Sportsbook by DraftKings Now Live: Exploring Features and Changes
The DraftKings Sportsbook is now available to all players in New Jersey following its soft launch, the company announced on Monday. On August 1, the sportsbook's mobile and web platform went live on an invite-only basis, making it the first such platform among New Jersey sports betting licensees.
Jason Robins, CEO and co-founder of DraftKings, said, "I am excited to begin this new chapter in our story by officially launching what I believe to be the most innovative mobile sports betting product in the U.S." Users testing the product during the soft launch period provided mixed reviews, with some praising the technology and others complaining about the prices.
DraftKings Sportsbook Unveiled to Masses; Notes on What's to Come
Just moments after the launch, @DKSportsbook took to Twitter to reminded potential users that they don't need to reside in New Jersey to use the book, only to be present in the state.
Meanwhile, technology evaluations showed that the app runs smoothly and offers a good selection of props for upcoming UFC 227 matches. Additionally, DraftKings introduced the option to cash out of a live wager, an intriguing feature that may not be advisable to use unless one can clearly anticipate danger or leverage a specific advantage. Other sports and events available to bet on include ATP Rogers Cup, PGA Championship, Rugby Union, motorsports (Belgian GP), darts, cricket, and NCAA football futures, such as conference winners.
One advantageous feature of DraftKings is its streamlined deposit process, which makes it easier for users to place bets quickly. However, the main drawback is the higher prices/juice compared to Las Vegas sportsbooks and offshores. Critics have been vocal about this issue, but remember that legal, regulated markets incur higher costs due to state taxes. Compared to offshore markets, which pay no taxes, the difference in costs must come from somewhere.
Comparing DraftKings' lines to Las Vegas sportsbooks and offshores, we find that DraftKings' lines tend to be more expensive. For example, for a Cardinals (-1.5) game against the Marlins, the Las Vegas consensus line offers a difference of 20 between the Cards and the Marlins (difference of 20), while DraftKings offers a difference of 21. Similar differences can be seen in the Mets (-1.5) vs. the Reds and the Indians (-1.5) vs. the Twins games.
Some users have noted transparency concerns regarding DraftKings' fees and stakes, but the company's extensive props and early odds access give it an edge over its competitors. As other sportsbooks in New Jersey, including MGM, Caesars, and William Hill, prepare to launch their mobile and web platforms, we'll see how lines differ among the same operators in various jurisdictions and how they compare to offshore markets.
Good luck outrunning higher juice, but this is the beauty of having choices.
DraftKings Sportsbook Faces Competition in New and Existing Markets
According to Oddschecker research from last year, many punters are not particularly price-sensitive or as savvy as previously thought when choosing where to bet[2]. This seems to hold true for DraftKings, whose lines don't always offer the best competition but may appeal to its target demographic of recreational bettors.
Here's a breakdown comparing DraftKings' odds pricing to Las Vegas Sportsbooks and Offshore Sportsbooks:
| Feature | DraftKings | Las Vegas Sportsbooks | Offshore Sportsbooks ||----------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------|| Odds Competitiveness | Mid-tier (vig occasionally exceeds 10%, per Oddspedia analysis)[4] | Typically industry-standard vig (~5-10%) | Often lower vig to attract bettors || Pricing Transparency | Occasional confusion about fees/stakes reported[2] | Fully regulated/transparent | Varies widely (unregulated risks) || Promo Value | $150-$200 bonus bets for $5 deposit[1][5] | Rare signup bonuses | Often larger bonuses (higher risk) || Market Depth | Early odds access, extensive props[1][4] | Strong focus on major sports | Wide variety (including unregulated markets) |
In summary, DraftKings Sportsbook offers a streamlined user experience and a variety of sports and events to bet on, but the pricing structure leaves something to be desired compared to competitors, both in the US and offshore markets. The influx of new competitors in New Jersey's market will likely impact DraftKings' lines, so keep an eye on the shifting landscape as the sports betting industry continues to evolve.
- The DraftKings Sportsbook has officially launched to all players in New Jersey, offering a mobile and web platform with various sports and events to bet on.
- Users testing the product during the soft launch period provided mixed reviews, with some praising the technology and others complaining about the prices.
- Comparing DraftKings' lines to Las Vegas sportsbooks and offshores, we find that DraftKings' lines tend to be more expensive, with differences of up to 21 in some games.
- One advantageous feature of DraftKings is its streamlined deposit process, which makes it easier for users to place bets quickly.
- Meanwhile, DraftKings introduced the option to cash out of a live wager, an intriguing feature that may not be advisable to use unless one can clearly anticipate danger or leverage a specific advantage.
- As other sportsbooks in New Jersey, including MGM, Caesars, and William Hill, prepare to launch their mobile and web platforms, the shifting landscape and competition among the same operators in various jurisdictions will be interesting to follow.
- According to recent research, many punters may not be particularly price-sensitive when choosing where to bet, which seems to hold true for DraftKings, whose lines don't always offer the best competition but may appeal to its target demographic of recreational bettors.
