New Jersey gambling sites are going all-in with this week’s NFL Draft.
And, by all-in, we mean free-to-play NJ sports betting contests.
Who’s up to the challenge?
FanDuel certainly is and in a big way.
In honor of the NFL Draft’s 85th anniversary, the FanDuel announced via a press release that it’s committing $85,000 in donations to Frontline Foods.
The grassroots organization raises money from the community to pay local restaurants to prepare meals for the heroes responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
But that’s not all.
They’re also donating $1 for every player who enters the $10K Predict the Draft – Fuel the Frontline contest to Frontline Foods and other COVID-19 response organizations.
It’s #NFLDraft week, and we’re running 2 FREE games to celebrate!
🏈 Predict The Draft: https://t.co/FTbU2dD4uF
🏈 Draft Challenge: https://t.co/2IWXl2LuT2Enter for your shot at $20,000 in total prizes 💰 pic.twitter.com/NgIevpDvjC
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) April 20, 2020
FanDuel and NFL Draft predictions
While FanDuel Sportsbook is offering several NFL Draft betting promotions, the free-to-play games are on the DFS app.
In this particular case, participation will result in a larger donation to the frontlines. Customers will need a DFS account to play (the sportsbook username and password will work).
The rules are simple:
- Predict the 10 players drafted in order (there is no salary cap).
- Contestants receive two points for every correct pick.
- Five points will be awarded to any player chosen within one spot of their correct draft position.
At the same time, the sports wagering component is not being ignored. According to the release, in New Jersey alone, FanDuel Sportsbook has seen a three times increase in early betting.
The most popular markets at the moment include No. 1 overall pick and draft position of former Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa.
There seems to be little doubt that the Cincinnati Bengals will be taking LSU quarterback Joe Burrow No. 1. The odds are -100,000.
The Miami Dolphins (+150) or Los Angeles Chargers (+170) are the current favorites to land Tagovailoa.
DraftKings Sportsbook + $15K prize pool
With the NBA, NHL and MLB all on the sidelines due to the coronavirus, DraftKings Sportsbook continues to roll out free-to-play pools. Tops have included food, weather and sports.
Thursday’s contest is centered around how the first round of the draft will play out. And there is $15K up for grabs.
The NFL Draft is almost here. Don't miss out on this FREE pool for the 1st round.
$15K in prizing 👉https://t.co/szEIsm4FGq pic.twitter.com/T0nbRUzvO9
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) April 20, 2020
Contestants have 13 questions to answer. The deadline is 8 p.m. EST Monday.
Will Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert or Tagovailoa be drafted first?
How many quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round? Like with NFL betting, players pick the over or under (4.5).
Will the New England Patriots take a QB with their first pick to replace Tom Brady? It’s a yes or no question.
Those who place in the top five will earn a share of the prize money.
Playing 20 questions with BetMGM
Similar to DraftKings, BetMGM Sportsbook customers need to answer 20 questions. It’s part of the $2,000 Pro Football Draft Contest.
The rules are simple:
20 questions.
$2,000 Grand Prize.
Your are on the clock.FREE NFL draft contest starts now! Make your picks.
🏈: https://t.co/bjgaLOItwp pic.twitter.com/CTZtMRUHap
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) April 20, 2020
Placing among the top-five spots is the key to the prize money. If there is a tie, contestants will split the cash. Here is the breakdown:
- First place: $2,000
- Second place: $500
- Third place: $250
- Fourth place: $150
- Fifth place: $100
As far as the level of difficulty goes, the questions vary. Here are a few examples:
- Which team will draft the first QB?
- How many teams will trade down (trade back) in the first round of the draft?
- Which running back will be drafted first?
- How many players from the University of Alabama will get drafted?
Much like the 32 NFL general managers, you’re on the clock.
Answers must be submitted by 6:59 p.m. EST Thursday.