DraftKings Sportsbook introduced its new Early Exit Program in August, following a growing demand from users for a reprieve from quick losses. This program provides cash credits to users when a player leaves a game early due to an injury.
Other sportsbooks, like Fanatics Sportsbook, have similar policies that bettors benefit from. DraftKings’ official network clarified that no promo code is needed to activate the offer ahead of time and there’s no need to follow up with customer support when a qualifying event occurs.
According to DraftKings’ official Terms and Conditions, the Early Exit Program applies within a specific early-game period defined by DraftKings. The program’s rules differ depending on the sport and the type of wager placed, ensuring flexibility across various betting scenarios.
For single bets, if a player exits early due to injury and does not return, DraftKings refunds the entire wager amount as cash credits. This straightforward approach helps bettors recover their stake when an injury disrupts their bet, providing a safety net for unpredictable outcomes.
Parlays and Same Game Parlays (SGP/SGPx) rules adjust dynamically. If a player in one leg of the parlay leaves early due to injury, that leg is voided. DraftKings then recalculates the parlay using the odds of the remaining legs. If the remaining legs win, the bettor receives a payout based on the adjusted odds, maintaining the opportunity for a successful wager.
The Early Exit Program by DraftKings and the Fair Play policy by Fanatics provide refunds for bets affected by early player injuries, with timeframes varying by sport. Typically, these cover the initial period of play, such as a quarter or inning. Below is a comparison of their rules across major sports.
| Sport/League | DraftKings Early Exit | Fanatics Fair Play |
|---|---|---|
| NFL | 1st quarter injury | 1st quarter injury |
| NBA/WNBA | 1st quarter (Regular season), 1st half (playoffs) | 1st quarter injury |
| MLB | Pitcher: before 3 outs | Pitcher: after 1 pitch, before 3 outs |
| NHL | Batter: before 2nd plate appearance | Batter: after 1 plate appearance, before 2nd |
| Golf | Must start game | 1st period |
| Soccer | 1st period | Withdrawal before 2nd round tee-off |
| Tennis | Withdrawal before 2nd round starts | Not covered |
| Substituted in 1st half (excludes halftime subs) | Voids bets for player retirements or disqualifications | |
| Not covered |
DraftKings provides detailed timeframes tailored to each sport, including specific rules for postseason play, such as in the NBA and WNBA. They issue cash credits for losing straight bets, which may impact promotional eligibility or bonus tracking. For parlays, both sportsbooks void the leg tied to the injured player and adjust the payout odds based on the remaining legs.
DraftKings provides cash credits to bettors typically within 24 hours after a game ends for single bets or after the final leg of a parlay is resolved. While Fanatics’ Fair Play mechanism advertises an instant void capability, users will benefit from a friendlier and defined process that builds trust from sportsbooks.
As such policies gain traction, other sportsbooks may adopt similar measures to meet user expectations and remain competitive.
