DraftKings Sportsbook Review

DraftKings operates legal real money sportsbooks in many states. Welcome bonuses are available to new players in most of these states.

This DraftKings Sportsbook review explains why DraftKings is one of the best books in America. A leader in the mobile sports betting industry, it has earned this reputation because of its superior technology, great bonus system, and unbelievable customer service.

DraftKings was a daily fantasy sports company for the majority of its existence. The company was founded in 2012 by Jason Robins, Matt Kalish, and Paul Liberman. The DraftKings brand was a massive catalyst in growing fantasy sports in America.

DraftKings experienced a meteoric rise because the founders’ visions for the company were unique. As of 2016, fantasy sports for cash were legalized throughout the majority of the United States. This is because fantasy sports contests are considered games of skill instead of gambling in many states. The company’s chief competitor was FanDuel. When the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was repealed, both companies were ready to strike in the legal sports betting industry.

DraftKings Sportsbook launched in August of 2018 in the state of New Jersey. It quickly rose to the top of the sports wagering industry. Since 2018, the sportsbook has spread into almost two dozen additional states with plans to continue growing throughout the country.

Related: BetMGM vs DraftKings

DraftKings Daily Fantasy had a national presence before sports betting. This made people familiar with the DraftKings name automatically want to bet sports on its betting platform. Additionally, it is easy for the company to make seamless entrances into new states where betting is legal. States want to bring DraftKings to their communities because they know it brings increased revenue due to the brand’s reputation.

DraftKings started in New Jersey and took the state by storm. Now, the sportsbook is available in half the country. Retail and/or mobile sports wagers are accepted at DraftKings in the following states.

Features That Set DraftKings Sportsbook Apart

DraftKings Sportsbook separates itself from the competition in so many ways. It’s a superior book that truly cares about the bettors that are on the site. The DraftKings community has built the brand up from ground zero since 2012, so the company values all of its players. The first way the book shows appreciation for bettors is through bonuses and promotions. The book gives new players multiple bonuses and doesn’t forget about recurring players.

Another great feature of the book is the customer service that all players receive. When DraftKings introduced sports betting, the brand improved an already superior level of customer service. Issues are always handled swiftly with DraftKings Sportsbook customer support. You’ll receive quick answers, which allows you to just worry about betting. 

The book also provides players with a flawless app and desktop book. It’s very easy to find the sport that you’re looking to bet on. It also has some of the best live betting technology on the market today, so you’ll be able to lock in bets without any trouble.

Bonuses and Promotions on DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook shines when it comes to promotions. This has been the best way for the company to attract new players while transitioning daily fantasy members into sportsbook members.

New players will receive a deposit bonus of up to $1,000. This bonus money is rewarded in bonus credit and doesn’t have to be used in a single bet, which is nice. However, there is a playthrough requirement. The bonus amount is equivalent to 20% of your initial deposit. If you put $1,000 into your account, you’ll receive $200 in bonus bets. It takes a $5,000 deposit to receive the maximum of $1,000 in bonus credits.

This bonus money can be used for the sportsbook, on Daily Fantasy, or in the DraftKings online casino, where available. Sports wagers must be -300 odds or longer to qualify. For every $25 wagered, you clear a dollar of the bonus into your account. To clear $200 in bonus play, it takes $5,000 in wagers. For the maximum of $1,000 in bonus credits, it takes $25,000 in wagers to clear. Players have 90 days to clear this new player bonus.

DraftKings excels in its sports betting pools. These are free contests for site members that yield real cash prizes. It’s essentially a bonus bet every single day. There are also other promotions for site members. These change every week, so DraftKings never disappoints in this area.

In addition to promotions, DraftKings has a VIP rewards program. Players earn points by placing wagers. Learn more about the DraftKings Dynasty VIP Rewards Program.

Banking Options on DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings is very efficient with payouts. The system that the company had in place for its Daily Fantasy banking has carried over to the sportsbook with some small changes. Accepted deposit forms may vary by state.

Many states have a DraftKings retail sportsbook, however, only three locations allow cash deposits into your DraftKings account. The good news is it’s not required to fund your account at a retail book. DraftKings has tons of options for all players to make swift banking deposits and withdrawals.

Common Deposit Options

DraftKings accepts credit and debit cards. This includes Discover, Visa, and MasterCard. American Express is only accepted for fantasy sports deposits and in New Jersey.

DraftKings also has a Prepaid+ Card like many other sportsbooks. You can apply for this once you create an account on the site.

Players can deposit cash at Bally’s Black Hawk in Colorado, Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and The Sportsbook at The Brook in New Hampshire. Otherwise, cash can be deposited through PayNearMe. Up to $500 in cash per day can be deposited using this method.

The other deposit methods are Apple Pay, an eCheck through ACH, bill pay, DraftKings gift card, PayPal, Venmo, or a bank wire. Bank wires are only for deposits of $100 or more.

Available Withdrawals

To receive winnings, you can choose an Apple Pay, eCheck, a real check, PayPal, or Venmo. You may also have the option to collect cash at the casino cage in your legal state. The company does a lot to provide you with fast and efficient payouts.

Types of Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings is superior when it comes to covering the major betting markets. The book is average when it comes to covering small leagues around the world, but it still provides plenty of options. Most American bettors would rather wager football, baseball, basketball, and hockey than cricket, darts, and rugby. The company doesn’t neglect these niche sports, however, DraftKings emphasizes big-time American leagues for its players.

Available wagers may vary since each state approves the types of sports bets available within its jurisdiction. Sporting events that may be found at DraftKings include:

  • Academy Awards
  • Aussie Rules
  • Baseball – MLB, College
  • Basketball – NBA, College, Euroleague
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Darts
  • E-Sports
  • Emmy Awards
  • Football – NFL, CFL, College
  • Golf – Masters, PGA, Ryder Cup
  • Handball
  • Hockey – NHL, College
  • Jai Alai
  • Lacrosse
  • MMA
  • Motorsports
  • Rugby League
  • Rugby Union
  • Snooker
  • Soccer
  • Table Tennis
  • Tennis

It has superior coverage of professional sports teams as well as major NCAA Division I sporting events. European soccer is also popular, so DraftKings doesn’t forget about this market either.

As far as betting capability, the book compares to other major brands in the betting industry. You can bet the moneyline, spread, and various totals on all competitions. However, props, futures, and live betting are where DraftKings rises to the top of the pack. You’ll never be bored with the book if you’re looking to bet on major sports. The book doesn’t provide the same betting capability for non-mainstream sports, so if you want to bet overseas markets, DraftKings may not be your best option. Sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook here.

DraftKings Sportsbook FAQ

Is DraftKings Sportsbook legal throughout the United States?

No. DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in almost half of the United States. States with a retail and/or mobile DraftKings Sportsbook include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Is my DraftKings Daily Fantasy account interchangeable with a DraftKings Sportsbook account?

Yes. You would have the same login for both accounts. Winnings can be transferred from one site and used on another DraftKings site. This is a great part about betting with DraftKings.

What is the legal age to place a bet on DraftKings Sportsbook?

In most states, you must be 21 years of age to place a bet on DraftKings Sportsbook. However, the minimum age is 18 in Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Wyoming.

When did DraftKings Sportsbook originate?

DraftKings launched in 2012 as a fantasy sports business, and sports wagering launched in 2018 after PASPA was repealed. New Jersey was the first state that DraftKings Sportsbook called home.

Is DraftKings Sportsbook safe?

Yes. DraftKings is regulated and overseen by states where it has jurisdiction to operate.