FanDuel Predicts vs DraftKings Predictions
Both brands you know. Two completely different products.
Compare Platforms
See how this platform stacks up
At a Glance
Side-by-side feature comparison
All data sourced from our verified platform registry
Why Does FanDuel Only Have Sports in 18 States?
Sports event contracts in 18 states where FanDuel does NOT operate a sportsbook (incl. CA, TX, FL, GA); non-sports (finance, economics, commodities, crypto) available in all 50 states + DC + US territories. Launched Dec 22 2025 in 5 states (AL, AK, ND, SC, SD); expanded to all 50 by mid-Jan 2026.
What You Actually Pay
Fee structures compared
FanDuel Predicts
Model: 2% of potential payout at checkout
2% transaction fee on potential payout, included at checkout. Same 2% re-applied on early cash-out based on original potential payout. No deposit or withdrawal fees.
⚠️ Same 2% fee re-applied if cashing out early
DraftKings Predictions
Model: $0.01/contract/side + exchange fees (~$0.02+ round-trip)
$0.01 per contract per side + CME Group exchange fees. Round-trip cost is approximately $0.02 per contract plus exchange fees.
💡 Takeaway: At small sizes the cost is similar. At larger positions (100+ contracts), DraftKings' per-contract model can work out cheaper — but requires doing the contract-math upfront.
Same Backbone. Different Wrapper.
Both platforms route through CME Group DCM (Designated Contract Market). You're trading the same underlying contract structure — just through different interfaces.
DraftKings acquired Railbird Exchange LLC on October 21, 2025 and announced DCM integration at its Investor Day (March 2, 2026). Once live, this would give DraftKings its own self-operated exchange — but the integration is not yet live as of April 2026.
Source: DraftKings Investor Day March 2026 & our verified platform registry
Which Should You Use?
Use-case recommendations
Sports bettor in CA, TX, FL, or GA
→ FanDuel Predicts. These are no-sportsbook states — sports contracts available here.
Fee efficiency (100+ contracts)
→ DraftKings Predictions. Per-contract pricing beats percentage at scale.
Simplest flat-fee experience
→ FanDuel Predicts. 2% flat — no per-contract math required.
Broader total platform access (38 states)
→ DraftKings Predictions. Available in 38 total states — though sports contracts are offered in only 17 of those (vs. FanDuel's 18 sports states).
Honest Limitations
What both platforms lack
- Neither platform offers full political/election market depth compared to Kalshi or Polymarket.
- Both are limited in total market variety vs. Kalshi and Polymarket.
- DraftKings' fee structure requires doing per-contract math to compare total cost — less transparent than FanDuel's flat 2%.
- Both CFTC-regulated via CME Group — same legal foundation, same regulatory protections.
- Familiar interface and funding paths for existing FanDuel and DraftKings users — no crypto wallet required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered
Is FanDuel Predicts the same as sports betting?
No. FanDuel Predicts is a CFTC-regulated event-contract product listed on CME Group — legally distinct from sportsbook wagering. You are trading contracts, not placing wagers.
Why is FanDuel Predicts not available in my state for sports?
Sports event contracts in 18 states where FanDuel does NOT operate a sportsbook (incl. CA, TX, FL, GA); non-sports (finance, economics, commodities, crypto) available in all 50 states + DC + US territories. Launched Dec 22 2025 in 5 states (AL, AK, ND, SC, SD); expanded to all 50 by mid-Jan 2026.
Are DraftKings Predictions safe to use?
Yes. DraftKings Predictions is CFTC-regulated via CME Group, with DraftKings registered as an NFA-member Introducing Broker. It operates on the same regulated exchange infrastructure as FanDuel Predicts.
What is CME Group and why does it matter?
CME Group is the world's largest derivatives exchange. Both FanDuel Predicts and DraftKings Predictions list their event contracts on CME Group DCMs (Designated Contract Markets), giving both platforms CFTC regulatory status.
Can I use my existing FanDuel or DraftKings sportsbook balance for predictions?
No. Funding is separate — your sportsbook balance does not transfer to the prediction market product. Each requires its own deposit.
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