DraftKings Sportsbook Review
As part of our Sportsbook Reviews series, we look at a power player in the daily fantasy sports global arena, DraftKings, who have now expanded into the Sportsbook scene. This review provides an overview of key information when using DraftKings, its key features, strengths and drawbacks. You can also opt to compare other sportsbooks with our Sportsbook Comparisons.
- Easy to use interface
- Generous Bonuses
- Wide Variety of Markets
- Stat Insights for Users
DraftKings Sportsbook Summary
Based in Boston, DraftKings was established in 2012 as a daily fantasy sports provider, quickly rivalling FanDuel as they became the two biggest players in the market. The companies attempted to merge but were denied in 2017 due to the fear it would be a monopoly; holding 90% of the DFS user base. The fight for market dominance has since continued, and DraftKings made the leap into Sportbooks on the 1st of August 2018, after New Jersey became the 3rd US state to legalise sports betting in June. DraftKings provides a desktop platform as well as an iOS and Android mobile app, and it only took a month before they had recorded a million bets.
Operates In
- Sportsbook expected soon
- Live
Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
| Deposit | Withdrawal | |
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| Bank Transfer |
[Recommended]
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| PayPal |
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| Visa/MasterCard |
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| Skrill |
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| Cage |
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| Check |
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Wagering and Site Info
| Minimum Withdrawal | $20 |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
| Sign-Up | 21 years old +, New Jersey, Basic Personal Information, Social Security Number |
| Languages | English |
| Odds Format | American (Default), Decimals, Fractions |
| Sports Offered | Football, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Darts, Australian Rules Football, Golf, Hockey, MMA, Motorsports, Rugby Union, Soccer, Tennis |
ODDS
Checkout how DraftKings compares to other sportsbooks odds at geniusodds.com
Strengths and Other Features
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Mobile Capabilities
DraftKings has both an iOS and Android mobile app that launched alongside their entrance into the sportsbook market. The Sportsbook app has clearly taken upon a similar theme to the DFS version and would make the transition for old DraftKings users easier. The app features a carousel, which over time adapts to the customers betting history and tailors sports and featured bets on this carousel accordingly. As with the desktop site, it has an A-Z dropdown list of every sport that is available to wager on. The app interface is straightforward and simple to use, and is as functional as the desktop site.
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Live Ticket Feature
A relatively common feature now amongst global sportsbooks, the live ticket feature or Cash Out is a relatively unique betting tool on DraftKings. Bets that are eligible to Cash Out at a later time can be seen when the relevant bet is added to the betslip. Cash Out allows for the bettor to secure winnings early or to cut their losses if they believe it won’t win. The cash out amount will be reflective of the live odds at the time, which means the amount can fluctuate either way from the wager. Cash Out can be eligible for both single bets and parlays.
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Stats
An edge DraftKings has over the rest of the current market is the deep data insight they are able to provide their users through their partnership with iSport Genius. Covering a huge array of global sporting codes from NFL and NCAAF to tennis to Super Rugby, 27 soccer leagues as well as major European competitions, DraftKings’ stats insights provide an unprecedented set of insights for its consumers. On top of match previews, it provides complex insights in the form of simple fun facts, such what the the Lakers home record might be playing as the favourite following a loss and travelling more than 200 miles. On top of the stats related to the event, it also allows the user to have a general overview of the basic information they’re looking for, such as betting insights, ladders and line-ups – providing an exhaustive list of resources for the bettor to be as well informed as possible. The platform as a whole allows the user to digest not only the platform’s insights but to come to their own conclusions and rationales behind their bets. It’s a win-win for both bettor and DraftKings, as the more informed the consumer is, the more likely they are to engage with the platform and have an enjoyable experience. It is a unique experience that certainly gives DraftKings a point of difference in what is a budding market space.
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Linking DFS and Sportsbook Account
Eligible previous users of DraftKings DFS will have to verify their account to make sure they are allowed to bet on the Sportsbook version. Basic details such as full name, address, date of birth, email, phone number and social security will be required as per the standard verification process. Furthermore, if a user deposits money on the DFS platform, they must first use that money playing DFS before they are permitted to use it to wager on sports. Depositing straight to the sportsbook first is thus advised to streamline the process.
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Support
- 6:00 AM EST - 11:59 PM EST
- No phone support
- Message enquiry only
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Types of Bets Allowed
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The Verdict
As you would expect from such a powerful brand, DraftKings has rather seamlessly transitioned into the Sportsbook arena, their app and desktop layout is clean and user friendly, and makes it simple for new bettors to quickly get acclimatized with sportsbooks. There is a strong variety of sports to bet on, with only some not permitted to bet on such as high school sporting events under New Jersey law. DraftKings has depth in the amount of markets it possesses in comparison to many other current sportsbooks in the US, and some of its features such as its stats insight makes for a comprehensive user experience. There are few flaws to pick out, but the lack of withdrawal methods (which is relatively commonplace currently in New Jersey) and the lack of live customer support are the only negatives amongst a wealth of positives for the DFS giant.
