The Most Popular Sportsbooks in the U.S.
Navigating the intricacies of U.S. market leaders FanDuel and DraftKings reveals a competitive edge in online sports betting and fantasy leagues.
This analysis presents a detailed examination of where and how these platforms stand in terms of accessibility across various regions and platforms, alongside a thorough breakdown of their diverse product offerings. With their substantial presence in the US market underscoring the comparison, this article aims to deliver an impartial overview, highlighting the scope of their operations.
Where is Sports Gambling Legal in the U.S.?
Sports betting in the United States has undergone a significant transformation, witnessing a rapid evolution that has changed the face of the gambling landscape across the nation.
With individual states embracing the opportunity to craft their own rules around sports wagering, the result is a patchwork of regulations that vary widely from coast to coast. This shift has catalyzed a surge in the popularity of sports betting, making it more accessible to Americans than ever before.
Current Legal landscape:
- Live, Legal: Sports betting is operational and legal in 38 states, plus the District of Columbia, showcasing a robust adoption of sports gambling regulations across the country.
- Active Legislation/Ballot Initiative: Six states (Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, Missouri, and Oklahoma) are considering active legislation or have ballot initiatives underway, signaling a potential expansion of legal sports betting soon.
- No Legislation: Five states have not introduced any legislation regarding sports betting, remaining on the sidelines of the sports gambling expansion.
- Dead Legislation: One state (CA) has seen sports betting legislation introduced but not passed, halting progress in that jurisdiction.
These regulations span online platforms, mobile applications, and physical establishments, and understanding each state's specific legal frameworks and compliance requirements becomes crucial. For those looking into the intricacies of sports betting legality and regulations, RG offers a comprehensive state-by-state guide that sheds light on the regulatory landscape, emphasizing the critical role of responsible gambling and the safeguards implemented to protect consumers.
Moreover, the American Gaming Association's State Gaming Map provides an interactive and up-to-date visual representation of sports betting and fantasy sports legal status across the United States. This resource is indispensable for stakeholders, policymakers, and enthusiasts aiming to keep up with the rapidly evolving legal context of sports gambling, showcasing the geographic distribution of legalized betting and the varying degrees of regulatory frameworks in place.
FanDuel vs DraftKings: Market Share
FanDuel and DraftKings emerge as the two most popular sportsbook platforms in the U.S., each with a distinct journey and position in the market.
- DraftKings Market Position: DraftKings is celebrated for its comprehensive sports coverage and competitive betting options, holding a substantial portion of the market alongside its rival. Its aggressive growth strategies and partnerships with professional sports leagues and teams underscore its significant influence and commitment to enhancing user experience.
- FanDuel Market Position: Today, FanDuel stands as a DraftKings' top competition, particularly recognized for its innovation in DFS and sports betting platforms. With a robust user base and a significant share of the U.S. market, it has established itself as a household name among sports enthusiasts.
Both platforms have navigated the evolving landscape with strategic expansions and innovations, catering to a wide audience of sports fans and bettors.
Most Popular Sportsbook in U.S.
Real FanDuel User Reviews
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
Great Choice for NFL & NBA
Real DraftKings User Reviews
Bonuses & Promotions:
- Pros: 40% of users appreciate the variety of promotions, including boosts and "no sweat" opportunities, which have led to successful bets and substantial winnings.
- Cons: 60% of users express dissatisfaction, citing a lack of free bets, deposit bonuses, and a less generous rewards program, especially for loyal customers. Technical issues with promotions not applying correctly, and complaints of misleading offers, further add to the frustration.
Functionality & User Experience:
- Pros: Users praise the app’s user-friendly interface, seamless navigation, and the ease of cashing in and out. The intuitive design makes betting straightforward.
- Cons: Frequent crashes, slow response times, and lagging have negatively impacted the user experience. Location verification has been deemed intrusive and unnecessary by some, and account verification issues have also been raised.
Cashiering:
- Pros: Users find the deposit and withdrawal process efficient, with many praising quick payouts, some as fast as 10 minutes. The interface for cashiering is also seen as intuitive.
- Cons: Issues with crashes and technical problems during key moments, like deposits or withdrawals, are frequently reported. The app’s verification process, which sometimes leads to account suspensions or extended delays in accessing funds, has been criticized.
Odds & Pricing:
- Pros: Some users report significant winnings, appreciating the pre-calculated odds and variety of sports available, particularly hockey.
- Cons: A significant number of users perceive the odds as rigged, with reports of the app changing odds during bet submissions and favoring the house in casino games. Technical issues like lagging and freezing during live betting make it difficult to place timely bets, further disadvantaging users.
Market Coverage:
- Pros: The app’s wide range of sports and events, along with an array of betting options, has been praised. Users enjoy the diverse offerings, including niche sports and prop bets.
- Cons: Performance issues such as freezing and lagging during live betting have been reported, leading to missed opportunities. The app’s handling of live odds, frequent changes, and premature event closings have also been criticized.
Support:
- Cons: A majority of users are dissatisfied with the app’s support, describing it as slow, unhelpful, and unable to resolve technical glitches or verification problems. Issues with contacting customer service and difficulties withdrawing funds are common complaints.
- Pros: A smaller group of users have reported positive experiences, noting helpful, fast, and reliable customer service responses.
Where is FanDuel Legal
FanDuel has significantly expanded its presence across the United States offering legal sports betting options, currently in 23 states for bettors looking to engage online:
Arizona | Colorado | Connecticut | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Tennessee | Virginia | Vermont | Washington D.C. | West Virginia | Wyoming | Ontario
Similarly, FanDuel has expanded its services to Canada with a presence in Ontario, providing a platform for legal online sports betting. Interested users in Ontario can find more details and access FanDuel’s offerings at FanDuel Canada.
Where is DraftKings Legal?
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To place legal bets or play on DraftKings, individuals are required to be 21 or older. Additionally, they must be physically present in a state where DraftKings is operational when they bet or play, though they need not be residents of that state:
Arizona | Colorado | Connecticut | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Tennessee | Virginia | Vermont | West Virginia | Wyoming
In Canada, DraftKings has tapped into the Ontario market, where mobile sports betting is legal and active. Enthusiasts in Ontario can engage with DraftKings Sportsbook via the dedicated app, available for download and use within the province. For more information on the services offered and the legal framework in Ontario, visit DraftKings' Ontario Sports Betting page.
Market Share and Competitive Analysis
FanDuel and DraftKings have been neck and neck in the U.S. sports betting market, commanding a substantial portion of the industry. FanDuel has been the longstanding market leader, maintaining a significant presence across the states where sports betting is legal. As of late 2023, FanDuel held a market share of approximately 39.3%, marking it as the dominant force in sports betting and gambling markets. DraftKings, not far behind, secured a market share of around 34.1%, indicating a competitive position in the industry.
However, DraftKings has been closing the gap, particularly over the past year, elevating its market share from 27.7% to 32% in the 12-month period ending in May 2023. This growth did not come at the expense of FanDuel, which saw its market share remain stable despite a slight decline from 45.5% to 45.1% at the end of May compared to the same time in the previous year.
DraftKings has seen substantial gains in key states such as Massachusetts, where it's headquartered, and New York, which is the largest U.S. sports betting market. For example, DraftKings accounted for a significant portion of all gross gaming revenues in Massachusetts, surpassing $1 billion in wagers since the launch of mobile betting in March 2023.
The implications of their market dominance are multifaceted. Their significant market shares mean both FanDuel and DraftKings can influence market trends, adapt quickly to new regulatory changes, and have the capital to invest in innovative betting products and user experiences. However, their dominance also means that new entrants into the market could find it challenging to secure a foothold.
DraftKings' recent ascension in the market can be attributed to strategic moves in key states and an ability to manage marketing and customer-acquisition costs effectively. Meanwhile, FanDuel's consistent performance and high market share highlight the brand's strong customer loyalty and market presence.
This intense competition has led both platforms to continuously improve and innovate their offerings, ensuring they remain the top picks for sports betting enthusiasts across the nation.
Final Thoughts
In this examination of FanDuel and DraftKings, we have navigated through the complexities of their presence across the United States and internationally. With a clear view of where each platform stands legally in various states, we also highlighted the nuances of their operational strategies and their respective positions in the online and retail spaces.
Their legal maneuverings, market share, and financial fortitude suggest an industry on the brink of further expansion, underscored by FanDuel's NYSE debut and DraftKings' growing market share. Both companies not only lead the current landscape but are also strategically poised for future market expansion, as evidenced by their ongoing license filings and corporate maneuvers.
As we look ahead, the prospective moves of FanDuel and DraftKings will likely continue to influence the sports betting market's direction. Their potential expansions into new territories, both domestic and international, and their readiness to adapt to the evolving regulatory environment, mark a new chapter in the story of legal sports gambling. It is a narrative that promises to unfold with the persistence of legal changes and the undying spirit of competition that drives these market leaders.
For those new to this rapidly expanding world, starting with a foundational understanding of sports betting through this Sports Betting 101 Guide can provide valuable insights. Moreover, exploring the broader landscape of sportsbooks offers a glimpse into the diverse betting options available today.
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Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan
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.
| Experience | Year |
| Engaged in private entrepreneurship | 2000-2013 |
| Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting | 2013-2020 |
| Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol | 2022 |
"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 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 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 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 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.
