DFS, otherwise known as daily fantasy sports, has become a highly favored method for sports enthusiasts to engage more passionately with their favorite games. Interestingly, Virginia holds the distinction of being among the pioneering states in the United States to officially legalize and regulate DFS as early as 2016.

Although it was initially the pioneer in implementing DFS regulation, numerous other states have followed suit and enacted their own legislation. As a matter of fact, there are now only a handful of US states where participating in DFS contests online remains illegal.

DFS involves selecting teams of players in different sports while adhering to a salary cap. Generally, DFS contests encompass a set of games within a specific league. Points are awarded to your team based on the players’ performance during the games. By competing against other teams, the objective is to accumulate the highest number of points. The prize pool, consisting of entry fees minus an administrative fee, is divided among the teams with the most points.

In both Virginia and throughout the United States, DraftKings and FanDuel have emerged as the dominant platforms for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). These two giants now collectively command a staggering 90% share of the market. If you’re curious to learn more about these DFS powerhouses, eager to delve into the world of DFS, interested in exploring the diverse range of contests they offer, or seeking tips to secure victories right here in Virginia, you’ve come to the right place.

Best DFS sites in Virginia

DraftKings and FanDuel dominate the DFS industry in the US, leaving little competition for other smaller daily fantasy sports sites. While these smaller platforms may provide unique contest formats, it is undeniable that in VA, the two main players reign supreme with their larger contests and guaranteed prize pools.

1. DraftKings Fantasy Sports in VA

DraftKings has held the position of the dominant force in the world of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) for quite some time, owing to several key factors.

• It can be found in almost every state in the US.
• Organizes larger competitions offering increased prize money certainty.
• The team has created user-friendly DFS software with exceptional quality.

DraftKings offers a wide range of contest formats, catering to different preferences and budgets. These formats encompass various prize pools, including both guaranteed and variable amounts. Some popular contest types include qualifiers, where participants compete for a chance to enter larger tournaments, head-to-head matchups, where two players face off against each other, 50/50s, where half of the participants win, and multipliers, which offer the opportunity to multiply your winnings. Additionally, DraftKings provides daily fantasy sports for cash in a diverse selection of sports, boasting an extensive list that covers numerous disciplines.

• NFL
  
• NCAA football
  
• NBA
• MLB
• NHL
• The golf tours that are well-known are the PGA Tour and the European Tour.
• Major League Soccer (MLS), the Premier League, and the Champions League (football)
• UFC (MMA)
• NASCAR (auto racing)
• League of Legends (eSports)

DraftKings has established itself as the leading platform in the US Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) market, offering a wide range of sports and contests. In addition to providing the opportunity to join season-long fantasy leagues, DraftKings allows players to create their own leagues. This diverse selection has attracted the largest player pool in DFS. Furthermore, DraftKings has introduced the biggest guaranteed prize pools, solidifying its position as the top choice for DFS enthusiasts. Through extensive promotion efforts, DraftKings has experienced substantial growth and currently stands as the dominant force in the DFS market, with FanDuel being its only significant contender.

2. FanDuel Fantasy Sports in VA

FanDuel boasts an impressive annual payout of over $1 billion in prizes, rivaled only by DraftKings. With a focus on innovation and enhancing user experience, FanDuel offers a sleek and efficient DFS software. Moreover, they continually introduce new game formats to keep things fresh and exciting.

Different types of contest formats are available on FanDuel, such as Guaranteed Prize Pools, Qualifiers, Head-to-Heads, 50/50s, and Multipliers. Additionally, there are unique and inventive formats like single-game and beginner contests. FanDuel has also introduced contest-entry limits and features like advanced entry, late-swap, and third-party software blockers, setting them apart as pioneers in the industry.

FanDuel provides contests for the most popular fantasy sports, encompassing all of them.

• NFL
• NCAA
• NBA
• MLB
• WNBA
• NHL
• English Premier League (soccer)
• PGA (golf)

FanDuel stands out as a leading platform, providing players with contests featuring substantial guaranteed prize pools, unmatched by any other in the country. Additionally, FanDuel offers an exceptional abundance of cash games, cementing its position as the sole genuine alternative to DraftKings.

Free DFS deposit bonus

The leading DFS operators in the field provide players in Virginia with the opportunity to receive free bonus cash upon signing up for a new account. The only requirement is that the bonus cash must be utilized for participating in DFS contests. However, any winnings obtained from these contests are entirely yours to keep.

When you register for DraftKings, you will receive $20 in Free Play upon making your initial deposit. Additionally, you will be eligible for a 20% deposit match, with a maximum limit of $500.

When you join FanDuel, you will receive a complimentary NBA entry without needing to make a deposit. Additionally, upon your first deposit, you will also receive an extra $10.

Daily fantasy sports freerolls

Both FanDuel and DraftKings organize a range of freeroll contests and promotions that allow you to participate for free and have the chance to win actual cash prizes. These platforms distribute millions of dollars in such events, especially during the NFL season kickoff.

Participating in complimentary DFS contests can serve as an excellent opportunity to acquire lineup-building skills. Moreover, they provide the chance to establish a DFS bankroll from scratch.

Make sure to keep an eye on the advertising and promotions of FanDuel and DraftKings. Additionally, don’t forget to check the emails they send you to stay informed about upcoming free DFS contests.

DraftKings vs FanDuel: Which is the better DFS site?

FanDuel and DraftKings share only a few distinct disparities. Both platforms offer:

• High-quality software
• We provide excellent bonuses and promotions for both new and existing players.
• Most major sports host massive live championship events.

FanDuel offers a wider range of contest types compared to DraftKings, despite the possibility of DraftKings expanding its offerings to include contests in additional sports and leagues.

The primary distinction lies in how they score DFS. DraftKings offers bonuses to players who achieve specific statistical milestones. In simpler terms, bonus points are awarded when an NFL quarterback surpasses 300 passing yards, or when an NBA player achieves a double-double in an NBA DFS competition.

FanDuel does not offer any bonuses, whereas DraftKings awards a full point for each ball caught in NBA DFS contests, while FanDuel only grants half a point.

Having accounts at both sites is pretty standard for the majority of DFS players.

What is DFS?

DFS enables you to assume the role of a General Manager for a night, allowing you to match your understanding of current player performances against other enthusiasts. Moreover, it offers you the opportunity to have a vested interest in not only a single game, but an entire day’s lineup of games.

DFS enables you to construct a team within a set salary limit using players participating in a particular sport on a given day. Subsequently, you can enter your team into paid contests, where your players’ statistical performance determines the points you earn. The prize pool is divided among the highest-earning teams, depending on their performance on that specific day.

Similar to season-long fantasy sports, the concept is akin to managing teams over an entire season, but in this case, it all unfolds within a single day or even a single game. Conducting thorough research, making strategic decisions, and assembling lineups are all part of the process, as you aim to outperform your adversaries in a similar manner.

The concept revolves around players participating in a single day of gameplay, disbanding their team once the games are completed, and having the opportunity to repeat the process the following day.

How to play daily fantasy sports

The approach to playing DFS varies depending on the type of DFS contest you choose. Nevertheless, in most cases, it involves constructing lineups of players participating in a particular sport’s games for a single day.

DFS operators assign a price to each player participating in a game, taking into account their projected performance for that day. To construct your team, you must adhere to a salary cap and other contest-specific parameters, such as limitations on the number of players and positions.

To participate in the contest, a fee is required for entering a lineup. It is typically allowed to create and submit multiple lineups, up to the maximum limit set by the contest. The points earned by each of your lineups are determined by their statistical performance.

The objective is to create a lineup that accumulates the maximum number of points. Similar to poker tournaments, DFS contests often award prizes to the top 10-20% participants. Naturally, the more points you gather, the higher you will rank on the leaderboard, and the majority of the prize pool is allocated to the top performers.

What’s the difference between DFS and sports betting?

As more and more states legalize and regulate both activities, the debate over whether DFS is sports betting continues to divide the nation. The distinction between the two is quite nuanced, and one’s perspective can determine whether DFS is seen as merely an alternative method of placing bets on sports.

Traditional sports betting involves placing bets on the result of individual games and various aspects such as player or team performance. On the other hand, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) can be compared to placing bets on specific player performances, requiring a certain level of skill to create winning lineups.

The ones who claim that DFS is not gambling assert that the ability to build lineups is the primary factor. On the contrary, those who argue that DFS is gambling believe that DFS players are essentially wagering on the statistical achievements of athletes, a domain once reserved for sportsbooks.

In essence, the bottom line is that while you can perform similar activities in both playing DFS at a sportsbook and playing DFS separately, there are certain limitations in the latter that set it apart from the former.

To put it differently, a sportsbook allows you to place bets on nearly every aspect of sports, whereas DFS solely focuses on assembling player lineups, competing against other lineups, and scoring based on the actual statistical performance of those players within a single day. However, certain DFS operators have emerged that provide single-game prop betting, blurring the boundaries between DFS and sports betting.

How to build your first DFS team

If you are starting to build your first DFS team, it is advisable to begin with a sport that you are already familiar with and follow.

1. Start with what you know

Building a successful lineup always relies on thorough research. If you are venturing into DFS for the first time, it is advisable to begin with a sport that you already follow closely as a fan. This entails selecting a sport that you consistently watch and gather information about through reading.

Create your initial DFS lineup by utilizing your existing knowledge about the games and players in the sport. Additionally, ensure that you incorporate the most recent information available. Evaluate the current form of players to determine who is performing exceptionally well and who is not before entering the day’s matches.

2. Find simple, low buy-in contests

Afterwards, search for a competition that has straightforward guidelines, clear prize distribution plans, simplified scoring system, and limitations on how you can organize your lineup. As a novice, it would be more advantageous for you to participate in a beginner contest with a relatively low entry fee. This way, you can avoid putting a large amount of money at risk and competing against experienced professional players in your first attempt.

3. Try a few different lineups

After locating an appropriate contest, begin creating multiple lineups within the contest’s salary cap and following its specific rules and limitations. The advantage of using most DFS software is the flexibility to experiment with different lineups until you discover the perfect fit.

Create multiple lineups by including a few top-earning players who are expected to excel and a few underrated players who offer great value for their low salaries. Rely on your understanding of the game and thorough research to guide your decisions, and ultimately select the lineup that you believe will give you the highest chance of success.

Types of DFS contests

Various DFS contests offer various contest formats. Let’s explore the fundamental formats commonly found in most prominent team sports:

• Guaranteed Prize Pool (GPP) contests are highly sought-after in the world of DFS. By paying an entry fee, participants have the opportunity to vie for a portion of a guaranteed prize pool. This guarantee ensures that if the collected entry fees fall short, the operator will contribute the remaining amount. Typically, these contests offer substantial rewards for the top performers, with the winner taking home a significant payout.
• Most major DFS operators offer both private and public leagues, which resemble Season-Long Fantasy leagues more than anything else.
• In head-to-heads, two players compete against each other in cash-game DFS. The lineup with the highest score secures the entire prize pool, excluding the operator’s fee.
• 50/50s: In these large-field contests, the top half of participants walks away with an equal prize, while unfortunately, the bottom half leaves without any winnings.
• Tiers: Competitions that substitute conventional salary caps with categorized groups of players.
• Challenge yourself to surpass the score by constructing a lineup with the goal of surpassing a predetermined scoring total. Participants who achieve this feat will receive an even portion of the prize pool.
• Captain of the Showdown: Create lineups disregarding positions and assign a “captain” who can score at an elevated rate.
• DFS contests that revolve around a single game.
• DFS-style parlays and props: Parlays, props, and predictions.

Differences between DFS and season-long fantasy sports

Traditional season-long fantasy sports and DFS share several similarities.

• Real-life lineup building
• The scoring is determined by the actual statistical performance in real life.
• Participating in DFS contests to compete for lucrative cash rewards.

The primary distinction lies in the duration of the competitions. Season-long fantasy sports involve participating in leagues that span an entire season, whereas DFS revolves around contests that can be as brief as a single day or even a single game.

The DFS industry has experienced exponential growth, reaching a valuation of billions of dollars. This implies a significant influx of funds from hundreds of thousands of individuals participating in various DFS contests throughout the year.

Compared to season-long fantasy sports, the stakes are much higher in daily fantasy sports (DFS). While season-long leagues usually involve nominal amounts played among friends, DFS offers the opportunity to compete for million-dollar prize pools in NFL contests every Sunday. Moreover, there are significant amounts of money entered into contests for various sports throughout the year.

DFS GPPs attract over 100,000 entries per week, while the majority of season-long fantasy sports leagues consist of less than 15 teams managed by close-knit groups of friends.

While DFS operators do offer the option to create your own season-long fantasy sports leagues, the number of participants involved in these leagues is significantly smaller compared to the vast number of players engaged in DFS.

DFS, while lacking the camaraderie of a season-long fantasy sports league, offers the advantage of requiring less time commitment. It provides flexibility, speed, and instant enjoyment.

Most popular DFS contests

The NFL is the center of attention when it comes to the largest and most popular DFS contests. While DraftKings and FanDuel organize significant GPPs for every major sport, it is the NFL contests that attract the largest participation. These contests comprise:

• The DraftKings Millionaire Maker is an exciting opportunity to win big, with its $7 million guaranteed prize pool. Every Sunday, one lucky winner is guaranteed to become a millionaire, thanks to the $1.2 million top prizes. It only costs $20 to enter, but keep in mind that there is a limit of 400,700 entries. Out of these, the top 83,000 lineups will receive a cash prize. It’s worth noting that this list is usually dominated by experienced pro-DFS players who submit multiple lineups.
• The FanDuel NFL Sunday Million, also known as the ‘Millionaire Maker’, guarantees a prize pool of $6 million, with a chance for someone to win a million dollars every Sunday as the top prize. The entry fee is just $25, and the number of entries is limited to 275,862. Out of these, the top 55,300 lineups will receive cash prizes. However, it’s worth noting that many experienced professional DFS players participate in this competition by submitting multiple lineups.
• Introducing the FanDuel Sunday NFL Rush tournament, where you can win a share of the $2 million guaranteed prize pool by entering with only $5. The top prize is a whopping $150,000, and there’s a limit of 459,770 entries. Plus, you have a chance to make money if you’re among the top 90,800 participants.
• Introducing the DraftKings Weekly Play Action Contest, where you can compete for a chance to win from the impressive $1.5 million guaranteed prize pool by simply paying $3 to enter. With a thrilling $100,000 top prize up for grabs, this contest has a maximum entry cap of 575,000 participants, and an impressive 122,290 players will walk away with a prize.

How to win at DFS

Achieving victory in the realm of DFS is no simple task. When you participate in a regular contest on FanDuel or DraftKings, you will be competing against a multitude of individuals, numbering in the thousands. Moreover, a significant portion of these competitors will consist of seasoned pro-DFS players, equipped with substantial financial resources, who enter as many lineups as possible.

Although winning at DFS can be challenging, it is not an unattainable goal. To increase your chances, consider these five helpful tips:

1. Increase your chances of winning by playing multiple lineups in a DFS contest. Remember, each lineup comes with its own entry fee, so be sure to play responsibly and stay within your budget.
2. Reducing the stakes: Participating in lower stakes contests enables you to face off against novice players and individuals who are less dedicated to DFS.
3. Seek out hidden treasures: Assembling your lineup with high-performing players is crucial, but it’s equally important to avoid duplicating others’ choices. Explore the realm of unexplored talents and select players that others tend to overlook. Employ thorough research to uncover these unexpected stars who can elevate your lineup to new heights.
4. Engage in 50/50s: Participate in 50/50 competitions to grow your funds. These contests provide a chance to double your money with minimal risk. By consistently doing so, you’ll amass a substantial amount of actual cash to utilize.
5. Research is the key to winning DFS contests, and there is no hidden formula. Those who invest the most time and effort into constructing their lineups tend to achieve the greatest success. The internet offers a plethora of DFS and sports-related resources that can assist you in your journey. Furthermore, the widespread popularity of DFS has resulted in its inclusion in mainstream media, leaving you with no valid excuse to neglect your DFS preparation.

Is DFS legal in Virginia?

DFS is legal and regulated in Virginia due to the passing of the Fantasy Sports Act by the Virginia Legislature in 2016. This legislation ensures that the activity and operators of DFS are under proper regulation and oversight. The act establishes the fundamental principles and guidelines for the legal operation of DFS in the state.

• The legal age for entering DFS contests should be set at 18 and older.
• Operators must comply with the requirement of registering with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and submit a registration fee of $50,000 in order to operate DFS contests.
• The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services should be authorized to enforce the act, conduct investigations into violations, and perform an annual audit of all registered operators.
• Operators must enforce regulations that prohibit employees and their immediate relatives from participating in any form of gambling activity. Additionally, they must prioritize the safeguarding of data to ensure its security. Furthermore, operators should maintain a clear distinction between player funds and operational funds.