Understanding DraftKings' Services
DraftKings provides two primary services:
- Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Players create fantasy teams and compete against others based on real-world player performances.
- Sportsbook: Allows users to place bets on a wide range of sports events.
Each service is subject to different legal regulations, which vary by state. The legal landscape has evolved significantly since the 2018 Supreme Court decision to strike down PASPA (Murphy v. NCAA).
Legal States for Sports Betting
Fully Legal and Operational
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Coming Soon
Several states are in various stages of legalizing sports betting, including:
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
Legal States for Daily Fantasy Sports
DFS operates under different regulations than sports betting and is available in most states. Notable exceptions include:
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- Washington
Important Note: While DFS is generally more widely available than sports betting, some states maintain specific restrictions or requirements for participation.
State-Specific Requirements
Age Requirements
- Most states: 21+
- New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Wyoming: 18+
Location Verification
DraftKings employs strict geolocation technology to ensure compliance with state laws. This requires:
- GPS location services enabled
- Valid state-issued ID verification
- Physical presence within state borders
Banking and Payment Options
Most legal states allow common payment methods including:
- Credit/debit cards
- PayPal
- Online banking
- Wire transfers
- DraftKings gift cards
Note: Available banking options may vary by state due to local regulations.
Responsible Gaming Requirements
Each state maintains specific responsible gaming protocols that DraftKings must follow:
- Self-exclusion programs
- Deposit limits
- Cool-off periods
- Problem gambling helpline access
Tax Implications
Sports betting winnings are considered taxable income in all jurisdictions. DraftKings provides:
- W-2G forms for qualifying wins
- Annual win/loss statements
- State-specific tax documentation
Restrictions and Limitations
Even in legal states, certain restrictions apply:
- No betting on in-state college teams (some states)
- Prohibited player props on college athletes
- Restricted betting on certain events or sports
- Maximum bet limits
For the most current information on state eligibility, visit DraftKings' state eligibility page. For support with gambling-related issues, the National Council on Problem Gambling provides valuable resources.
Always check local regulations as they frequently update and vary by jurisdiction.