Published on: April 21, 2026, 08:09h.
Updated on: April 21, 2026, 08:09h.
- FanDuel has launched a comprehensive game insurance program for player props and parlays.
- Bet Protect+ is priced at 3% of the wager.
- DraftKings customers have voiced criticism against their competitor’s insurance option.
Recently, FanDuel introduced Bet Protect+, an injury safeguard plan that the sportsbook asserts “empowers bettors.” Customers at competing DraftKings allege that this initiative is primarily a cash grab, further complicating odds.
FanDuel’s Bet Protect+ is an optional feature in the FanDuel Sportsbook, granting bettors full-game injury coverage on their props and parlays. This program requires a fee equal to 3% of the wager, which FanDuel describes as “minimal.”
If a player gets injured during the game, Bet Protect+ offers a cash refund on straight bets (not Bonus Bets). For parlays, the affected leg will be eliminated, and the odds and payouts will be adjusted accordingly.
“The reality is that no matter how well-prepared a bettor is—thorough research, instincts—it can all crumble due to an unforeseen injury,” stated Jon Sadow, FanDuel’s vice president of sportsbook product. “We want to help our customers regain the control they may feel they’ve lost.”
Bet Protect+ is currently available for the NBA Playoffs, with future plans to expand the insurance program to other sports shortly.
Criticism of FanDuel Insurance
Although FanDuel claims that Bet Protect+ offers a “minimal premium” for full-game injury coverage, some critics argue that the fee adds excessive “vig,” or juice, to the sportsbook.
DraftKings devotees argue their platform offers similar protections against player injuries at no cost via the Early Exit Program, which usually only covers injuries in the first halves of games.
In MLB, the cash-back insurance is limited to a pitcher who exits without recording three outs or a batter who leaves prior to their second plate appearance.
While Bet Protect+ provides significantly broader coverage than the Early Exit program, that hasn’t stopped Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, a partner at DraftKings, from ridiculing FanDuel’s offering.
“If you’re wagering on NBA Playoffs with player props, you know DraftKings offers you free Early Exit coverage. If your player is injured in the first half, all props and parlays are refunded. FanDuel demands payment for this service,” stated Portnoy on X.
“You’d be foolish not to choose DraftKings. Ensure your protection with Early Exit on DraftKings: if your player is sidelined, you’ll get a refund. Competitors will charge you for that,” added Portnoy.
Ultimately, Bet Protect+ can be perceived as a 3% vig for second-half coverage, as FanDuel, similar to DraftKings, has a history of voiding and refunding player prop bets for early-game injuries through its previous complimentary Bet Protect. However, with the introduction of Bet Protect+, FanDuel may now be more stringent on refunding injuries.
Prop Bet Safeguards
The fierce competition within the buzzing online sportsbook market has prompted operators to refund player prop bets due to early injuries. Alongside refunds for “bad beats,” critics argue this has led to a culture of entitlement among sports bettors.
Sportsbooks promote their bad beat and player injury refunds as marketing advantages, showcasing on social media how customer-focused they are. The shift in attitude has evolved from ‘that’s gambling’ to ‘where’s my refund?’”
Ed Miller, a seasoned bettor in Las Vegas, believes bad beat refunds are “diminishing” the integrity of the industry and nurturing a sense of entitlement.
“Serious bettors engage with this game at a higher level,” Miller remarked.