the other hand, FanDuel also offers various promotions, tailored to both new and existing users. These promotions can include risk-free bets, deposit bonuses, and more. For instance, you could be offered a risk-free bet up to a certain amount, meaning if your bet loses, you’ll be refunded the amount in site credit. This allows you to place a bet without worrying about the potential loss, making your betting experience more enjoyable.
Another way some top cash out betting sites like DraftKings and FanDuel retain loyal customers is by offering features like cash out. This lets you cash your bet out before an event ends, potentially saving you money or making a profit.
Winner: It’s a Tie
Both DraftKings and FanDuel offer a variety of methods tailored to your convenience and comfort.
For DraftKings, you can choose from several deposit and withdrawal methods. E-wallets, such as PayPal, are popular due to their speed and convenience. With just a few clicks, your funds are transferred instantly. Another option is bank transfers or Automated Clearing House (ACH), which offer a secure and direct way to fund your account, though it might take a few business days. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, paper checks are also an option.
FanDuel also provides a range of deposit and withdrawal options. Similar to DraftKings, you can use eWallets, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. The processing times and limits may vary, so it’s important to check the details for each method. However, it’s important to note that both of these sportsbooks don’t offer cryptocurrency as a payment method, unlike some of our other best lower commission betting sites, which you can find by clicking on the link.
The only thing that sets FanDuel and DraftKings apart in terms of payments is their minimum deposit. FanDuel requires at least a $10 minimum deposit per transaction, whereas DraftKings Sportsbook allows you to start wagering with as little as $5. For this reason also, DraftKings wins narrowly this category.
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings offers an extensive selection of sports. From major American sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL to popular college sports like NCAA football and basketball, you can find a variety of options to place your bets. If you’re a soccer enthusiast, DraftKings covers domestic and international leagues alike. Additionally, they offer a wide array of sports like tennis, golf, mixed martial arts, boxing, and motorsports.
FanDuel is also known for its comprehensive sports offerings as well. They excel at providing a wide array of sports, from traditional favorites to niche markets. Whether you’re a fan of American football or basketball or prefer international sports like soccer or cricket, FanDuel has got you covered. If you have a penchant for less mainstream sports, FanDuel also offers options like snooker, darts, and table tennis.
Winner: It’s a Tie
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings allows you to engage in live betting, which means you can place bets on games and matches as they unfold. This adds an exciting dimension to the betting experience as you can respond to the twists and turns of a game. You can follow along with your bets in real time and use the gamecast features to track the game and your bets simultaneously. However, that live streaming is only available for a limited number of sports.
FanDuel also offers live betting, enabling you to place bets during games. You can change your betting strategy as the game progresses, which is an exciting feature for those who enjoy dynamic betting. The sportsbook also provides real-time tracking of your bets. This top real money betting site also offers live streaming via FanDuel TV, getting you even more stuck into the action and giving it a slight edge over DraftKings Sportsbook.
Winner: FanDuel Sportsbook
When you place a bet with DraftKings, you’ll notice a wide range of betting options. Whether you’re a fan of major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, or niche sports such as tennis, soccer, and even esports, DraftKings caters to a broad spectrum of interests. You’ll find competitive odds across all these sports, enhancing your potential for a significant payout. For instance, if you’re betting on an NFL game, you might find DraftKings offering odds of +200 for an underdog team, which means a successful $100 bet would net you $200.
FanDuel, on the other hand, also offers a vast variety of betting options. It stands out for its user-friendly platform and the competitive odds it provides across a broad range of sports. If you’re betting on an NBA game, for example, you might find FanDuel offering odds of -150 for a favourite team, indicating you would need to bet $150 to win $100.
Both DraftKings and FanDuel offer a variety of betting lines, including moneyline bets, point spreads, and over/under bets, among others. This means you can tailor your betting strategy to the specific game and your personal preferences. Whether you prefer betting on the overall winner (moneyline), the points difference (point spreads), or the total points scored by both teams (over/under), both platforms provide you with the flexibility to bet in the way that suits you best.
Winner: It’s a Tie
DraftKings operates a loyalty program that rewards you for your continued participation. Every bet you place contributes to your loyalty points, which can be redeemed for a variety of rewards. This means that even if you’re not winning every bet, you’re still accumulating points that can translate into cashback offers, exclusive promotions, and more. It’s a way of saying thank you for your dedication to the platform. The more you bet, the more points you earn, providing a tangible benefit to regular participation.
FanDuel, on the other hand, has a slightly different approach. Their loyalty program, known as FanDuel Players Club, is designed for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) users. You earn FanDuel Points (FDP) by participating in paid DFS contests. These points can be used to enter additional paid contests, effectively acting as free entries. The Players Club consists of multiple tiers, with additional perks and rewards unlocked as you reach higher tiers. These can include free contest entries and exclusive promotions.
While this program is tailored more towards DFS players, if you participate in both DFS and sports betting on FanDuel, you can still benefit from the offers and promotions available. However, seeing as we are reviewing the sportsbook options on both platforms, the DraftKings VIP scheme clearly reigns superior.
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
Mobile betting apps from DraftKings and FanDuel are a go-to for wagering on the move. DraftKings has a app designed with the user experience in mind. It’s easy to navigate through the various sports and events, and placing your bets is a simple process that only takes a few clicks. The app also provides access to the platform’s extensive selection of sports and events, from major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB to niche sports such as top tennis and soccer sportsbook offerings. This makes it a comprehensive mobile betting solution for all your sports wagering needs.
FanDuel’s mobile betting app is considered one of the best in the market, even when compared to some of LetsGambleUSA’s real money offshore betting sites. It provides a wide range of betting options and is renowned for its reliability. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for you to find your favorite sports and place your bets quickly and efficiently. Plus, you can even make use of their live streaming options from your handheld devices, making it stand out as the better mobile option.
Winner: FanDuel Sportsbook
DraftKings and FanDuel are both reputable betting platforms that operate under strict regulations and licenses in various jurisdictions across the United States. Their operation in each state is subject to the specific gambling laws and regulations of that state.
For example, DraftKings is a fully legal sports betting site in the US. However, its availability varies due to differing state laws. In some states, DraftKings operates as a licensed and regulated sportsbook, offering both sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) services. In others, it may only offer DFS contests, while in a few states, DraftKings may be entirely restricted.
Like all the safest online sports betting sites, FanDuel operates under strict licensing and regulation. Like DraftKings, its services vary by state, depending on the specific gambling laws. It offers both sports betting and DFS services where it is legal and licensed to do so. However, DraftKings is more widely available in the US, having obtained licenses from more individual states.
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
When it comes to customer support, DraftKings and FanDuel understand the importance of addressing queries and concerns promptly and efficiently and, therefore, offer multiple channels for you to reach out to these top basketball and football sportsbooks.
For instance, DraftKings provides a live chat feature, enabling real-time communication with their customer support team. This means you can have your issues addressed immediately. If you prefer a more independent approach, you can visit their extensive Help Center, packed with useful articles, guides, and FAQs. DraftKings also has a dedicated customer support team available via email and social media platforms such as Twitter.
FanDuel also offers a similar range of customer support options. You can use their live chat feature, or you can contact them via email. Their Help Center is also a valuable resource for any immediate queries or concerns. However, some users have reported occasional delays with FanDuel’s customer support, so this is something you might want to consider. In comparison, DraftKings is known for its prompt and reliable responses, which we also experienced first-hand.
Winner: DraftKings Sportsbook
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