Our Review on FanDuel

Is FanDuel Trustworthy?

Do you find yourself asking “Is FanDuel legit?” and wondering whether the entity is trustworthy? The answer to these questions is not merely “yes” or “no”. FanDuel developed on the premise of offering players with the opportunity to build their own fantasy line up for sporting events. While the prospect of fantasy betting is still highly controversial throughout the United States, it continues to grow in popularity. Seeing the widespread interest in the FanDuel platform, the entity expanded even further into the sportsbook sector.

Is FanDuel Licensed and Certified in the USA?

State Law governs the option to place bets on fantasy contests. Some states do not allow fantasy betting options including Louisiana, Arizona, Washington, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho and Montana. FanDuel is actively working to allow fantasy betting throughout all 50 states.

Real sports betting is widely criticized throughout most of the US with only three states permitting it including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The State of New Jersey, Division of Gaming Enforcement authorizes FanDuel sportsbook.

When Was FanDuel Launched?

The fantasy section of FanDuel formally launched in July of 2009 after receiving its primary funding through Scottish Enterprise and Pentech Ventures. Its sportsbook section did not begin until 2018.

Does FanDuel Have a Good Reputation?

FanDuel has had its fair share of controversy circling its NBA or MLB betting practices since its conception. Most of it revolves around employees engaging in improper betting practices with their main competitor, Draftkings. In 2015, Draftkings and FanDuel came under fire when Draftkings employees were using insider statistics to make money using FanDuel and vice versa. This insider tactic culminated in FanDuel banning its employees from placing bets using any competitor’s interface and Massachusetts Attorney General’s office, opening a lawsuit against the company. FanDuel was forced to pay $1.3 million to settle the matter.

In 2016, Draftkings and FanDuel publicly announced their intention to merge their brands. The Federal Trade Commission objected to the merger and put an injunction in place under the pretext that the combination would create a monopoly in the market. The two companies did not fight the injunction and terminated the merger shortly after that.

How Popular Is FanDuel?

FanDuel is wildly popular throughout the United States with a ranking of 10,900. The average time spent on the site is eight minutes which is an indicator that players are probably scanning their options and making multiple bets.

Is FanDuel a Listed Company?

Currently, FanDuel is a private company. Therefore, bettors do not have the option to become shareholders. The owners of FanDuel have not given any indication that they plan to change this option any time soon.

Brands Associated with FanDuel

FanDuel is closely associated with Betfair Casino. Betfair Casino is a very popular internet casino option for bettors who are in New Jersey. The entity features fun card games, slots and live dealer games.

FanDuel’s Responsible Gaming Policies

FanDuel is committed to proving their bettors with a variety of options to help curb any excessive gambling tendencies. Regardless of whether you sign up to use the fantasy betting section or the sportsbook section, one of the ways that they do this is by allowing their users to set limits regarding different features of the website including financial transactions, contest notifications and contest entries.

If players feel as though they need to take a step back from their gambling practices, they can opt into FanDuel’s Timeout option. Timeout freezes a player’s account for a set period without the risk of the account being closed. The FanDuel customer service team can work with you to set up the Timeout feature and implement it.

Creating an Account with FanDuel

Establishing an account with FanDuel is slightly more complex in comparison to some of its competitors. FanDuel tries to determine the user’s game preferences during signup, which makes the entire process longer than it needs to be.

Information You’ll Need to Sign Up

If you don’t have a Facebook account, new players have the option to register by entering the following information:

• E-mail address
• A unique username
• A password that is at least 8 characters and includes one letter and one number

If you have a referral code, you can enter it in the last box before you hit the green “Next” button.

The next screen provides new users with a checklist that they will need to complete before they have the opportunity to take part in FanDuel’s bonus options. Players must select their favorite sport before they are allowed to take part in a select number of games using a “free bet”.

After these two screens, players will need to provide their:

• First and last name
• Country
• Zip code
• Date of birth

Once your information is electronically verified, you will have the option to make your first deposit.

Players must create a separate username and password to access FanDuel Sportsbook. The process and information that is required to establish an account are similar with the primary difference being that players who want a sportsbook account must be within New Jersey, Pennsylvania or West Virginia and be over the age of 21.

Do I Need to Provide Any Documents to Withdraw Earnings from FanDuel?

Any winnings that you earn through placing bets on FanDuel is considered taxable income. Therefore, the only way that FanDuel can release any winnings to you is if you complete an IRS Form W9. The form is linked directly to the FanDuel website and requires that a player enter their full name, address, birth date and social security number.

How Easy Is It to Create a FanDuel Account?

The process of creating a FanDuel account is seemingly straightforward, but it does require players to establish separate accounts to access each part of the FanDuel, even the casino games. While the information that FanDuel requests is something that should be easily accessible to the account holder, the fact that you must enter it so many times is frustrating.

How FanDuel Verifies Your Documents

It is not common that FanDuel would need to request specific documentation from players, however, on the rare occasion that information is required, a FanDuel representative will reach out to the bettor directly and advise what information is needed. There is typically an option to submit all documentation through the FanDuel website, but if there isn’t, players can e-mail their response.

How Quickly Can I Start Playing with Real Cash?

All deposit methods allow users to begin playing with real cash immediately. There have been reports of banks processing deposit requests slower, but the majority of transactions are processed instantly.

FanDuel Withdrawals and Deposits

FanDuel is limited regarding its account funding and cash out options. They stick to popular options including major credit cards and PayPal which provides their users with instant deposits, however, they are cautious in their withdrawal policy and require at least 24 hours to process any withdrawal request with an additional two to three business days before players will see their winnings in their personal account.

FanDuel Deposit Methods

FanDuel players that have a fantasy account can make deposits in the following ways:

How to Withdraw Your Earnings

FanDuel fantasy offers the following withdrawal methods for their users:

Do I Need to Prove my Source of Wealth?

The only time that a player would need to prove their source of wealth is if they would like to deposit more than $25,000.00. Accounts are assessed individually, and a member of the FanDuel customer service team will reach out to you with a specific request regarding information that they will need to increase your deposit amount. FanDuel strives to process all requests within 24 hours; however, it may take more time.

FanDuel Bonuses and Campaigns

The bonuses and campaigns available at FanDuel are split up between their fantasy betting and sportsbook page. There are a minimal number of promotions available through the fantasy betting section so FanDuel cannot claim that they offer the best bonuses. The promotions available for the sportsbook are divided by state. Although the sportsbook is available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, currently, there are no promotions that are available for players in West Virginia and only one available in for Pennsylvania bettors.

Introducing FanDuel’s Bonuses

FanDuel does offer a deposit bonus for their fantasy betting players, but it is minimal, and players would need to wait a month before they see a full deposit match. Players that make an initial bet of $20 are automatically eligible to receive a deposit match of $20. The catch is that the $20 in FanDuel cash is not instantly credited to the player’s account. Bettors are credited with $5 immediately with the regarding $15 deposited in $5 increments over the next three weeks.

The sportsbook section of FanDuel offers a few more options than the fantasy section does when it comes to more enticing bonuses. However, the downside is the state restrictions. For example, the $500 risk-free bet is only accessible to new users in New Jersey. Those that are eligible are automatically enrolled in this bonus. If you qualify for the bonus and lose your first bet, FanDuel will credit your account up to $500.

Current FanDuel Campaigns

On the fantasy side of FanDuel, players are instantly enrolled in the FanDuel Players Club when they register for an account. This enrollment is an easy way to earn FanDuel cash any time you enter a contest. Additionally, FanDuel adds a small amount of money each month. You cannot exchange this cash for real money, and you must use it on FanDuel events.

One of the popular campaigns that the FanDuel sportsbooks is promoting is their “Keep the Cash” bonus. This promotion is only available to players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Players receive a mythical bank account of $1,000,000.00 and on eligible days given the opportunity to bet money on questions revolving around the outcome of a game. After participating in 20 questions, any money that is left is yours. It’s essential to recognize that the terms and conditions for this campaign are incredibly comprehensive, so we strongly recommend that you read through them before engaging in this option.

FAQs on FanDuel’s Bonuses

What Games Does FanDuel Offer?

FanDuel’s focus is fantasy sports betting. Once the user selects their sport of choice, they are given a lump sum of fantasy money to ‘purchase’ athletes to build their fantasy line up. Each athlete is assigned a salary depending on their past and projected statistics. The limit on fantasy money prevents users from stacking their line up with only the best athletes and creates an even playing field for all users.

The sportsbook section of FanDuel is like any other real-life sports betting. Users are encouraged to research before the game to ensure they make a sensible bet.

Which Casino Games Can I Play at FanDuel?

FanDuel does not offer any casino games, directly. However, FanDuel has partnered with Betfair Casino to provide sportsbook players with a selection of their site. Your FanDuel username and password doubles as your login for your Betfair Casino account which has a great selection of casino games.

From Where Does FanDuel Source Its Games?

The casino games available at FanDuel are linked directly to the Betfair Casino website. Betfair Casino is a reputable internet casino where users can enjoy slots online and works with many of the top-of-the-line casino software providers in the industry including Playtech, Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger Gaming and NetEnt.

How Easy Is It to Use FanDuel?

Both the fantasy and sportsbook section of FanDuel is easy to navigate. It promotes itself as a place to bet on NBA, one of the trusted golf betting sites and a place to wager on college football games in limited clicks. Each game is categorized into its particular sporting event and further segregated based on a minimum bet. Players can make a minimum bet of $1 up to thousands of dollars. Once they place their bet, users can check in periodically for a live report of how the game and their wager is faring.

FanDuel – Compatible Devices

FanDuel offers multiple ways for users to access their account. While the standard method is to log into the account from a desktop computer, FanDuel developed an excellent app for both their fantasy betting and sportsbook. Players need to download two apps to access each feature. Each app opens and loads quickly with limited lag time when clicking through the various games. Keep in mind that if you want to play any of the Betfair casino games on your phone, you will need to download a separate app for the casino.

What We Think about the Feel of FanDuel

One of the great attributes of FanDuel is how the website is laid out. When players go to the main webpage, they have the option of clicking directly over to the fantasy side or the sportsbook side. This selection makes logging into either account much faster.

Another aspect of FanDuel that players will love is the website load time. It is effortless for a player to toggle back and forth between fantasy betting and sportsbook with links to each section at the top, left-hand part of the page. The website loads quickly, and players are not subject to experiencing long wait periods to place their bets.

FanDuel Customer Support Services

Customer service is an aspect of FanDuel that we can’t complain about too much. Unfortunately, there is a noticeable difference between the type of service you receive from the fantasy betting side of FanDuel as opposed to the sportsbook side. Representatives on the FanDuel fantasy site are much more inclined to help registered and prospective users alike in sorting out any issues. There is a long wait to speak to someone via live chat on the sportsbook team, and they tend to provide you with links to various parts of their website that may or may not have the answer you need.

How Can I Reach Out to FanDuel?

Players can reach out to a member of the FanDuel fantasy betting by either sending an e-mail to support@fanduel.com or reaching out via live chat. The live chat feature is only available between 8 AM and midnight.

FanDuel sportsbook offers a few more options:

• Phone
• Live chat
• E-mail

A representative for the sportsbook is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What Features Make FanDuel Unique?

FanDuel is very similar to Draftkings in the sense that both platforms allow their players to take part in fantasy betting. What makes FanDuel unique is the support that the entity provides to its users. From beginner tips to live scoring and numerous responsible play options, FanDuel goes above and beyond to ensure that their players are kept engaged.

How Is FanDuel Different to Other Online Casinos?

FanDuel cannot be considered an online casino; however, the fact that they have partnered with Betfair gives FanDuel players the chance to access high quality casino games.

Is FanDuel a Good Choice for US Players?

The question of whether FanDuel is a good option for US bettors depends on the player’s preference. The sportsbook section is very restricted and if you prefer real-life sports betting, FanDuel is not a viable option. However, if you enjoy setting up a fantasy line up for a wide variety of sports, FanDuel NFL or FanDuel MLB is a great choice.

FanDuel – Our Verdict

Although FanDuel is exceedingly similar to Draftkings, many marked differences make the platform easier to navigate. The fact that players can switch back and forth between the fantasy section, sportsbook and top-notch casino games provides the user with a complete range of activities that supply hours of excitement with the chance to win money.

Five Things We Love about FanDuel

There are many excellent features about FanDuel that fantasy bettors and sports bettors alike will love:

• Fantasy betting live chat
  There is a marked difference between the customer service representatives that are available on the fantasy section on the site versus those that manage players on the sportsbook section. The FanDuel fantasy representatives are exceptional. There is very little wait time, and they are incredibly helpful and willing to answer any questions. If the person does not have the answer, they will gladly point you in the right direction to find it.

Unfortunately, the sportsbook representatives are not as helpful. Even for account-specific questions, the standard answer is that they need to send the inquiry to their manager for an answer.

• Easy website layout
  FanDuel has done a great job of making their website easy to navigate. The color scheme is bright and makes it simple to read the various sporting events.
• Partnership with Betfair Casino
  Teaming up with Betfair Casino was a brilliant business move for FanDuel. Betfair is one of the most popular internet casinos in New Jersey and one of the best horse racing betting sites. Hopefully, this partnership will continue to develop and equate to more casino game options available to FanDuel patrons.
• Multiple sporting events
  FanDuel has a vast selection of sporting events to bet on for both their fantasy and sportsbook feature. Players can make their wager 24 hours a day, seven days a week for games that are scheduled to take place in 10 minutes or games planned in the future.
• FanDuel app
  The application for FanDuel fantasy and FanDuel sportsbook are great. The apps download quickly and provide users with any game of their choice.

How FanDuel Could Improve

There are many great attributes of FanDuel, but there are some areas where they could make their website more enticing for gamers:

• Bonuses
  It is almost impossible for players to get any bang for their buck if they register for a FanDuel account. It’s disappointing that West Virginia sports bettors do not have the chance to cash in on a campaign at the moment and that Pennsylvania is very limited in their promotional options. Offering a $20 deposit bonus on the fantasy betting site really isn’t very enticing when players can go to FanDuel competitors and get much more.
• Limited information before sign up
  Many players feel more confident establishing an account with an online casino or fantasy betting company when the entity is forthcoming with information such as deposit limits or funding options. Unfortunately, FanDuel makes a big push to have a person register for an account before disclosing this information which puts the player in a position to realize that FanDuel is not the right fit for them after they have gone through the process of registering.
• Account registration
  The signup process for a FanDuel account is not as easy or straightforward as some of its competitors. Some of the questions that FanDuel requires players to answer before they can make their first deposit deal with the player's personal sports preferences instead of information related to funding a FanDuel account. Including these questions slows down the registration process, which can turn players off the platform.

Our FanDuel Review Rating

Many aspects of FanDuel put them in contention to be one of the best bookmakers in the US. To earn this title, however, there are certain features of their platform that the company would need to adjust, including their bonuses and registration process. Overall, the site is one of the best we have seen for the full range of betting activities.

For these reasons, we are awarding FanDuel 4 out of 5-stars.