How to play
From creating an account to entering your first contest — here’s everything you need to get started on Rocket DFS in five minutes.
Five steps to your first contest
Create a free account
Sign up with Google or email. It costs nothing, and you can start with free practice contests (play money, no prizes) while deposits are not open yet.
Choose a game format
Rocket DFS runs fifteen different contest formats — from a single NFL game bingo card to a full-season team-pick league. Pick the one that matches how much time and strategy you want to invest.
Enter a contest
Open a contest, review the entry fee and prize pool, then submit your picks before the lock time. Most formats lock at kickoff; Draft Baron locks when the commissioner takes the stage.
Scoring runs automatically
In contests with a prize pool, scores update from real game and box-score data once the contest starts, so you never watch a stat tracker or enter results manually. Practice contests don't wait on a game: they rank you against a fixed sample result set, only to show how scoring works.
Winnings credited to your wallet
After a contest with a prize pool settles, the winnings are credited to your Rocket DFS wallet. Deposits and self-serve withdrawals are not open yet, and practice contests have no prizes.
Common questions
- What is daily fantasy sports (DFS)?
- DFS is a skill-based prediction game where you enter a paid or free contest, make picks or assemble a lineup before a real sporting event, and compete against other entrants for a share of the prize pool. Unlike season-long leagues, each contest is self-contained — you're not managing a team over months.
- Do I need to know football to play?
- It depends on the format. Draft Baron and Free Agent Frenzy reward knowledge of draft prospects and free agents. Team Fantasy and Stat Rankings benefit from knowing current offensive lines and usage rates. Fantasy Bingo and Block Pools are the most accessible — they're designed so casual fans can win against veterans.
- What is a lock time?
- Picks lock before the real-world event begins. Once locked, you can't change them. For game-based contests (Bingo, Block Pools), the lock is kickoff. For season-based formats (Team Fantasy), each week's pick locks at your team's first game of the week.
- How are payouts structured?
- Each contest displays its prize pool and payout structure before you enter. Most contests pay a percentage of the prize pool to the top finishers (e.g. top 3 in a GPP). Rocket DFS takes a 10% platform rake — you can find the full breakdown on the Pricing page.
- Is Rocket DFS available in my state?
- Daily fantasy sports are regulated differently by state. Some states restrict or prohibit paid DFS. Check the eligibility page for the current state-by-state list before you enter a paid contest.