Sports Betting

Best Sports Betting Apps in Minnesota (DFS)

Minnesota isn’t quite ready for full-on sports betting — but that doesn’t mean you’re left out. While traditional sportsbooks are still waiting on lawmakers, daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps are legal, live, and packed with action. If you love the adrenaline of over unders, point spreads, or that “just-one-more-pick” parlay feeling, DFS contests are your legal workaround. You’re not betting against a sportsbook — you’re competing against other fans for real cash. Here’s how it works, what’s allowed, and the best DFS apps in Minnesota right now.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Minnesota?

Not yet. Despite multiple legislative attempts, Minnesota still hasn’t legalized traditional sports betting. There are no licensed sportsbook apps in the state — not FanDuel Sportsbook, not DraftKings Sportsbook, not BetMGM.

But daily fantasy sports contests are a different story. DFS is legal because it’s considered a game of skill, not a game of chance. You’re making lineup decisions based on player performance, not simply wagering on results.

So while you can’t legally bet the Vikings’ point spread or the Timberwolves’ over under, you can draft players, pick projections, and win money based on how your lineup performs.

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Best DFS Apps in Minnesota

Here are the best DFS apps for Minnesotans looking to play — all fully legal and loaded with contests.

1. DraftKings DFS

DraftKings started as a DFS platform before expanding into sports betting, and it remains one of the biggest names in fantasy sports.

You build a lineup under a salary cap and compete against other players in head-to-heads, 50/50s, or massive prize pools.

Example: Stack your team with Justin Jefferson, Patrick Mahomes, and Christian McCaffrey — then sweat every play as the leaderboard updates in real time.

DraftKings DFS is completely legal in Minnesota and one of the easiest platforms to learn on.

2. FanDuel DFS

FanDuel DFS is just as popular — slick interface, big contests, and constant action.

You can enter quick tournaments or daily contests in sports like NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. The scoring updates live, and you’ll always know exactly where you stand.

FanDuel’s layout is simple enough for beginners but still deep enough for serious players chasing major prize pools.

3. Underdog Fantasy

Underdog Fantasy reimagines DFS for people who want something faster and easier.

Instead of building a full lineup under a cap, you just pick player outcomes — like “higher” or “lower” than a stat projection.

Example: Kirk Cousins higher than 1.5 touchdowns, Justin Jefferson higher than 89.5 receiving yards. Hit both? You win a multiplier payout.

Underdog also offers best ball drafts for season-long leagues, making it perfect for NFL diehards.

4. PrizePicks

PrizePicks is another great pick-em style DFS app available in Minnesota.

You select between 2–6 players and predict whether each one will go over or under their projected stat totals. Combine correct picks for bigger payouts.

Example: Anthony Edwards over 25.5 points, Rudy Gobert under 12.5 rebounds, and Brock Purdy over 1.5 passing touchdowns. Nail all three, and you cash out big.

PrizePicks is clean, fast, and a great entry point for anyone new to DFS.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

How DFS Differs from Sports Betting

It’s easy to confuse DFS with traditional sports betting — they look similar, but the law treats them differently.

Here’s what makes DFS legal in Minnesota while sportsbooks wait on approval:

  • You play against other people, not a sportsbook.
    You’re competing in contests with real players — not betting against the house.

  • Skill matters.
    DFS is considered a game of skill because you build lineups or make projections based on analysis, not luck.

  • No fixed odds or spreads.
    In sports betting, you’re picking sides and betting lines. In DFS, you’re predicting performance — like whether a player exceeds or falls short of their projections.

  • It’s legal statewide.
    Because DFS isn’t considered gambling under Minnesota law, apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, Underdog, and PrizePicks operate freely.

So while you can’t wager on the Vikings’ spread yet, you can bet on Justin Jefferson torching defenses through DFS picks.

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DFS Tips for Minnesota Players

DFS may feel casual, but strategy separates the winners from the rest. Here’s how to play smarter:

  • Stack smart — Pair your QB with his top WR or TE for extra upside.

  • Follow matchups — A solid defense can kill your star player’s fantasy ceiling.

  • Check injury reports — One late scratch can tank your lineup.

  • Diversify entries — Don’t enter the same lineup in every contest.

  • Chase overlay — Join contests that aren’t full — fewer opponents = better odds.

DFS is the perfect mix of skill, luck, and bragging rights — quick, exciting, and totally legal.

Why Sports Betting Isn’t Legal Yet

Minnesota lawmakers have been debating sports betting for years. Recent bills — like HF 2000 and SF 1949 — would have given local tribes control over sports betting, but they stalled out before a final vote.

The next chance for legalization likely won’t come until 2026, though both political parties are open to discussion.

Until then, DFS is the best — and only — legal way for Minnesotans to get in the game.

Final Thoughts

Full sportsbook apps might not be legal in Minnesota yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your fix. Daily fantasy sports apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and PrizePicks give fans the same excitement — smart picks, player research, and big payouts.

You might not be able to bet on the Vikings spread yet, but you can still ride Justin Jefferson’s stat lines to victory. DFS lets you play legally, compete, and win — no spreadsheets, no stress.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines (and fantasy matchups).

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