Best DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) Apps – December 2024

By Tyler Maher

Editor

Fact Checked

Published: Dec 1, 2024, 7:34am

Forbes Advisor receives compensation from partner links on this page. Online bets are not legal in all locations, and this content is meant for those 21+. Winnings are not guaranteed, and you may lose all of your wagered funds. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER

When it comes to daily fantasy sports (DFS), gamers have quite a few options from which to choose.

While DraftKings and FanDuel are the clear leaders in the DFS industry, several competitors have emerged in recent years to challenge them. As online sportsbooks have expanded, so have DFS sites, giving players choices.

If you’re looking to get into DFS or want a new platform to try, here are the best DFS apps to consider.

Company	Forbes Advisor Rating	Launched in	Welcome Offer	Notable Features
DraftKings Sportsbook	4.5	2012	earn 20% of their first deposit	Smooth interface, Plentiful banking options, Frequent promotions and Strong customer support
FanDuel Sportsbook	5.0	2009	large variety of contests in different sports that cost as little as $1 to play	High-quality interface, Reliable customer service, Quick payouts and Solid promotions
ThriveFantasy	4.0	2016	matching first deposit 100% up to $250	Gamers can choose where they will go in certain statistical lines
Boom Fantasy	3.0	2015	gives new users up to $100 in site credit if their first entry loses	Easiest and fastest DFS site
ParlayPlay Fantasy	3.0	2021	$5 promo pick to new users	User-friendly mobile app and offers a large menu of sports

Best Sports Betting Sites And Promos

Best DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) Apps December 2024

DraftKings: The Boston-based DraftKings has been a powerhouse in the DFS space for over a decade and is one of the most popular DFS apps in the country.
FanDuel: FanDuel goes toe-to-toe with DraftKings in the DFS space as one of the top platforms in the country. It’s based in New York and launched in 2009.
ThriveFantasy: ThriveFantasy launched in 2016 and stands out from the competition with its emphasis on player props rather than building fantasy lineups.
Boom Fantasy: Similar to ThriveFantasy, Boom Fantasy has gamers pick the Over or Under on certain statistics for players.
ParlayPlay Fantasy: As the name implies, ParlayPlay involves building parlays out of various player props.

Are DFS Apps Legal in the U.S.?

It depends where you’re located, but yes: DFS apps are legal in most of the U.S.

DFS is legal in nearly every state at this point. Only five of the 50 states do not allow it: Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Washington.

Those states are relatively small in terms of population, so the vast majority of Americans have easy access to legal DFS sites.

DFS apps are more ubiquitous than sportsbooks, as sports betting is legal in fewer states (38 at the time of writing).

The age limit is typically lower for DFS as well. While the legal sports betting age is 21 in most states, the age limit for DFS is usually 18.

Residency isn’t required. As long as you’re physically located within a legal market’s borders, you can play DFS.

DFS apps will confirm your age when you sign up and verify your location when you’re using the app.

Can You Trust DFS Apps?

Yes, you can trust DFS apps for several reasons.

For starters, legal DFS apps are regulated and audited to ensure they’re operating correctly. They must meet certain requirements to become a licensed DFS operator.

DFS apps are also safe. They have tight security measures to protect your personal information when you sign up for an account. They safeguard your payment info as well, so you don’t have to worry about it being ending up in the wrong hands.

Lastly, DFS apps use secure methods for deposits and withdrawals. Online bank transfers, PayPal and credit/debit cards are just some of the ways to move money into and out of your account.

DFS apps have been serving millions of customers and keeping their hard-earned money safe for years. You can trust them.

DFS Apps vs. Sports Betting Apps

Before signing up for a daily fantasy sports app, it’s important to know the difference between a DFS app and a sports betting app.

A sports betting app is where you place wagers at a sportsbook. You can wager on a variety of sports betting markets there, including moneylines, spreads, Over/Unders and prop bets.

DFS is different from traditional sports betting. It’s where you build a lineup of players and try to score the most points relative to other bettors. It’s essentially playing fantasy sports for money.

It’s possible to do both, but just keep that in mind when registering for a new account. Some companies like FanDuel and DraftKings offer both sports betting and DFS. They even have separate apps, so make sure you download the correct one.

Other operators only offer sports betting or DFS, so check before signing up.

How to Choose a DFS App

DFS apps provide similar services but slightly different experiences.

Whether you’re a brand-new gamer or have played before, it helps to seek out certain qualities in a DFS app.

Operating systems are a good starting point. Most DFS apps offer Android and iOS apps.

You can check the App Store or Google Play to confirm. Most legitimate DFS apps will have an app available for download on either platform.

From there, do some exploring. Many DFS apps offer a sign-up bonus, typically giving you free entries or site credit on top of your initial deposit.

Compare bonuses from multiple DFS apps (where available) to see which ones are better. Remember that you can claim welcome promotions at multiple DFS sites.

Then, check out the features and functionality. Try to get a feel for the app and see if the experience is smooth.

It should also be easy to find your desired contest. A DFS app shouldn’t require you to hunt down what you’re looking for.

DFS Apps That Give You Free Money

One good way to choose a DFS app is to determine which one has the best sign-up bonus, especially if it involves free money.

That means looking at each DFS app available in your state and comparing their welcome offers.

Many DFS sites give you a deposit bonus for signing up and loading money into your account. They’ll usually match your first deposit up to a certain amount in site credit. So if you deposit $50 after signing up, they’ll give you an extra $50 in bonus funds to play with.

This is ideal for bettors because it allows you to explore different contests and see if you like the app. You can also win real money by wagering the bonus funds.

Some DFS apps will reimburse you in site credit up to a certain amount if your first contest loses, giving you a chance to earn your money back.

Payment Options for DFS Apps

Once you’ve registered for a DFS app, there are plenty of ways to safely fund your account through the app.

These options vary by state and operator, but here are some of the most common deposit methods at DFS sites:

Bank Transfer
Credit/Debit Card
PayPal
Venmo
Apple Pay
Wire Transfer
PayNearMe
Skrill
Gift Card

You can choose which option is the best and most convenient for you.

Similarly, there are a number of ways you can withdraw money from your account as well:

Bank Transfer
Debit Card
PayPal
Venmo
Check By Mail

DFS apps protect your banking information, so you don’t have to worry about it being stolen when you’re making transactions through the app.

Which DFS App is the Best?

No single DFS app is head and shoulders above the rest. It comes down to what you’re looking for in a DFS site and what you enjoy.

There are several DFS apps worth browsing. You’ll find the app(s) you like best by trying different ones and seeing which options fit your betting habits and preferences.

The “best” DFS app is subjective and depends on many factors, including the state you live in (or can easily visit), promotions and contest variety.

That said, the sports betting landscape has some clear leaders when it comes to DFS apps.

DraftKings

Launched in

2012

Welcome Offer

earn 20% of their first deposit

Notable features

Smooth interface, Plentiful banking options, Frequent promotions and Strong customer support

DraftKings

Launched in

2012

Welcome Offer

earn 20% of their first deposit

Notable features

Smooth interface, Plentiful banking options, Frequent promotions and Strong customer support

Why We Picked It

DraftKings has been a DFS powerhouse since launching in 2012. Over the past decade, they’ve become one of the most popular and successful DFS brands.

For starters, DraftKings has a large welcome offer to help new users fund their accounts. New customers can earn 20% of their first deposit (up to $500 bonus) in DK Dollars – site credit that can be used on DFS contests.

DraftKings also offers a wide array of contests in over a dozen sports, which users can explore with their site credit to see which format they prefer.

Beyond that, DraftKings features a smooth interface, plentiful banking options, frequent promotions and strong customer support.

It’s also available in almost every state, making it easily accessible for most U.S. gamers.

In short, DraftKings boasts an excellent app and is considered a top DFS brand for a reason. If you don’t have an account yet, it’s worth checking out.

FanDuel

Launched in

2009

Welcome Offer

large variety of contests in different sports that cost as little as $1 to play

Notable features

High-quality interface, Reliable customer service, Quick payouts and Solid promotions

FanDuel

Launched in

2009

Welcome Offer

large variety of contests in different sports that cost as little as $1 to play

Notable features

High-quality interface, Reliable customer service, Quick payouts and Solid promotions

Why We Picked It

As DraftKings’ main rival in the space, FanDuel DFS has many of the same features. They are essentially interchangeable platforms and many gamers use both.

FanDuel DFS has been around longer than DraftKings, launching in 2009.

FanDuel has since expanded to include a sportsbook, horse racing app and online casino, but DFS remains a brand pillar.

FanDuel offers a large variety of contests in different sports that cost as little as $1 to play. It also has contests reserved for beginners and intermediate-level players, protecting them from experts.

It has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a major company, including a high-quality interface, reliable customer service, quick payouts and solid promotions.

FanDuel DFS is available in nearly every state and registration is easy.

The only issue is that there isn’t a current sign-up promotion for new users, but FanDuel has offered one in the past and may do so again.

ThriveFantasy

Launched in

2016

Welcome Offer

matching first deposit 100% up to $250

Notable features

Gamers can choose where they will go in certain statistical lines

ThriveFantasy

Launched in

2016

Welcome Offer

matching first deposit 100% up to $250

Notable features

Gamers can choose where they will go in certain statistical lines

Why We Picked It

While DraftKings and FanDuel have been entrenched in the DFS space for years, ThriveFantasy has recently emerged as one of their main competitors.

Launched in 2016, ThriveFantasy stands out with its focus on player props.

Whereas traditional DFS games provide points for stats like yards, strikeouts and rebounds, ThriveFantasy incorporates a fun aspect of betting by enabling gamers to choose whether players will go Over/Under certain statistical lines.

By focusing on star players and streamlining the drafting process, ThriveFantasy makes DFS quicker and easier.

It’s an option for players who love prop bets or don’t yet have access to a legal online sportsbook in their state.

ThriveFantasy also has a welcome offer to entice new players by matching their first deposit 100% up to $250.

There are a few minor pain points with ThriveFantasy, including limited banking options, slower loading speeds and no live chat function for customer support.

The app also doesn’t offer contests involving college sports.

However, ThriveFantasy’s unique concept makes it a good complement to the more traditional platforms of DraftKings and FanDuel.

Boom Fantasy

Launched in

2015

Welcome Offer

gives new users up to $100 in site credit if their first entry loses

Notable features

Easiest and fastest DFS site

Boom Fantasy

Launched in

2015

Welcome Offer

gives new users up to $100 in site credit if their first entry loses

Notable features

Easiest and fastest DFS site

Why We Picked It

Boom Fantasy is a relative newcomer to DFS, launching in 2015.

It claims to be the easiest and fastest DFS site, making it appealing for gamers who want to play quickly without spending too much time researching players or contests.

Like ThriveFantasy, Boom Fantasy has gamers pick Over or Under statistics for specific players. That makes it easier for beginners to win, as they are not playing against more experienced players and experts.

The more picks you get correct, the more you stand to win.

Boom Fantasy is an alternative to traditional DFS. It also has long shots and progressive jackpots that give the app a lottery feel.

A “no-sweat” first-entry welcome offer gives new users up to $100 in site credit if their first entry loses.

Boom Fantasy is available in most states, although less than DraftKings or FanDuel. It also has a more limited selection of sports, offering NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and NASCAR.

ParlayPlay Fantasy

Launched in

2021

Welcome Offer

$5 promo pick to new users

Notable features

User-friendly mobile app and offers a large menu of sports

ParlayPlay Fantasy

Launched in

2021

Welcome Offer

$5 promo pick to new users

Notable features

User-friendly mobile app and offers a large menu of sports

Why We Picked It

ParlayPlay Fantasy is a newer DFS site, launching in 2021.

The “ParlayPlay Pick’M’” is the primary game mode here.

Similar to a parlay bet, gamers combine prop bets into a wager. Adding more props increases your potential payout, but you must get all of your picks correct to win.

Gamers play against themselves instead of other players, so they don’t have to worry about beating competitors. They just need to focus on making the right picks.

Whereas ThriveFantasy and Boom Fantasy are centered on prop bets, ParlayPlay differentiates itself by focusing on parlays.

That makes it a welcome addition to the DFS space, especially in states where bettors can’t place parlays at online sportsbooks.

For a new company, ParlayPlay rates well in several key areas.

Its mobile app is user-friendly and offers a large menu of sports, including niche leagues like CFL, WNBA and UFC.

It also has 24/7 customer service, offers a $5 promo pick to new users and has rewards for existing members.

Because ParlayPlay is still relatively young, it is only available in roughly half of U.S. states. However, given its early success and popularity, that number will likely grow soon.

How To Sign Up For a DFS App

Signing up for a DFS app is easy and only takes a few minutes. The process is similar to registering for a sportsbook.

Choose which DFS app you want to sign up for.
Once you find it in the App Store or Google Play Store, download it to your phone or mobile device. Note that some operators have different fantasy apps and sportsbook apps, so make sure to choose the right one for what you want.
After downloading the app, enter some personal information (name, address, phone number, etc.) to verify your identity and create your account.
Create a unique username for your account and verify your location to ensure you’re in a state where DFS is legal.
Enter a promo code if you have one to claim your sign-up bonus.
Deposit money in your account using a verified payment method.

Once you’ve completed those steps, you’re free to start exploring the app and entering contests.

Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can You Win Real Money on DFS Apps?

Yes, you can win real money on DFS apps.

If you play using your own money, your winnings will be provided in cash and can be withdrawn from your account whenever you want.

If you have site credit or a sign-up bonus, that can’t be withdrawn on its own. You’ll need to play contests using those funds in order to win real cash. Any winnings from site credit will be paid out in cash, which you can then withdraw from your account.

Is There an Age Limit to Play DFS?

Yes. Like sports betting, you must be over a certain age to have a DFS account, which is why DFS apps ask for your birthday when you sign up.

In most states, you must be at least 18 years old to play DFS. Some states have higher age limits, however, including Alabama (19), Nebraska (19), Arizona (21), Iowa (21), Louisiana (21) and Massachusetts (21).

Check to make sure you’re over the legal DFS age in your state before signing up.

Can You Have More Than One DFS App?

Yes, you can have as many DFS apps as you’d like; there’s no limit on the amount.

You can only have one account per DFS app, however, as they prevent you from registering for multiple accounts. Your selection of DFS apps may be limited depending on which ones are available in your state.

If you travel to another state, you’re free to use an app that you haven’t signed up for before. You just won’t be able to use it when you return home if it’s not available in your state.

What is the Best Fantasy Sport to Play?

The best fantasy sport to play is usually the one you have the most fun playing and are the most knowledgeable about. If you’re a huge football or basketball fan, you’ll probably enjoy playing those games more than sports like tennis or golf.

That said, it can be tougher to win money in popular sports because of the intense competition. Those contests draw a lot of players from casual fans to experts, making it hard to stand out.

If your goal is to win money, you may do better in less popular niche sports, as the player pool will likely be smaller.

If you take the time to research and immerse yourself in a less popular sport, you may have more of an edge than in a widely played sport like football.

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

Tyler Maher Editor

Tyler is the Deputy Editor of Forbes Betting, helping expand the vertical since its launch in 2022. Before joining Forbes, he worked for MLB.com, The Game Day and Minute Media. Originally from the Boston area, he graduated from Tufts University in 2015 and currently lives in Providence, RI.

Brian Pempus Editor

Brian Pempus is the managing editor of Forbes Betting. A Penn State journalism graduate, Brian has covered the U.S. gambling industry since 2009, starting as a staff writer and later online content manager with Card Player Magazine in Las Vegas. In 2018, he became deputy editor of sports betting at Better Collective and later managing editor at The Game Day. He joined Forbes in 2022. His work has been cited by Fortune Magazine, Wisconsin Law Review, The Tennessean, ESPN, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Journal of Corporation Law, University of Cincinnati Law Review, UC Law San Francisco, The Congressional Research Service, The Tennessee Bar Association, The University of Nevada Las Vegas and The Ohio State Law Journal.

Best Sports Betting Sites And Promos