What Is Underdog Fantasy? A Complete Guide to Legal States and Gameplay
Underdog Fantasy is one of the fastest-growing Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms, offering innovative formats like Pick’em and Best Ball to revolutionize how fans engage with sports. By blending simplicity with high rewards, Underdog Fantasy appeals to both beginners and seasoned players. Whether you’re making predictions on player stats or drafting a team for the season, Underdog Fantasy delivers a fun, user-friendly experience.
How Does Underdog Fantasy Work?
Game Modes:
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Pick’em Contests:
Predict whether players will go “Higher” or “Lower” than their projected stat lines (e.g., passing yards, rebounds, rushing touchdowns). Select 2 to 5 picks per entry, with payouts scaling based on the number of correct picks.- Example: Will Patrick Mahomes throw for over 300.5 yards?
- Example: Will LeBron James score fewer than 27.5 points?
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Best Ball Contests:
A season-long fantasy mode where you draft your team once, and Underdog automatically optimizes your lineup each week to maximize points. Focus on drafting the best team, and let the platform handle the rest. -
Cross-Sport Entries:
Mix and match picks from multiple sports in a single entry, such as combining NFL and NBA predictions.
Where Is Underdog Fantasy Legal? (2025 Update)
Underdog Fantasy is legal in 41 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., making it one of the most accessible DFS platforms. Below is a detailed breakdown of where you can play.
States Where Underdog Fantasy Is Legal
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Age 18 or Older:
Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming -
Age 19 or Older:
Alabama, Nebraska -
Age 21 or Older:
Arizona, Massachusetts
Restrictions to Note
- College Sports Restrictions: Some states, such as Arkansas and New Hampshire, may restrict entries involving college teams or athletes.
- Local Team Rules: Certain states, like Illinois, prohibit entries for college athletes playing for in-state schools.
States Where Underdog Fantasy Is Not Available
Underdog Fantasy does not operate in these states due to strict regulations:
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- Montana
- Nevada
- Washington
Additionally, Underdog is unavailable in Ontario, Canada.
Key Features of Underdog Fantasy
Wide Range of Sports:
Underdog covers the most popular leagues and events, including:
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, College Football, College Basketball
- Soccer, Tennis, Golf, eSports (e.g., League of Legends, Call of Duty)
User-Friendly Design:
- Intuitive interface for seamless gameplay.
- Ideal for beginners and experienced fantasy players alike.
No Salary Caps or Team Management:
Skip the complexities of managing salary caps or weekly roster updates.
Flexible Payout Options:
- Power Play: Higher payouts if all your picks are correct.
- Flex Play: Lower risk with payouts even if you miss one pick.
Generous Payouts:
Win up to 20x your entry fee in Pick’em contests or compete for millions in Best Ball tournaments.
Why Choose Underdog Fantasy?
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Legal in Most States:
Underdog Fantasy is available in 41 states, making it one of the most widely accessible DFS platforms. -
Simple Gameplay:
Avoid the complexity of traditional fantasy leagues while still enjoying competitive payouts. -
Innovative Features:
Underdog introduces exciting formats like Best Ball and cross-sport Pick’em entries. -
Quick Payouts:
Winners can withdraw earnings quickly with minimal hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Underdog Fantasy Legal in My State?
Underdog Fantasy is legal in 41 states. Check the “Where Is Underdog Fantasy Legal?” section above for a complete list.
2. How Does Underdog Fantasy Compare to Other DFS Platforms?
Underdog stands out for its beginner-friendly design, innovative Best Ball format, and flexible Pick’em contests, making it more accessible than traditional platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel.
3. What Are the Age Requirements for Playing Underdog Fantasy?
Age requirements vary by state:
- 18+ in most states
- 19+ in Alabama and Nebraska
- 21+ in Arizona and Massachusetts
Conclusion
Underdog Fantasy combines simplicity, innovation, and accessibility to deliver one of the best DFS experiences on the market. Whether you enjoy daily contests, cross-sport predictions, or season-long drafts, Underdog has something for everyone. With legal operations in 41 states and exciting features like Pick’em and Best Ball, Underdog Fantasy continues to redefine the DFS landscape.