A high-profile sportsbook operator made a major decision on a prime-time game.
DraftKings announced Saturday night it would refund losing wagers involving San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel, following a shoulder injury on the team’s first offensive drive against the Green Bay Packers in an NFL Divisional Round playoff game.
Qualifying bettors who placed Samuel wagers online will receive their refund in “bonus bets” within 48 hours.
DEEBO SAMUEL REFUND
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) January 21, 2024
We will be refunding all losing bets that included Deebo Samuel on markets that were undetermined before he left the game. This includes single and parlay wagers where he was the only losing selection.
Credited inside 48 hours, digital bets only, refunded in…
Return attempt failed
Samuel left the game after recording two early catches for 24 yards, showing how much one of the 49ers’ top playmakers was going to be involved in the game. Niners' coach Kyle Shanahan commented on the matter.
He tried to come back, couldn’t do it. I know he did something similar (to the shoulder) vs. Cleveland, so we’ll see tomorrow.
Samuel came off the field after his second catch with 5:35 left in the first quarter, leaving DraftKings customers thinking their bet was toast long before the 49ers rallied late for a 24-21 victory.
Been there done that
Decisions to refund because of injuries aren’t completely uncommon and have sparked controversy in the sports betting industry.
DraftKings made a similar move in October when Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson only carried the ball one time for eight yards, and it was revealed after the game the rookie rusher had an ailment that limited his usage despite it not being reported before or during the game.
DraftKings has also refunded bets because of injuries involving star players like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Luka Doncic of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.
How much business DraftKings has gained from a history of this is unknown, but competitors like FanDuel and BetMGM have received backlash and disgruntled customer comments for not refunding injury-related wagers.
Some bettors see this as a poor business practice and believe injuries are a part of the risk.
