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The Latest DFS Betting Guides for January 2026: Get Up to Date Info on How to Bet on DFS
We understand that keeping up with the latest news, stats, and facts in the sports world is a full-time job in itself. So, we’ve tasked our gurus with gathering all of this information for you.
As you’ll soon see, we have then conveniently pieced all of this information together to form in-depth DFS guides to help you get the most out of your daily fantasy sports experience. Stick around, and let us help you make the perfect lineup.
by Dave Garofolo
Aug 25, 2024
by Dave Garofolo
Aug 25, 2024
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Is it legal to enter DFS contests?
First and foremost, it is worth us confirming that DFS is legal in most US states. As these types of contests are considered games of skill, not luck, they fall under a different legal umbrella to standard real-money sports betting.
This decision was determined based on the skill and understanding it takes to take on the role of ‘coach’ and build a successful roster. Now, you can bolster your own skills and knowledge with our dedicated guides, too. We make sure that we keep you in the know, covering everything from the drafting process to the legal nuances surrounding the wonderful world of DFS.
Getting started: Did you know _____ about daily fantasy sports?
We have already touched on the legal side of things; however, there is a lot that goes into fully understanding how DFS works. In this section, we’ve aimed to provide you with a quick overview of some key features. Of course, our dedicated guides will tell you the full story.
Understanding Contest Types and Drafting Methods
When it comes to joining contests and building your rosters, you’ll find plenty of availability in 2026. Now, it isn’t just a case of choosing your favorite wideouts and running backs; you’ll need to go through the full drafting process in real time with your friends.
Standard Draft: When first starting out with DFS, the standard draft will see you randomly presented with a draft number. This number will indicate when you will make your picks throughout the whole drafting process. Generally, you’ll be allocated a new draft position when the season ends based on your rankings. For instance, if you finished 4th in a group of 10, you’ll draft 6th next time. The idea is that it creates a fair playing field.
Snake Draft: The snake drafting system is arguably the fairest. Instead of being stuck in place, you’ll find that your position changes each round. For instance, you may be selected to draft 3rd in a group of 10. However, in a snake draft, you’ll then find that you’re drafting in 7th place. This will then alternate based on your starting position until the end of the drafting process.
Pick ‘ems: The Pick 'em is another popular contest that doesn’t rely on a drafting order at all. Instead, depending on the DFS platform you select, you’ll be expected to build a lineup of players based on whether you believe they will score higher or lower than a preset value. Naturally, the more picks you make, the higher your potential winnings. As an example, you may look to choose Joe Mixon, rushing for more or less than 100.5 yards.
Scoring Systems
The aim of the game is to create a roster that manages to score the most points. Whether this is in a head-to-head setting, in a larger format, or on a rolling basis will depend on the DFS site and contest you opt to join. However, in short, the team with the most points will always win.
Understanding how to gain those points will be critical to your success. For example, some sites prioritize touchdowns and rushing yards, and others may not include picks and pass breakdowns. To stay sharp and informed, check out our latest best bets - a great resource for identifying smart plays across sports that can feed directly into your DFS lineup strategy.
Bonuses and promotions
We all want to get something for free—or as close to it as possible. So, it should be no surprise to hear that we cover the best bonuses and promotions here at Dimers.
Generally speaking, DFS promotions aren’t the most glamorous or sizable, but they can still allow you to test out your theories in specific contests without spending big bucks. You can see a couple of examples in this table; however, we will provide guides on how the ins and outs of these offers work, too.
| Daily Fantasy Sports Bonus | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Deposit matched bonus | The deposit match bonus is one of the most common promotions you are likely to come across. It will often allow you to match a certain percentage of your original deposit up to a specific value. You will then need to use your bonus as a contest entry in order to play through it. For example, you may find a 100% deposit match of up to $100. |
| No-deposit contest entry | A no-deposit contest entry allows you to test the waters of the full drafting and points-scoring processes without having to spend a dime. This bonus is usually presented at the sign-up stage, allowing you to jump straight into the action. As an example, you may find a $3 entry for use on upcoming NFL contests. |
Responsible gambling
We are huge advocates of responsible gambling here at Dimers. So, we couldn’t help but mention checking out the responsible gambling tools provided by your chosen sportsbook.
You will often find whole sections of a DFS site featuring useful resources and helplines. However, you can also head to the ‘wallet’ section of your account and soon utilize deposit limits, betting limits, and time alerts. Combining these tools will soon help keep your DFS betting experience in line with your usual activity.
Make use of our dedicated guides to take your coaching and DFS experience up a level
So, there you have it – a quick insight into the world of DFS and a little look at what you can expect from our dedicated daily fantasy sports guides.
Our aim at Dimers is to become your number-one choice for all things DFS. So, you can rest assured that our guides will be packed with valuable tips, tricks, stats, and facts to ensure that all of you can benefit along the way.
From complete rookies to established DFS coaches, we ask you to stick around and make use of our guides library. Here, we are confident that you’ll leave with some newfound knowledge to help you take things up a notch. So if, for example, you're looking to make MLB picks, you should check out our guide on MLB odds to help you find the best sportsbook to place your picks.
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Gamble Responsibly
Playing at online sportsbooks, real money casinos, and sweepstakes sites should always be safe and enjoyable. Keep control of your activity by following responsible gambling guidelines such as:
Set a Budget:
Decide on a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it. Once it’s gone, stop playing.
Don’t Chase Losses:
Trying to recover losses often leads to overspending.
Play with a Clear Head:
Avoid playing under the influence, or when angry, stressed, or tired.
Set Time Limits:
Take breaks and ensure gambling doesn’t cut into time with family or friends.
Know Your Stuff:
Learn the rules, bet types, odds, and payouts before playing to avoid mistakes.
Use Responsible Gambling Tools:
Make use of features like budget limits and self-exclusion.
If you or someone you know is struggling to gamble responsibly, these free, confidential resources can help:
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Damien Souness as part of our fact-checking process.
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