Following DraftKings move across the Pond, FanDuel UK joins the DFS party on the British Isles.
For the initial stages of operations at least, soccer will serve as the main area of focus for FanDuel UK, however that doesn’t mean the same sport will become available as a DFS option in the US, where the company will solely stick to offering US sports: football, basketball, hockey and baseball.
FanDuel UK services were already open to customers during their period of beta testing, however now that they’re fully operational the DFS provider aims to make their presence known with the start of the new Premier League season which is set to begin on Saturday, August 13. Players can already enter contests with FanDuel UK now – you can access it via a desktop or mobile (both Android and iOS).
Nigel Eccles, chief exec of FanDuel, commented about their ambitious move to the UK, which is actually the place where they first started offering Daily Fantasy Sports services to customers after being founded in Scotland – the prior experience of operating in the UK could give them an upper leg as they try to battle DraftKings for market share.
“This is a proud moment and marks our first step into fantasy football and the UK market – our first international offering,” highlighted Eccles. “Until now, FanDuel’s product has been exclusive to the US and Canada, we’re delighted to be able to offer contests back on our home turf in the UK, where we first started the business and continue to base out engineering operations.”
The company’s CEO further explained that FanDuel UK will resemble the US version in that there will be daily contests available and customers will have to assemble a team of 11 fantasy players under a salary-cap.
“Our company has spent the last 12 months creating a product for UK football fans, designed to resonate with them and their love of the game. Every feature considers this, from the formation of fantasy teams, to the pricing of players in £s to our unique and detailed scoring system, which realistically reflects the play of all those who are on the pitch,” said Eccles.
Although FanDuel and DraftKings are one of the most recognized names in the DFS community, they’re not the first DFS companies in the UK to offer such services to players. European-based DFS providers Mondogoal and Oulala (the latter offers soccer-only services) already have an established presence in the UK, however they’re set to face stiff competition from both DraftKings and FanDuel UK.
(Take a look at Mondogoal and Oulala reviews at Betting Herald for more info about these Daily Fantasy Sports providers.)