FOX Bet

Overview

FOX Bet was a well-known name in the US sports betting landscape, born from a high-profile partnership between media giant FOX Sports and The Stars Group, a major player in online gaming. This collaboration aimed to create a unique and engaging sports betting experience by leveraging the extensive media reach of FOX Sports. The platform launched in New Jersey in 2019 and expanded to other states, including Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Michigan.

Despite its strong brand recognition and a polished product, FOX Bet officially ceased operations on July 31, 2023. The platform struggled to capture a significant share of the highly competitive US market. This review reflects on the sportsbook's features and performance during its operational years.

Sign-Up Bonus

FOX Bet offered a competitive sign-up bonus to attract new users. The most common offer was a "$50 Second Chance Bet." New users who placed their first bet up to $50 would receive a refund in the form of a bonus bet if their wager lost. This type of risk-free bet is a popular and effective way to encourage new players to try out a platform without the immediate risk of losing their initial stake. The bonus came with certain conditions, such as a time limit to use the bonus bet, which was typically seven days.

Odds Quality

FOX Bet was generally considered to have competitive odds, especially on major US sports like the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Their moneylines and point spreads were often in line with, or even better than, some of the top-tier sportsbooks in the market. This was a significant strength for FOX Bet, as it appealed to both casual and more experienced bettors who are always looking for the best value.

User Experience

The user experience on FOX Bet was a mixed bag. The platform, both on the web and through its mobile app, was polished and visually appealing. The integration with FOX Sports content, such as expert picks and analysis, was a unique feature that set it apart. However, some users found the interface to be cluttered and overwhelming at times. The app, in particular, was criticized for being too busy, with a heavy emphasis on casino games, which could be distracting for users who were primarily interested in sports betting.

Mobile App

The FOX Bet mobile app was available for both iOS and Android devices. It was a well-developed app that offered a full range of betting markets and features. The app was fast and responsive, and it was easy to find and place bets. However, as mentioned earlier, the cluttered interface was a common complaint. Despite this, the app was generally considered to be a solid offering, with a good layout for creating parlays and finding promotions.

Deposit/Withdrawal Methods

FOX Bet offered a variety of convenient and secure deposit and withdrawal methods. These included credit and debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and other popular e-wallets. The availability of these options made it easy for users to manage their funds. Payout speeds were generally considered to be in line with industry standards.

Market Depth

FOX Bet offered a wide range of betting markets, with a strong focus on major US sports. In addition to the standard moneylines, point spreads, and totals, they also offered a good selection of props, futures, and live betting options. The market depth was a strong point for FOX Bet, as it catered to a wide variety of betting preferences.

Promotions

In addition to the sign-up bonus, FOX Bet offered a variety of ongoing promotions to keep users engaged. These included daily odds boosts, parlay insurance, and other special offers tied to specific games or events. The promotions were a key part of the FOX Bet experience and were often highlighted on the platform.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong brand recognition and integration with FOX Sports content
• Competitive odds, especially on major US sports
• Polished and visually appealing interface
• Wide range of betting markets
• Variety of ongoing promotions

Cons:

• Ceased operations in July 2023
• Cluttered interface, especially on the mobile app
• Struggled to gain significant market share
• Heavy emphasis on casino games could be distracting

Final Verdict

FOX Bet was a promising online sportsbook with a lot to offer. The partnership between FOX Sports and The Stars Group created a unique and engaging platform with a strong brand identity. However, despite its strengths, FOX Bet was ultimately unable to compete with the top players in the crowded US sports betting market. While it is no longer operational, it will be remembered as a solid, if not spectacular, option for sports bettors during its time.