dfs · pickem

Pick'em DFS Legal States 2026: PrizePicks, Underdog, and Pick6

Last Updated: March 1, 2026

PrizePicks is legal in approximately 36 US states as of March 2026. Underdog Fantasy operates in 40+ states and Fliff’s sweepstakes model reaches 46+. Eight states ban pick’em DFS even where classic salary-cap DFS remains legal.

Last Updated: March 2026

Key Takeaways

  • PrizePicks operates in ~36 states after New York reinstatement following a $15 million settlement in late 2025.
  • Eight states ban pick’em DFS: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, and Washington.
  • Underdog Fantasy is available in 40+ states due to different product structures in restricted markets.
  • Fliff’s sweepstakes model operates in 46+ states by bypassing DFS regulation entirely.

Why Do Some States Ban Pick’em but Allow Classic DFS?

Classic DFS — assembling a roster across multiple stat categories — fits most states’ fantasy sports definitions. Pick’em’s binary over/under predictions look more like proposition wagering to several regulators. Colorado ruled in 2023 that pick’em does not qualify under its DFS statute. Arizona and Nevada classify it as sports betting. See our DFS legal states tracker and pick’em overview.

Which States Allow Pick’em DFS in 2026?

Availability as of March 2026. Verify directly on the platform before depositing.

StateClassic DFSPrizePicksUnderdogNotes
AlabamaYesYesYes
AlaskaYesYesYes
ArizonaYesNoNoPick’em classified as sports betting
ArkansasYesYesYes
CaliforniaYesYesYesAG opinion July 2025 confirmed legality
ColoradoYesNoNoGaming commission ruling, 2023
ConnecticutYesYesYes
DelawareYesYesYes
FloridaYesYesYes
GeorgiaYesYesYes
HawaiiNoNoNoAll DFS prohibited
IdahoYesNoNoAG opinion, pick’em = gambling
IllinoisYesYesYes
IndianaYesYesYes
IowaYesNoNoAG opinion 2024
KansasYesYesYes
KentuckyYesYesYes
LouisianaYesNoNoPick’em not covered by DFS statute
MaineYesYesYes
MarylandYesYesYes
MassachusettsYesYesYes
MichiganYesYesYes
MinnesotaYesYesYes
MississippiYesYesYes
MissouriYesYesYes
MontanaYesNoNoAG opinion, pick’em = sports wagering
NebraskaYesYesYes
NevadaNoNoNoAll DFS requires gaming license
New HampshireYesYesYes
New JerseyYesYesYes
New MexicoYesYesYes
New YorkYesYesYesReinstated late 2025 after $15M fine
North CarolinaYesYesYes
North DakotaYesYesYes
OhioYesYesYes
OklahomaYesYesYes
OregonYesYesYes
PennsylvaniaYesYesYes
Rhode IslandYesYesYes
South CarolinaYesYesYes
South DakotaYesYesYes
TennesseeYesYesYes
TexasYesYesYes
UtahYesYesYesLimited offerings
VermontYesYesYes
VirginiaYesYesYes
WashingtonYesNoNoPick’em classified as gambling
Washington, D.C.YesYesYes
West VirginiaYesYesYes
WisconsinYesYesYes
WyomingYesYesYes

Count: PrizePicks ~36 | Underdog ~40 | Fliff (sweepstakes) 46+

How Does the Sweepstakes Model Change State Availability?

Fliff and similar platforms sell virtual currency and award prizes through sweepstakes, bypassing DFS regulation in 46+ states. The trade-off is lower effective payouts. Our Odds Reference dashboard tracks pricing across prediction markets for comparison.

What Changed in 2025-2026?

  • New York: Reinstated after $15M fine and enhanced consumer protections.
  • California: AG opinion (July 2025) confirmed pick’em legality.
  • OBBBA: Federal registration required for DFS operators above $5M gross revenue.

For platform comparisons by state, see our best pick’em apps guide.

FAQ

A: PrizePicks is available in approximately 36 states as of March 2026. It is banned in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, and Washington. New York reinstated PrizePicks in late 2025 after a $15 million settlement. Check the state table above for your specific state’s status.

A: Several state regulators view pick’em DFS as closer to proposition betting than traditional fantasy sports. Classic DFS requires assembling a full roster across multiple statistical categories, while pick’em contests involve binary over/under predictions on individual player stats — a structure that some attorneys general consider more akin to sports wagering.

Q: Is Fliff available in more states than PrizePicks?

A: Yes. Fliff operates under a sweepstakes model rather than a DFS license, which allows it to accept entries in 46+ states. Because sweepstakes contests are regulated differently than daily fantasy sports, Fliff avoids many of the state-level DFS bans that restrict PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PrizePicks legal in my state?
PrizePicks is available in approximately 36 states as of March 2026. It is banned in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, and Washington. New York reinstated PrizePicks in late 2025 after a $15 million settlement. Check the state table above for your specific state's status.
Why is pick'em DFS banned in some states where classic DFS is legal?
Several state regulators view pick'em DFS as closer to proposition betting than traditional fantasy sports. Classic DFS requires assembling a full roster across multiple statistical categories, while pick'em contests involve binary over/under predictions on individual player stats — a structure that some attorneys general consider more akin to sports wagering.
Is Fliff available in more states than PrizePicks?
Yes. Fliff operates under a sweepstakes model rather than a DFS license, which allows it to accept entries in 46+ states. Because sweepstakes contests are regulated differently than daily fantasy sports, Fliff avoids many of the state-level DFS bans that restrict PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy.