PrizePicks Is Now Legal in New York: Here’s What’s Changed

If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen ads for apps like PrizePicks or Underdog Fantasy. People talking about “picking overs and unders” on player stats, winning real money, and doing it all from their phones. But is this sports betting? Is it fantasy sports? Is it both?

Welcome to the world of pick’em DFS — one of the fastest-growing formats in sports gaming, and honestly, one of the most beginner-friendly ways to get started. Let’s break down exactly what it is, how it works, and how it stacks up against traditional daily fantasy sports.

What Is Pick’em DFS?

Pick’em DFS is simple: you pick whether a player’s stats will go over or under a set projection line. That’s it. Did LeBron James score more or fewer than 25.5 points? Did Josh Allen throw for more or fewer than 235.5 passing yards?

You don’t build a full roster. You don’t worry about a salary cap. You just make your picks, combine them into a multi-leg entry (similar to a parlay), and win based on how many you get right.

The term “DFS” (daily fantasy sports) is used because these platforms are classified as fantasy sports contests under U.S. law — more on that in a bit. But functionally, it feels a lot like betting player props, just without a traditional sportsbook.

How Is It Different from Traditional DFS?

Traditional DFS — think DraftKings Classic or FanDuel salary-cap contests — works completely differently:

• You’re given a salary cap (e.g., $50,000) and must draft a full lineup of players without going over budget
• Your lineup competes against other users’ lineups in a head-to-head or tournament format
• Your score is based on the total fantasy points your entire roster accumulates
• Success requires deep knowledge of matchups, salary values, and lineup construction strategy

Pick’em DFS, by contrast, strips all of that away. There’s no salary cap, no competing against other users’ lineups in the same way, and no need to draft seven or eight players strategically. You just pick your overs and unders and you’re done. That’s why it’s so accessible for newcomers.

How Payouts Work

Pick’em platforms offer fixed payouts based on how many picks you include in your entry. The more picks you add, the bigger the multiplier — but you have to get more right to win.

Here’s how PrizePicks Power Plays (all-or-nothing entries) typically pay out:

• 2 picks: 3x your entry
• 3 picks: 5x
• 4 picks: 10x
• 5 picks: 20x
• 6 picks: 25x

So if you put in $10 on a 4-pick Power Play and hit all four, you walk away with $100. Miss even one? You get nothing.

It’s worth noting that Underdog Fantasy often offers slightly better payouts on certain entry sizes — for example, a 3-pick entry pays 6x on Underdog vs. 5x on PrizePicks. Small difference, but it adds up over time if you’re playing regularly.

Flex Plays vs. Power Plays (PrizePicks Terminology)

One of the most beginner-friendly features on PrizePicks is the option to play a Flex Play instead of a Power Play. Here’s the key difference:

• Power Play: You must hit every single pick to win. Higher payout ceiling, all-or-nothing.
• Flex Play: You can miss one or two picks and still get paid out — just at a reduced amount.

For example, on a 5-pick Flex Play, if you go 4-for-5, you still receive a partial payout (typically around 2x). Go 3-for-5 and you may get a small portion back. It’s essentially an “insurance” option that lowers your ceiling but protects your downside.

PrizePicks also offers Demon and Goblin projections — Demons are harder lines with higher payouts (up to 2000x), while Goblins are easier lines with lower payouts. These can be mixed into your entry to customize your risk/reward.

Underdog Fantasy calls their insurance version simply “with insurance,” and Sleeper and Betr use similar mechanics under their own branding.

The Main Platforms Compared

PrizePicks

The biggest name in pick’em DFS. Available in most U.S. states (check your state’s legality), covers a huge range of sports, and runs promotions like “Taco Tuesday” discounted lines. Payouts go up to 25x on a 6-pick Power Play.

Underdog Fantasy

Strong pick’em product with slightly better payouts on 3-pick and 5-pick entries than PrizePicks. Also offers Best Ball drafts and Streak contests. Popular with slightly more experienced players who want to optimize payout structures.

Sleeper Picks

A newer entrant that’s grown fast. Sleeper uses dynamic pricing on some contests, meaning payouts can vary depending on the specific pick — which creates unique opportunities to find value that static-payout platforms don’t offer.

DraftKings Pick6

DraftKings’ pick’em product is a natural extension of their traditional DFS platform. If you’re already using DraftKings, Pick6 is easy to get into since it’s in the same app. The familiar interface helps beginners feel comfortable from day one.

Betr Picks

A newer, mobile-first platform with a clean UI and competitive payouts. Similar structure to PrizePicks. A solid secondary option to use when comparing lines across platforms to find the best value.

Legal Status: Pick’em DFS vs. Traditional Sports Betting

Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: pick’em DFS is legal in many states where traditional sports betting is not.

Because these platforms are classified as fantasy sports contests (skill-based games, not gambling under federal law), they operate under different regulations than sportsbooks like FanDuel Sportsbook or BetMGM. That means residents of states that haven’t yet legalized sports betting may still be able to play on PrizePicks or Underdog.

That said, each state has its own rules, and availability varies by platform. Always check whether a specific app is licensed in your state before depositing money.

Who Is Pick’em DFS Best For?

Pick’em DFS is ideal for:

• Total beginners who find traditional DFS salary-cap construction intimidating
• Casual sports fans who want to add some stakes to watching games without studying complex stats
• Sports bettors looking for an alternative to traditional player prop wagering
• Anyone in a state where sports betting isn’t yet available

Experienced DFS players use pick’em platforms too — but they tend to approach it analytically, comparing lines across platforms and looking for discrepancies with sportsbook odds to find an edge.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start small. Most platforms let you enter for as little as $1–$5. Learn the format before putting real money on the line.
2. Stick to sports you know. If you follow the NBA closely, start with basketball props. Familiarity is an advantage.
3. Use Flex Plays first. The partial payout protection on Flex entries is your best friend while you’re learning.
4. Compare lines across platforms. PrizePicks, Underdog, and Sleeper don’t always set the same lines. A few minutes of comparison can mean the difference between an over at 24.5 vs. 26.5 points.
5. Don’t chase losses. Pick’em DFS can feel like quick money, but discipline matters. Set a weekly budget and stick to it.

The Bottom Line

Pick’em DFS is one of the most accessible ways to get involved in sports gaming today. No salary caps, no roster construction headaches — just your picks and a potential payout. Whether you’re a complete newcomer or a seasoned sports fan looking for a new way to engage with games, it’s worth giving it a try.

Start with a platform like PrizePicks or DraftKings Pick6, use the Flex Play option while you’re finding your footing, and most importantly — enjoy it. That’s what it’s all about.