DraftKings Sportsbook introduced a feature to help protect customers against injuries and unique situations.
The major sports betting operator launched the new “Early Exit” program to allow bettors to receive cash credits equal to the amount wagered if the bet is “significantly impacted by a player leaving the game early due to injury” during a predetermined period.
Key Takeaways
- DraftKings’ Early Exit program launched Friday.
- Wagers must be placed before the match and cover the full game to qualify.
- Each sport has a particular timeframe for determination.
DraftKings’ program covers pre-match and full-game player prop bets, single bets, and parlay/same game parlay wagers. If the player injury impacts a parlay, the qualified leg is removed, and the bet is recalculated based on the remaining plays.
Wagers that do not qualify include live or in-play player props, injuries that occur outside of the timeframe, and props that were settled before the injury. Also, wagers that hit before the injury and under bets do not qualify.
Bettors will receive their credits within 24 hours of the bet or the completion of a parlay.
Sport-by-sport timeframes
Early Exit applies to markets for MLB, NFL, NBA, WNBA, and NHL. Golf and non-friendly soccer matches are also covered under the program.
In baseball, if a starting pitcher exits before recording three outs or if a starting hitter leaves prior to their second at-bat, a wager qualifies for Early Exit. The timeframe for NBA and WNBA regular-season games is the first quarter. However, DraftKings extends the program to the first half of NBA postseason games.
NFL injuries before the end of the first quarter during regular-season and playoff games qualify. For hockey, it’s the first period.
If a golfer withdraws before the second round, bettors are credited for their wagers. In soccer, if a player is subbed out in the first half, including injury time and excluding half-time substitutions, the wager qualifies for Early Exit.
The sportsbook said all decisions “rest with DraftKings,” and the operator “reserves the right to interpret and revise the program at any time.”
Early implementation
Even though it didn’t involve an injury, DraftKings used an unforeseen occurrence to implement its new program.
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns recorded the first three outs of Saturday’s MLB Speedway Classic against the Atlanta Braves in Bristol, Tenn. Inclement weather halted the game with two outs in the bottom of the first inning, suspending the game until Sunday afternoon.
“Since it was a unique situation, we’re making your Chase Burns wagers eligible for Early Exit credits,” DraftKings told customers on its social media site X account.
Chase Burns bettors — we heard you, and we got you ♥️
— DraftKings Support (@DK_Assist) August 3, 2025
Since it was a unique situation, we’re making your Chase Burns wagers eligible for Early Exit credits. You’ll see them in your account within 24 hours! pic.twitter.com/s8QZtBqq1W
Player approved
DraftKings was flooded with positive comments following the announcement of the program.
We heard you guys… Introducing Early Exit 🤝
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) August 1, 2025
If your player exits early due to injury, we’ve got your back. DraftKings Sportsbook will deliver cash credits to your account when an unforeseen injury impacts your bets.
More info https://t.co/HvCkv0I8mY | Follow along @DK_Assist pic.twitter.com/QXD0EfuPCM
Many controversies over the last few years have ensued over bettors wanting refunds after players went down early in games. Refunds were previously made at the discretion of the operator and varied by instance. By implementing this feature, DraftKings has a policy in place that won’t be as disputable.
Fanatics Sportsbook launched its popular Fair Play program before the 2024 football season. The sportsbook said in May that it had saved customers more than $8 million in bets. During the NBA postseason, Fanatics paid back more than $500,000 in wagers placed on Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry after he left a game with a hamstring injury. Fair Play sent back more than $2 million during the NBA playoffs.
