App Fight: FanDuel vs BetMGM

In the arena of organized gambling, two almighty titans stand nose to nose, chest to chest, each claiming rights as the true conqueror of all your sports wagering desires.

In this corner, FanDuel hails from Midtown Manhattan, bolstering first-class app performance and lickety-split payouts.

And in the opposite corner, boasting a record of expansive gaming and unrivaled reward perks, BetMGM looms as a truly formidable presence amid the growing lineup of online offerings.

So, which one of these true heavyweights prevails in the hypothetical showdown of online kingpins?

Well, let’s weigh in on the dynamics that shape this appealing smackdown.

FanDuel

Mobile Usability: Even the technologically challenged can maneuver their way around the FanDuel app like Saquon Barkley gliding through traffic. Simplicity is key here, and the folks at FD have served up an app that’s as intuitive as it is friendly.

BetMGM, on the other hand, can be a clunky machine that’s oftentimes difficult to get into gear. Navigating through its complexities to find your desired wager seems like a definite con to its slew of upsides.

Edge: FanDuel

Display/Layout: Perhaps this one depends upon the interest levels of the operator, who may be either a first-time novice or a salty gambling veteran.

FanDuel certainly caters to the simpletons of the trade, those who pine for a migraine-free transaction of betting on tonight’s game. What’s displayed on tonight’s docket is displayed in neat, orderly fashion.

BetMGM can be a bit more of a conundrum, sometimes requiring you to drill down multiple layers a la Inception. Whereas the extensive data may appeal to the more hardcore fanatics, the simplicity of FanDuel’s layout reigns supreme.

Edge: FanDuel

Performance Speeds: If BetMGM fires up at a sprinter’s velocity, then FanDuel is no doubt Usain Bolt. Smoother and swifter, there’s little question that FD one-ups its rival with nifty stripped-back design and speedy downloads.

With its multitude of features and wagering menus, BetMGM can oftentimes feel bogged down and operate at the pace of an overstuffed dump truck. It’s perhaps in the apps’ loading times where the greatest discrepancy looms.

Edge: FanDuel

Menus/Options: FanDuel feints and delivers when it comes to real-time betting and same-game parlay action, aiming its focus on the big four (MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL) as well as collegiate play.

BetMGM counters with more expansive menus that include high raw counts for alternative lines, as well as a wider range of obscure sports (cricket, Power Slap, etc.) that waver outside the mainstream. The app also delivers a deeper pool of player props per game.

While FD remains a viable option, the less-is-more ideology does not apply here.

Edge: BetMGM

Rewards: It’s in the player perks where BetMGM lands its licks, outdueling its rival by ten-fold. Its offering of reward points lead to top-level eateries, elite hotel stays, and vintage entertainment experiences.

Meantime, the Fanuel Reward program combines your activity in both its online casino and sports book, allowing you to accumulate rewards points over time. These point, in turn, may be used for future wagers.

However, the benefits seem to pale in comparison to the real-world perks of BetMGM, which offers more instant gratification with tangible gifts and rewards.

Edge: BetMGM

Payouts: You knocked off a monster score on that parlay and wish to reap the rewards. How eager are you to collect on your payday?

Think Jimmy Conway (Robert DeNiro), who, in a fit of ire, choked out poor Maury with a phone cord in Goodfellas. “Pay me my money,” he growled repeatedly, much to the amusement of Ray Liotta’s Henry Hill (Side note: In Maury’s defense, he never agreed to three points above the vig).

While FanDuel divvies up the withdrawals within forty-eight hours, BetMGM can oftentimes labor through five grueling days before forking over the funds.

Edge: FanDuel.

BetMGM

Customer Service: Since BetMGM is more glitch-prone than its adversary, solid customer service is in higher demand with the lion. Thankfully, it responds dutifully with 24-hour live chat with – get this – real human beings. The app provides email and phone interactions for more critical issues.

Many find FanDuel’s virtual assistant more agitating even if it offers callbacks for those short of patience. Yet, many find quicker resolution periods due to its automated accessibility.

We’re calling this one a draw.

Edge: Neither.

The Decision: With its user-friendliness and swift downloads, FanDuel seems the ideal option for the everyday Joe, while BetMGM is undoubtedly engineered for the serious, hardcore sports wagerers.

Although MGM still looms as a worldwide gaming juggernaut, we at chipster are inclined to give the ever-so-slight nod to the duelers from Manhattan.

-- TB