Is Draftkings Free

DraftKings offers new players the chance to double their initial deposit up to $600 as well as free entry into a contest with a $3 entry fee. DraftKings also rewards players that recommend the site to others. DraftKings Casino games offer all the fun of the casino floor in the palm of your hand. Play a full roster of top online casino games from your Android or iOS Device anywhere online gambling is legal and DraftKings Casino is live. Getting started is easy — it just takes a few clicks to get in on the action.

  1. Is Draftkings Free Picks
  2. Does Draftkings Cost Money
  3. Is Draftkings Free Picks
  4. Is Draftkings App Free

DraftKings Sportsbook got its start in New Jersey but has since expanded into Virginia, New Hampshire, Iowa, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois, Tennessee and Michigan. More states are certain to join that list over time as DraftKings has plans to continue expanding its platform’s reach throughout the US. Its success is due in large part to its strong mobile sports betting app.

  • DraftKings has paid out over $6 billion. Play daily fantasy hockey contests for as little or as much as you want. There's a contest for everyone — you can even play for free. “Won big, got paid, good service, fun events.
  • DraftKings Sportsbook promo code March 2021. New players to DraftKings can expect to receive two bonus offers worth up to a combined $1,050. Here’s how the DraftKings Sportsbook bonus works: upon your first deposit, you receive up to $50 in the form of a free bet.

The longtime daily fantasy sports operator focused on a user-friendly interface in its foray into legal sports betting. The app’s betting carousel attempts to simplify the experience for new users looking to place their first wagers.

DraftKings Sportsbook promo code March 2021

New players to DraftKings can expect to receive two bonus offers worth up to a combined $1,050.

Here’s how the DraftKings Sportsbook bonus works: upon your first deposit, you receive up to $50 in the form of a free bet. The bet will be for the amount of your deposit (up to that maximum $50), and you can use that bet anywhere you like in the book.

In addition, that first deposit will receive a 20% match worth as much as $1,000. Those bonus funds clear to your account at a rate of $1 for every $25 in wagers you make.

DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code:None - Use Links
Total BonusUp to $1,050
Free BetUp to $50 with deposit
Deposit Bonus:20% up to $1,000
Draftkings Sportsbook States:VA, MI, NJ, PA, CO, IN, WV, NH, IA, IL, & TN
DraftKings Sports Offered:NFL, MLB, NBA, Golf, NHL, MMA
Last Verified:March 10, 2021

DraftKings Sportsbook features

DraftKings Sportsbook features both an app and browser-based site. You can use it on iPhones, iPads, Android devices, PCs, and Macs.

DraftKings Sportsbook is, above all else, an attempt to streamline sports betting for the mobile space. As a result, there are several features on the app that are alterations from traditional wagering on sporting events.

Betting carousel

The first major change is the betting carousel. With so many bets available on DraftKings, the company wanted to make it simpler to find events that the player wants to bet.

The betting carousel is a customized suggestion palette for each DraftKings account. The app either uses a player’s specified preferences or their betting history in daily fantasy sports to generate a series of options most likely to suit the bettor.

Simplified language

One of the most daunting things about a new activity is learning the lingo. Almost every activity has its own terms and language, and sports betting is no exception.

However, with sports betting becoming legal in areas where it has mostly been absent, there are many new players entering the game. Therefore, the DraftKings app simplified various bets and information to more functional and contextual labels.

So, for instance, the traditional moneyline bet still exists on the DraftKings app. However, its label is “who will win,” rather than the more obscure or confusing term.

Variety and flexibility

Almost any type of bet is available on DraftKings Sportsbook. All the typical point spreads, moneylines, totals, and futures bets are there, along with rarer options like alternate lines, in-play bets, and proposition bets.

Every bet on the site features a live ticket system, which allows players to cash out of their bets at almost any time during the contest.

So, if a game is going the bettor’s way, they might be able to collect some or most of the profit on their wager early. The feature would allow players to avoid the chance of some sort of last-second loss.

Even parlay bettors can take advantage of the system. Of course, the payout is less than if the player wins outright, but the amount of the payout automatically adjusts according to the status of the contest(s).

Players can also wager in amounts lower than in a traditional sportsbook. DraftKings will accept wagers as low as $0.10.

Unified branding

One part of the sportsbook that won’t be different is its appearance. DraftKings retained both its black-and-green color scheme and logo throughout the app.

So, players will see the familiar “crowned-D” when they log in for the first time. The app’s design team wanted to reduce friction and difficulty as much as possible in its presentation, even in terms of aesthetics.

Which states is DraftKings legal in?

DraftKings Sportsbook has become one of the most popular online sports betting platforms since expanding beyond daily fantasy sports. The online sportsbook is offered in multiple states around the US: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Iowa, Indiana, Colorado,Tennessee, Michigan, Virginia and Illinois.

DraftKings online sportsbook locations:

  • DraftKings Sportsbook in NJ: DraftKings made its online sports betting debut in New Jersey in August 2018. It went live in the Garden State with a mobile license from Resorts Atlantic City. DraftKings also has a retail sportsbook at this NJ location.
  • DraftKings Sportsbook in WV: The online sportsbook then went live in West Virginia in September 2018. DraftKings’ partner in the Mountain State is the Hollywood Casino in Charles Town. The operator features a retail book there, too.
  • DraftKings Sportsbook in PA: DraftKings Pennsylvania released in November 2019. It partnered with The Meadows Casino in Washington, PA. This location also has a land-based DraftKings Sportsbook.
  • DraftKings Sportsbook in NH: DraftKings New Hampshire launched in late December 2019. The online sports betting app has an exclusive contract in the state and is the only mobile operator available. There aren’t any retail books open yet; however, six cities within the state have already approved hosting one.
  • DraftKings Sportsbook IA: Iowa was the next state up for a DraftKings launch. It went live in February 2020 thanks to a deal with Wild Rose Casinos and Resorts. There are three Wild Rose Casinos, located in Clinton, Jefferson, and Emmetsburg. Each location includes a retail DraftKings.
  • DraftKings Sportsbook in CO: Colorado was next up for the online sportsbook. It launched in CO in May 2020 with a partnership with Mardi Gras Casino. The casino in Black Hawk also features a land-based DraftKings Sportsbook.
  • DraftKings Sportsbook in IL: DraftKings expanded to Illinois in August 2020. It launched in the state thanks to its partnership with Casino Queen, located in East St. Louis. The Casino Queen includes a retail DraftKings.
  • DraftKings Sportsbook in IN: DraftKings Indiana launched in October 2020. It joined the state through a deal with Penn National Gaming and the Ameristar Casino Hotel in East Chicago. There is a retail DraftKings Sportsbook at this location, too.
  • DraftKings Sportsbook in TN: The DraftKings sportsbook app in Tennessee is a stand-alone product, as no land-based partners are required in Tennessee. It launched on November 1, 2020.
  • DraftKings Sportsbook in MI:DraftKings has already announced its land-based partner in advance of Michigan online gambling going live. The sportsbook app launched on January 22, 2021 in partnership with the Bay Mills Resort & Casino in Brimley
  • DraftKings Sportsbook in VA: DraftKings became the second online sportsbook operator in Virginia when it went live on January 24, 2021. There are no land-based partners in Virginia, all wagering occurs within the DraftKings mobile app.

As far as banking goes, you are able to both withdraw and deposit funds onto your mobile DraftKings account at any of the retail locations.

The same rules apply for most states where DraftKings is legal; however, there are some exceptions. In New Jersey, New Hampshire, Virginia, and Illinois, you can’t wager on any in-state colleges.

Iowa and Tennessee also have restrictions on college wagering. While wagers on teams are permitted, neither state allows individual proposition bets on college athletes.

Creating an account at DraftKings Sportsbook

Creating an account on DraftKings Sportsbook is an easy process. To join, new players will be required to provide some information:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone number
  • SocialSecurity number

Along with this, customers will need to create a username and password for the online sportsbook. Also, they will have to answer a few securityquestions.

Gamblers will need to confirm that they’re at least 21 years or older, as well as agree to the terms of use and privacy policy.

Registration eligibility at DraftKings Sportsbook

Generally speaking, there is only one standing rule about registering for a DraftKings account. Only players who are 21 or older are able to do so.

The only exceptions are determined by state law. For instance, some New Jersey individuals who have jobs based around sporting events are prohibited from joining DraftKings. So, players, coaches, trainers, and referees are not permitted to gamble on the online sportsbook.

Similarly, there are specific casinoemployees who are not allowed to use DraftKings Sportsbook. If you believe that you may have a disqualifying job, check with your employer, DraftKings, or your state’s gaming authority to get clarification.

For Illinois players

Illinois has also decided to enact in-person registration for online sports betting. However, this requirement is currently waived until further notice. To save yourself from the significant extra step of traveling to the live DraftKings Sportsbook in East St. Louis, we recommend you create your account today.

Can you link your DraftKings Sportsbook and DFS accounts?

Yes, you can. If you already have an account on the fantasy sports site, DraftKings makes it easy to link your accounts. Once you’ve downloaded the app, there is an option under “account” to link your two accounts.

The sportsbook platform is right on the website, and easy to access.

The DFS app/site and Sportsbook app/site share a common wallet, to a certain extent. You can deposit at DraftKings DFS, and then move money to Sportsbook, once you have played through it once (i.e. if you deposit $100, you have to play in $100 worth of contests in order to move it to Sportsbook). So it’s not quite seamless.

Using the DraftKings Sportsbook app

The experience of using the app to bet on sports is intuitive, whether you are an experienced sports bettor or not. Draftkings Sportsbook offers an iOS app for iPhones and iPads as well as an Android app.

The app is quick and responsive, and you can easily place any bet you want with a few touches.

The app, in its early days, has suffered a bit on the geolocation side, as it tries to determine if you are inside New Jersey. If you’re on a device that is using cellular data only, geolocation has been slow or impossible, depending on timing. Being connected to WiFi definitely speeds up the process.

The sportsbook makes its money through the commission it charges on bets. This commission is also known as the vigorish, or “vig,” for short. DraftKings’ odds have its sportsbook charging more vig than bookmakers traditionally do at Nevada or European sportsbooks, so it’s been a source of consternation for experienced bettors.

DraftKings Sportsbook app for Android

If you want to download the app for an Android device like Samsung Galaxy, you do it directly through the DraftKings site. It is not in the Google Play store.

Once you download and install it, however, it works just like any other Android app. You have to turn on location services in order to use the app in your state of choice.

DraftKings Sportsbook app for iPhone and iPad

DraftKings is available — find the link here — for iOS devices like iPhones and iPads.

The app has been well-reviewed by users since its inception.

Again, you must allow your phone to detect your location while using the DraftKings Sportsbook app, otherwise, you won’t be able to access DraftKings, no matter which state you’re in.

While you must be 17 to download the app, you have to be 21 to deposit and bet.

Depositing and withdrawing at DraftKings

DraftKings also provides flexibility for moving money around the online sportsbook. Right now, there are a few options for depositing:

  • Credit card
  • Debit card
  • Bank transfer
  • Play+ Prepaid
  • PayPal
  • PayNearMe (7-Eleven, Family Dollar, CVS)

Residents in some states may also be able to deposit into their accounts through the casino cage at DraftKings’ in-state partner. For instance, New Jersey residents can visit the cashier at Resorts Atlantic City to fund their accounts.

This option is not offered in all states, so you may want to double check with DraftKings or the casino. Here are the partner locations for all of DraftKings’ areas of service:

Is Draftkings Free
  • New Jersey: Resorts Atlantic City, at 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
  • Pennsylvania: The Meadows Casino, at 210 Racetrack Rd, Washington, PA 15301
  • West Virginia: Hollywood Casino at 750 Hollywood Dr, Charles Town, WV 25414
  • Iowa: Wild Rose in Jefferson, IA /Wild Rose in Emmetsburg, IA/Wild Rose in Clinton, IA
  • Indiana: Ameristar East Chicago at 777 Aldis Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312
  • New Hampshire: There is no cash at the cage option for this state.
  • Colorado: Mardi Gras Casino, at 300 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422. Cash at cage currently not available here.
  • Illinois: DraftKings at Casino Queen, at 200 S Front St, East St Louis, IL 62201
  • Tennessee: Online sportsbooks do not have land-based partners in Tennessee, so there is no cash at cage location.
  • Michigan: Bay Mills Resort & Casino at 11386 W Lakeshore Dr, Brimley, MI 49715
  • Virginia: Online sportsbooks do not have land-based partners in Virginia.

Withdrawals

DraftKings also offers the following options for withdrawals:

  • Check
  • PayPal
  • ACH
  • Casino cage

Please note that PayPal withdrawals are likely only available if you made your initial deposit with PayPal. Also, please consult with your state’s land-based casino before traveling if you’re planning on making a cage pick-up. Their willingness to assist may vary from state to state.

What kinds of bets can you make at DraftKings?

Even with DraftKings’ concerted effort to make sports betting more accessible, the prospect of placing real-money wagers on sports contests can be quite intimidating to new players. So, here are brief explanations of each type of betting.

Point spread

Betting on a point spread is the most common type of bet sports bettors make. A sportsbook will simply determine that one team will defeat another by a specific number of points (or runs or goals or whatever).

Bettors wager that either the team picked to win will exceed that number, or that the team picked to lose will do so by less than that number. If the underdog loses by less than the number or wins outright, the team is said to have “covered” the spread.

Moneyline (or ‘Who Will Win’)

As its DraftKings title implies, the bettor is simply betting on the eventual winner of the contest. The margin of victory is irrelevant to the bet.

Instead, the sportsbook establishes different payouts based upon its perception of which team will win. The favored team will have a negative three digit number next to it, and the underdog will (usually) have a positive number next to it.

This type of bet is easier to understand if we use an example. So, let’s say the Seattle Seahawks are playing the Cleveland Browns this Sunday.

The given moneylines for that game look something like this:

SEA: – 165

CLE: +145

So… if you wanted to bet on the Seahawks, you’d have to put up $165 to receive a $100 payout. By contrast, if you bet on the Browns, you would receive $145 for every $100 you bet.

Totals

Another common type of sports bet is totals bets. These bets are often referred to as the “over/under,” due to the nature of the bet.

The sportsbook will declare how many points will be scored in a given contest by both teams. Gamblers will then wager on whether they believe that number to be too low or too high.

If they bet that the number is too high, they are said to have bet the “under.” Conversely, if the number seems too low, bettors will take the “over.”

Futures

A futures bet is a wager that some sort of longer term event will occur. Common futures bets include wagers that a given team will win its league championship, or that a particular athlete will achieve a specified performance goal.

Proposition

Proposition betting, or prop bets, are wagers on events ancillary to the given sporting contest. Prop bets tend to focus on micro-events, like whether a player will hit a home run in a game or not.

In-play bets

In-play betting is betting that occurs during the event itself. Players can often bet on the outcome of a particular quarter.

In fact, the DraftKings app breaks down in-game events to almost a granular level. Bets could be available on events as small as what kind of pitch will a pitcher throw next, or what kind of football play will occur on the next play.

The live ticket system mentioned above effectively makes all bets on DraftKings an in-play wager. You can convert your bet to a payout at any point during the contest.

By providing so many options, DraftKings allows its players the freedom to place any bet they wish. While some betting types are reasonably straightforward, others require more knowledge.

DraftKings gives its customers a sports betting guide that gets into the specifics for every sport available. There are even short videos featuring former NBA star Charles Barkley, where he provides the basics about certain bet types.

One of the more popular forms of betting on DraftKings is through live, in-play wagering. Players no longer have to put in bets before games begin, opening up a lot of possibilities with in-game bets.

DraftKings has multiple live betting markets for almost every single game, in every sport.

One betting option that separates DraftKings from others in the US market is the “Pools” category.

Players are eligible to join organized pools for a fixed rate. These can range from NFL pick ’em for a single week, or the entire season. There’s a college football pick ’em pool as well.

What sports can you bet on at DraftKings Sportsbook?

If it’s a sport that Americans watch with any amount of regularity, it’s probably going to be available at DraftKings:

  • College football betting
  • College basketball betting
  • NHL betting
  • MLB betting
  • Golf betting
  • Tennis betting
  • Combat sports betting
  • NASCAR (and other motorsports) betting
  • Soccer betting

What bets will DraftKings not take?

Restricted bets will depend upon the state in question. Each state has its own rules, so these are the types of bets that you will not find on DraftKings:

  • Betting on high school sporting events is not permitted in any state.
  • Betting across state lines is not allowed and violates state and federal law.
  • New Jersey
    • You may not bet upon collegiate events that occur within the borders of New Jersey
    • There can be no betting upon New Jersey colleges, most notably Princeton and Rutgers
  • Pennsylvania
    • No betting on non-sports events, like the Oscars or elections, is allowed.
  • Indiana
    • No wagering on esports
    • Live betting is limited and data sources are subject to gaming board review
  • Iowa
    • No proposition betting (including live betting) in in-state college teams
  • New Hampshire
    • No betting on in-state collegiate events
  • Colorado
    • Esports betting is not permitted
  • Tennessee
    • No individual proposition bets on college athletes
  • Virginia
    • No wagering on any in-state colleges

Obviously, as other states bring online wagering to its public, there will be some variations. However, rules like the prohibition on high school events or the geolocation requirement.

What is DraftKings?

DraftKings burst onto the daily fantasy sports (DFS) scene in 2012 and quickly gained a loyal following, battling FanDuel for industry supremacy.

Today, DraftKings is at the top of the charts in DFS when it comes to entry fees, prize pools and registered players.

The company itself has expanded immensely, too. Founded in Boston, the company maintains its headquarters there but has also opened up offices in New York City, London, the isle of Malta and Hoboken, NJ.

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Receive $20 free + deposit match up to $500 with DraftKings

If you sign up for an account on DraftKings using our exclusive links, you’ll receive a $20 bonus upon making your first deposit of at least $5. The bonus is paid out in “DK Dollars.”

As you would expect, the funds are not available for immediate withdrawal. DraftKings gives you the bonus money to try out the platform, and it hopes you stick around for a while. You can use the $20 to enter paid contests on DraftKings for the chance to win real money prizes.

New and existing players can also look forward to receiving a 20% deposit match worth up to $500.

DraftKings Promo Code 2021

DFS SiteDraftKings
DraftKings DFS Promo CodeNot needed - click here
Free Money Offer$20 Free on 1st Deposit
Deposit Bonus20% Up to $500
Last VerifiedMarch 2021

It’s a solid little incentive for doing nothing other than creating an account on DraftKings and making your first (very minimal) deposit. Sign up via our exclusive links to take advantage of all that DraftKings has to offer new users.

Download the DraftKings DFS app

DraftKings has a DFS app available for both Apple and Android users. You will find links to the mobile app download on DraftKings’ website, as well as in the app store of your choice.

Note: DraftKings has apps available for its sportsbook and DK Live platforms as well, so be sure that you’re downloading the one that’s specific to DFS.

Once you do so, you’ll find that the company has brought the experience you’ll find on the online platform and optimized it for mobile. You can make all of the same moves on your phone as you can on the full platform, from entering contests to editing lineups to depositing and cashing out.

One of the best features of the DraftKings DFS app is the ability to edit lineups on the go.

You can add and remove players, do all your player research, and restore your original lineup without worrying about any changes getting lost.

How do I sign up for DraftKings DFS?

Signing up for an account on DraftKings is quick and straightforward. Once you click on the sign-up link above, you’ll visit a new page where you’ll need to click the button labeled “Claim Free Play.”

From there, you’ll see a pop up that will prompt you to enter a user name, email and password. After that, click “Continue,” and you’ll need to enter your name, address and date of birth.

Your state must legally allow DraftKings (we’ll cover that in a moment) and you must also be 18 years of age or older in most locales (It’s different in other states, but we’ll cover that, as well.).

After that’s all set, you’ll agree to the terms and conditions and accept the privacy policy. Click the green “Sign Up” button, and that’s it.

Your new account is created on DraftKings. You can make your first deposit to take advantage of the $20 free bonus offer and begin browsing around the platform. You will also be entitled to a 200% deposit match up to $500.

Where is DraftKings legal?

DraftKings is legal and available to play in over 40 US states. Here’s the current list of states in which playing on DraftKings is currently not allowed:

  • Arizona
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Louisiana
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • Washington state

Recently passed legislation has given the green light to DFS in Alabama and Iowa. DraftKings is expected to offer paid DFS contests in those states as soon as the company is allowed.

For most states, the minimum age requirement is 18. In Alabama and Nebraska, it’s 19, while it’s 21 years old in Massachusetts.

Please note: To play in real money contests on DraftKings, you must be physically located in one of the legal jurisdictions.

What DFS sports can I play on DraftKings?

In the early days of DFS, the focus was on major sports such as NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL. Fast-forward to today, and there are DFS contests for many others. DraftKings has been an innovator in this regard.

Here’s a current list of the fantasy sports you can play on the online platform or mobile app:

  • Football (NFL)
  • Basketball (NBA)
  • Golf (PGA)
  • Hockey (NHL)
  • NASCAR
  • MMA
  • Soccer
  • College football
  • College basketball
  • League of Legends
  • EuroLeague basketball
  • Tennis
  • Arena Football League

Individual sports such as golf, tennis and MMA are a big hit with the DFS community, as have many of those in the niche variety such as League of Legends.

What DFS contests can I play?

You’ll find the whole menu of DFS game types on DraftKings, as well as contests of all shapes and sizes. Entry fees can range from free to $25,900, in some cases.

Contest sizes can be as few as two players to tens of thousands of users for the larger tournaments.

Here’s the current list of the contest types:

  • Guaranteed prize pools (GPPs)
  • Head to heads
  • 50/50s and double-ups
  • Multipliers and boosters
  • Satellites and qualifiers
  • Three to 100 player leagues
  • Showdowns
  • Tiers

The GPP tournaments gain most of the headlines when it comes to DraftKings, but there are plenty of other ways to play.

Double-ups and 50/50s payout the top half of finishers, while head-to-head contests are fantasy contests in the traditional sense of player versus player.

Showdown contests revolve around a single game as opposed to a full slate of games, while tiers allow you to make your choices from varying levels of players.

What are the best DFS games for beginners?

For newer players, beginner-only games are available in the lobby. These help you get a feel for what it’s like to play DFS before being thrown into the experienced player pool.

Beginner-only games are only open to those who have yet to earn an “experience” badge on DraftKings or have yet to enter 50 paid contests. One of the cool features of DraftKings is that users will earn badges based on their success and level of play.

Other users can get a glimpse at the experience level of each player before entering a contest by looking at their badges.

For new players, a couple of great ways to start playing on DraftKings are:

  • Beginner-only 50/50s
  • Pick’em style games

For the 50/50s, the top half of entrants will win cash and nearly double their money. Playing in these contests help you get a feel for building out lineups while also potentially increasing your budget for new games.

For the pick’em games, users have to choose one player from each different tier of athletes. Building a lineup, while staying under the salary cap, can be a little challenging at first. So, this is a great way to get a handle on DraftKings’ scoring and which athletes perform the best from a fantasy perspective.

Can I play against my friends on DraftKings?

Games

If you’re looking for more of a traditional fantasy sports experience in which you can play against family and friends, you’ll find that on DraftKings as well. At the top of its main website, you’ll find a clickable link labeled “Leagues.”

Clicking on that will allow you to create a private league.

You can invite family, friends and coworkers to play, but they will naturally have to have their own DraftKings’ account. For those who have yet to sign up, you can point them to our exclusive links so they can also get the free $20.

You can also create a private head-to-head game to play games against users you invite. Both of these modes are great ways to get familiar with the DraftKings platform while playing against those you know, not to mention another chance to earn some bragging rights!

DraftKings Millionaire Maker NFL Championship

One reason that DraftKings is at the head of the pack in DFS is its offering of rather eye-popping guaranteed prize pool tournaments. As mentioned earlier, every NFL Sunday brings the opportunity for a user to make a million dollars playing fantasy football.

The DraftKings Millionaire Maker was a game-changer for DFS, and it’s still going strong. The GPP fills every week regardless of buy-in, which is usually $10-$20.

As we’re working on this review, DraftKings has a special Millionaire Maker tournament going on for a $100 buy-in. The entry fee is steep, but there have been qualifying tournaments at smaller buy-ins. Additionally, this tournament is smaller in comparison to the ones that run at lower entry fees.

A typical Millionaire Maker will have more than 100,000 entrants. This one is capped at 44,400 players, but the top prize remains an eye-popping $1 million. Naturally, winning a tournament of this size isn’t a small undertaking.

Essentially, you will need to nail each position in your lineup, meaning that each of your selections will have to deliver a fantastic showing. You’ll also need some uniqueness to your lineup to set yours apart from others on the leaderboard.

To that end, it can be helpful to think outside the box while building your lineup. Also known as a “contrarian approach,” this means that you’ll be looking for those under the radar players who have a great chance to go off this week.

It’s not easy to pull off, but it’s also quite rewarding when your low-owned gem goes out and has the game of his life, all while you climb up the leaderboard.

DraftKings rewards and points

DraftKings rewards players for their loyalty. Players can earn “DK Crowns” for every real money contest they play. DraftKings lists the number of crowns available to be earned with each contest. In a nutshell, it’s one crown for every $1 played.

As crowns accumulate, you can redeem them in the DraftKings shop for contest tickets and other goodies such as apparel. If you plan on playing a decent amount on DraftKings, then you’ll find that the crowns can add up in a hurry.

DraftKings also provides other ways for users to earn additional crowns. Known as “missions” and “achievements,” you can find details on what you need to do at the clickable “Promos” tab at the top of the main page.

For example, you may find a mission that asks you to enter a contest for a specific dollar amount in order to earn an extra amount of crowns. The same concept applies for achievements, as you can earn extra crowns by completing specific tasks.

In addition to the promotions, DraftKings will occasionally mail out special mission and achievement incentives. All told, DraftKings does a pretty solid job of rewarding players for their loyalty.

How do I cash out on DraftKings?

It’s simple to move money in and out of DraftKings. Once logged into your account, you can find the cashier function in the upper right. While there aren’t a lot of banking methods, you have options at hand to fit your specific needs.

Here are the current ways you can use to deposit on DraftKings:

  • Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover
  • Gift cards: Visa, Mastercard or American Express
  • PayPal

There’s a minimum deposit of $5, while the maximum is typically $2,000. Note that there can be restrictions on monthly deposit amounts in certain jurisdictions. On the “Cashier” page, there’s an “Update Deposit Limits” link, which you can click to find more details.

On the withdrawal side, DraftKings’ policy is first to refund the payment source used for deposits within the past 90 days. If it’s a situation where you no longer have access to a card or account used to deposit, be sure to contact customer support prior to withdrawing. The representative will help guide you on withdrawals and adjust sources as needed.

Once the refunds are processed, DraftKings will pay out the balance via PayPal or check. PayPal transactions are typically completed within two business days, while check payments can take up to seven to 10 business days for processing.

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings has expanded its operations into the world of legalized sports betting. In May 2018, the Supreme Court weighed in on a long-running case that questioned the justification of the federal ban on sports betting.

As the justices saw it, this was a matter for the states to decide themselves. Since the ruling, sports betting has become legal in several states, and there will be many more to follow.

DraftKings is live in several of them, both live and online, and the company has plans to expand elsewhere. There’s a natural crossover appeal and a built-in customer base to draw from, so the company has found a good deal of success in the states it has launched sports betting.

If you’re in one of those states, or in one that will be legalized soon, you’ll find DraftKings Sportsbook online.

Here are the current states that are open for legalized online sports betting and where you’ll find the DraftKings online sportsbook:

  • West Virginia:

DraftKings will eventually make its way to Colorado, Michigan and Tennessee, once those states launch. Check our DraftKings Sportsbook review for more information.

Prop bets are natural sports betting entry point

The sports betting platform is similar to what you’ll find on the DFS side: smooth, efficient and easy to use.

While DFS and sports betting are different pastimes, they do share several similarities. The research is similar, as is the decision-making process which revolves around risk versus reward scenarios.

For those new to sports betting who have DFS experience, prop bets can be a great place to start. These bets revolve around whether or not a specific instance will happen in a game, such as whether or not an NFL quarterback will throw a certain amount of touchdowns.

DFS players are always trying to figure out similar things, so prop bets make for a natural way to break into what could turn out to be a new favorite pastime.

DraftKings Playbook

If you’re looking for information and advice on DFS or sports betting, check out the DK Playbook. You’ll find general news, tips, strategy, advice and plenty of other useful tidbits to use as you build your lineups.

In addition to written content, there are plenty of informational videos. DK Playbook can be an invaluable resource to use as you get up to speed on DFS.

DraftKings fair play and responsible gaming

In addition to providing a great platform and awesome prizes, DraftKings wants your experience to be complete. The company takes account security, responsible play and transparency quite seriously.

At the bottom of the main website page, you’ll find clickable links that outline the company’s specific policies.

For example, “Account Security” will tell you how the company is keeping your information safe, as well as ways you can enhance your security.

In addition to the clickable links, you can find precise contact methods as issues come up. That includes a live chat feature where you can get your questions answered right away.

DraftKings lineup optimizers

As the DFS industry has grown, so too has the competition. Along with increased competition come questions on strategy and best practices. DFS advice has become a cottage industry in and of itself.

All sorts of sites and blogs are out there, which are devoted to DFS analysis, strategy and advice. In addition, there are what are known as lineup optimizers. These are tools that help users build out optimal lineups based on projected athlete performance.

Is Draftkings Free Picks

While tools can help from time to time, it’s important to remember what projections are: estimates of a player’s performance based on previous results and the current matchup.

Projections help provide a baseline for what a player should produce, but they are far from foolproof.

Fantasy sports scoring revolves around the performance of athletes in intense competitions. Unexpected situations can happen once the whistle blows, and there’s no way to account for that. Projections can be a solid tool to use, but they should be far from the only one in your belt.

A solid understanding of the matchups is critical to DFS success. Some players perform well in certain situations and come up flat in others. Understanding when and where they excel can help you find the best players on specific game days.

Research and staying on top of the news helps, as injuries and playing time decisions can impact player output. If you don’t have time to research, scores of resources are available online.

5 DraftKings tips for beginners

Finding success in DFS can take some time. While there is such a thing as beginner’s luck in any endeavor, consistent and sustained success takes patience and practice. A bit of luck doesn’t hurt either.

For new players, there are fundamental tenets to keep in mind as you begin playing DFS:

  • Play at Your Comfort Level: There is no reason to enter high money contests right away if you aren’t ready. DFS isn’t going anywhere, so build up your skills at lower price points and scale up your play as skills improve.
  • No Magic Bullet to Win GPP: Some users enter as many lineups as they can handle, while others take their best shot with a single list. Neither approach is wrong, and both can work.
  • Understand What Kind of Player You Are: Prefer consistent returns? Then hone up your 50/50 and double-up skills. Enjoy the thrill of chasing big prizes? Then you may be more of a GPP player. You can also be a combination of the two. It’s up to you; just know that strategy varies for both approaches.
  • Check Your Lineups Before Contest Locks: As mentioned, unexpected circumstances happen when it comes to sports. That includes last-second scratches, which were previously unannounced. Checking your lineups and ensuring everyone is playing helps to reduce the number of zero scores you’ll find in your lineups.
  • Have Fun: Yes, there is a chance to win real money while playing DFS, but it’s also meant to be a fun experience. If it stops being fun, take a break and go back with a new perspective. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it will make for your overall experience.

Official fantasy sports partner of NFL

DraftKings has strategic partnerships in place with several teams from all of the major North American sports leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL), as well as England’s Premier League.

Partnerships are also in place with many of the leagues themselves, including MLB and MLS.

DraftKings recently made headlines with the announcement of its official DFS partnership with the NFL. That’s a further testament to how far the DFS industry has come, not to mention the explosive growth of the company.

DraftKings has also spread its wings into other areas, such as strategic content and sports betting.

The DK Playbook and DKTV sections of the website and app offer a wealth of information and strategic advice. Sports betting has been a significant growth area for the company, but it remains laser-focused on DFS.

Users continue to flock to DraftKings and the massive prize pools that are available on that front. For example, each Sunday during the NFL season, there’s a guaranteed prize pool tournament, which offers a top prize of $1 million.

Beyond the prize pools, many users have made DraftKings their preferred DFS site due to its unique contest offerings and innovative scoring.

Add in the fact that DraftKings offers DFS contests for more than a dozen various sports, and it’s not too hard to see why it remains a preferred destination for scores of users.

DraftKings FAQ

What’s the difference between DraftKings and FanDuel?

DraftKings and FanDuel are the two most prominent players in the DFS industry. While similar, there are distinct differences in, e.g., scoring, roster requirements, prize pools and sports offered.

How do I win at DraftKings?

There isn’t a guaranteed method for victory on DraftKings, nor is there a DFS player who is right about every single selection every single night. Practice, patience and persistence can help you get through the learning curve and bolster your chances for long-term success.

Is DraftKings legal in the US?

Yes, DraftKings is legal to play in most of the US, but it is not currently legal to play in these states: Alabama, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada and Washington state. Laws have recently changed in Alabama and Iowa, so DraftKings should available in those states before too long.

How does DraftKings make money?

DraftKings makes its money by taking a percentage of contest entry fees. Also known as rake, it tends to hover around 15% per contest, but it can be more or less depending on contest size and entry fee. Unfortunately, DraftKings does not make this information readily accessible, but it can be calculated from information on the individual contest pages.

Does Draftkings Cost Money

What is PMR, FPPG and OPRK on DraftKings?

PMR stands for player minutes remaining, as in how many minutes do players in your lineup have left to play.

FPPG stands for fantasy points per game, which tells you the average output for players in the pool from a fantasy perspective.

OPRK stands for opponent rank, which lets you know how well an opponent does in defending against a specific position.

Can I use late swap on DraftKings NBA DFS?

Is Draftkings Free Picks

The late swap provides you with the opportunity to switch out players for games that haven’t started as of yet.

Is Draftkings App Free

So, this can be helpful for sports, such as the NBA, in which last-minute and previously unannounced scratches are commonplace. It’s currently available on DraftKings, but it was on hiatus for a while. You’ll have to check the current status at DraftKings to know if it’s available.