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Where Is Underdog Legal? DFS and Prediction Market States (2026)

Daniel Destler

By Daniel Destler

Last Updated:

Underdog is available in many U.S. states, but what you can use depends on the product. Underdog’s traditional DFS contests and newer Predict prediction markets operate under different regulatory systems, so a state can restrict DFS while allowing Predict.

This guide breaks down where Underdog DFS and Underdog Predict are currently available, the age requirements, and why the rules vary by state.

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Underdog is available across the U.S., but DFS and Predict do not share identical state footprints. The easiest way to know what you can use is to check the specific product available in your state.

State fantasy sports laws primarily determine Underdog DFS availability. Underdog Predict operates as a federally regulated prediction market, so its availability depends on a different legal framework.

Availability varies by product. Access to Underdog in your state does not guarantee every DFS and Predict product is available.


Underdog DFS is available in a large number of states, although Pick’em availability has changed as individual states have taken different approaches to player-prop-style fantasy contests.

Underdog DFS is legal in states that permit its fantasy sports contests under their laws. However, rules vary nationwide. Some states allow Underdog’s fantasy contests, while others restrict Pick’em contests or certain formats.

States Where Underdog DFS Pick’em Is Restricted

Underdog DFS Pick’em is restricted in some states because regulators and lawmakers have taken different positions on player-prop-style fantasy contests.

Some states distinguish between traditional fantasy sports and contests where users predict if an athlete will go over or under a statistical projection. Regulators in some jurisdictions have determined these contests resemble sports wagering closely enough to fall outside their state’s fantasy sports laws.


Underdog Predict is different from Underdog’s traditional DFS product. Predict allows users to trade contracts tied to future events, including sports outcomes and other event-based markets.

The product operates under the federal derivatives regulatory framework instead of relying solely on state fantasy sports laws.

Underdog Predict can be available in states where Underdog’s DFS Pick’em product is restricted. That’s because Predict isn’t simply another version of a fantasy contest. It operates as a regulated prediction market, giving it a different legal foundation.

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How Underdog Predict Reaches States Closed to DFS

This is one of the most important sections on the page because it explains why readers may see different answers depending on which Underdog product they’re trying to use.

For example, a state can restrict fantasy Pick’em contests under its gaming or fantasy sports laws while still allowing access to Underdog Predict.

The basic distinction is:

Underdog DFS: Primarily depends on state fantasy sports laws and regulatory interpretations.

Underdog Predict: Operates within the federally regulated derivatives market and is subject to CFTC oversight.

This federal framework allows Predict to operate in jurisdictions where state law restricts certain DFS products. However, federal regulation does not automatically override every state restriction. Predict availability still depends on federal and state rules and Underdog’s market decisions.


The biggest difference is where the regulatory authority comes from.

ProductDaily fantasy sportsPrediction market contracts
Regulatory frameworkState fantasy sports lawsFederal derivatives/CFTC framework
State availabilityVaries significantlyBased on federal regulatory framework and applicable restrictions
Typical activityEnter fantasy contests/picksTrade event contracts
Legal statusDetermined largely at state levelOperates under federal derivatives regulation

Explanation

Underdog DFS operates within state fantasy sports laws. Availability can change between states, especially when regulators decide certain Pick’em formats fall outside the state’s definition of legal fantasy sportsiest has a different legal structure. Rather than operating as a DFS contest, Predict offers event contracts through a federally regulated derivatives market.

That distinction is why Underdog may potentially offer Predict in a state where its DFS Pick’em product isn’t available.

Combo Feature

Underdog’s Combo feature can connect prediction market contracts with fantasy picks in states where the relevant products are supported.

The important point is that Combo does not make DFS and Predict the same product or give them the same legal status. Each product still needs to be available in the user’s location.


How Old Do You Have to Be to Use Underdog?

You generally must be 18 or older to use Underdog, though some states have higher age requirements.

18+

Most states allow users to access Underdog starting at age 18.

19+

  • Alabama
  • Nebraska

21+

  • Arizona
  • Massachusetts
  • Virginia

Age requirements vary by product and location, so users should check those for their state.

Underdog verifies identity and age during signup. You may need to provide personal data or documents before depositing or participating.


Why Underdog Legality Changes by State

Underdog’s availability varies because there is no single nationwide DFS law governing fantasy Pick’em contests.

Each state has its own gambling and fantasy sports laws, and states classify Pick’em contests differently.

Traditional fantasy sports involve users building lineups or competing based on real-world athlete performances. Pick’em contests ask users to predict if a player will finish above or below a statistical projection.

Some states have determined certain Pick’em formats are too similar to sports betting or do not qualify under their fantasy sports laws.


Is Underdog Safe and Regulated?

Yes. Underdog operates regulated products, but the type of regulation depends on the product.

Underdog DFS operates under applicable state fantasy sports regulations, while Underdog Predict operates within the federally regulated derivatives market.

Users should understand which product they are using because the legal and regulatory frameworks differ.

Underdog DFS

Underdog’s DFS products operate under the applicable fantasy sports laws and regulations in each state where they are offered.

Depending on the jurisdiction, state gaming or fantasy sports regulators may oversee contests and impose requirements on consumer protection, responsible gaming, age verification, and location verification.

This is why DFS availability can change when a state passes a new law or a regulator issues new guidance.

The practical takeaway is simple: Underdog DFS is legal only where the specific DFS product is permitted.

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Underdog Predict

Underdog Predict operates under the federal derivatives regulatory framework overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Underdog has the regulatory structure needed to operate its prediction market, including a Designated Contract Market, Derivatives Clearing Organization, and Futures Commission Merchant.

The Predict platform went live on July 18, 2026.

Important: CFTC regulation does not mean Predict is automatically available in every U.S. state. Always check the current state availability list.

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How to Start Using Underdog

Getting started with Underdog is simple, but users must complete identity and location verification before using eligible products.

This section should stay brief because the full signup process is covered on the main Underdog operator page.

Use the current Underdog promo code here and link readers to the more detailed Underdog promo code page.


Is Underdog legal in Texas?

Yes. Underdog DFS is available in Texas, including its eligible fantasy products. Underdog Predict is also available in Texas, giving users access to prediction markets even though traditional sports betting is not legal in the state.

Is Underdog legal in California?

Yes. Underdog DFS is available in California, and Underdog Predict is also available there. This makes California one of the states where users can access both sides of Underdog’s product lineup, although the specific contests and markets available can vary.

Is Underdog legal in New York?

Yes, but with restrictions. Underdog DFS is available in New York for certain fantasy products, while Pick’em contests remain restricted. Underdog Predict is not currently available in New York, so New York users should not assume they have access to every Underdog product.

Is Underdog legal in Hawaii?

Yes, for Underdog Predict, but not traditional Underdog DFS. Hawaii is one of the states where Underdog Predict is available while Underdog’s traditional fantasy products are not. This is a good example of how Predict can reach states where Underdog DFS remains restricted.

Is Underdog Predict the same as Underdog DFS?

No. Underdog DFS is a fantasy sports product where users participate in fantasy contests or Pick’em formats. Underdog Predict is a prediction market where users trade contracts tied to future events.

Do you need to live in a sports betting state to use Underdog?

No. Underdog’s DFS and Predict products have their own legal and regulatory requirements. A state does not necessarily have to offer traditional online sports betting for an Underdog product to be available there.

Is Underdog available on mobile?

Yes. Underdog is designed for mobile use through its app and mobile website. However, being able to download or access the app doesn’t mean every product is available in every state. Your physical location is checked before you can use location-restricted DFS or Predict products.



Daniel Destler

Danny Destler is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert with deep knowledge across a wide range of sports. A graduate of Marist University, he specializes in creating sharp, engaging, and evergreen content that resonates with both seasoned DFS players and casual fans alike.

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