FanDuel Fantasy Vs. FanDuel Sportsbook

19 min read
Apr 1, 2024, 7:32 AM

Comparing the History of DFS and Sportsbetting

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) and online sports betting represent two of the most dynamic and engaging platforms in sports entertainment. DFS, a game mode that allows participants to create fantasy teams from a pool of professional athletes, traces its origins to the early 2000s. 

This innovation offered sports enthusiasts a new, more active way to engage with their favorite sports, providing daily gratification rather than the season-long commitment traditional fantasy sports required. The rise of platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel in the early 2010s marked a significant milestone, turning DFS into a mainstream phenomenon and significantly influencing the sports industry and legal landscape in the United States.

On the other hand, online sports betting has a more storied history, with its roots deeply embedded in the traditions of sports gambling that span centuries. The transition from physical bookmaking to online platforms began in the mid-1990s, as the internet became more accessible to the public. This evolution allowed bettors to place wagers on the outcomes of sports events in real-time, from anywhere in the world. The legalization of online sports betting in various jurisdictions over the past two decades has led to a boom in the industry, and FanDuel has been at a major part of its growth in the US.

While DFS and online sports betting share a common thread of enhancing the sports fan's experience through technology and innovation, they cater to distinctly different preferences within the spectrum. DFS appeals to those who enjoy the strategic aspect of team management and player performance, while online sports betting attracts those inclined towards predicting game outcomes and being able to deal with the risk. Together, they encapsulate the transformative impact of digital technology on traditional sports fandom, offering diverse avenues for engagement, entertainment, and even financial gain

FanDuel Sportsbook

Most Popular Sportsbook in U.S.

NBA
UCL
FACup
GBF
LNB Pro A
AZ
CO
CT
IL
IN
IA
CAD
USD
VISA
Mastercard
Discover
Debit Cards
user reviews
Min. First Deposit
Max. Withdrawal
Withdrawal Speed
Vig

What Users Say About Their Overall Experience at FanDuel

3873
Reviews
Updated Oct 1, 2024, 6:28 PM
43%
Positive
9%
Mixed
48%
Negative
AI
User Reviews Analysis

The sports betting app has received a mix of positive and negative reviews across various categories. 

While users appreciate aspects such as competitive odds, a user-friendly interface, and quick payouts, there are notable concerns about technical issues, customer service, and the fairness of the betting system.

Bonuses & Promotions:

  • Pros: Variety of betting options, fun bonuses
  • Cons: Limited promotions for non-football sports, frequent technical issues with promos
  • Suggestions: Offer more free bets, tokens, deposit matches, better loyalty rewards, and generous birthday bonuses

Functionality & User Experience:

  • Pros: User-friendly interface and easy navigation
  • Cons: Issues with app crashing, freezing, and intrusive location verification
  • Suggestions: Improve app stability and location verification

Cashiering:

  • Pros: Quick payouts, easy deposit methods, secure transactions
  • Cons: Problems with withdrawals, account suspensions, and slow transfer of winnings
  • Suggestions: Streamline the withdrawal process and address account suspension concerns

Odds & Pricing:

  • Pros: Competitive odds appreciated by some users
  • Cons: Accusations of manipulated odds, low payouts, and frequent high-risk bet suggestions
  • Suggestions: Provide clearer and fairer odds, improve payout structures

Market Coverage:

  • Pros: Extensive range of sports and betting options
  • Cons: Performance issues (freezing, lag), inconsistent reward system, poor handling of injured players
  • Suggestions: Address performance issues and expand betting options for more sports

Support:

  • Pros: Some users report quick resolutions from support
  • Cons: Unresponsive support, issues with account suspensions, unauthorized transactions, and verification problems
  • Suggestions: Improve support responsiveness and resolve account-related concerns efficiently

Features Comparison

FeatureDFSSportsbook
Welcome BonusNoBet 5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets
Mobile Apps (iOS/Android)YesYes
App Store Rating4.8/54.9/5
Google Play Rating4.7/54.6/5
Legal and Active States3723
Live BettingNoYes
Live StreamingYesYes
Entry Fee Range$0.05 - $10,000$10
Prize Pool Range$10 - $1MN/A
Payout Speed1-5 Days1-5 Days
Rewards ProgramYesYes

Bonuses Comparison

FanDuel implements bonus promotions across its sportsbook and daily fantasy platforms to engage and reward its user base. These promotions aim to provide added value to users, irrespective of whether they engage in sports betting or participate in fantasy contests. By offering a variety of bonus incentives, such as deposit matches, odds and profit boosts, sign-up bonuses, and freeroll contests, FanDuel seeks to attract and retain users.

Active FanDuel DFS Bonuses

  • Free rolls/free entries: Upon signup and depending on the active contests.
  • Refer-A-Friend: Existing users can invite friends and receive $15 upon signup and following the completion of terms.
  • FanDuel is currently offering shares of bonus prize pools attached to three specific DFS contests in the NBA and MLB:
    • A rostered player who hits a grand slam in the MLB Rally contest will earn the user a share of the $5,000 Grand Slam Bonus.
    • If a pitcher that records the most strikeouts is rostered in the MLB Pinch Hit contest, users will be entitled to a share of the $5,000 bonus pool.
    • Earn a share of the $1,000 Bonus Pool if a player rostered in any March NBA Dribbler contest scores a triple-double.

Active FanDuel Sportsbook Bonuses

Welcome Bonus

FanDuel Bet $5 Get $150

FanDuel Bet $5 Get $150
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07/07/2024
expire
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Welcome Bonus

FanDuel Bet $5 Get $200

FanDuel Bet $5 Get $200
Easy
to obtain
07/28/2024
expire
21, Terms and Conditions Apply
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Get bonus
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Rewards Program
21, Terms and Conditions Apply
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Bonus Review
Refer-a-Friend Bonus

FanDuel Refer-a-Friend

FanDuel Refer-a-Friend
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12/31/2024
expire
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What Users Say About FanDuel's Bonuses

3873
Reviews
Updated Oct 1, 2024, 6:21 PM
26%
Positive
4%
Mixed
70%
Negative
AI
User Reviews Analysis

The sports betting app's bonuses and promotions have received mixed reviews from users. While some appreciate its user-friendly interface, variety of betting options, and fun bonuses, many are dissatisfied with the bonus system, technical issues, and limited promotions. Users suggest improvements for a better overall experience.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Wide variety of betting options
  • Fun bonuses and promotions, such as daily free spins and free play
  • Promotions viewed as among the best compared to other apps

Cons:

  • Ticket system for the reward machine is seen as lacking value
  • Limited promotions for sports other than football
  • Frequent technical issues (freezing and glitches) affecting promo usage
  • Some users report not receiving advertised welcome bonuses
  • Perceived manipulative or misleading promotional campaigns

Suggestions for improvement:

  • Offer more free bets, tokens, "no sweat" bets, and deposit matches
  • Provide better rewards for loyal customers and more generous birthday bonuses
  • Make promotions more valuable and easier to claim
  • Enhance app reliability and customer service

Game Variety and Entry Fees

FanDuel DFS users have access to a wide range of fantasy sports contests and games. These options encompass daily and weekly competitions across multiple leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and PGA Tour. 

Furthermore, FanDuel provides various salary cap formats, enabling users to build fantasy teams while adhering to specific budget limitations. Users have the flexibility to participate in different contest formats:

FanDuel Daily Fantasy Contests

  1. Tournaments: Also known as Guaranteed Prize Pool (GPP) contests, are expansive competitions that offer different prize structures. Participants compete against each other to earn a portion of the guaranteed prize pool, which is distributed among the top performers. The prize structures can range from a larger payout to the winners or a more evenly distributed distribution among a greater number of participants.
  2. Head-to-Head: In Head-to-Head competitions, two DFS users go up against one another, choosing their own fantasy teams. The participant with the highest-scoring team emerges as the winner. Entry fees are usually divided equally between the participants, and the victor takes home the entire prize pool after deducting the platform commission.
  3. Multipliers: Multiplier competitions, such as Double-Ups or Triple-Ups, present an opportunity for participants to increase their entry fee by two, three, or more times by finishing in the upper half or top third of the competition. These competitions offer a payout structure that is more reliable and steady compared to tournaments (GPP).
  4. 50/50s: Cash Games, also referred to as 50/50 contests, distribute prizes to around half of the participants. In order to secure a prize that matches or exceeds their entry fee, participants must finish within the top half of the competition. Prize distributions are typically divided equally among the winners, regardless of their final placement.

FanDuel Sportsbook Betting Markets

In contrast, FanDuel Sportsbook provides an extensive range of betting options on thousands of sporting events. Users can place bets on major professional and collegiate sports, including but not limited to football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and golf, and close to 200 leagues around the world. The betting markets commonly available at FanDuel sportsbook include:

  1. Moneyline: Betting on the outright winner of a game or event
  2. Point Spread: Betting on the margin of victory or defeat, where the favored team must win by a specified number of points.
  3. Totals: Betting on the combined score of both teams in a game, whether it goes over or under a set total.
  4. Parlays: Combining multiple bets into one wager, with all selections needing to win for the bet to pay out.
  5. Teasers: Adjusting the point spread or total in exchange for lower odds, typically offered in football and basketball.
  6. Props: Betting on specific outcomes within a game or event, such as player performances or individual statistics.

What Users Say About FanDuel's Markets

3873
Reviews
Updated Oct 1, 2024, 6:25 PM
45%
Positive
12%
Mixed
43%
Negative
AI
User Reviews Analysis

 

The average review of the sports betting app's market coverage is generally positive, with users praising its extensive sports options, user-friendly interface, and live updates. However, there are several areas for improvement, including performance issues, limited betting options for certain sports, and customer service concerns.

Pros:

  • Extensive range of sports and betting options
  • Highly praised for coverage of NBA, NHL, golf, and Olympic triathlon
  • User-friendly interface and live updates for parlays
  • Convenient for betting from home
  • Considered one of the best sports betting platforms by many users

Cons:

  • Performance issues such as freezing lines and lagging updates, especially during NHL games
  • Handling of injured players and inconsistency in the reward system
  • Difficulty finding specific betting options and limited promotions for non-football sports
  • Lack of betting options for horse racing, UFC fights, and non-sporting events like presidential elections
  • Mixed reviews of the live betting feature due to frequent suspensions and slow response times
  • Issues with international bets, including voided bets and incorrect live data
  • Customer service reported as unresponsive by some users
  • App unavailability in certain states despite legal online sports betting

Suggestions for improvement:

  • Introduce a filter for settled bets
  • Expand coverage of women's college basketball games
  • Improve handling of player injuries during games
  • Resolve performance issues and improve live betting response times
  • Provide more betting options for underrepresented sports and events

Odds vs. Prize Pool Structure

Odds at FanDuel and prize pool structures in DFS contests are two different factors that users must take into account when engaging in sports betting and fantasy sports. Each of these aspects has its own unique considerations.

AspectSports BettingDaily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Nature of PayoutsImmediate payouts. Users are aware of potential winnings beforehand.Potential payouts are influenced by prize pool structure and performance relative to other participants.
Risk-Reward ProfileDetermined by the odds, which may not always reflect true probabilities.GPP contests offer substantial payouts but higher variance and risk. Cash games provide more consistent returns but smaller payouts.
Determination of Odds/Prize StructureOdds are set by the sportsbook.Prize pools are structured around the type of contest (e.g., GPP, cash games) and the number of participants.
StrategyBetting strategy involves predicting outcomes based on odds.Strategy involves selecting a lineup that maximizes points scored, considering the performance of selected athletes against other participants' lineups.
User EngagementUsers engage through the act of placing bets based on odds.Engagement comes from building and managing fantasy teams, requiring ongoing attention to player performance and contest standings.
OutcomeWins and losses are determined immediately after the event based on the bet and event outcome.Outcomes depend on the cumulative performance of chosen athletes over the event duration, with final standings compared to other participants determining payout eligibility within the prize pool.

Comparing Payment Methods

FanDuel provides multiple methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, simplifying the management and user experience for both daily fantasy and sportsbook account holders. 

However, the specific payment and withdrawal methods available may differ depending on the state due to local financial regulations and could also be subject to change. FanDuel doesn't charge any fees for transactions, but it is recommended to reach out to the payment provider beforehand to have a clear understanding of their policies about payments or withdrawals.

Name
Deposit
Withdraw
Time
Min
Fee
Time
Max
Fee
VISA
VISA
0-1 day
1
2
2-7 days
$50000
2%
Mastercard
Mastercard
0-1 day
1
2
2-7 days
$50000
2%
Discover
Discover
0-1 day
1
2.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
Debit Cards
Debit Cards
0-1 day
1
0.76
N/A
N/A
N/A
ApplePay
ApplePay
0-1 day
10
0
1-3 days
$10000
1.5%
Google Pay
Google Pay
0-1 day
10
0
N/A
N/A
N/A
Venmo
Venmo
0-1 day
10
1.75
2-5 days
$20000
1.75%
PayPal
PayPal
0-3 days
10
1.9
2-7 days
$60000
1.9%
FanDuel Prepaid Card
FanDuel Prepaid Card
0-1 day
5
0
1-3 days
N/A
N/A
Cash at Retail Stores
Cash at Retail Stores
Instant
10
0.5
0-2 days
$1000
0.5%
Cash at Cage
Cash at Cage
Instant
0
0
0-2 days
$100000
N/A
ACH/eCHECK
ACH/eCHECK
0-1 day
10
0
N/A
N/A
N/A
American Express
American Express
Instant
1
2
1-5 days
$50000
2%
Bank Wire Transfer
Bank Wire Transfer
0-1 day
10
0
1-7 days
$50000
N/A
Diners
Diners
0-1 day
1
2
2-7 days
$50000
2%
VIP Preferred
VIP Preferred
0-1 day
5
0
1-5 days
$100000
2%
Play+
Play+
0-1 day
5
0
2-7 days
$25000
1.9%

User Reviews Comparison

AspectFanDuel Fantasy Sports AppFanDuel Sportsbook App
Platform RatingsiOS: 4.8/5 (183K ratings) Android: 4.7/5 (82K ratings)Analysis of 3,873 user reviews: 36% negative, 40% mixed, 24% positive
Common ComplaintsID verification issues, failure to honor promotions, inability of support staff to correct issuesLocation verification issues, app stability problems, unreliable authentication process, disparity in features between app versions
User PraiseApp runs smoothly, user-friendly interface, helpful tips for forming winning lineupsiOS: User-friendly interface and real-time updates of live betting odds praised
Specific User Feedback“Good not great. Not as many NHL or NASCAR contests as there used to be.. Seems like the only sports with big GPP's are NFL, NBA, MLB."“This is like the 5th time since the summer I've been locked out of my account without even trying to use the app. To have to consistently make new passwords every month is super annoying."
Overall ImpressionDespite the high ratings, a significant number of reviews highlight critical issues, tempered by positive feedback on app functionality and user support.The feedback is mixed, with a notable portion expressing dissatisfaction, especially regarding the Android app. Positive comments focus on the iOS version's user-friendly nature and efficient display of live betting odds.

What Users Really Say About Their FanDuel Experience

3873
Reviews
Updated Oct 1, 2024, 6:24 PM
34%
Positive
3%
Mixed
63%
Negative
AI
User Reviews Analysis

The sports betting app has received mixed reviews, with users highlighting both positive and negative experiences. While some users appreciate its user-friendly interface, wide betting options, and quick payouts, others have reported significant technical issues and poor customer service, which diminish the overall experience.

Pros:

  • About 40% of users praise the user-friendly interface and easy navigation
  • 30% of users appreciate the wide range of betting options and quick cash payouts
  • Some users label it as one of the best sports betting apps

Cons:

  • 50% of users report frequent crashes, freezing, or issues with location checks
  • Location verification feature criticized by 25% of users for being intrusive and slow
  • Customer service described as unhelpful and unresponsive, with reports of account suspensions
  • Concerns from a few users about the fairness of the games, with suggestions that the app may be rigged

Suggestions for improvement:

  • Resolve technical issues (crashes, freezing, location verification delays)
  • Improve the responsiveness and helpfulness of customer service
  • Address user concerns regarding game fairness to build trust and enhance the betting experience

Customer Support

FanDuel provides various options for users to contact their customer support team regarding inquiries about their daily fantasy and sportsbook products. In addition to round-the-clock live chat and email support, they also provide user-friendly FAQ sections and informative video tutorials to assist with any queries or concerns. Moreover, FanDuel actively interacts with users via social media, creating an additional channel for communication.

FanDuel Customer Service Options:

We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of FanDuel's customer support teams by engaging in live chat conversations on four different occasions throughout the day. Our objective was to evaluate the speed, helpfulness, and overall quality of the assistance provided. Through these interactions, we gained valuable insights into the effectiveness of their support systems and their ability to promptly address customer inquiries and concerns in real-time scenarios.

Time (ET)FanDuel Average Wait Time
10:003 minutes and 47 seconds
15:003 minutes and 11 seconds
18:004 minutes and 16 seconds
23:005 minutes and 27 seconds

 

FanDuel promptly connected us with live representatives on all four occasions that the FanDuel Coach couldn't address our queries. This experience continued throughout the day and night, swiftly resolving issues related to deposits, withdrawals, geolocation, GPP contests, and betting lines. Our encounters with FanDuel support have consistently been better than average.

Additional Features

FanDuel DFS Features

  • Position Flexibility: Allows for more strategic lineup decisions.
  • Single-Game Contests: Engage in fantasy contests focused on a single game.
  • Friends Mode: Create and compete in private leagues with friends.
  • Beginner Contests: Level playing field for newcomers to learn and compete.
  • Late Swap: Adjust your lineup even after games have started.
  • FanDuel Scout: Provides insights and tips for creating competitive lineups.
  • Live Streaming: Watch live games in the app.
  • Refer-A-Friend: Incentives for referring new users to FanDuel.
  • FanDuel Faceoff: Exclusive contests and challenges.
  • Rewards Center: Loyalty rewards for active and consistent participation.

FanDuel Sportsbook Features

  • Early Cash Out: Option to settle bets before the event concludes.
  • Live Betting: Place bets on games as they're happening.
  • Same-Game Parlays: Combine multiple bets from the same game.
  • Props Betting: Bet on specific events or player milestones within a game.
  • Early Pay Out Bonuses: Bonuses for early settlement of bets.
  • Horse Racing: Bet on a wide range of horse racing events.
  • Live Streaming: Access to live broadcasts of sporting events.
  • Refer-A-Friend: Benefits for both referrer and referred new customers.
  • FanDuel Faceoff: Unique betting challenges and competitions.
  • FanDuel TV: Access to sports-related content and live events.

Shared Features Between Fantasy and Sportsbook

  • Live Streaming: Both platforms offer users the ability to watch live sports.
  • Refer-A-Friend: Encourages existing users to invite new users with incentives.
  • FanDuel Faceoff: Engage in exclusive contests and betting challenges.
  • Rewards Center/FanDuel TV: Provides added value through loyalty rewards and exclusive content, respectively, enhancing the overall user experience and engagement on both platforms.

Responsible Gambling at FanDuel

Ensuring a safe and responsible gambling experience is crucial when it comes to online betting be it sports or fantasy. FanDuel provides a range of tools and resources to help users bet responsibly and stay within their financial means. Here is an overview of the responsible gambling features currently made available by FanDuel for users partaking in DFS or the sportsbook:

  1. Self-Exclusion: Users can exclude themselves from the platform for a specified period.
  2. Deposit Limits: Users can set limits on deposit amounts over a given time frame.
  3. Time Limits: Limits can be set on the amount of time spent on the platform.
  4. Wager Limits: Users can limit the amount wagered within a certain period.
  5. Reality Check: Shows users amount of time and money spent on the site.
  6. Cool-Off Period: Users can take a short break from betting on the platform.
  7. Educational Resources: Information and resources to promote responsible gaming.

FAQs

Welcome Bonuses

What kind of welcome bonus does FanDuel offer for Daily Fantasy?

New users earn free rolls or free entries into select paid contests.

What is the welcome bonus for the FanDuel Sportsbook?

FanDuel Sportsbook offers a Bet 5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets welcome bonus. 

Game Variety and Entry Fees

What types of contests are available for FanDuel DFS users?

FanDuel DFS offers various contest formats, including Tournaments, Head-to-Heads, Multipliers, and 50/50s, across multiple sports leagues.

What is the entry fee range for FanDuel DFS contests?

Entry fees for FanDuel DFS contests range from $0.05 to $10,000, catering to users of all experience levels and budget preferences.

Betting Markets

What are the traditional betting markets offered by the FanDuel Sportsbook?

The FanDuel Sportsbook provides a wide range of betting options, including Moneyline, Point Spread, Totals, Parlays, Teasers, and Props, covering major professional and collegiate sports.

Prize Pools and Winnings

What is the range of prize pools available on FanDuel DFS?

FanDuel DFS offers prize pools ranging from $10 to $1 million, catering to users of all skill levels and preferences.

How do potential winnings vary in sports betting on the FanDuel Sportsbook?

Potential winnings in sports betting on the FanDuel Sportsbook depend on the specific bet type and odds offered. Higher-risk bets may yield higher potential payouts, while lower-risk bets offer more modest returns

Odds vs. Prize Pool Structure

How do the odds provided by the FanDuel Sportsbook differ from the prize pool structures in DFS contests?

The odds provided by the FanDuel Sportsbook reflect the perceived likelihood of outcomes in real-life sporting events, while the prize pool structures in DFS contests determine potential payouts based on user performance relative to other participants.

<p style="margin-left:-16px;">Mike made the decision to dive headfirst into the booming world of sports betting fresh out of college. Back in the day, when 1-800 pick lines and sports pagers were all the rage, he couldn't resist the allure, having grown up idolizing sports legends like Sweetness, MJ, and Slammin Sammy. Mike dedicated his early years to the industry, tirelessly analyzing games, writing articles with free picks, and selling his expertise on reputable handicapping sites. Unlike many others, Mike was known for his integrity and only released one Game of the Year per sport, per season. His hard work and unwavering commitment paid off, earning him a devoted following and propelling his career to new heights. Then came the explosion of Daily Fantasy Sports. Believe it or not, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel used to pay Mike's company to increase their brand exposure. Now, those same industry giants don't even bother responding to his emails. While Mike appreciates the convenience of being able to place legal bets in his own backyard, he can't help but feel disheartened by what has become of the industry. People are being led astray, falsely believing that a mere $5 wager on a 20-team same-game-parlay will be their ticket to financial security. If there’s one thing Mike learned from making book back in the day, it’s that parlays are a bookie’s best friend. A bankroll is the only leg you have to stand on in the battle with the books, and Mike’s here to offer up advice on how to protect it.</p>
Interests:
NFL
NBA
NHL
MLB
NCAAB
NCAAF

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Meet our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

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

- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG

 

Principles and Ethics

Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

Strategic Vision

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

Future Perspectives

Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

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

Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

Experience:

  • Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
  • Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group
  • Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
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 back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.

Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022. 

Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler 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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