With so many daily fantasy sports (DFS) sites available now, it can be hard to pick the best one for you.
While there is no limit to the number you can use, you want to make sure you choose one that is safe and gives you a decent shot at winning.
Our picks for the best DFS sites include Underdog, PrizePicks, Sleeper, and ParlayPlay.
Use our tool below to compare DFS apps available in your state and keep reading to learn more about each in our reviews below.
8 Best DFS Sites & Apps – In-Depth Reviews
Below, you'll find our top-rated DFS sites and apps based on our editorial ratings.
Our ratings are based on sign-up bonus value, types of contests, sport availability, payout amount, promotions, user interface, deposits/withdrawals, and customer reviews.
Check out the full reviews of each DFS app linked in its section to learn more.
Best DFS sites:
- Underdog: Best for Pick'em & Drafts
- PrizePicks: Best for Pick'em
- Sleeper: Best for Pick'em & Drafts
- ParlayPlay: Best for Pick'em
- Betr: Best for Pick'em
- Dabble: Best for Pick'em
- OwnersBox: Best for Superflex Salary Cap Contests & Pick'em
- FanDuel DFS: Best for Traditional Salary Cap Contests
1) Underdog: Best for Pick'em & Drafts
States
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY
Sign-Up Bonus
The welcome offer on Underdog is Play $5, Get $100 Bonus plus a gimme pick. Use promo code ODDS100 here.
Underdog is our #1 choice for the best DFS site because of its variety of game types, smooth user experience, and valuable sign-up bonus.
The platform offers games both against others and against the house. With Underdog, you can play season-long best ball, Higher/Lower contests, head-to-head contests, and single-week drafts against other users ranging from 2 to 6 players.
They’ve added Ladders to the mix, a new format where you win more with each player’s breakout night, scaling up to 100x if all your picks crush it.
Underdog offers great payouts on games against the house compared to other DFS sites, and they only take a small cut of draft entry fees.
Underdog pays out more than other DFS apps on 3-for-3 and 4-for-4 insurance entries.
I really like the option of using insurance in the Pick'em contests which allows you to still win money if you only miss one pick of the entry.
Another great thing about Underdog is how easy it is to use both the app and website. Both are well organized, and it's easy to find the DFS contests you're interested in, make your picks, and submit the entry.
The only real drawbacks of Underdog are that sometimes customer support can take a while to respond and there is no rewards program. In our opinion, these aren't big enough issues to not use the platform.
Overall, Underdog is a great option for players who want the option of playing against others or the house in a variety of game types. It is available in more states than almost any other DFS app and offers a top-notch user experience.
Pros
- Variety of game types including against other players & the house
- Great payouts on entries against the house
- Popular Best Ball format with no in-season management
- Some of the largest prize pools among DFS platforms
- Great website & mobile user experience
- Solid sign-up bonus
- Insurance on Pick’em games
Cons
- Customer support sometimes takes awhile to respond
- No rewards/loyalty program
2) PrizePicks: Best for Pick'em
States
PrizePicks operates paid contests in all states except CO, CT, HI, ID, IA, LA, ME, MD, MI, MS, MT, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, and WA.
Sign-Up Bonus
New customers who sign up and play a $5 lineup receive a $50 bonus. Use promo code ODDS100 here.
PrizePicks is one of our top DFS apps thanks to their wide state availability, great payouts, far-reaching community, and industry-leading user experience.
PrizePicks has quickly risen to be one of the most popular Pick'em DFS sites since launching in 2018. With the app, you can predict whether players will score higher or lower than their projected stats and win if you choose correctly.
PrizePicks also runs a game called Pick'em Arena in 14 states. Here, you pick 2 to 4 stats for athletes and predict if they'll exceed or fall short of their projected performance. Your choices are matched with other players who picked similarly and at the same time. If you outscore everyone in your group, you can win up to 10 times your entry, and if you nail a perfect lineup, you take home the whole prize pot.
Payouts are on par or better than most other DFS sites offering these games, and there is a wide variety of sports and player stats available.
According to our analysis of the best Pick'em sites by entry size, PrizePicks is the best to use for 2, 4, 5, and 6-pick entries without insurance (Power Play) and 5 and 6-pick entries with insurance (Flex Play).
Both the PrizePicks app and website offer a smooth user experience. It's easy to find the sports and players you're interested in and place your entry.
You can win up to 2,000x on PrizePicks, but it takes six correct picks—all of them demon projections. These are tougher versions of the original projections (like Lebron James' 34.5 points instead of 28.5), skewed against the player.
On the downside, there are some customer complaints about trouble withdrawing money and the app sometimes crashing. These both aren't anything we've experienced in playing, however.
Overall, PrizePicks is up there with the best DFS apps, especially if you want to play Pick'em games against the house. It is available in 31 states, and new customers can take advantage of the valuable sign-up bonus.
Pros
- Great payouts—especially for 5 & 6-pick Flex plays
- Max payout 2,000x
- Quick payouts
- Competitive sign-up bonus
- Smooth user experience on the website & in app
- 24/7 live chat
- Refer-a-friend program
Cons
- Better payouts for 3-pick entries available elsewhere
- Better payouts for 4-pick entries with insurance available elsewhere
3) Sleeper: Best for Pick'em & Drafts
States
Sleeper is available in all states but there are no paid contests in AZ, CO, CT, DE, HI, ID, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MS, MO, MT, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, and WA. Learn more in our Sleeper states guide.
Sign-Up Bonus
New customers get $20 free (no deposit required) plus their first deposit matched up to $100. Use Sleeper promo code ODDS100 here to claim.
Sleeper has been one of the most popular season-long fantasy platforms for a few years now, but more recently introduced DFS games, including traditional contests and Pick'em games in which you can win up to a 1,000x payout per entry.
The variety of DFS games that Sleeper offers, as well as its availability across the nation, make it one of the best DFS platforms. One thing that makes Sleeper unique is that it has at least some games available in all 50 states.
The user experience is also fantastic. From creating an account to entering lineups, Sleeper is easy to use even for people with no prior experience playing fantasy sports.
Sleeper DFS gives new players a generous sign-up bonus. They'll match your first deposit, dollar for dollar, up to $100. So, if you deposit $100 after signing up, you'll start with $200 in your account. Newcomers also receive $20 free as a no deposit bonus on signup.
If you're looking for a DFS app that offers both daily drafts as well as Pick'em contests (called just “Picks” on the platform), then Sleeper is one of the best options to consider.
Pros
- Valuable sign-up bonus
- Variety of game types including Daily Drafts & Pick'em games
- Daily drafts during the NFL season
- Easy to navigate the app & website
- Has eSports contets
Cons
- Limited sport availability
- No rewards/loyalty program
4) ParlayPlay: Best for Pick'em
States
AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, KS, KY, MA, MN, NE, NM, NC, ND, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VT, WI, WY
Sign-Up Bonus
Get a $5 no-deposit bonus for signing up, plus a 100% deposit match up to $100 by using the ParlayPlay promo code ODDS100 here.
ParlayPlay is one of the top DFS sites and arguably the simplest to use of all that we've reviewed.
You simply pick whether players will go over or under their projected stats or where a player's stats will fall within predetermined ranges. If all your picks hit, you win.
Like many other sites on this list, you are playing against the house. The more selections you make (and hit), the more money you win.
ParlayPlay recently introduced a Dynamic Multipliers system, which adjusts the payout for each pick based on how likely the outcome is. This means that for certain lines, you might get a better payout compared to other Pick'em sites, especially when choosing riskier options.
What I really like about ParlayPlay are the promotions that can be genuinely valuable. They offer Protected Picks, where you get a refund on your entry fee if your picks miss, and over 10 daily payout boosts, giving you bigger multipliers on specific picks than usual. They also have Weekly Flash Lines, where they lower a player’s stat line so much that it becomes almost a sure thing to hit.
ParlayPlay is one of the few DFS sites that gives you a no-deposit bonus. By just signing up, you get $5 to start playing with.
ParlayPlay also offers a variety of sports—such as football, baseball, basketball, and hockey, esports, soccer—as well as first and second-half lines—something that not many DFS platforms offer as of now.
On the downside, you can only withdraw $1,000 at a time. There are also limited deposit and withdrawal options.
Overall, if you're looking for a simple DFS app that lets you submit pick'em entries against the house, ParlayPlay is the way to go.
Pros
- Sign-up offer that includes a no deposit bonus + $100 deposit match
- Free-to-play contests
- First half & second half picks available
- 1x playthrough requirement on bonus funds
- Live chat support
- UFC fights
- Various promotions available
Cons
- $1,000 withdrawal limit
- Few payment methods available
5) Betr: Best for Pick'em
States
AK, AR, CA, DC, GA, KS, KY, IL, IN, MN, NE, NM, NC, ND, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, WI, WY
Sign-Up Bonus
New customers get $10 no deposit bonus + 50% match on their first deposit, up to $200 in bonus funds. Must use promo code ASSIST when signing up.
Betr Picks is a newer DFS Pick'em app founded in part by internet star Jake Paul in 2023. Just because it's new doesn't mean that it can't keep up with the big dogs, though.
Like other Pick'em sites, with Betr Picks, you choose More or Less on player stat projections and win real money if you get your picks right. The more picks you include, the more you win.
One thing that sets Betr apart is that the app has payouts up to 10,000x, which is higher than most DFS apps. To unlock this huge payout, you must create an 7-pick entry with “Boosted” picks which are harder to hit than standard picks but increase your payout.
When it comes to payouts, Betr is around average compared to competitors. While it doesn't offer the best payout for any one entry size, it's tied for the best for 2-pick entries without insurance (called Perfect Play mode).
Another huge plus for Betr Picks is the app's user experience. I find myself regularly opening it first simply due to how easy it is to get around and how intuitive the layout is. The league and team logos, along with player pictures, make it super easy to find what I'm looking for.
I also really like how Betr currently offers a “Play & Get” sign-up bonus instead a “no sweat” entry like they used to. With Betr's old offer, you would only receive the bonus if your first entry lost. While this was nice insurance, you could still lose the bonus funds if you received them, leaving you with nothing. With the current offer, you're guaranteed the money regardless of whether your entry wins or losses.
Betr has expanded beyond DFS with the launch of its social sportsbook, a new branch of the app where players in 25 states can make free sports picks, earn redeemable prizes, and interact with other users. It's a bridge between fantasy contests and traditional betting.
There is only really one major downside of Betr besides having lower payouts for certain entry sizes: the lack of a desktop version of the platform.
While Betr does have a website, you can't actually see players or build lineups on it—you'll have to download the app to do that. This isn't a huge factor for me since I almost exclusively use DFS apps, but I know some players prefer desktop sites.
With that being said, Betr's welcome offer is definitely worth taking advantage of and the app, as a whole, has established itself as one of the best in a short time.
Pros
- Up to 2000x payouts
- Smooth, lag-free experience
- Wide selection of player stats
- No pushes (no half-point projections)
- Sportsbook available in same app
Cons
- Better payouts at competitors for certain entry sizes
- Can't play on desktop
6) Dabble: Best for Pick'em
States
AK, AR, CA, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MN, NE, NM, NC, ND, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY
Sign-Up Bonus
New customers can get $25 of free entries after signing up—no deposit required. Use Dabble promo code ODDS here.
Dabble hit the scene in late 2023 and is catching on fast with DFS players. It has a lot going for it, including a no-deposit bonus, good payouts on 2, 3, 4, and 6-pick entries, great boost promos, and a creative social feature that adds a communal vibe to the game.
You instantly get $25 on the house when you join—no deposit required. Enter the promo code ODDS to claim the welcome offer and try out the games without ever making a deposit.
Dabble also runs various promos for all players, including spin-the-wheel giveaways, rocket boosts, and more.
Dabble specializes in Pick’em DFS contests, where you predict if players will hit “More” or “Less” than the game's stat line projections. It spans a wide array of sports, including everything from the major leagues to college sports, MMA, soccer, and golf.
There are two gameplay modes to choose from: All In and Hedge. In All In, you need all your picks to be correct to win. “Hedge” acts as a sort of insurance, offering you a smaller payout even if some of your picks don't come through.
Overall, Dabble is worth adding to your DFS app lineup. Their payouts for 2, 3, 4, and 6-pick entries, especially, are great.
We do recommend using other apps (mostly Underdog and PrizePicks) if you want to add insurance to your entry since Dabble's payouts with insurance aren't as good.
Dabble stands out as one of the few DFS platforms offering 8 or more picks per entry. While I typically steer clear of these longshot entries due to them having little chance of hitting, I recognize some players enjoy the thrill of aiming high. If shooting for the moon is your style, Dabble could be your launchpad.
One of Dabble's signature features is the “Banter” section—a social component not often found in competing platforms. It opens up a space for users to see what others are playing, copy entries from fellow players, and chat with each other, adding a unique interactive layer to the DFS experience.
Dabble accepts credit/debit cards and Apple Pay for deposits. You can get started for as little as $5.
Pros
- No deposit bonus
- Good selection of sports
- Competitive payouts for 2-4 pick entries
- User-friendly app
- Interactive “Banter” feature
Cons
- few banking methods
- No rewards/loyalty program
7) OwnersBox: Best for Superflex Salary Cap Contests & Pick'em
States
AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, KS, KY, MD, ME, MA, MN, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WV, WI, WY
Sign-Up Bonus
100% deposit match up to $100 plus a free $10 entry to Superflex DFS + free $10 entry into Lightning Lineups. Use promo code ODDS500 here.
OwnersBox is a new DFS site that allows you to play salary cap contests against others or choose a lineup of players against the house (called Lightning Lineups).
Aside from having the most valuable sign-up bonus of any DFS platform, we really like that OwnersBox lets you play against others or against them. They also offer Free Roll contests that require no entry fee in exchange for lower payouts.
Salary cap contests are in a Superflex format that allows you to add an extra player to your lineups in the Flex spot, such as an extra QB in football. Another great thing about these contests is that they are much less competitive than FanDuel and DraftKings which have a ton of players using algorithms to submit multiple lineups.
Lightning Lineups are a unique spin on against-the-house games that we've found to be really easy and fun to play. With these, you choose a pre-determined lineup of players to compete against OwnersBox's lineups. The more lineups you compete against, the higher your payout.
OwnersBox has a rewards program that gives you 1% of your entry fees as OwnersBucks, which you can use to enter contests.
The user experience and customer reviews are both excellent. There are rarely any issues using the app or site, and it's easy to find the contests you're interested in and submit lineups.
On the downside, OwnersBox only offers the Big Four leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL). In addition, the deposit bonus has a 3x playthrough requirement, meaning you have to play bonus funds 3 times before you can withdraw them.
If you're interested in both salary cap contests and playing against the house, OwnersBox is a phenomenal option.
Pros
- Innovative gaming options highlighted by Lightning Lineups
- Industry-leading sign-up bonus
- OwnersBucks rewards program
- Smaller user base makes contests less competitive
- Winnings hit your account within 30 minutes of contest ending
- Offer free contests
- Great user experience with easy navigation and helpful filters
- Easy to pick and submit lineups in Superflex DFS
- Quick withdrawal times
Cons
- Only offers contests for NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL
- No live chat or phone support
- 3x playthrough requirement on deposit bonus
- Maximum betting limit for first-time users
8) FanDuel DFS: Best for Traditional Salary Cap Contests
States
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY
Sign-Up Bonus
The sign-up bonus on FanDuel DFS is a free NFL contest entry just for registering. There is no promo code required, claim here.
FanDuel was one of the original DFS platforms with DraftKings when it launched football salary cap contests in 2009. It's still widely regarded as one of the top DFS sites in the U.S.
Traditional salary cap contests are still the bread and butter of FanDuel DFS. They allow you to select a lineup of players competing that day or week while staying under the salary cap. You play against a pool of other players and the top performers win money.
While the most popular contests feature large prize pools, these can be competitive as there are many players that use complex algorithms to submit multiple lineups. There are, however, beginner and intermediate contests that are easier to win as they only allow players who have entered a certain amount of contests to play.
FanDuel has recently dabbled in the Pick’em space, unveiling its FanDuel Picks product. It’s a peer-to-peer Pick’em contest where you make predictions on 3 to 6 athletes, calling whether they’ll go over or under their listed stat projections.
Once you lock in your picks, they’re entered into a pool with other users running lineups of the same size. You go head-to-head, and if your calls land more often than the rest, you climb the payout ladder. Hit them all, and the prize can reach as high as 1,000x your entry fee.
With over a decade of experience and fine-tuning, the FanDuel app and site are both easy to use once you get the hang of it and rarely crash or have downtime.
FanDuel DFS also has a loyalty platform that lets you acquire FanDuel Points (FDP) that you can claim for free entries and other rewards.
FanDuel offers a wide variety of sports—such as football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and many more—as well as many variations of games that are exciting to play.
Overall, if you prefer traditional DFS contests that use a salary cap, FanDuel is our top recommendation.
Pros
- One of the oldest and most popular DFS platforms
- Largest prize pools in the industry
- No deposit bonus available
- Great rewards program
- Widest offer of available sports
- Good user experience
Cons
- Platform saturated with professional DFS players
- Interface can be difficult to navigate for new players
- Limited ongoing promotions
How to Choose the Best DFS Site or App
DFS is very competitive, just like sports betting. There are two juggernauts and a number of middle-of-the-pack platforms hoping to dethrone them.
Picking a suitable site should be reasonably straightforward then, right? Not necessarily. There are a lot of newer DFS sites offering unique games that you can’t find with the big dogs. These might be more suitable for you depending on what type of games you want to play.
When trying to select the best daily fantasy site for your needs, you should consider the following factors:
- Which types of games you want to play. Each DFS site has different contest selections. While one site may specialize in salary cap format, another’s calling card could be Higher/Lower contests. For example, many new DFS sites and apps offer Pick'em games (Higher/Lower contests) but not traditional salary cap-based drafts like FanDuel and DraftKings do.
- How much of a cut the platform takes/payouts for higher/lower games and head-to-head games. All DFS player vs. player contests have a rake, with operators taking a percentage of the entry fees. Naturally, you should gravitate toward sites that charge a lower rake. When it comes to games against the house, you should play with operators that provide the best payout odds. The industry standard is: 2 of 2 pays 3x; 3 of 3 pays 5x; 4 of 4 pays 10x. Pick sites that pay out at least this much (preferably more) and avoid those with lower payouts.
- Sign-up bonus. On DFS sites, your sign-up bonus won't be as massive as with traditional sportsbooks. Nevertheless, many still offer valuable promos such as a 100% match deposit of up to $100. Some DFS platforms offer free contest entries as part of their new customer bonus. When evaluating different welcome bonuses, select the one that fits your playing style while considering its size, too.
- Rewards program. Only some DFS sites have a loyalty program in place, offering various perks to returning players for their long-term commitment. Benefits range from free competition entries to bonus funds. This is definitely something to consider if you plan on playing DFS actively.
- Deposit and withdrawal options. Payment method availability varies between DFS platforms. It makes no sense to choose a site that you can’t deposit money into or withdraw from.
- Customer reviews. User testimonials can provide valuable insight into how a DFS operator handles business and whether it’s trustworthy as well as if the app or site crashes regularly or has poor customer service.
Types of Daily Fantasy Sports Sites & Games
Daily fantasy sports games come in various forms with varying prize potentials and selection structures. You should understand the different types of games so you can choose the best DFS site for you. Below, we’ll try to make sense of it all by breaking down the most popular forms of DFS games.
Traditional Salary Cap Contests
Traditional salary cap contests were the original games popularized by FanDuel and DraftKings when DFS first launched.
In these DFS contests, entrants put together a team using a preset budget—aka the salary cap. The objective is to select the best lineup possible while staying under the salary cap.
Salary cap contestants are ranked using a points system. Your players earn points based on their individual performances, just like in normal fantasy football. The more points you get, the higher your ranking and the better your chances are of winning a prize.
Depending on the contest, you might need to have the highest score to be eligible for the award, whereas others might require you to place among the top half or third. When it’s split among the top half or third, the players that rank the highest make the most and it goes incrementally down from there
Payout amounts in salary cap contents vary primarily by how many entrants there are and what the entry fee is (typically ranging from $1 to $100).
In double-ups, a variation of cash games, half of the players win double their entry fees. The Guaranteed Prize Pool (GPP) is a tournament competition with a higher entry fee that pays out more.
The metric value for statistical achievements varies between DFS operators. For instance, a reception in an NFL game is worth 0.5 points at FanDuel, but 1 point at DraftKings.
FanDuel and OwnersBox are the best DFS apps if you’re looking for traditional salary cap contests.
Draft Contests
Draft contests are not constrained by salary caps. Entrants draft a team from a pool of players, just like in normal fantasy.
In draft contests, the pool of players available is shared between entrants. Once someone selects an athlete, no one else can pick him/her. Contestants pick players to form their squads one after another in a snake format (the last pick of the first round gets the first pick of the second round), with around 30 to 60 seconds to do so.
You’ll earn points based on how well your players perform in the game. Like salary cap contests, the most successful entrants win prizes at the end of the event. The number of entrants can be as little as 2 and as high as 12.
Underdog and Sleeper are the best DFS sites for drafts.
Pick'Em Games
This new type of DFS game works the same way as player prop bets at sportsbooks. Essentially, you're predicting whether a specific player (or several players) will go higher or lower than a specific stat total and playing against the house.
Sites like PrizePicks allow you to choose which players and stat categories you want to include in your entry. It then works like a parlay in sports betting where you have to win all legs of the entry to win the entire thing. The more selections you add to your entry, the higher your payout will be.
For example, you can take Kevin Durant to score more than 30.5 and Ja Morant to score under 28.5 points in an NBA game. The more picks you add, the bigger the payout. In most cases, you’re competing against the house and not other participants.
To be considered a daily fantasy site and not a sportsbook, platforms require that you pick at least two players from two different teams.
Several of our picks for the best DFS apps offer Pick'em contests, including Underdog, Sleeper, Betr, Dabble, PrizePicks, and ParlayPlay.
You can also check out our guide to the Best DFS Pick'em Sites by Entry Size to find the ideal site to use based on how many picks you want to include.
The latest spin-off of traditional Pick’em contests is Peer-to-Peer Pick’em, where you’re no longer going up against the house. Instead, your entry competes against other users for a share of a prize pool.
Your payout depends on how well your picks perform compared to the rest of the field. It’s a more competitive format that adds a leaderboard-style twist to the standard Pick’em experience.
Top DFS apps like Underdog, PrizePicks, and Sleeper now offer these peer formats under names like “Champions” and “Arena”
Head-to-Head Games
When daily fantasy sites offer H2H games, they typically refer to one of two things:
- You vs a single other player. This is a one-on-one contest where you battle against one opponent rather than an entire field. In this case, it's your team versus the other entry, with the winner taking the entire pot minus the company's fee.
- Choosing which player will perform better. In this case, you have to decide whether at least one of two players will perform better in a specific stat, such as points, rushing yards, or hits. The more matchups you add, the higher the payout. If you miss one matchup, you typically lose the entire entry.
- Your lineup vs the house’s lineup. On some DFS sites, players in H2H games compete against house line-ups instead of random users. Like with Higher/Lower games, the more lineups you choose to compete against, the bigger the potential payout.
Many of the best DFS apps offer H2H games, such as Underdog.
Which States Allow DFS Contests?
The legality of daily fantasy sports has been a hot topic over the past few years. Like other forms of online gaming, the DFS industry regulations differ from state to state.
Most lawmakers across the country consider daily fantasy sports to be a skill-based activity. Consequently, it’s easier to gain legislative approval than other forms of gaming involving the element of chance, like sports betting.
Around half the states have formally legalized DFS, including:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Louisiana
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Another 20 or so states have no statutes formally legalizing DFS, but they don't explicitly criminalize it either. Those jurisdictions tolerate daily fantasy sports sites operating in a gray area.
Several states prohibit DFS competitions outright, most notably Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Nevada.
Types of DFS Bonuses New and Existing Players Can Use
here are the types of promos you'll see most often on the best DFS apps:
- No deposit bonuses: These are the easiest to claim since they don’t require any upfront payment. Most of the time, you’ll receive bonus funds or a free entry just for creating an account. Platforms like Dabble and ParlayPlay frequently run no deposit offers. The bonus amount typically ranges from $5 to $25 and can usually be used on any contest type.
- Deposit match bonuses. Platforms like Underdog and DraftKings offer a percentage match on your first deposit (often 100% up to a set limit). These are usually released as bonus cash or contest credits and may require playthrough.
- “Play X, Get Y” Bonuses. These are structured around your playing activity. For example, a site might offer “Play $10, Get $50 in bonus credits.” These deals can be more accessible than deposit matches because they don't require a large initial bankroll.
- Entry insurance / protected play. During major events like NFL Sundays, the top daily fantasy sports sites offer entry insurance that refunds part or all of your entry fee in bonus credits if your lineup barely misses. Sites such as FanDuel and ParlayPlay often use this promotion to reduce the sting of near-wins
- Odds & payout boosts. Occasionally, DFS platforms will increase the payout multipliers for Pick’em-style entries. For example, a 4-leg pick might pay out at +1800 instead of +1500. These boosts are usually temporary and tend to show up on platforms like Underdog, PrizePicks, and DraftKings+.
- Stat discounts. This type of promo reduces a player’s projected stat line to an extremely low number, like 0.5 passing yards for Patrick Mahomes. These plays are almost guaranteed wins and are designed to make it easier to build longer entries. You’ll often find these discounts leading into marquee matchups or national TV games. PrizePicks and Underdog rotate these weekly, especially around major games.
- Airdrops & flash promos. The best DFS apps offer surprise rewards such as free entries or bonus credits that are randomly added to your account. FanDuel and Dabble use this tactic to increase user retention. These promotions usually appear in your notifications or promo tab, so it’s a good idea to check regularly.
- If/then pick boosters. These bonuses are triggered by specific conditions or streaks. For example, a site might offer a reward if you hit three correct entries in a row or if your lineup wins under certain stat thresholds.
- Loyalty rewards: Frequent players may earn points or cashback based on their activity. Programs like FanDuel Rewards or OwnersBox Bucks reward users for consistent volume.
Features That Set Top DFS Platforms Apart
Here are some of the most useful and unique features you’ll find across top daily fantasy apps:
- Community chat and feed. Apps like Dabble and OwnersBox include built-in chat and scrolling feeds where users can react, comment, and follow one another. These features create a social, interactive environment that feels more like a community than just a contest lobby.
- Pick sharing and copy tools. Dabble offers a TikTok-style feed of real user entries you can copy with a tap. PrizePicks and Underdog also let users share screenshots or browse community leaderboards, giving you a quick look at what others are playing.
- Live entry editing. Some platforms allow you to edit or cancel entries before they lock, particularly in full-game draft formats. A few even let you swap out players mid-contest if someone is ruled out, which adds flexibility without penalizing users for last-minute scratches.
- Stat filtering and custom research tools. FanDuel’s AceAI and DraftKings’ prop builders let you search for player props by team, matchup, or trend. These tools can speed up your entry-building process while helping you find stronger picks with less guesswork.
- Multi-round and cross-game entries. FanDuel has offered March Madness entries where you can link picks across different rounds—like a Final Four winner combined with a national champion. These formats are rare and usually only found on the best DFS sites.
Smart Ways to Win More on DFS Sites
Winning consistently on DFS apps takes more than just following stats. It requires timing, game theory, and a little creativity. Here are some tips that could help you win more often:
- Compare payout structures before you lock. Different DFS apps pay out very differently for the same type of entry. A 3-pick Power Play might pay 5x on PrizePicks but 6x or more on Dabble. A 5-leg entry could yield 10x on one app and 12x or 15x on another. Check the payout table before committing your picks. You’d be surprised how much variance there is in payouts across the best DFS apps.
- Copy trusted community picks selectively: Apps like Dabble make it easy to follow and copy community entries, but don’t blindly mimic everything you see. Look for users with consistent ROI, whether that’s on-platform or through Reddit posts. Use their picks as a starting point, then cross-check with your own research. The goal is to learn from others, not outsource your entire lineup.
- Use stacking in multi-player drafts: If you’re playing in live snake drafts like those on Underdog or DraftKings, stacking a quarterback with one or more teammates can create strong lineup synergy. It’s especially effective in game-stack formats where you want to capture correlated scoring. Even a QB + WR combo can boost ceiling without adding much risk.
- Enter underowned value picks in big contests: When entering large-field GPPs, especially on the best DFS sites like FanDuel or DraftKings, value often comes from overlooked players. Veteran DFS users often dig through projections and injury reports to find low-ownership plays that still have strong upside. Hitting on a breakout game from one of these picks can be the difference between cashing and taking first.
- Capitalize on early release and late swap: Some platforms let you enter contests early, before pricing sharpens or ownership projections settle. Others allow last-minute adjustments just before lock. Using both tactics can give you better value and the chance to pivot away from chalk once new info (like injuries or weather) drops.
How to Play Daily Fantasy Sports
Getting started on the top DFS sites is simple, whether you’re building a lineup or making quick Pick’em selections. Here’s how it works:
- Choose a DFS site/app that fits your preferences. Some platforms focus on Pick’em formats, while others offer traditional drafts or a mix of both.
- Sign up for an account. Most sites require basic info like your name, email, and location. You’ll also need to enable GPS or location services on your device, since DFS apps can only be used from eligible states.
- Verify your identity if needed. This might include uploading a photo of your driver’s license or a recent utility bill.
- Deposit funds using one of the supported payment methods, such as a debit card, PayPal, or online banking.
- Pick your contest type.
- In Pick’em games, you’ll choose whether players will go higher or lower than projected stats and stack 2 to 8 choices in one entry.
- In draft-based contests, you’ll enter a live draft, select your roster, and compete against other users in real time.
- Submit your picks or lineup. Make sure everything is finalized before the contest locks, because most platforms won’t allow you to modify live entries once the game starts.
- Watch the action and track your performance. If your entry hits, you’ll receive a payout based on the rules of that contest.
Background of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a spin on fantasy sports that lets players play daily or weekly contests against others or against the house. It emerged in 2007 and gained popularity thanks to DraftKings and FanDuel in the early 2010s which initially focused on football but have since expanded to many other sports.
Conceptually, DFS mirrors traditional fantasy sports like fantasy football. You create a team composed of real athletes from a specific sports league. Traditionally, the lineup must stay within the predetermined budget and salary cap, as you buy players at fictional prices set by the DFS site.
You earn points based on your roster's statistical performance in real-world competitions. The better your team’s real-life equivalents perform, the more points you’ll collect. When the contest is over, the contestants with the most points win a prize.
Contest length is where DFS and fantasy sports diverge. Fantasy sports are season-long competitions that last for several months, whereas DFS contests run daily—hence the name. You also typically compete against thousands of other players with DFS.
Newer DFS sites let you make player stat picks against the house such as in higher/lower contests or head-to-head matchups between players. These are similar to player prop parlays in sports betting but require at least two players from two different teams to not be considered gambling.
Common Sports on DFS Sites & Apps
There is a range of sports available depending on which DFS app you choose. Here’s what you can generally find on top DFS sites:
- NFL
- NBA
- MLB
- NHL
- Golf
- NASCAR
- Soccer
- NCAA
- MMA
- eSports (LoL, Dota 2, CS2, Valorant, COD, Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, PUBG, Overwatch)
- Tennis
- WNBA
Common DFS Site Deposit & Withdrawal Methods
There are several banking options available on the best DFS apps, more so for deposits than withdrawals. On most sites, you’ll be able to deposit and cash out via the following payment methods:
- Credit/debit cards
- Wire transfer
- Venmo
- Apple Pay
- PayPal
- Gift card
- Online banking
- Checks
Keep in mind that some DFS apps may impose withdrawal limits. For example, Sleeper caps withdrawals at $1,000 per transaction and $5,000 per 24 hours. These limits can vary by platform, so it's worth checking the rules before requesting a payout.
Daily Fantasy Sports FAQs
Is DFS gambling?
No, DFS is not considered gambling because it is viewed as a game of skill rather than a game of luck with like traditional sports betting.
What is the minimum age to play DFS?
It depends on the state. It’s 21+ in Arizona, Virginia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Louisiana, 19+ in Alabama and Nebraska, and 18+ in other states where DFS is legal.
What is the best DFS site?
Underdog is our top DFS site thanks to its variety of game types, great user experience, and overwhelmingly positive customer reviews.
Can you use more than one DFS site?
Yes, you can play on as many sites as you want. There is no rule preventing you from playing on more than one site.
What are the most popular DFS sites?
FanDuel and DraftKings are the two powerhouses in daily fantasy sports. These two brands started the industry and take up the vast majority of the market share.
Is DFS safe?
Yes, reputable DFS platforms like the ones on this page are legal and use strong security measures to protect players' sensitive information. DFS sites are subject to strict licensing procedures, further demonstrating their trustworthiness.
Where can I find DFS advice?
There are many sites that provide DFS advice, such as Rotowire, Draft Sharks, and FantasyPros. We're also working on building out DFS tools here at Odds Assist to help you make better lineup decisions—stay tuned!
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