DraftKings Fantasy vs FanDuel Fantasy in South Dakota
DraftKings Fantasy and FanDuel Fantasy are the two major daily fantasy sports operators serving South Dakota — both are legal, both work statewide via mobile, and both have an 18+ minimum age (lower than SD's 21+ sportsbook minimum). They cover the same sports but have different contest philosophies and prize pool structures. Here's a direct comparison.
Side-by-Side
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal in SD | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Age | 18+ | 18+ |
| Founded | 2012 | 2009 |
| Parent Company | DraftKings Inc. | Flutter Entertainment |
| Sports Covered | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA, MMA, NASCAR, Soccer, NCAA | Same as DraftKings |
| Largest Contest | Millionaire Maker (NFL) | NFL Sunday Million |
| Single-Entry Contests | Available | Strong selection (signature feature) |
| Multi-Entry Contests | Heavy emphasis | Available |
| Beginner-Only Contests | Limited | Strong selection |
| Mobile App | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Welcome Offer | Up to $50 contest credit | Up to $20 free entries |
| Best For | High-volume players, GPP tournaments | Recreational players, single-entry contests |
Best For
DraftKings
High-volume DFS players, large GPP tournaments, multi-entry strategies
FanDuel
Beginners, single-entry players, recreational bettors
Verdict
Both are fully legal in SD and run identically from a regulatory standpoint. DraftKings has more contests, bigger prize pools, and more multi-entry tournament action — great if you want maximum volume and don't mind sharper player pools. FanDuel has stronger single-entry contests and beginner-only restricted contests — better if you're newer to DFS or want to limit your bankroll exposure. Most SD players who try both end up with accounts at both for selection.