DraftKings is launching a new program designed to reward customers when early injuries or events occur during a sports event.
The Boston-based sports betting and fantasy giant announced on Friday the debut of its Early Exit program providing users with cash credits under specific conditions when a player is injured. The conditions include a player exiting a game during a pre-determined early portion of a contest, which varies by sport, due to an injury. The Early Exit program only applies to pre-match wagers and full-game player props placed through DraftKings.
“At DraftKings, we’re committed to delivering an exceptional fan experience while moving at the speed of sports,” said DraftKings CPO Corey Gottlieb. “That means a product that responds to every part of every game, including when a player exits a game early due to an unforeseen injury.”
The Early Exit program also applies to parlay and same-game parlay wagers. It covers professional leagues, which include MLB, NBA, NFL, WNBA, NHL, pro soccer and golf.
Cash credits will be considered by DraftKings if an early NFL injury occurs within the first quarter with the same first quarter rule applying to both the WNBA and NBA. If an MLB pitcher exits before three outs or a batter exits before their second plate appearance the Early Exit program can apply. The program kicks in for golf if a player withdraws before the start of the second round, while NHL injuries that happen in the first period are eligible.
The Early Exit program has soccer rules that apply to substitutions in the first half. The program also has a playoff rule with the first half being covered for NBA contests.
The cash credits offered by DraftKings will see single wagers refunded for the same amount of the stake while parlay wagers will be recalculated based on winning legs. DraftKings also notes that it “reserves the right to interpret and revise the program at any time.”
DraftKings’ new program mirrors a competitor
Fanatics has implemented a Fair Play program allowing customers to receive refunds for players who exit games early due to injury. Fanatics updated the house rule in April for the NBA playoffs expanding its league rule to the entire first half of a game compared to the first quarter. Fanatics’ Fair Play program also applies to single and parlay wagers.
The operator awarded bettors over $500,000 in refunds during the NBA playoffs in May when Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry exited a contest early due to injury.
Since its launch in 2024, the program has awarded more than $8 million to customers.
