A major legal sports betting operator is responding to a demand by customers.
DraftKings — the second-largest sportsbook in America in terms of market share at 32% — is refunding prop bets that include Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson. The decision to refund wagers including Robinson came after the first-round draft pick only played 10 snaps on Sunday during a contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons would defeat the Buccaneers 16-13 in Tampa behind a 51-yard field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter.
BIJAN ROBINSON UPDATE:
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) October 23, 2023
We will be refunding all Bijan Robinson player prop markets. That includes single and parlay wagers where he was the only losing selection.
Credited inside 48 hours, digital bets only, refunded in Bonus Bets.
Robinson, who is considered a starter, finished the game with one rush attempt for three yards. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith cited a headache as to why Robinson had a low usage rate.
“He just wasn’t feeling like himself. He played but we weren’t going to overdo it,” said Smith in a postgame press conference. “Just being cautious when you have other guys that can go.”
The lack of Robinson on the field and notice of his ailment on Sunday sparked backlash from customers of online betting sites across the country, including bettors on FanDuel and BetMGM.
In seven games this season Robinson has amassed 404 rushing yards on 81 attempts. The former Texas Longhorn also has 189 receiving yards and two touchdowns so far this year.
Customer demands
The refund of Robinson bets follows a growing trend between sportsbooks and their customers.
DraftKings issued refunds to bettors of Luka Doncic props during a Jan. 26 game between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns. Doncic would leave the contest early due to an injury to his ankle. The outcry by fans led to DraftKings’ decision to give refunds, but others didn’t follow suit.
Breaking story: @FanDuel reportedly steals millions of dollars from paying costumers after Luka Doncic goes down with early injury. There are no indications that they plan to refund the costumers.
— The Wizard (@TheWizardLock) January 27, 2023
DraftKings also issued refunds to customers for an AFC Divisional Round contest between the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars. The sportsbooks awarded refunds to losing single bets that included Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a high-ankle sprain during the first quarter of the game. The Chiefs would eventually beat the Jaguars 27-20.
