When the topic centers around Daily Fantasy Sports, the conversation quickly turns to two companies. DraftKings and FanDuel are the two largest companies in the industry.
They attract the most users, offer the biggest prize pools, and control an overwhelming amount of the market.
There are plenty of users out there who play on both sites, but there’s also a dedicated following for each that sees some players take all of their business to one site over the other.
So which one really offers the best place to play DFS?
Read on as we take a look at the two DFS giants in a side-by-side comparison.
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What’s the Difference Between DraftKings and FanDuel?
At the core, DraftKings and FanDuel are the same. They both offer DFS contests in which users can play for real money prizes either online or via the mobile device of their choice. However, there are a number of distinct differences between the two platforms.
- Fanduel DFS: FanDuel made its debut in 2009 and quickly became a leader in DFS. The industry was in its infancy at the time, but the company helped it go mainstream. FanDuel is still going strong today and the preferred destination for many users.
- DraftKings DFS: DraftKings came on the scene a few years later in 2012. The company’s innovative approach to rosters and scoring caught on quickly, and it wasn’t too long before they were battling FanDuel for market share.
As you dig into the two platforms, you will find a number of similarities, but also some big points of difference. For the former, they both offer similar contest types and games featuring a number of the same sports.
Closer examination reveals the key differences, including scoring and roster requirements. While the differences may seem minor at first glance, they can actually lead to results that are vastly different.
Best for Beginners, DraftKings or FanDuel
| Contests |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Best site for beginners |  |  |
| Bonus | $3 free on 1st deposit | $100 with $10 deposit |
| Free to play contests | Yes, accessible in main lobby | Yes, accessible in main lobby |
| Beginner only contests | Yes, accessible in main lobby | Yes, accessible in main lobby |
| Designations for player experience level | Yes, using icons | Yes, using badges |
| Total number of beginner contests allowed per user | 50 | 50 |
Why Fanduel?
As with any new endeavor, there’s a learning curve when it comes to DFS. It can be challenging to build a competitive lineup, and that’s made harder by the fact that both sites attract plenty of experienced players.
The answer to this question varies, as there are staunch advocates of both platforms. In a nutshell, FanDuel gears itself more towards simplicity, while DraftKings tends to focus on appealing to hardcore players.
DraftKings and FanDuel both offer contests that are exclusively for beginners.
After signing up for either site, you can start off with some of the completely free offerings to get a feel for how things work. Once you’re ready to start putting some money at stake, start by trying out the beginner games at low price points.
You can play up to 50 of these games before moving up in level, and you’ll find options such as 50/50s, Double Ups, and Tournaments.
FanDuel is easier by the standard definition.
As such, players who are finding success in one spot as opposed to the other are technically having an easier time on one platform over the other.
For new users, the best advice is to try out both and see which one works best for you and your approach to DFS.
FanDuel: Best for beginners due to larger variety of contests.
DraftKings: Fewer options for beginners makes it the second choice on this front.
Who has the Best Game Selection, DraftKings or Fanduel?
| Game Type | | |
|---|---|---|
| Best site for games | | |
| Bonus | $3 free on 1st deposit | $100 with $10 deposit |
| Tournaments | Guaranteed prize pool events which offer the biggest prizes | The largest events with guaranteed prize pools and large top prizes |
| Head to Head | User versus user with the top score winning | Similar to traditional fantasy, user versus user |
| 50/50s | Users who finish in the top half of scores win | The top half of scores in these events win |
| Double Ups | Users who post a score better than nearly half the field double their money | Users who finish in the money will double their entry fee |
| Multipliers | Highest scores win back a multiple of their entry fee | The prize is a multiple of the users entry fee |
| Satellite and Qualifiers | Tournament style events in which the prize is an entry or a ticket to a larger event or final | Prizes for these events can be tickets to big events or qualification |
| Showdown | Single game version of DFS | DFS for single games |
| Tiers | As opposed to building lineups, users make one choice from each tier of players | N/A |
| Beat the Score | N/A | To win, users need to post a score better than the benchmark score for the contest |
Why DraftKings?
On both DraftKings and FanDuel, you’ll find a wide variety of different game types to choose from. There are a lot of similarities between the two, but also a couple of notable differences.
Not too long ago, the majority of DFS revolved around what’s now known as the ‘classic’ format. Now, there are several different game types and ways to play.
DraftKings: An innovator on game types, the site gets the edge on offerings.
FanDuel: A close second and no slouch on debuting new game types.
Which Site has the Best Fantasy Contests, DraftKings or FanDuel?
You won’t be lacking for contests to choose from on either DraftKings or FanDuel. The main lobbies are filled with game options, ranging from huge contests with large prizes to simple head to head options.
Both of the platforms are smooth and easy to navigate, so you can easily adjust options to zero in on what you’re looking for. FanDuel is a little slicker in this regard, but it really comes down to a matter of user preference.
As you filter out the options by sport, you’ll notice that there are more options for some. The most popular DFS sports such as the NBA and NFL will have an abundance of contests to choose from, while niche pursuits like Nascar will have limited offerings.
Why DraftKings?
#1. DraftKings: Tops on contests due to larger overall prize pools.
#2. FanDuel: Second due to prize pools, but better on filtering and navigation.
DraftKings vs. FanDuel Fantasy Leagues
If you’re looking for smaller offerings in which you won’t be competing with thousands of other users, you’ll find options in both spots. FanDuel has a dedicated section for leagues which you can access from the main lobby.
You’ll find contests that range in size from 3 to 100 users. In addition, there are also smaller tournaments to be found for each of the major sports. It takes a little digging, but scrolling down a bit will reveal a whole host of smaller options.
DraftKings has a league option which you can set up to play with friends and family, and you can find the same on FanDuel. This is a nice addition for those who are looking to take the season long experience over to DFS.
There are also smaller tournaments to be found on DraftKings, but navigating around and finding them isn’t quite as simple as it is on FanDuel.
Why Fanduel?
#1. FanDuel: An edge on leagues with more smaller options available.
#2. DraftKings: Second on leagues, but nice touch with friends and family option.
DraftKings vs. FanDuel Scoring Systems
If you’re looking to play on multiple DFS sites, understanding the scoring differences is critical. While the two major operators line up in a number of ways, there are also distinct scoring nuances on both.
These differences may seem minor, but they actually add up to a lot. In fact, they can alter the strategy approach that one needs to take on one versus the other.
For example, a player who scores well in one category may be a better play on DraftKings over FanDuel, and vice versa. DraftKings comes out on top for most of the contests. They offer a more in-depth scoring system and you can receive bonus offers based on the milestones you complete.
NFL Scoring
The most important difference to note here is that DraftKings offers a full point per reception while FanDuel gives just 0.5 points. DraftKings also offers scoring bonuses for certain achievements, while FanDuel does not.
| NFL Scoring | | |
|---|---|---|
| Depth of Scoring | | |
| Bonus | ||
| Passing TD | ||
| 25 Passing Yards | ||
| Rushing or Receiving TD | ||
| 10 Rushing or Receiving Yards | ||
| Reception | ||
| Special Teams or Defensive TD | ||
| 2-point Conversion | ||
| Fumble Lost | ||
| Interception Thrown | ||
| Sack | ||
| Interception or Fumble Recovery | ||
| Blocked Kick, Conversion Return, Safety | ||
| Defensive Points Allowed | ||
| Bonus for 300+ yards passing, 100+ yards rushing or receiving |
MLB Scoring
The two sites differ on a number of fronts offensively, and it’s a whole different ball game when it comes to pitchers. DraftKings gets much more in depth on pitcher scoring, while FanDuel keeps it relatively simple.
| MLB Scoring | | |
|---|---|---|
| Depth of scoring | | |
| Bonus | ||
| Single | ||
| Double | ||
| Triple | ||
| Home Run | ||
| Run Batted In | ||
| Run Scored | ||
| Base on Balls | ||
| Hit by Pitch | ||
| Stolen Base | ||
| Win | ||
| Quality Start | ||
| Earned Run Allowed | ||
| Strikeouts | ||
| Inning Pitched | ||
| Hit Against | ||
| Base on Balls Allowed | ||
| Hit Batsman | ||
| Complete Game | ||
| Complete Game Shutout | ||
| No Hitter |
NHL Scoring
The two sites both award points for the major instances that’ll happen during a game, but DraftKings mixes it up and offers bonuses for hitting certain milestones.
| NHL Scoring | | |
|---|---|---|
| Best site for NHL contests | | |
| Bonus | ||
| Goal | ||
| Assist | ||
| Shot on Goal | ||
| Blocked Shot | ||
| Short Handed Points | ||
| Power Play Points | ||
| Shootout Goal | ||
| Hat Trick | ||
| 5+ Shots | ||
| 3+ Blocked Shots | ||
| 3+ Points | ||
| Win | ||
| Goals Against | ||
| Saves | ||
| Shutouts | ||
| Overtime Loss | ||
| 35+ Saves |
NASCAR Scoring
The two major operators are pretty close on scoring for Nascar, but there are two big differences to consider. DraftKings awards points for fastest laps, while FanDuel awards for laps completed. Both sites are equal when it comes to NASCAR contests.
| NASCAR Scoring | | |
|---|---|---|
| Best site for NASCAR contests | | |
| Bonus | ||
| Place Differential (Start to Finish) | ||
| Fastest Laps | ||
| Laps Led | ||
| Laps Completed | ||
| 1st Place | ||
| 2nd Place | ||
| 3rd to 40th Place |
Golf Scoring
You’ll find a number of scoring nuances between the two platforms, including various bonus opportunities on DraftKings and the number of finishing positions which qualify for fantasy points.
| Golf Scoring | | |
|---|---|---|
| Best site for golf contests | | |
| Bonus | ||
| Double Eagle or Better | ||
| Eagle | ||
| Birdie | ||
| Par | ||
| Bogey | ||
| Double Bogey | ||
| Worse than Double Bogey | ||
| Streak of 3 Birdies or Better | ||
| Bogey Free Round | ||
| All 4 Rounds Under 70 Strokes | ||
| Hole in One | ||
| Bounce Back (Hole under par after over par) | ||
| 5+ Birdies or Better | ||
| Streak (Two straight holes under par) | ||
| 1st Place | ||
| 2nd Place | ||
| 3rd through 50th Place | ||
| 4th through 30th | ||
| 31st to 40th | ||
| 41st to 50th |
NBA Scoring
While the two sites hit the same notes on scoring events, the similarities end there. DraftKings and FanDuel take different approaches to NBA fantasy scoring, with the former offering its signature bonuses for certain events.
| DraftKings Points Awarded | FanDuel Points Awarded | |
|---|---|---|
| Point | 1 | 1 |
| Rebound | 1.25 | 1.2 |
| Assist | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Block | 2 | 3 |
| Steal | 2 | 3 |
| Turnover | -0.5 | -1 |
| Made 3-point Shot | 0.5 | 0 |
| Double-Double | 1.5 | 0 |
| Triple-Double | 3 | 0 |
Draftkings vs. FanDuel and eSports
| eSports | | |
|---|---|---|
| Best site for eSports | | |
| Bonus | ||
| Available | ||
| Type |
If you’re looking for DFS eSports, then there’s only one choice to make. DraftKings offers contests for League of Legends events. They can be found in the lobby labeled as LOL.
FanDuel does not offer fantasy eSports at this time, and it’s unclear if they will make a move in this area anytime soon.
DraftKings vs. FanDuel Mobile Apps
DraftKings and FanDuel both offer mobile apps for iOS and Android users. You can find links to download the apps on both platforms, as well as in the app store of your choice.
Please note: both companies also offer apps for sports betting. When downloading the apps, be sure that you’ve chosen the ones that are specific for DFS.
Both offer pretty much the same experience. The lobby might be different but all of the features and contests are clearly labelled. So, we’re calling this one a tie.
Draftkings vs. FanDuel Rake
The two DFS giants are for profit entities. As such, they are making money off of their offerings. So how do they do that?
In a nutshell, they take a portion of user entry fees and keep it for themselves. In industry terms, this is known as rake.
If you enter a head-to-head contest on both sites, you’ll notice that the winner doesn’t double their entry fee. For a $5 head-to-head contest, the winning side gets back $9. The extra dollar goes to DraftKings or FanDuel as their fee for running the contest.
In that example, the rake is a straightforward amount, and the same applies for head-to-head games of all denominations. Before entering, you’ll know the return you can potentially win and be able to quickly deduce the rake.
For other contests, it’s not quite as transparent. Using a massive GPP as an example, you’ll have to do some math to figure out how much the site is keeping. Here’s how.
- Take the total number of entrants in the field and multiply that number by the cost of entry.
- From that number, subtract out the total prize pool of the contest.
- The difference between the two numbers is the rake.
- You can take the amount of rake and divide it by total money collected (total entrants times entry fee) to calculate the rake percentage for that contest.
To make things even more confusing, there’s not a standard rake charged across the industry. Smaller buy-in tournaments can have a rake approaching 15 or 16%, while the rake may decrease as buy-ins increase.
This is an area in which the DFS industry as a whole could use additional transparency. While the concept of rake is no secret, users shouldn’t have to resort to figuring out what it is on their own.
Additionally, those who intend to play DFS at a high volume need to factor rake into the equation. It’s a variable that can make profiting long term even more challenging.
There’s no clear advantage for either site here. Both DraftKings and FanDuel charge rake in varying amounts, and they both could be more transparent on exactly how much of the pot they are keeping for themselves.
Who has the Better Bonus, DraftKings or Fanduel?
DraftKings and FanDuel are both always in the market for new users. To that end, the two companies offer incentives for people to try out what they have to offer.
Here’s what you can get for signing up at both sites via our exclusive links.
- DraftKings: $3 in site credits upon signing up and making a $5 deposit.
- FanDuel: Get $100 with your first $10 deposit.
And, the best DFS bonus goes to…DraftKings!
It’s a solid promotional offering on both sites, but we’ll have to give the edge to DraftKings for providing a little more bang for the buck.
DraftKings vs. FanDuel Rewards Program
At DraftKings and FanDuel, the more you play, the more you can earn. The two industry giants reward players for their loyalty with an incentive program.
On DraftKings, users are awarded ‘crowns’ based on their play which can be redeemed on site for things such as contest tickets. Users can also complete various missions and achievements for opportunities to earn even more crowns.
Over on FanDuel, it’s a similar concept. Users earn ‘FanDuel’ points based on their level of play which can be redeemed as they accumulate. Additionally, users gain access to monthly free rolls based on their level of play for the previous month.
And, the best daily fantasy rewards program goes to….
- #1. FanDuel: Has a slight edge on rewards due to its simple and straightforward concept.
- #2. DraftKings: Just a step behind as users have to complete additional steps beyond just playing.
DraftKings vs. FanDuel Championships
The growth of the DFS industry as a whole has been nothing short of amazing, and the same can be said for the prize pools offered at DraftKings and FanDuel.
FanDuel was the first DFS site to offer a live final event. In 2010, qualifying users went to Las Vegas to compete for a prize pool which totalled $40,000 and a top prize of $25,000.
The two DFS titans continue to offer live final events, but the prize pools have grown immensely. DraftKings gets the overall edge here, as they have the bigger prize pool up for grabs.
Here’s a look at the details for 2019 live NFL final events on the two platforms.
| DraftKings | FanDuel DFS | |
|---|---|---|
| Live NFL Final Name | Fantasy Football World Championship | World Fantasy Football Championship |
| Total Prize Pool | $10 million | $2.5 million |
| Destination | Miami | Puerto Rico |
| Number of Qualifiers | 180 | 80 |
| Top Prize | 2000000 | 500000 |
| Minimum Prize | 15000 | 10000 |
DraftKings vs FanDuel Payouts
The answer to this one is a little on the tricky side. DraftKings offers the larger overall prize pools. Does that mean they’re better on payouts than FanDuel?
Not necessarily. If we look at tournaments on the two sites, we can find payout percentages that amount to a fair deal on both sites, as well as ones which could be a little more favorable for users.
To that end, we really can’t give an edge to either site on payouts. Instead, let’s take a look at some key data points from the largest NFL tournament currently in the lobby on both sites.
As you gain more experience in your DFS journey, be sure to review these pieces of intel on each tournament as you look for ones that make the most sense for your strategy.
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Tournament Name | Championship Series Slant | NFL Sunday Million |
| Entry Fee | 9 | 9 |
| Number of Entrants | 261400 | 158730 |
| Total Prize Pool | $2 million | $1.2 million |
| 1st Place | 500000 | 200000 |
| Minimum Prize | 15 | 18 |
| Places Paid | 56810 | 39325 |
| Percentage of Users Paid | 0.217 | 0.248 |
| Rake for Site | 0.15 | 0.16 |
Daily Fantasy Sports Guide
Draftkings vs. FanDuel Partnerships
The DFS industry has come a long way since the early days. What was once considered a niche pursuit has gone mainstream. DraftKings and FanDuel have become two instantly recognizable brands among sports fans.
Various leagues and teams have taken notice. The two companies have deals in place for sponsorship with the major North American pro leagues, as well as individual teams.
DraftKings has hooked the biggest fish by becoming the official DFS partner of the NFL. The company also has deals in place with MLB and the NHL, while FanDuel has a deal in place with the NBA.
Final thoughts – which site is better, Draftkings or FanDuel?
When we’re talking about the two biggest companies in any industry, both will have their pros and cons. That’s certainly the case with DraftKings and FanDuel.
DraftKings attracts the most users and offers the biggest overall prize pools. The company offers slick platforms for both online and mobile users. It has also been an innovator with scoring and new sports offered, and there are no signs they’ll be knocked off the top spot anytime soon.
Being number two in a massive industry is nothing to sneeze at. That’s the situation at hand for FanDuel, but the company continues to excel and reach for the stars. FanDuel offers user friendly products for online and mobile users, huge prize pools, and a straightforward approach to just about everything it does.
As for which one is better, the short answer is that it comes down to user preference. Some users absolutely love DraftKings while staying away from FanDuel, and vice versa. Other experienced users are in the middle and split their action between the two sites.
For new users, the best advice is to try out both sites to see which one fits with your strategy and approach to DFS the best. Be mindful of the differences such as scoring and roster requirements while doing so, and there’s a good chance you’ll get a feel of which one suits you best.
Most importantly, see which one provides you with the more enjoyable – and hopefully profitable – experience. If you find that one isn’t your cup of tea, there’s no need to bang your head against the wall. Just focus your play on the site that suits you best and work on improving your skill level.
Of course, you may also find you like the challenges of playing on both sites. There are plenty of users who do just that, so it’s completely up to you.
There are many out there who would love to have a hard and fast answer on which one is better between DraftKings and FanDuel. While we can’t stress enough the importance of user preference, here are two quick rules of thumb which can help you choose in a hurry.
The choice is yours…
- DraftKings: If you like your fantasy sports competitive, exciting, and with plenty of different scoring wrinkles while having the chance to win huge prizes, take your business here and give it a shot.
- FanDuel: If you like the competition of fantasy sports in a straightforward fashion that’s not overly complex while still having a shot at winning big prizes, then you may find that this site is the best fit for you.