DraftKings Account Guide: How to Sign Up and Start Betting in 10 Minutes

The registration process typically takes only 5 to 10 minutes to complete. New users are often eligible for a welcome bonus, such as “Bet $\$5$, Get $\$200$ in bonus bets,” which is one of the most popular sign-up offers in the industry.

Eligibility and Requirements to Sign Up

Before you begin the registration process, you must meet key eligibility criteria mandated by state law.

1. Age Requirement

The minimum age to open a DraftKings Sportsbook or Casino account is 21 years old in most legal states. However, the age requirement is 18 years old in specific jurisdictions, such as Kentucky, Wyoming, New Hampshire, and Washington, D.C. For DFS-only play, the age requirement is often lower.

2. Location Requirement

You can create a DraftKings account from anywhere in the US, but you must be physically located within a state where DraftKings is licensed and operating to place a real-money sports wager.

DraftKings is legal in over 20 US states, including:

• Northeast: New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts
• Midwest: Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana
• West/South: Arizona, Colorado, Virginia, Tennessee, Louisiana

Geolocation technology is mandatory and will be verified every time you log in or attempt to place a bet.

3. Required Information

To verify your identity and comply with federal Know Your Customer (KYC) laws, you must provide accurate personal details:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Current Home Address
• Valid Email Address and Phone Number
• Last Four Digits of Your Social Security Number (SSN)

Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a DraftKings Account

The process is fast and can be done entirely through your mobile phone or a desktop browser.

Step 1: Download the App or Visit the Website

1. Download: Go to the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) and download the free DraftKings app.
2. Allow Location Services: Crucially, you must enable Location Services (GPS) on your device and grant the DraftKings app permission to access your location. This ensures the required geolocation check can confirm you are in a legal betting state.
3. Start: Click the “Sign Up” or “Join Now” button to begin the four-part registration form.

Step 2: Set Up Account Credentials

The first section requires basic information:

• Enter your Email Address.
• Create a unique Username and a strong, unique Password.
• Promo Code: If you are using a specific affiliate promo code (which may offer a special bonus), this is the section where you must enter it before continuing.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity (KYC Check)

This step is mandatory for security and legal compliance. You will be asked to input your personal verification details:

• Full Name and Home Address
• Date of Birth
• Last four digits of your SSN

DraftKings uses this information for instant electronic verification. If the system cannot verify your identity instantly, you will be prompted to upload a photo of a valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport). This may take an additional 24-48 hours for manual review.

Step 4: Claim Bonus, Deposit, and Start Betting

1. Claim Bonus: Opt-in to the new user welcome bonus (e.g., the Bet $\$5$, Get $\$200$ offer) on the promotions page or bet slip.
2. Deposit: Make your first deposit (minimum is typically $\$5$ to $\$10$). Popular methods include PayPal, credit/debit card, Online Banking, and Play+ Prepaid Card.
3. Final Geolocation Check: The app will perform a final location check to confirm you are within a legal state border. Once confirmed, you can place your first wager and activate your bonus.

Troubleshooting Common Sign-Up Issues

While most registrations are completed successfully, users occasionally encounter two main problems:

1. Geolocation Errors

If DraftKings cannot detect your location, you will be blocked from placing a real-money bet. This usually happens because:

• Wi-Fi Interference: You are using a VPN or hotspot, which masks your true location. Disable all VPNs.
• Location Services Disabled: Ensure GPS and Location Services are fully enabled for your entire device, and that the DraftKings app has permission set to “Always” or “While Using the App.”
• Desktop Use: If using a desktop computer, you may be required to download a GeoComply Player Location Check plugin for location confirmation.

2. Identity Verification Failure

If your provided details do not match official records, your account will be temporarily locked. To resolve this, contact DraftKings Customer Support immediately and be ready to upload a clear photo of your government ID and potentially a bank statement showing your registered address.