DraftKings Experiences Server Issues During NCAA Tournament After Gonzaga Promotion Hits

As bettors tried logging into their DraftKings app to see winnings from a major promotion, they found an error code rather than betting odds.

The sportsbook displayed a message that read "we are experiencing issues with bet placement and are working on resolving this as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience." Other pop-ups described a "Network error" saying "There is an issue reaching the DraftKings servers, please try again."

It couldn't have come at a worse time for bettors — or the book.

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Just ahead of the next window of NCAA Tournament games beginning with New Mexico State against Connecticut, bettors were ready to spend their promo dollars earned minutes earlier. DraftKings ran a promotion making the Gonzaga moneyline +100 against No. 16 Georgia State. The max bet was $50.

Bettors couldn't re-invest that money on the next game because of the server issues. And DraftKings didn't get an immediate chance to get its money back with customers at a peak interest point.

DraftKings offered an additional, similar statement to Action Network. "We are aware there is an issue with our mobile and online Sportsbook. We are working rapidly to resolve the situation," a spokesperson said.

With favorites off to a 10-2 start against the spread, it's likely there's even more money sitting in accounts waiting to be wagered.

The issue was seemingly resolved at 7:08 p.m. ET. The company's initial announcement of server issues came at 6:50 p.m. ET.

Competitors didn't miss the chance to try to take advantage.

PointsBet offered a $10 free bet to anyone showing a screen shot of DraftKings being down.

Barstool's Dave Portnoy also jumped at the opportunity to promote Barstool Sportsbook.

March Madness competition won't only be on the basketball court this year, apparently.