
Since launching in 2020, Underdog has quickly amassed a huge following and traction from sports fans, thanks to its unique approach to fantasy sports.
Trying to figure out if Underdog is available in your state can feel like deciphering ancient scrolls, except instead of treasure, you're just hoping to draft a backup tight end without committing a felony. Welcome to the oddly fascinating world of state-by-state fantasy sports legality in 2026.
Underdog isn’t your average fantasy sports app. It skips the full-season commitment, and serves up short, sharp contests that feel more like a well-placed hot take than a life decision.
But depending on where you live, you might either be riding high on Pick’ems and Best Ball drafts or staring at a “Not Available in Your Region” screen like it’s a locked bonus level.
This guide lays it all out. Where Underdog is available, where it’s not, and the curious in-between zones where DFS apps exist. No legalese, no buzzwords, and no pretending this stuff isn’t just a little weird.
Let’s check the map before we check the roster.
In this comprehensive guide, we provide you with an updated list of US states Underdog is available in. Knowing Underdog eligible states will help you play confidently and know what games are available in your state.
Underdog offers a fresh take on daily fantasy sports, with a few distinct game types that set it apart from traditional DFS platforms. Rather than focusing on full-season leagues, Underdog emphasizes fast-paced contests and more simple gameplay.
The most popular format is Pick’em, where you choose whether a player will go higher or lower than a projected stat. These contests are available in combo form, where you select two or more players to multiply your payout.
Then there’s Best Ball, Underdog’s flagship draft format. In these contests, you draft a team once and your best-performing players are automatically scored each week - no trades, no waivers, and no maintenance.
Other formats include Battle Royale, a weekly snake draft contest with real-time competition, and Rivals, where you pit two players against each other and pick which one performs better.
Finally, Underdog Champions is their newest addition. It's a season-long survivor-style contest with team-building and upgrade mechanics, currently live in select states.
Whether you prefer quick picks or strategy-heavy drafts, Underdog has something to match your play style.
Below is a summary of the US states where the other Underdog pick'em and champions are available. As you can see in the table, the state restrictions for Pick'em and Champions have different state requirements and Underdogs keeps these states up to date and on the front page of their site.
| 📍State | 🏈 Pick'em | 🏆 Champions | 🏀 Draft | 💰Promo Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Alaska | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Arizona | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Arkansas | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| California | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Colorado | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Connecticut | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | BALLISLIFE |
| Delaware | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Florida | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Georgia | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Hawaii | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | BALLISLIFE |
| Idaho | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | BALLISLIFE |
| Illinois | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Indiana | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Iowa | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | BALLISLIFE |
| Kansas | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Kentucky | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Louisiana | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | BALLISLIFE |
| Maine | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | BALLISLIFE |
| Maryland | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Massachusetts | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Michigan | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Minnesota | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Mississippi | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Missouri | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Montana | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | BALLISLIFE |
| Nebraska | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Nevada | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | BALLISLIFE |
| New Hampshire | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| New Jersey | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| New Mexico | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| New York | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| North Carolina | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| North Dakota | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Ohio | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Oklahoma | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Oregon | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Pennsylvania | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Rhode Island | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| South Carolina | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| South Dakota | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Tennessee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Texas | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Utah | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Vermont | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Virginia | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Washington (State) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | BALLISLIFE |
| Washington D.C. | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| West Virginia | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Wisconsin | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
| Wyoming | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | BALLISLIFE |
As you can see from our table and the availability of Underdog in the US isn’t straightforward. Also, keep in mind that the landscape surrounding fantasy sports can evolve at any time.
So, it's always best to stay informed about any regulation changes in your state to ensure you're always enjoying the exciting realm of fantasy sports.
As mentioned above, you must be of Underdog’s legal age in your state to play at Underdog.
If you meet the age requirement, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sign up and play at Underdog available states, including Underdog Pick’em states:
Visit the Underdog website using links on this guide or our Underdog review page to download the app. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
You can also search for the Underdog app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download it for free.
If you don’t want to download the app at this time, you can proceed with the registration process on Underdog's official website.
On the app or website, click on the ‘Sign up’ button to initiate registration.
A registration form will then open, and you should proceed to fill in details such as your name, email address, phone number, username, and password, among other details.
When creating the account, make sure to use the appropriate Underdog promo code. Activating the promo code when signing up ensures that you get the Underdog deposit match immediately after you make a deposit.
You’ll need to verify your account, email, and/or phone number before your account is approved.
Underdog may also require you to provide additional KYC documents to verify that you’re who you say you are and from one of Underdog's available states.
This is probably the most important step since you’ll likely not be able to play at Underdog until you make a deposit.
To deposit, head to the cashier section and select ‘Deposit.’ You should then select your preferred payment method (Underdog only accepts debit/credit cards and PayPal at the time of writing) and then enter the amount you wish to add.
The minimum amount you must deposit at Underdog is $10 and your deposit is processed instantly.
For Underdog new customers in eligible States excluding: Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. You get 'Play $5, Get $50 in Fantasy Bonus Entries' when you sign up using the promo code "BALLISLIFE". Full terms are available HERE.
After you’ve received the bonus, you can start playing your favorite contests or drafting teams. The Underdog betting app allows you to play at any time and from anywhere, even on the go.
The bonus featured at Underdog can be claimed when you register for a new account. To be eligible for the bonus, you must be physically located in one of the following Underdog legal states:
AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY, and D.C.
You must deposit a minimum of $10 and play $5 on a pick’em or paid fantasy contest. Once the entry settles, the $50 bonus will be credited. All bonus funds must be used within 14 days of registering for an account.
Other Underdog formats are currently off-limits in the state, that is, College Pick’em, and College Drafts are listed as ineligible.
In practice, that means you can enter season-long or daily snake drafts, and you can build Champions Pick’em entries, but you won’t see projection-style picks or any college-focused contests in your lobby.
Eligibility can shift as regulations evolve, so it’s always smart to confirm in the app’s state list before you play, but as of the latest update, that’s the MS lineup.
You can join Drafts, play the classic version of Pick’em, submit picks , and participate in College Pick’em and College Drafts.
The one notable exception right now is Pick’em (Champions), which isn’t offered in Utah. So if you’re in UT, you’ll see standard Pick’em entries that use projections, plus college markets and drafts across pro and college sports, but not the Champions format.
As always, check the in-app state list for any changes before you enter contests, since eligibility can be updated.
Players have broad access to Underdog, and can participate in Drafts, the classic Pick’em, Best Ball Drafts, College Pick’em, and College Drafts.
The page does not list Champions for South Carolina, so assume the classic Pick’em experience (and not Champions) when you’re building entries.
The practical takeaway is that SC offers a full slate of drafts and both pro and college projection-based Pick’em, but you should not expect the Champions variant to be available in your lobby.
Always verify inside the app’s state eligibility view if you’re unsure, since these listings can change.
The list of Underdog’s available states is quite long, but there are still some restrictions. Not every state allows daily fantasy sports betting. Many states separate traditional fantasy sports and pick’em games and claim that the pick’em games mimic traditional betting, making it illegal in certain states.
Some states allow access to Underdog, but restrict pick’em contests. You can still create an account from restricted states, but you will not be able to enter any pick’em contests, including Underdog’s Pick’em Rivals contest, that are available.
Underdog legally adheres to state regulations and uses GPS checks and geolocation to identify the physical location of each user. It is not possible to access the site using a VPN.
It is important to know which states Underdog is legal in and to avoid using any VPN to block your location. If you are in a state where DFS is not allowed, you will not have access to the site or any services.
If you are physically located in a restricted state, you will not be able to redeem any prizes from Underdog. This is true even if you have a valid account.
Underdog uses geolocation tools that will prevent any user in a restricted state from accessing payouts. The site also performs identity checks to ensure users are in a state where Underdog is available.
Registering with a daily fantasy sports site to place entries on your favorite sport requires careful consideration. One of the things to consider is whether the daily fantasy sports site is allowed to operate in your state of residence.
If you reside in one of the states where Underdog is not available, you cannot place an entry unless you move to a state where it is allowed to operate. It is also worth noting that even within the states where Underdog is allowed to operate, there may be restrictions based on age and game type.
With that in mind, make sure you are above the required age and select the right game type available to players in your state, then follow the banners below to claim the 'Play $5, Get $50 in Bonus Entries' promo code if its available in your location.
| State: | Bonus Offer:Bonus Code: | Get Bonus: |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska |
Play $5 Get $50 in Bonus Entries
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|
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| Alabama |
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| Arkansas |
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| Arizona |
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| California |
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| Colorado |
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| Florida |
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| Georgia |
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| Illinois |
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| Indiana |
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| Kansas |
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| Kentucky |
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| Massachusetts |
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| Maine |
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| Minnesota |
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| Missouri |
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| Mississippi |
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| North Carolina |
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| North Dakota |
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| Nebraska |
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| New Hampshire |
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| New Mexico |
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| Oklahoma |
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| Oregon |
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| Rhode Island |
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| South Carolina |
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| South Dakota |
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| Tennessee |
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| Texas |
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| Utah |
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| Virginia |
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| Vermont |
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| Wisconsin |
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| West Virginia |
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| Wyoming |
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Yes, Underdog is available and holds valid licensing to operate in the US. The platform is also a corporate member of the NCPG and actively promotes responsible play through its 'GuardDog' tools.
Underdog is available in the majority of US states, though specific availability often depends on the game type. Active states include Florida, Georgia, Utah, Texas, and South Carolina. You can refer to the guide above for the full list of eligible regions.
Underdog Pick’em is currently available in more than 20 states. The version is available in states such as Alaska, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. Check our guide for a state-by-state breakdown of where you can play.
Yes, Underdog is available in Michigan. However, users are currently restricted to draft contests only. This means that if you are physically located in Michigan, you will not be able to participate in Pick'em games.
Absolutely. Pennsylvania is one of the states where Underdog is available, but restrictions apply. While you can enter draft games and Best Ball tournaments, Pick’em contests are currently unavailable in the state.
Yes, Mississippi is an active state for Underdog. Players in MS can participate in draft games as well as the 'Champions.
Yes, Underdog is a legitimate, US-based fantasy sports platform. While it operates in the majority of the US, we always recommend checking local reviews and the app’s internal state-eligibility list before registering.
Underdog is available to players in the United States and Canada. Note that while it is available across most of Canada, it is currently not available to residents of Ontario due to local regulations.
To register, you must be a resident of an eligible state and meet the minimum age requirement. While the standard age is 18+, you must be at least 19 in Alabama and Nebraska, and 21 or older in Arizona, Massachusetts, and Virginia.
Unfortunately, residents of Washington will not be able to access the Underdog site. The state has not legalized fantasy drafts or pick’em contests. Washington views all paid fantasy sports as gambling, thus making it illegal for Underdog to operate.
Due to state regulations, Underdog is not able to legally operate in Nevada. In order for any DFS site to operate, it must obtain a state gaming license. Most apps like Underdog can operate without this license, so they do not possess what is needed to operate legally in Nevada.
Despite online gambling being legal in Michigan, it is not one of Underdog’s available states. Daily fantasy sports games and pick’em games are banned under the Michigan Gaming Control Board rules.
Yes. If you reside in most states, you can use Underdog at the age of 18. If you are from Alabama or Nebraska, the legal age is 19. Massachusetts, Arizona, and Virginia require users to be 21.