Figuring Out Our Sportsbook Odds

It’s the few days before March Madness really begins, people are debating the upsets, fans are arranging travel plans, and people can’t wait to figure out their brackets. This is one of the most exciting times of year for the DraftKings Trading team.

The team is working together to figure out all the different props and probabilities for the incredibly unpredictable College Basketball Tournament. Brennan, a Trading Manager on the team says the excitement, collaboration, and creativity are impressive.  

“We have a very short window of time from Selection Sunday to when there’s the first tipoff to put up as many markets as we possibly can,” he said. “I think that process, that collaborative creative process is really fun.

The Trading team thrives on collaboration—not just within their group but across the entire company. “We’re constantly working with data scientists, marketing teams, and product developers to innovate,” Travis, another Trading manager said. “It's a very high-energy, dynamic, fast-paced environment for the LIVE trading team specifically. It's interesting to see how people respond to the pressures of the environment that we're placed in.” 

Brennan and Travis started as entry-level traders three years ago and are now leaders on their teams. They were both promoted to managers within a few years of starting. 

The innovation and ability to be creative with the work the traders are doing is something that fuels Brennan. He started his career as a professional bettor but decided he wanted to actually be the one creating the odds. 

Travis and Brennan start their day at our new Las Vegas Office, where one floor is dedicated to the Trading Team. You’ll see massive TVs with sports playing everywhere, you’ll hear people talking about the markets they are working in, and there will always be a friendly debate about the game of the week. 

“We're all very ambitious and we want to make DraftKings the place to be for everything,” Travis said. He talks about how everyone is very supportive, from helping others learn new skills to providing support during high-stress situations. 

You can listen to more stories from Brennan and Travis in the full episode of the DraftKings Life Podcast. Think you’re ready to join the team? Check out our roles.