What are FanDuel and DraftKings?
If you are into sports or esports betting then you may have heard of DraftKings and FanDuel. Both platforms provide users with a way to place bets in fantasy sports leagues, such as with the NHL, NBA, NFL, and more. Now both companies are jumping onto the esports betting train by adding similar features for popular esports games.
DraftKings overview
Founded in 2012, DraftKings provided users with a simple and fun way to get started in fantasy sports matches with their favorite leagues. The company has now looked to extend its services in the form of DraftKings esports, which extends similar fantasy matchups but for popular esports games.
DraftKings: Claim $20 in Free Play Credit
FanDuel overview
The New York City-based company was founded in 2009 and provides similar fantasy sports services to that of DraftKings. FanDuel was actually faster than DraftKings and was the first to extend its platform by offering legalized fantasy esports.
DraftKings vs. FanDuel – What do they offer in esports?
What both of these companies specifically provide esports with is a betting system that has been absent from the esports world. Esports fans have been waiting for professional gaming to become globally accepted as a form of sport. One major activity that fans of traditional sports partake in is betting. When comparing DraftKings and FanDuel, you will notice that both aim to include esports fans in the sports betting world.
DraftKings vs. FanDuel – Providing Fantasy Esports
Although esports has been experiencing rapid growth around the world, there are still areas where that growth is stunted. The esports industry within the USA has met with some resistance. Those who do not see “gaming” as a true sport are not so quick to include esports under the same category as baseball, football, or hockey.
Although both DraftKings and FanDuel aim to bridge this gap, the total amount of available fantasy esports games differs greatly.
Let’s take a look at DraftKings, originally they started with only League of Legends as their only fantasy esports league. They have since expanded their selection with CSGO, Rocket League, and eNASCAR racing. DraftKings covers all major tournaments for the available esports games.
As of now FanDuel only supports League of Legends fantasy leagues. A possible reason for the limited offerings of games for users to bet on might pertain to LoL being the most-watched game in esports and they want to observe the audience growth in the other leagues. Since FanDuel only offers fantasy esports for LoL, this means that they will cover major tournaments such as LoL Worlds and LCS.
The types of fantasy esports styles that you can participate in on both platforms include freerolls, satellites, Sit N’ Gos, Double ups, multi-entry tournaments, head-to-head contests, guaranteed prize pool events, and winner takes all showdowns.
Although both platforms provide fantasy esports tournaments, DraftKings clearly has the most variety in esports leagues to choose from.
DraftKings vs. FanDuel – Esports Playbooks
Both companies provide users with online resources which include several articles that aim to educate them on the latest happenings in the fantasy sport they wish to participate in.
FanDuels’ playbook might be a bit harder to locate, but they have a group site that provides analysis and projections known as NumberFire. This external site allows users to view stats related to several esports leagues, such as CSGO and CoD, but the event itself may not be offered on FanDuel for users to place bets on since they predominantly focus on hosting matchups for LoL.
DraftKings includes their own playbook section available right on their main website. Since they have a more diverse selection of esports games you can place bets right on their platform. Their esports category seemed to present articles that dive deep into key statistics in a more organized way. They also included more sub-sections for the esports category in the playbook.
FanDuel Pros and Cons
Pros
- Earliest adopter to an esports betting strategy
- Still expanding their esports betting offerings
- If you are really into LoL then keep an eye out for fantasy events during major tournaments
- The platform is more developed and has great support features (faster withdrawal, solid phone support, consistent salary caps).
Cons
- Esports analysis articles are a bit hard to find since they’re on an external site
- The esports section of NumberFire contains limited information on esports
- Limited fantasy esports games available only for LoL
- Doesn’t offer esports betting events often
DraftKings Pros and Cons
Pros
- Covers several major esports leagues
- More expanded esports playbook
- Offers more esports fantasy events on a regular basis
- Seems to embrace esports more
- Covers all major tournaments for several esports leagues
Cons
- Entry fees might be a bit higher
- Slower withdrawal options
- Customer service via phone support lacks
- No consistent salary caps for daily fantasy games
Where are DraftKings and FanDuel Fantasy Esports Legal?
DFS (daily fantasy sports) is legal in most states, however, there are some states where DraftKings and FanDuel are illegal.
Arizona
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Montana
Nevada
Washington
DraftKings vs. FanDuel – Sign Up Promotions
When you sign up for FanDuel you’ll receive a $5 bonus which you can use for play. There are also several promo codes that you can use when you sign up, such as getting a risk-free bet when you sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook.
DraftKings will match 20% of your first deposit, up to $500 total. They’ll also match your first bet with a risk-free bet up to $500. Similarly to FanDuel, there are also promo codes that you can find that will grant you other bonuses when you sign up.
For those who want to dive directly into Fantasy Esports, DraftKings is offering new clients $20 in free play credit awarded instantly with the first deposit:
DraftKings vs. FanDuel – Payment Methods
FanDuel will accept payments through all major credit and debit cards in the USA. They also accept deposits through Paypal.
DraftKings also accepts all major credit and debit cards as well as Paypal to make deposits. You may also use gift cards from Visa, MasterCard, and American Express as a payment option.
DraftKings vs. FanDuel – Mobile App
The DraftKings mobile app allows users to create custom tournaments in which they can invite friends to participate. Most of the main features on the DraftKing website are available on the mobile app, however, there are some limitations in the app due to Google’s restrictions on betting. The DraftKings app has another limitation with esports betting and that is you cannot participate in conventional esports betting or live betting, such as during the LCS/LEC season.
The FanDuel app includes a sportsbook so you can get the latest updates on popular sporting events and prize pools even on the go. There are some limitations when it comes to certain features that are available on the mobile site and the mobile app. Since Google has restrictions on betting apps in the Google Play store, you can view but not change any type of data in the FanDuel app. If you want to place a bet you’ll need to use the desktop of the mobile site.
DraftKings vs. FanDuel FAQs
Which is better, FanDuel or DraftKings?
If you are looking for a rich esports betting experience then DraftKings is definitely for you. If you are looking for a solid betting experience with traditional sports along with useful features to get your money quicker, then FanDuel is for you.
Does DraftKings own FanDuel?
No, neither company owns the other. Both companies did try to merge in 2016 but the merger was terminated in 2017 by the Federal Trade Commission. Today each company is its own entity.
Can I play Fantasy LCS with FanDuel?
If FanDuel is offering LCS, as they have hosted fantasy leagues for past LoL tournaments, then yes. You may have a better chance of playing fantasy LCS on DraftKings though since they aim to host all major LoL tournaments.
Can I play Fantasy CSGO with Draftkings?
Yes, DraftKings hosts fantasy CS2 leagues.
What is the Draftkings’ PlayBook?
The DraftKings’ Playbook is a collection of articles that provide analysis into players to better assist you when choosing your fantasy team.
Can I win real money on DraftKings?
Yes! You can win real money on both DraftKings and FanDuel.