By Adam Sutton
When it comes to daily fantasy sports (DFS), there are many options to choose from. We’ve put together several reviews of these options so you can get a better idea which site is the best fit for you. Here we take a look at FanDuel by evaluating their game offerings, scoring, user interface, and more.
Overview
Formed in 2009 by co-founders Nigel Eccles, Lesley Eccles, Tom Griffiths, Rob Jones, and Chris Stafford, FanDuel is one of the top daily fantasy sports sites that continues to push the limits in terms of contests and prizes. They have excellent customer service and their user base is massive, ensuring there are always contests available. There is much debate on whether or not they are the best DFS site, but what cannot be questioned is their incredible guaranteed prize payout tournaments and their phenomenal destination championship-style live events.
FanDuel Contests
FanDuel offers games for all major sports, including NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, CFB and CBB. The contests available are head-to-head, 50/50, leagues, matrix, triple up, and private leagues. Where FanDuel really pushes the limit is their tournament selection. They offer massive guaranteed prize pools as well as the ability to try and qualify for their live destination championships. Buy-ins range from free to $10,600, so there truly is a contest for everyone.
Sign up now and get up to a $200 bonus on your first FanDuel deposit >>
Scoring & Roster Rules
Rosters on FanDuel consist of the following:
- MLB: P, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, 3 OF
- NFL: QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, TE, K, D
- CFB: QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, TE
- NBA: 2 PG, 2 SG, 2 SF, 2 PF, C
- CBB: 5 F, 4 G
- NHL: 2 LW, 2 RW, 2 C, 2 D, G
FanDuel’s scoring system and roster layouts are very conducive to new players. This enhances their ability to attract and retain the average user. While this can lead to simpler scoring methods and thus frustrate some seasoned users, it’s easy to follow and understand. In MLB, the one pitcher format forces you to select the right starting pitcher each and every night. For NFL and college football contests, the scoring system is fairly standard but FanDuel only awards a half point per reception whereas most other DFS sites offer a full point per reception. This should not go overlooked in roster construction as you can focus on more traditional running backs that aren’t just change of pace or third down backs. The NBA and college basketball contests are straightforward and despite forcing a certain type of roster construction on some nights, it’s again very simplistic in nature. Check out a full view of FanDuel’s scoring and rules.
Interface & User Experience
FanDuel has a user-friendly lobby that is easy on the eyes and simple to navigate. In fact, they were awarded the FSTA Best Daily Product in 2014. They are always changing the design to cater to the user and have recently given the site an impressive face lift. The scoring is updated live with the ability to easily track your contests. FanDuel has a mobile site available for use but their smartphone app is the way to stay connected when on the go.
Rake
Rake refers to the fee or commission that a DFS site takes for running a contest. Every time you enter a contest, a portion of your entry fee goes to the prize pool with a certain percentage staying with the site. The rake at FanDuel is between 5.6% for their $10,600 head-to-head entry and 10% for their $50 entry and under contests.
Deposit Bonuses
FanDuel offers an exclusive 100% deposit bonus up to $200 to FantasyPros users. This is a nice bonus that serves as an incentive for new users to give FanDuel a try. To claim your bonus, use this link when signing up. After depositing, you will receive your bonus in increments over time as you enter paid contests. This is standard in the daily fantasy industry and helps to protect the site from deposit bonus fraud.
Conclusion
FanDuel touts itself as “the leader in one-day fantasy” and it is easy to see why. Their massive payouts and premier live destination championships can literally change your life. FanDuel also offers FanDuel Point free rolls as a way to give back to their users. FanDuel Points can be earned from entering paid contests and you can accumulate these to convert into cash entries. If you have not signed up at FanDuel, be sure to head over there today and get in on the action!
