2022 Daily Fantasy Sports Guide: Best DFS Sites
Every week, daily fantasy sports (DFS) are played by tens of millions of Americans.
DFS competitions, which pit quickly created teams against one another over the course of a day or a single game rather than a season, are the fast-paced equivalent of season-long fantasy sports.
Players continue to construct teams of athletes and use those athletes’ game data to compete against one another in the fundamentals. However, drafting, studying, and preparing lineups is an entirely new – and thrilling – ballgame.
Leading DFS providers with the top tournaments and trustworthy software include the following:
1. DraftKings: Free $20
The biggest provider of daily fantasy sports in the globe is DraftKings. The majority of US sports bettors can access it through its complete PC platform, Apple, and Android apps.
Numerous DFS tournaments with guaranteed prize pools, qualifiers, and head-to-head competitions are available on DraftKings. Additionally, it offers a range of formats, such as multipliers that pay a lower percentage, 50/50 tournaments that pay half the field, and leagues that players can either join or start themselves.
Sports available on DraftKings include the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB. College sports, international leagues, and esports are also available. The greatest guaranteed prize pools and player pools for US games are provided by DraftKings.
Additionally, the software from DraftKings is widely regarded as the most responsive and adaptable in the sector.
• Get $20 free and participate in DFS with DraftKings.
2. FanDuel: Receive $10 in addition to a free NBA entry when you deposit $10.
FanDuel was the first DFS leader in the nation and is still ranked #1a to DraftKings as the top DFS provider. Each year, the website awards more than $1 billion in rewards. Its software, which is accessible through a mobile app and browser-based client, is clear and useful.
Despite having somewhat fewer events than DraftKings, many people view FanDuel as the pioneer of daily fantasy sports. New game forms are constantly being added to FanDuel. Single-game and novice contests, entrance entry limits, advanced entry, late swap, and third-party software blockers are examples of innovations.
In terms of the number of contests, FanDuel is the sole option to DraftKings. FanDuel continues to be a DFS fan favorite because of its dedication to innovation.
• Play DFS at FanDuel 3 and receive your free NBA entrance and $10 with a $10 investment. PrizePicks
Compared to DFS, PrizePicks is more like betting on props. PrizePicks encourages players to select the over/under on fantasy points rather than the stat line, which is the key distinction. It’s somewhat of a hybrid of DFS using DFS metrics and prop betting.
PrizePicks requests that contestants select between two and four players as well as the over/under on their expected fantasy score. Depending on the number of picks, payouts can reach a multiple of ten times the entry cost. The four main US leagues are among the sports for which PrizePicks has contests.
DAILY FANTASY SPORTS: WHAT IS IT?
By assembling teams to compete against friends, rivals, and other sports fans depending on how the athletes perform in real life, fantasy sports allow fans to play general manager.
That is what has drawn millions of people to season-long fantasy sports leagues for decades. The excitement of head-to-head competition and the freedom to choose crucial lineups are also key components of fantasy sports’ allure.
These parameters are exponentially multiplied by DFS. It condenses the thrill of weekly fantasy sports into the schedule of a single evening. The following day, you are given the option to repeat the process.
However, season-long fantasy sports and DFS are very similar. Players build their own teams, choose their own starting lineups, and attempt to outscore rivals. The time frame is the only real difference. But that’s a significant distinction.
Modern sports fans prefer instantaneous, accelerated pleasure, thus DFS is the ideal complement to a night of watching games.
DFS competitions may just feature a single game or a small slate of games. In any case, it has swiftly emerged as a simple and enjoyable method of enhancing the sporting event.
SPORTS BETTING VS. DFS
Between DFS and sports betting, there has always been a thin line. DFS is allegedly a different way to “bet” on sports. Others claim it takes a special talent to put up lineups with the best athletes in a short amount of time while staying within a budget.
DFS supporters assert that it is not gambling. DFS is also unquestionably not single-game betting. Instead, DFS participants wager on the statistical accomplishments of certain athletes, which is something props at sportsbooks allow you to do.
The only place you may legally place a wager is on one team to defeat another in a game is a sportsbook. This is the primary distinction between DFS and sports betting.
Of course, DFS websites like PrizePicks have somewhat blurred these lines by enabling gamers to effectively wager on over/unders on props they might also see at a legitimate sportsbook.
Is daily fantasy sports permitted in the US?
Over twenty states already have DFS legal and regulated, and that number is rising. And while a few states have yet to decide whether DFS qualifies as gambling, the majority of these states either permit DFS firms to operate by ignoring the practice or challenge them to challenge the state’s stance.
Only Arizona, Montana, and Washington State have laws against DFS. The majority of DFS operators also steer clear of Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, and Nevada because each state’s attorney general has voiced disapproval of it.
Overall, that brings the number of states where US gamers have access to daily fantasy sports to over 40.
DraftKings and FanDuel are the most popular DFS operators in the states where they operate. These two control more than 90% of the market share and are present in about 80% of states where DFS is legal.
DIRECTIONS FOR PLAYING DAILY FANTASY SPORTS
The majority of DFS games need you to create lineups based on the rules of the game. There may be restrictions on positions and salary caps among these criteria.
Based on their performance and the contest salary cap, DFS operators provide athletes fictitious salaries. They also determine the maximum amount of submissions for each contest. The athletes who make up a team then get points for their actual in-game performance.
Although scoring methods differ, most DFS operators share a considerable degree of uniformity. Basic DFS competitions adhere to a number of forms, including:
• GPPs (guaranteed prize pools): To compete for a piece of a predetermined prize pool, players must pay a certain entry fee. Most payment structures favor the top 18%–25% of the field, ensuring that the victor takes home a sizeable prize.
• Leagues: DFS providers provide both public and private leagues, which often have smaller prize pools than GPPs. These resemble the original fantasy leagues the most closely.
• Head-to-head competitions put two competitors against one another, with the participant with the highest score taking home the full prize fund. Naturally, the DFS operator will keep a little portion.
• 50/50: With no certainty and no big winner, 50/50 competitions are similar to GPPs. Instead, the top 50% of the field receives equal compensation in these competitions.
• Tiers: Salary-cap-free competitions that group participants into pre-determined levels.
• Beat the Score: To win a portion of the prize pool, create a lineup that outperforms a predetermined score total.
• Showdown Captain Mode: A position-free DFS that enables participants to assemble their teams however they see fit and name a “captain” who scores more points.
• Single Game: A DFS competition that only features athletes who are participating in a single game, such as the Super Bowl.
• Prediction, Parlay, and Prop Fantasy Sports: Several websites provide a number of DFS-style forms for this type of wagering, much like betting props at a sportsbook.
WHERE CAN I FIND SPORTS ON DFS?
NFL DFS, NBA DFS, MLB DFS, Golf DFS, NASCAR DFS, and Soccer DFS
MLB DFS
The most popular DFS tournaments are by far NFL tournaments. That implies higher competition and larger prizes.
When it comes to NFL DFS, FanDuel and DraftKings have a wide range of contest types, reward structures, and price points. Big-field GPP tournaments with top-heavy reward structures are the most well-liked.
These games often entail creating lineups using a basic salary-cap framework that includes: 1 quarterback; 2 running backs; 3 wide receivers; 1 tight end; 1 “Flex”; and 1 defense/special teams player.
Head-to-head, double-up, and 50/50 competitions are also a part of NFL DFS. The goal of an NFL GPP approach is to create lineups that are both high-performing and distinctive by attempting to anticipate both individual performance and DFS use or ownership rates.
FanDuel’s scoring is rather straightforward because it gives points for yards and touchdowns. Additionally, DraftKings rewards users for achieving specific goals with bonuses.
• Claim your $10 on deposit and play NFL DFS at FanDuel • Claim your $20 free and play NFL DFS at DraftKings
DFS NBA
NBA competitions are among the most well-liked DFS competitions. When it comes to NBA DFS, FanDuel and DraftKings each provide a number of contest styles, reward structures, and price points. Again, the bulk are large-field GPP tournaments with generous top payouts.
In these games, lineups must be constructed using a basic salary-cap framework that consists of eight or nine roster positions. This typically consists of:
• 1 PG
• 1 SG
• 1 SF
• 1 PF
• 1 C
• 1 Flex G
• 1 Flex F
• 1 Utility
Nine-man games feature two players from the guard, forward, and center positions. Head-to-head play is one of the additional contest categories included in NBA DFS.
Points are awarded for field goals, free throws, rebounds, and steals, making scoring quite simple. Turnovers result in a loss of points. Additionally, DraftKings rewards players with bonuses for 3-pointers and statistical achievements like double- and triple-doubles.
• Use DraftKings to play NBA DFS and receive a free $20.
• Play NBA DFS with FanDuel and claim your $10 on deposit.
Baseball DFS section
MLB tournaments, the first fantasy sport, are extensively offered by the most well-known DFS providers. When it comes to MLB DFS, FanDuel and DraftKings offer a variety of tournaments and leagues with various prize packages and price points.
This includes leagues that are comparable to season-long fantasy and big-field GPP tournaments with top-heavy reward structures. MLB GPPs entail creating lineups using a fundamental salary-cap structure made up of a variety of pitchers and batters. A “snake draft” is frequently used by leagues to restrict player usage.
Since points are given for different pitching and hitting statistics, scoring is rather simple. The scoring system for DraftKings is a touch more sophisticated, with points being deducted for pitchers who allow hits and walks and bonuses being given for things like a complete game.
The highest scoring players in MLB DFS are pitchers who record victories and a high number of strikeouts.
• Play MLB Daily Fantasy Sports at DraftKings and get $20 free.
• Play MLB DFS with FanDuel and claim your $10 on deposit.
HOW TO PLAY DFS FOR REAL MONEY AND FREE
Popular DFS operators like FanDuel and DraftKings make opening an account very easy. Only a small amount of personal information is needed, and you may finish the full process on your phone or computer.
You might also need to deposit in order to participate in leagues and competitions with real money. Fortunately, that procedure is also simple. Both FanDuel and DraftKings accept PayPal as well as the majority of credit and debit cards.
By participating in frequent freeroll tournaments and taking advantage of the different promotions that both sites conduct, you may also get started on FanDuel and DraftKings.
How to be successful in daily fantasy sports
A DFS contest is difficult to win. You must outperform hundreds of lineups entered by thousands of players in order to complete the task.
In actuality, the largest DFS tournaments attract top-tier, wealthy professional DFS participants. They enter the most entries possible, which are frequently produced by algorithms meant to maximize scoring and produce distinctive lineups.
Stick to novice DFS games if you’re new to the genre. Before setting up your lineups, gather as much advice, news, and information as you can. Increase your stakes only when you’ve demonstrated your profitability.
It’s also highly likely for a beginner to succeed in a DFS competition. Start with these five tactics if you want to succeed at DFS:
1. Only play for small stakes
Remain in low-stakes competitions when the participants don’t put in the effort to conduct thorough study. If you don’t have to, why compete against the pros?
2. Create a contrarian strategy
Having the top athletes on your team is insufficient. You must discover a way to differentiate your lineups from everyone else’s.
Success will come from adopting a contrarian mindset while creating lineups. The metrics in your DFS program will show you which players your rivals are utilizing most frequently; try to uncover value options elsewhere.
3. Use house money to have fun
The 50/50 competition is an excellent way to increase your bankroll while playing DFS with less risk than GPPs. When you win, you just get to double your money, but over time, it adds up. Play with the house’s money by gathering it in 50/50 bets in GPPs.
4. Conduct the study
You must do your lineup research. Due to fantasy sports’ high level of popularity, the internet is always filled with articles on them. Do your research, ascertain what the general consensus is, and use it to create your own unique DFS plan.
5. Consider sending multiple lineups.
You only have one chance to win when you use a single lineup. Multiple lineups give you a few more opportunities to win, but they cost more and take a bit longer to put together.
DFS DOES NOT
Here are three things to never do when playing daily fantasy sports:
1. Ignore injury reports: News and information are your friends in daily fantasy sports.
2. Pick the Players Everyone Else Picks: You need to find out who other players are selecting in order to go against the grain.
3. Join the Pros and Play: You might believe that it’s time to compete against the pros due to your sports knowledge and ego. Don’t. They devote more time than you do to DFS. Go seek inferior fields and heads-up opponents to develop good game selection. Swallow your pride.
PrizePicks versus FanDuel against DraftKings
DFS operators like DraftKings and FanDuel have competition from websites like PrizePicks. The variations are clearly discernible.
PrizePicks is a DFS alternative that is more akin to betting on over/under props. The fact that the DFS competitions on DraftKings and FanDuel are judged based on player statistics is the only significant commonality between them.
PrizePicks resembles traditional sports betting a lot more than DraftKings and FanDuel ever will. The presentation and the fact that these websites represent themselves as skill-based fantasy sports games rather than traditional gambling are where the contrasts lie.
Ask DFS
Is DFS permitted in America?
In twenty states and growing, DFS is permitted and governed. In most other countries that have not yet passed DFS laws, it also trades on a dark market. Only three states, Arizona, Montana, and Washington, have outright banned DFS.
How popular is DFS in the US?
Millions of individuals participate in DFS tournaments in their preferred sports. NFL-related DFS competitions are the most popular and receive hundreds of thousands of entries each week.
DFS – Is it gambling?
Certainly, there are some parallels between DFS and sports betting. The primary distinction between the two is that whereas DFS is based on a compilation of individual player statistics, sports betting revolves around game outcomes.
It is debated whether daily fantasy sports (DFS) is merely another type of sports-based gambling like traditional sports betting. Building winning lineups necessitates a certain aptitude, according to the DFS community, hence it is considered a game of skill.
Which DFS app is the finest in the US?
The top two daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps are DraftKings and FanDuel. Which is best ultimately depends on personal taste.
Which DFS games are the greatest to play?
The NFL DFS tournaments are without a doubt the biggest and most well-liked. But depending on your degree of experience, you should choose different competitions. Stick to NFL 50/50 competitions if you are new to DFS. You can develop a bankroll even though you won’t win much.
As you gain DFS playing experience, you should continue to make money in the 50/50s. The correct lineup in GPPs, however, could earn you hundreds of thousands of dollars, so you should start investing a modest portion of your earnings there.
How difficult is DFS?
Basically, playing DFS is simple. Anyone who claims that winning is simple, though, is lying.
The biggest DFS competitors also win the most. The most lineups conceivable are fired into a contest by big contest winners in order to cover as many scenarios as feasible. You have to invest a lot of money in DFS to achieve that. Experts consider it an investment. It poses a significant obstacle to success for novices.
Additionally, they develop distinctive and successful lineups using cutting-edge technologies and specially created algorithms. It’s downright difficult to compete with that. Fortunately, amateurs can compete on a more level playing field in novice and 50/50 tournaments. While playing DFS won’t guarantee you a million dollars, you can make money and have a great time.