Daily fantasy sports is a popular alternative to sports betting, in which players go head to head in regular prediction games to climb the leaderboards and unlock grand prizes. For anyone who hasn’t tried fantasy sports, it is quite an exhilarating experience, and there are fantasy games for all the biggest sports in the US, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, various soccer leagues, golf, and more.
Technically, fantasy sports games do not fall into the same legal bracket as sports betting, it takes on a more gamified approach to predicting sports. Here, we will detail the legality, gambling elements and how daily fantasy sports games work. Whilst DFS and sports betting may seem similar, they are different in many aspects.
Best DFS Sites and Apps
Before analyzing each of our shortlisted “best DFS sites”, we want to explain how daily fantasy sports games work quickly. The classic daily fantasy sports format involves users drafting teams using real-life players, and these teams would get points based on the projected stats and feats of the real-life players. You are given a salary cap, and must purchase players to fill out your team using that cap. Then, you go ahead and start picking a Quarterback, Running Back, Center, Tight End and so on, until your team is fully built. Your team will then accrue points based on the player’s performance, and you can climb the leaderboards.
But there are lots of other types of fantasy games too, that go beyond drafting lineups. For instance, Pick’Em games require you to make predictions based on player stats, game results, margin of victory, or a variety of other game-related statistics. We will explore these, and various other DFS games, for each of our chosen best DFS sites.
#1. DraftKings Fantasy Sports
DraftKings is among the biggest US sportsbooks, and also one of the most successful DFS sites in the country. DraftKings Fantasy is legal in over 40 US states, as well as all 12 Canadian provinces, and it covers 14 sports categories. These include the major US sports leagues, NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, as well as Soccer, NASCAR, Tennis, Golf, college sports and eSports, among others.
One of the key highlights of DraftKings Fantasy is that it has a good variety of DFS contest types. You can enter public or private tournaments, season-long or daily contests, compete in H2H against a single opponent, test your lineups in In-Game Showdowns, or just stick to Casual play. There are contests for players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans. There are free contests and ones that you can spend money to enter, where the prize pool can range in the thousands of dollars. These featured contests generally do not cost much to enter, you can compete for $5 to $10, and the minimum deposit limit at DraftKings Fantasy is set at $5.
Just to not miss out on anything, we should also mention that DraftKings has a Pick’Em fantasy platform called DraftKings Pick6. It is part of the DraftKings family, but you will need to download a separate betting app for Pick6. This is more of a picking game where you have to pick 2 to 6 player projection predictions – using the Higher/Lower prediction format. This format is practically the same as betting on Over/Under. All you need to do is make your picks (the more, the bigger your potential rewards), and then submit the entry fee on your prediction to activate it.
#2. Epick Fantasy
Epick Fantasy is a DFS app with a unique twist. It is a peer to peer DFS betting app, in which you can enter competitions directly against your peers, and pick from a variety of competitions and contests. The 50/50 contests feature GPP games, in which you have to beat half the competition to unlock prizes, and then you instantly make 1.8x the entry fee. Then, there are pick 2, 3, 4 and 5 tournaments which are a little trickier to win, but you can win up to 36x, which is a lot higher than many other DFS apps.
Covering the NFL, NBA, Soccer, MLB, NHL and various other popular US sports, Epick Fantasy is a pretty versatile DFS betting app. It has a grand variety of tournaments and plenty of nifty little perks through which you can optimize your bankroll and swing for the fences. Epick Fantasy values transparency and fairness in DFS contests, and doesn’t change the lines or limit the action by adding on any kind of juice. For its services, Epick Fantasy takes a 10% rake off tournament proceeds, a fair business model that supplies an outstanding range of DFS contests and possibilities to mix your picks across different games and sports.
Not many DFS apps have such straightforward gameplay, or such a variety of tournaments to pick from, but Epick Fantasy ticks both boxes and gives you a chance to pit your betting predictions against your peers.
#3. FanDuel Daily Fantasy Sports
FanDuel, like DraftKings, has a diverse array of betting products and DFS games to offer American sports fans. The Fantasy app covers 11 sports categories, including all the major US sports and collegiate sports, and is available in 44 states. It is extremely user-friendly, with contest recommendations, featured competitions for players, the ability to create your own one-time contests (or season-long ones against your friends), and plenty for beginners to get started with.
You won’t find any difficulty navigating the Fantasy app, and it has tabs for the Biggest Prize contests, Snake Drafts, and even Free Entry games – the latter of which have plenty of one-off single games to give bettors on a budget a leg up. Talking about budget, FanDuel has very low entry fees on its paid contests, as low as $1 or $2, for which the top prizes can range from $50 up to $500. The minimum deposit is a bit higher than DraftKings, at $10, but considering how many free contests and the low entry price on contests, your $10 should go a long way.
In some ways, FanDuel has a more practical approach to DFS games, as it goes above and beyond to cater to beginners and casual DFS gamers. Yet there are contests and tournaments reserved for the most talented and arduous experts who live and breathe DFS. All players are welcome, and there are loads of opportunities to jump into contests and compete for grand prizes.
FanDuel Picks
FanDuel picks allows you to enter the world of peer-to-peer fantasy sports as you build your lineups with your favorite players and then predict if they will beat their projected stats during the games. This is still new to the market, and it is the FanDuel’s first foray into the fantasy parlay business. A lot of people have been waiting for FanDuel to enter the fantasy Pick’em space after the success of Underdog, PrizePicks, and DraftKings, and now they have.
The FanDuel picks game is similar to other peer-to-peer fantasy parlay products that are available in the US, such as Underdog Champions, PrizePicks Arena and DraftKings Pick 6.
To play, you make your picks of 3-6 players, predict if they will hit more or less than their projected stat lines, and then set your contest entry amount. Then sit back and hope you achieve a high score and collect a share of the prize pool.
#4. bet365 Fantasy Sports
bet365 is a UK-based sportsbook that is quickly becoming a popular hit in the US. DFS games were really created in the US, but this UK betting platform has entered the market with its own Daily Lineups games. It follows the classic DFS format, and player contests and tournaments are held regularly. You can find games for NBA, NFL, NHL, Soccer, Golf, MLB, UFC, and more.
The DFS products at Bet365 Daily Lineups are free to play, and with top prizes varying from $100 up to $800 and even higher. Though if you were to simply compare Bet365 with say FanDuel or DraftKings, there are far fewer contests and games to get into. However, considering the platform only recently started dabbling in DFS games, it is a worthy entry, especially given these contests are free to play and easy to get into.
There are Classic tournaments involving numerous games and Showdowns which only cover 1 game. Players who win these competitions will receive their winnings either as paid cash or as bonus bets. One thing we have to note though, the Daily Lineups is only available in states where Bet365 is legal, and if you win any bonus bets, they are only really applicable in the sportsbook.
Basically, while the Daily Lineups are free to play and can grant prizes, the DFS is an extension of the sportsbook, and you may be awarded in bonus bets – which must be used at the sportsbook. On the plus side though, bet365 has one of the most player-favorable sportsbooks, complete with loads of Early Payout offers and Fixed Parlay Boosts. Really, if you want to bet on sports as well as play DFS games, it is worth checking out what the Bet365 Sportsbook has to offer.
#5. PrizePicks DFS
PrizePicks is a platform that was built specifically for DFS games, unlike DraftKings, FanDuel or Bet365 which also have extensive traditional sports betting opportunities. It doesn’t use the traditional DFS format of drafting lineups, but instead focuses on picking games and sports statistic prediction markets. The main game is Pick’Em, where you have to make 2 to 6 sports predictions. In the Pick’Em lobby, you will find a heap of player projected stats, with markets for Higher or Lower. All you need to do is pick your player and choose whether their game stats will be higher or lower than the projection.
There is a mode called Pick’Em Arena, where you can play against other players. Otherwise, you would play against the house. You are given full reign over how many picks you want in your lineup, plus you can also choose between Flex Play or Power Play. In Flex, you get some leeway, as 1 or 2 of your picks can lose but you can still get paid out. Power Play requires all your picks to come through, adding more risk, but it also bodes greater rewards. All picks must be funded with some entry fee, which starts from $1, but you can set it as high or low as you like.
The fact that this DFS site gives you such control over your picks is something that feels more like traditional sports betting. Yet it is a DFS site, and you can either compete against your fellows or play against the house. Then, there is also a product called PrizePicks Streaks, that requires you to make picks on a daily basis. If you can string 2 wins together, you can enter the free 4 Pick Power Lineup – a contest where you can win real cash prizes.
The longer your winning streak, the higher your prize, and the jackpot is $1 million. Though there are several apps like PrizePicks that have cropped up in recent years, nothing quite beats the original.
#6. SportsMillions
SportsMillions has quite a unique take on DFS sports games. It too doesn’t feature traditional DFS lineup contests, but instead has two main games, Pick’Em and Blitz’Em. Pick’Em involves users making Higher/Lower picks from player projections. You must pick at least 2 players, and can assemble a ticket of up to 12 player picks. The more you pick, the higher the potential payout, which goes up to 1,500x. You can then enter your ticket into any affiliated contests (such as NCAAB picks into a March Madness contest).
The other game, Blitz’Em, is quite unique as it involves users spinning a wheel to generate random prediction legs. You choose a player, team or sports game, pick between Fixed or Flex Play if the option is provided, and then purchase the ticket with your Gold Coins, the native currency at SportsMillions. Then, you spin the wheel and your legs are generated at random. SportsMillions is not exactly a traditional DFS site, nor a sportsbook. It is considered a social sportsbook, where you are not playing for real money, but Gold Coins or virtual tokens.
No purchase is necessary to play, and through recurring top up offers, you will get opportunities to top up your Gold Coins. Should you ever run out an need more immediately, you can always make real money purchases to buy Gold Coins at SportsMillions.
#7. Thrillzz
Thrillzz is another social sportsbook, where DFS games are offered, as well as conventional sports bets. But you don’t buy your contest entry or stake your wagers with real money, but instead use the internal currency, Thrillzz Coins. If your sports predictions come through, you can climb the leaderboards and earn hourly or daily rewards. It also has a sweepstakes mode where you can buy tickets using Thrillzz Sweeps, for a chance to win prizes with real monetary value.
Besides sports betting and leaderboards, Thrillzz also has a Pick’Em Tournament, which comes in both social and sweepstakes mode. It requires users to fill in prediction forms, where they have to select which team will win a game and the winning team’s margin of victory. The sweepstakes Pick’Em tournament has an entry fee of 10 Thrillzz Sweeps, and the prize pool is 1,000 prize tickets. Combined with the sports betting possibilities and sweepstakes prizes, there aren’t many apps that match Thrillzz Sportsbook’s versatility.
#8. Fliff
Fliff gamifies sports predictions through its regular leaderboards and sports picks. Instead of drafting lineups, you can make sports predictions just like what you would expect at a bona fide sportsbook. That is, through moneylines, totals, spreads, and a number of game props or player bets. You can place straight bets or combine your picks into parlay bets and stake them using Fliff Coins. Through your predictions, you can climb the leaderboards. The platform uses Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash. Fliff Cash can be used to stake your wagers and climb the leaderboards. Fliff Cash is used in the promotional sweepstakes games, and can be used to earn real prizes.
But there is a third “currency” at Fliff. XP points can be earned by completing missions. These can be anything from “Make A Straight Pick” to “Any Bet on X vs Y (game-specific)”. These challenges incentivize players to make picks regularly and test their knowledge of featured sports games. XP Points can be exchanged for Fliff Coins (sweeps) or for gift cards to Fliff-affiliated merchants such as Dominos, Airbnb or Lowes. There may be similar apps to Fliff that copy some of their features, but none quite match the original.
#9. Rebet
Rebet redefines sports prediction and betting games. Instead of DFS games, it creates a more gamified sports betting experience, which is why it makes our list. The highlight of Rebet is in its social engagement, the platform gives you the chance to form squads with your friends, bet directly against them, and even set your own odds through a bespoke P2P betting marketplace. The social sportsbook makes betting a community activity, with the ability to post and share bets, as well as rebet what your friends are betting.
The peer to peer betting function allows users to set their own odds, or buy the reciprocal odds of bets set by others – a form of betting that is gaining large traction in the US. On top of that, members of Rebet can climb the status tiers and enter sweepstakes contests using their Rebet Cash (sweeps currency) to earn real money rewards. And the Rebet Cash can be exchanged against USD at a rate of 1:1. Rebet would rank higher in our list for its dynamic approach to betting, but strictly speaking, it is not quite a DFS platform despite its many functions and features.
#10. Underdog Fantasy Sports
Underdog Fantasy has built a reputation for being a versatile DFS site. It has a number of games, including classic drafts and popular variants, Pick’Em games and Streaks games. The Battle Royale and Best Ball are season long DFS, but there are also Best Ball Weekly games. Then, there is Champions, a peer to peer fantasy sports contest where entrants need to pick a roster of 2 to 8 athletes. Should you want to try your hand at Picks games, you can make 2+ picks to enter contests where prizes can go up to 500x on standard entry or 325x for Flex play.
This is really a good platform for all round DFS betting, as it has various classic games as well as numerous picking contests. There are alternatives to Underdog Fantasy, but not many can match the platform’s grand array of games. Perhaps the only apps that can make an underdog of Underdog Fantasy are the top dogs – DraftKings, FanDuel and bet365.
#11. Dabble Fantasy
Dabble has picking games that require DFS players to make 2 -12 player performance predictions. These use the More/Less predicting format and can earn a payout anywhere from 3x up to 1,000x. The more picks you add to your ticket, the larger the payout, and tickets have a minimum price of $1. As the minimum deposit at Dabble is just $5, meaning your funds will carry for quite a while.
Another big selling point of Dabble is its social engagement features. It has betting feeds (similar to Rebet), where you can follow other users, copy their picks, and chat with them. The platform is a worthy choice for fans of DFS picking games, but it is only available in 27 states, which is significantly fewer than the apps like Dabble.
#12. ParlayPlay Fun Fantasy Sports
ParlayPlay also uses the Pick’Em format in which you must choose 2-6 player projections. Its lobby is full of intriguing contests and one of the key distinguishing features is that you don’t just get 1 line to make your Higher/Lower predictions on. Instead, you can adjust the line and pick the More/Less selection you want. All tickets carry an entry fee of minimum $1, and the maximum payout is fixed at $1,500.
The platform has quite a good standing in the US DFS market, but our only complaint is that ParlayPlay could do with more DFS games. Though if you just want to play Pick’Em, ParlayPlay takes some beating. However, we have found that there are some apps like ParlayPlay that do a similar job.
Explaining How DFS Games Work
There are lots of types of games that can be classified as DFS, based on the following definition.
“Games where players assemble virtual teams composed of real players to compete in tournaments.
Points are attributed to the DFS teams based on the statistical performances of their real life player counterparts”
But a lot has changed since DFS achieved mainstream popularity in the US, and now there are also various Picking games, showdown formats, and streak-based games to further diversify “DFS”.
Classic DFS
In the classic format, you have to create a squad. First, you are given a base salary cap, and based on that budget you can pick your players. After you have assembled your team, you can enter a tournament. At the likes of FanDuel or DraftKings, there are numerous to pick from, making it easier to find appropriate competitions for beginners, intermediate DFS players and experts to take on their peers.
Your team will receive points based on how well the players you picked did in their real life games. Let’s say you play an NBA DFS contest, your players will win you points based on their performance stats. At DraftKings, NBA DFS points can be won through the following:
| DraftKings NBA Fantasy Point Distribution | |
|---|---|
| Point | +1 Points |
| Made 3 Point Shot | +0.5 Points |
| Rebound | +1.25 Points |
| Assist | +1.5 Points |
| Steal | +2 Points |
| Block | +2 Points |
| Turnover | +0.5 Points |
| Double Double | +1.5 Points |
| Triple Double | +3 Points |
Now, let’s dive into some of the details regarding how the contests work.
Cash Games vs GGP (Guaranteed Prize Pools)
There are two main types of DFS contests. Cash games are DFS contests in which generally the top half of the leaderboards are paid. 50% of the players are paid for participating, and therefore the payouts are not as great. There are various types of cash games, including Double Ups, 50/50s and Head to Head games, but the unifying condition is that you generally have a 50% chance of winning some payout.
In guaranteed prize pool (GGP) DFS games, only 20% or fewer of the participants will win at the end. The percentage of the winnings is tiered so that the winner gets the greatest share, whereas the portion of the prize pool shrinks drastically as you go down the list of winners. GPP is riskier, as you must break into the top 20% (or even 15%, 10% in some tournaments), but the top prize is far more valuable.
Single Game/Round DFS
Single game DFS contests conclude at the end of a round of games (or a series of events has concluded). For instance, you can have a single game DFS contest for the NFL Gameweek 2. All the games from Thursday Night to Monday are included in the contest, and once the round is over, the tournament finishes.
Season Long DFS
These are contests that last an entire season. In some cases, you can have limited opportunities to change your draft after each round or series of games. This helps gamers avoid dropping points if one of their players gets injured, or is out of form. But in some season-long DFS games, you have to stick to your picks throughout the course of a season.
Popular DFS Types: Best Ball, Battle Royale, H2H
Battle Royale is another popular type of DFS, in which you play in a draft group, but you are not just competing against teams in that group. Your score will go up against every other group in the contest, expanding the prize pool considerably.
Best ball is a season-long DFS format, in which you draft a team at the start of a season, and the highest scoring players in that roster are automatically selected to form your lineup. You don’t need to focus your efforts on changing your team each week, you just need to form a full squad that can go the distance and win.
In head-to-head play, you take on a single opponent in a winner-takes-it-all showdown. You can do this against friends, or, you can enter H2H showdowns against players of a similar experience level to yours (beginner/intermediate/expert).
Lineup Rules
To ensure fair play, your lineup must be unique and you are not really allowed to copy-paste someone else’s team. This is quite difficult to manage, especially given how many US DFS fans there are. But it makes it fair for everyone.
When building your team, there are rules about who you can select to avoid having two identical lineups. Sure, a certain amount of overlap is allowed as then it would really make it impossible for tens of thousands of gamers to play on the same platform.
For some tournaments, there are special “live drafts”, meaning you will only get a narrow window to fill your lineup. In these drafts, participants get a fixed amount of time to make each pick, and they can only do 1 pick at a time. After you have picked 1 player, you will need to wait until all the other applicants have picked a player for that position until you can make another pick. And to make things extra fair, most platforms use Snake Drafts – reversing the order of the picking so that no one gets first dibs for every position in their team.
Pick’em, Pick6, and Other Picking Games
We generally see them called Pick’Em, but it seems every platform has its own name for these types of games. These games fall halfway between DFS gaming and sports betting. The idea is to assemble a handful of predictions (like combining straight bets into a parlay). And then you fund this prediction, as you would your parlay bet.
There are versions of Pick’Em games where you play against the house, where the payouts may be fixed and you can win based on whether your predictions come to fruition or not. Some sites purely revolve around player projected stats. Let’s say you are a basketball DFS gamer and want to pick NBA player projections. You are offered a line, and you can bet on whether the player will make Higher or Lower stats based on that line. For instance, LeBron James with a line of 5.5 rebounds for his next game. Will he make 6 or more? or only manage 5 or fewer – it is your pick to make.
Other Pick’Em sites may also include picks such as game winner, margin of victory, spreads, and other predictions that you could find at traditional betting platforms.
You may be offered the option to use Power Play or Flex Play. In Power Play, you are basically backing all your predictions to come through. If one fails, they all fail. In Flex Play, you are given a little leeway, so you can still get paid out if 1 or more of your picks didn’t come through. But again, these types of play and the conditions vary greatly depending on which site you are playing at.
Streaks Based DFS
Another big hit is streak-based DFS games. You are essentially trying to build long winning streaks of picks, playing for tremendous prizes. Streaks generally use the Pick’Em format or similar types of games.
The cards are put in your hand, and if you can repeatedly make correct predictions, you could be on your way to winning some amazing prizes. But it is not easy. At PrizePicks Streaks, for example, picks must be made daily and you need 32 correct picks in a row to win the top prize, a cool $1 million.
Other DFS Contests and Games
DFS sites are continuously pushing the boundaries where bringing new games to the table is concerned. Streaks is one of the newest ones to hit the market, but we keep finding new ones that crop up. For instance, Fliff has quite a revolutionary product, and while not relating to making lineups or guessing player projections, it has quite a similar rewards program through the leaderboards.
Pros of DFS Sites
Daily Fantasy Sports sites offer numerous benefits to users. Aside from being really enjoyable, they are easier to access than season-long leagues, with many sites offering low entry fees and free contests. Here are some other benefits to using DFS sites:
Different game types
DFS sites offer different types of game formats, including 50/50s, large field tournaments, pick’em games, and head-to-head matchups. This means there is something for everyone and you won’t get bored just playing the same type of game all the time.
Only need to play for short period
Season-long fantasy leagues are a big commitment, but DFS allow players to draft new teams and compete on a daily or weekly basis. This makes for a more fast-paced and exciting environment.
Can make money
DFS give you the chance to win cash prizes, and you can also potentially earn large payouts from a small entry fee.
Test your skill
There is something very satisfying about your skill and knowledge being tested rather than just playing a game of chance. DFS requires you to create a sound strategy if you are to stand any chance of winning.
Social experience
Most DFS apps nowadays offer social features such as the ability to create custom leagues with friends and group chats. This adds a layer of interactivity and enhances the experience.
Accessbility
DFS platforms are usually more accessible than traditional sportsbooks, as they operate under different legal classifications. This means they are available in more states.
Tools to Help Employ Common DFS Strategies
A lot of DFS users, us included, love betting tools that help you collate all of the data while playing DFS. For example, using tools that help you leverage rules and then help build the most optimal team based on those rules is very helpful. The good news is these types of tools are available, whether you are looking for help with your DFS play or general betting on your favorite sports.
Our list of the best AI tools contains sites that can certainly help give you an edge in DFS competitions. These tools do all of the leg work for you, coming up with AI-powered projections and models to help you make a more informed decision. It is true that the better sites tend to be more expensive, though, so if you are willing to spend a little more to give yourself more chance of winning, they are certainly worth consideration.
Legality of DFS in the USA
While there are gambling elements to DFS, it is not classified as sports betting. Most states have no problems with DFS, even ones where sports betting bills have not been passed, and so sports betting is illegal. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, UIGEA, prohibits the transfer of funds to online gambling that is made illegal under state law. But these games are not defined as games of chance, such as sports betting or casino gaming.
Most state authorities regard DFS as a skill-based game, as the contestants are entering contests for the determination of skill, rather than taking their chances with outright bets on sports. The UIGEA does not specifically define DFS as unlawful gambling, but it does not specify that they are not either.
The good news for US sports fans is that most state authorities take a positive stance on DFS sites and platforms. Only 5 states in the US have a complete ban on DFS platforms.
States Where DFS is Prohibited
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- Washington
There may also be some states that have constraints on specific DFS products, such as Pick’Em contests or daily drafts, but for the most part, DFS is offered in the rest of America.
Which DFS App Should You Choose?
There are a lot of factors to weigh in when picking a suitable DFS platform. We have detailed the nuances of the gaming itself, but haven’t even touched on aspects such as banking options or customer support. If you want any more details on any of the sites we have shortlisted, be sure to check out our reviews.
But in terms of DFS games and contests offered, we feel that the ones that make our list are the best that you can find in America. As DFS is an American invention and the US has the greatest market for these gaming products, we can confidently claim these are the greatest DFS sites in the world.
The games vary drastically, and you will also need to consider entry fees (if applicable), and how often you want to play. But we can safely say, there is a DFS platform for everyone in the US, no matter whether you want to take on your friends in private contests, try to build winning streaks, or make Pick’Em predictions on player projections.
