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
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FanDuel Sportsbook is committed to providing a secure and responsible betting environment. We remind all users that sports betting involves financial risk, and it’s important to set personal limits to ensure a controlled experience. If betting impacts your well-being, numerous support resources are available to help you maintain a safe and responsible approach to gaming.
What Users Say About Their Overall Experience at FanDuel
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
| Feature | DFS | Sportsbook |
| Welcome Bonus | No | Bet 5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets |
| Mobile Apps (iOS/Android) | Yes | Yes |
| App Store Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Google Play Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Legal and Active States | 37 | 23 |
| Live Betting | No | Yes |
| Live Streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Entry Fee Range | $0.05 - $10,000 | $10 |
| Prize Pool Range | $10 - $1M | N/A |
| Payout Speed | 1-5 Days | 1-5 Days |
| Rewards Program | Yes | Yes |
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
FanDuel Bet $5 Get $150
FanDuel Bet $5 Get $200
FanDuel Players Club Rewards Program
FanDuel Refer-a-Friend
What Users Say About FanDuel's Bonuses
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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:
- Moneyline: Betting on the outright winner of a game or event
- Point Spread: Betting on the margin of victory or defeat, where the favored team must win by a specified number of points.
- Totals: Betting on the combined score of both teams in a game, whether it goes over or under a set total.
- Parlays: Combining multiple bets into one wager, with all selections needing to win for the bet to pay out.
- Teasers: Adjusting the point spread or total in exchange for lower odds, typically offered in football and basketball.
- Props: Betting on specific outcomes within a game or event, such as player performances or individual statistics.
What Users Say About FanDuel's Markets
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.
| Aspect | Sports Betting | Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) |
| Nature of Payouts | Immediate payouts. Users are aware of potential winnings beforehand. | Potential payouts are influenced by prize pool structure and performance relative to other participants. |
| Risk-Reward Profile | Determined 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 Structure | Odds are set by the sportsbook. | Prize pools are structured around the type of contest (e.g., GPP, cash games) and the number of participants. |
| Strategy | Betting 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 Engagement | Users 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. |
| Outcome | Wins 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.
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User Reviews Comparison
| Aspect | FanDuel Fantasy Sports App | FanDuel Sportsbook App |
| Platform Ratings | iOS: 4.8/5 (183K ratings) Android: 4.7/5 (82K ratings) | Analysis of 3,873 user reviews: 36% negative, 40% mixed, 24% positive |
| Common Complaints | ID verification issues, failure to honor promotions, inability of support staff to correct issues | Location verification issues, app stability problems, unreliable authentication process, disparity in features between app versions |
| User Praise | App runs smoothly, user-friendly interface, helpful tips for forming winning lineups | iOS: 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 Impression | Despite 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
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:
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Submit a Ticket
- Email (support@fanduel.com)
- Social Media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | SnapChat
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 |
| 10:00 | 3 minutes and 47 seconds |
| 15:00 | 3 minutes and 11 seconds |
| 18:00 | 4 minutes and 16 seconds |
| 23:00 | 5 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:
- Self-Exclusion: Users can exclude themselves from the platform for a specified period.
- Deposit Limits: Users can set limits on deposit amounts over a given time frame.
- Time Limits: Limits can be set on the amount of time spent on the platform.
- Wager Limits: Users can limit the amount wagered within a certain period.
- Reality Check: Shows users amount of time and money spent on the site.
- Cool-Off Period: Users can take a short break from betting on the platform.
- 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.
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Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.
In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.
In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.
Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.
At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.
Cristina Varela Galan
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 has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game in 1998, and he's been writing about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports while growing his expertise in sports data analysis and research.
Between 2022 and 2023, he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets. In 2024, he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.
Sergey Demidov
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
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.
