Best Fantasy College Basketball Sites for 2024

Blake Roberts By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: October 17, 2024
Blake Roberts Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief at Betting.us

Betting.us Editor-in-Chief Blake Roberts skillfully uses his background in statistics and sports knowledge base to create insightful betting guides. Blake was born in Morgantown, WV, and he has a community college degree in Statistics. His stamping grounds are the live betting platforms of West Virginia.

Best Fantasy College Basketball Sites for November 2024

When examining the best fantasy college basketball sites, our team of experts thoroughly checked all aspects. Aside from the games, we also reviewed the bonuses, mobile compatibility, and payment methods. Here are the top fantasy college basketball sites for 2024:

Show Details Up to $500 In DK Dollars Not Needed 1-day games Beginner contests Varied scoring methods 4.95 Play Here! Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org(CT). 18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply.
Show Details Up to $100 Deposit Match Not Needed Combo picks Unique game mode Loyalty program 4.90 Play Here! Valid only for new players over 21 years of age.

Regardless of your preferences, you can be confident that these daily fantasy college basketball sites are legitimate. They are licensed in multiple states by the respective gambling authorities and use the latest SSL encryption technology to protect your data. They also work with responsible gambling organizations, such as the NCPG, to help combat gambling addiction.

In our opinion, they rival some of the top daily fantasy sites in quality and accessibility. Newcomers can find many guides that explain the scoring systems and how to participate in contests. Additionally, they have games exclusive to beginners, so you can compete against players of similar levels.

DraftKings – Best Site for Fantasy College Basketball

DraftKings logo with stylized, neon-lit basketball player in background

Founded in 2012 as a fantasy sports platform, DraftKings has years of experience in the industry. Whether you're new to CBB DFS or are an expert player, you can find quality contests suitable for all budgets. Newcomers will receive a special badge to indicate their level and gain access to beginner contests to compete with other new players.

The site also allows you to make late drafts and swaps and provides news articles to help you keep track of the latest developments. As such, you have many tools to help you form better strategies and choose the right players. As DraftKings continues to expand to other states[1], it also improves its college basketball daily fantasy contests.

ParlayPlay – Unique Gamemodes

ParlayPlay logo with basketball court and oversized ball in background

Compared to other college basketball DFS sites, ParlayPlay provides an interesting way to experience the events. You pick specific players and try to determine if they will score more or less than their assigned metric. That is suitable for new players as they only have to track one statistic and few players, so strategizing is easier.

The site also offers contests with no entry fees, leaderboard competitions, and a Hit It game mode which awards 6x the payout. As such, you can find a decent variety of games. You can also chat with others and track news for better college basketball daily fantasy predictions. Regular players can also join the ParlayClub, which provides exclusive contests and other benefits.

Best Daily Fantasy College Basketball Sites by Category

🥇 #1 Fantasy College Basketball Site DraftKings
🎁 Best Bonus DraftKings
🔝 Newest Site ParlayPlay
📱 Best Fantasy College Basketball App ParlayPlay

While browsing the fantasy college basketball sites, we examined their strengths and weaknesses. Some focused on providing different game modes, while other sites had more bonus offers for regular players. There are even DFS sites that broadcast statistics on college basketball games, so you can prepare further[2].

These are legitimate NCAA fantasy basketball platforms licensed by authorities such as the NJDGE, with contests suitable for all players. We also checked the contest types they offer, what bonus offers are available, and even their mobile compatibility. Additionally, we checked their customer support service, responsible gambling tools, and payment methods.

Recommended Fantasy College Basketball Website for November 2024

Among the best fantasy college basketball apps, this one stands out with its quality contests. It also features guides, glossaries for newcomers, and a blog for the latest news. We also liked the different scoring formats and recommend it for its varied game types. You can also find a decent welcome bonus that can be used to try some events and an intuitive mobile app.

Up to $500 In DK Dollars Not Needed Unique contest types AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO NE NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WV WI WY
Bet Here! Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org(CT). 18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply.

What Is Fantasy College Basketball – Getting Started

American flag, notebook, and basketball player dunking

Shortly after the invention of basketball, colleges and universities would form teams to compete with each other, eventually leading to national tournaments established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Unlike the NBA, tournaments start in November and end in April, with the biggest tournament being held in March. They have more teams and fewer games, but they are split into two 20-minute halves.

To participate in college fantasy basketball, you must form a team of eight players before the deadline of your preferred contest. You have a limited budget, so you have to plan your lineup. During the game, you will receive points based on how well your players perform in the real game, such as scoring points, blocking, and assisting.

Each contest lasts for a set amount of time, some taking up weeks while others are over in a day. While there aren't as many different roles as other games, you should still consider each player's position carefully. Many of the best fantasy basketball sites will also have different contest variants and scoring systems.

How to Play Daily Fantasy College Basketball

Before you can play CBB DFS, you must create an account. Once you've verified it, you usually start with a beginner status and can access the various contests. As mentioned earlier, sites will have different contest types, including head-to-head and tournaments. You can also form private leagues with friends.

Those who have played fantasy basketball will be familiar with how to compete. The teams available for contests depend on the real games, so you should always browse the available players carefully. While some contests end in a day, others last for the entire season. Usually, you won't be able to change your lineup during the cbb daily fantasy event, so you should always be prepared.

The Draft

In our opinion, the college basketball DFS sites provide great guides, but you should still be familiar with how to form teams. After entering a contest, you will be given a set salary to draft players. Elite players have better stats but cost more, so you must consider your choices carefully.

You have until the game starts to edit your fantasy NCAA basketball team, but some contests allow you to make late changes. Regarding positions, five players will play, while three remain on the bench, so it's recommended to have three guards, three forwards, and two flex players. You should also consider specific positions, as the point guard will need high dribbling and passing stats:

  • 1 point guard
  • 1 shooting guard
  • 1 small forward
  • 1 power forward
  • 1 center
  • 3 reserves

Scoring Formats

In our experience, checking the scoring format of your preferred contest is also important. Some formats limit the amount of players in your lineup, while others will award extra points to specific players. For example, a player designated as the Dark Horse or the Captain will earn 1.5x the points of a regular one but will also cost more.

If a player cannot compete, they will usually be removed from the pool at the start. That is why you should study all the available teams and their players, preparing backups if one of them is absent. To help illustrate how the scoring formats work, we will use the classic fantasy college basketball system, which is the most common across sites:

  • Points - +1 pt.
  • Scored 3pt shot - +0.5 pt.
  • Rebound - +1.25 pt.
  • Assist - +1.5 pt.
  • Steal - +2 pt.
  • Block - +2 pt.
  • Turnover - -0.5 pt.
  • Double-Double - +1.5 pt.
  • Double-Triple - +3 pt.

Alternate scoring formats typically only add multipliers, but you should check them carefully. Scoring points is reliable, but possession and rebounds are more important overall. Stealing and blocking both give you 2 points, so players with good defense stats are valuable. Assists are also crucial, while turnovers reduce your points by 0.5

Most NCAA basketball DFS sites also award points if your player gets a double-double or a double-triple. That means a player has scored double digits in two or three of their stats, which will net you 1.5 points or 3 points, respectively. As can be seen, a player's overall performance is important, not just how many shots they've scored. We recommend focusing on defense as it gives more points.

Before Gameday

When you're ready to enter a contest, you should always know its start time. Most contests will begin whenever a real game does, so checking the college basketball schedule is a good idea. You should also ensure you don't exceed your budget by checking the costs of your players. All legitimate sites provide accurate data from reputable sources[3], so you should examine it carefully.

It's also important to read the rules of each contest type, as that can affect the salary and draft method. For example, some contests may have a snake draft instead of a salary draft. You and other managers take turns picking players, with the order being reversed each round. Some of the best fantasy college basketball sites also let you make late drafts, so you can join at any time.

When looking for the best fantasy basketball site, you should also see if they provide news and statistics. Some platforms even feature special programs to form better strategies and keep track of your favorite players and teams. In our opinion, if you're a newcomer, you should try the beginner and free-to-play contests or chat with others to get tips.

The Waiver Wire

For some CBB DFS contests, you can change your lineup every week, and that is when the waiver wire becomes important. Players who aren't on a team will become free agents and can be picked through this process. Each team gets a waiver priority rank, with the last team to join typically getting top priority to ensure fairness.

After submitting a claim, the team with the highest priority gets that player, and their priority drops to last place. Alternatively, some cbb fantasy sites will have an auction system instead. You can place blind bids for a free agent, and if yours is the highest, you can claim them. Regardless, once the waivers are over, you can draft any remaining free agents as usual.

Player Trades

As a season progresses and you get a better idea of how your team is performing, you might want to swap or trade players. That is why, when looking for the best app for fantasy college basketball, you should look for contests with late swap options. Late swap allows you to change players until their games start, so you can adjust your lineup anytime.

Some sites will also allow you to trade with other managers. Trading is most effective when both managers can benefit and improve their teams. We recommend using trades to improve any weaknesses or get suitable substitutes for your starting lineup. You can also trade multiple players, so you should plan carefully when communicating with other college basketball DFS managers.

Fantasy College Basketball League Types

Every fantasy college basketball site also features various league types. As mentioned earlier, this includes beginner contests, which have lower stakes and are played against other newcomers. However, you can also find head-to-head contests, where you face off against a single opponent, the prize of which is both players' entry fees.

Aside from public contests, you can also form private ones with friends. Each type has its rules, and it may change how you draft players and your lineups or even add special conditions. Most fantasy college basketball sites will have guides, so it's a good idea to read them for details on the available formats. However, some types are common across all platforms.

Draft

This contest is the most common type for fantasy college basketball. Players receive a set salary and must use it to form a lineup from the available players. Some sites provide alternate forms of draft contests. In tiers, you must form a lineup with players from each tier in the pool. Meanwhile, in Snake Draft, you take turns picking players.

Satelites

Experienced players can also try satellite contests at their preferred fantasy college basketball app. Aside from winning a prize, winners will also receive entry tickets to qualifier tournaments, which usually have bigger prizes. Note that some satellites may allow for multiple entries, so you can play with more than one team.

50/50

This unique contest type is suitable for casual or inexperienced players. At the end of the contest, every player that has ranked in the top 50% will earn a payout. You will still need a good strategy to qualify for the prize, but you don't need to be in first place to win.

Multipliers

Some of the best fantasy college basketball apps will also have multipliers attached to contests. These multipliers can sometimes go up to 10x, so you can get decent rewards. There are also Double-Ups, where you can double your entry fee if you win. As such, high-rollers prefer these contests, especially since some allow for multiple entries.

Showdown

If you want a contest with extra rules for the scoring system, you can try showdowns. In these contests, you can only have six players: one captain and five utility. The captain will earn 1.5x the amount of points, so it's best to choose a strong, balanced pick.

When examining the best fantasy college basketball sites, we also checked the legal status of daily fantasy in each state. Every state has its own legislation, so these contests are not available everywhere. As of writing this, you can play daily fantasy sports in 46 states. However, legislation is subject to change, so we hope more will become available.

When browsing the sites, you should also note that not all platforms will be available in your state. Usually, the site will be working on expanding, so it may become available in the future. Nevertheless, there are many legitimate sites through which you can try DFS contests, so you should browse carefully to see what's available.

  • Alabama - Legal
  • Alaska - Legal
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  • Arkansas - Legal
  • California - Legal
  • Colorado - Legal
  • Connecticut - Legal
  • Delaware - Legal
  • Florida - Legal
  • Georgia - Legal
  • Illinois - Legal
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  • Iowa - Legal
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  • Kentucky - Legal
  • Louisiana - Legal
  • Maine - Legal
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  • Massachusetts - Legal
  • Michigan - Legal
  • Minnesota - Legal
  • Mississippi - Legal
  • Missouri - Legal
  • Nebraska - Legal
  • New Hampshire - Legal
  • New Jersey - Legal
  • New Mexico - Legal
  • New York - Legal
  • North Carolina - Legal
  • North Dakota - Legal
  • Ohio - Legal
  • Oklahoma - Legal
  • Oregon - Legal
  • Pennsylvania - Legal
  • Rhode Island - Legal
  • South Carolina - Legal
  • South Dakota - Legal
  • Tennessee - Legal
  • Texas - Legal
  • Utah - Legal
  • Vermont - Legal
  • Virginia - Legal
  • West Virginia - Legal
  • Wisconsin - Legal
  • Wyoming - Legal
  • DC - Legal

Fantasy sports have had a long history in the US, from the first public league established in 1951 in a bar in Oklahoma, to ESPN launching the first internet-based fantasy baseball game in 1995. Daily fantasy sports were exempt from the Unlawful Internet Enforcement Act of 2006, as they were considered games of skill and had pre-determined prizes.

Following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, many states began legalizing daily fantasy sports. Each state has its gambling authority, such as the PGCB or the NJDGE, so you should always look for their seal to confirm a site's legitimacy. Rest assured, all the sites on this list also use the latest encryption technology and provide responsible gambling tools.

How to Pick the Best Fantasy College Basketball Sites

When examining the best fantasy college basketball sites, we used various criteria. Aside from the available contests and their types, we also checked the safety measures and customer support. Our experts also browsed the available bonus offers and their mobile compatibility. Finally, we carefully examined the payment methods and banking policies.

However, every player has different preferences when looking for the best fantasy college basketball sites, so we made sure to check every aspect. After verifying a site's legitimacy and checking the available contests, we browse the FAQ section for more details. Finally, we check the responsible gambling tools to see how players can combat gambling addiction.

Safety and Licensing

As mentioned earlier, safety is our priority, so we thoroughly check the fantasy college basketball site's license. Each state has a different gambling authority, so you should always look for their seal in the footer. Legitimate ones will also have links to the regulator's website so you can further verify the license's legitimacy.

You can be certain that all sites on our list are licensed in each state they operate in. Additionally, they use the latest SSL encryption technology to protect your data. They are also checked by independent auditing authorities to ensure fairness. You can also contact the customer support team for help if you encounter any issues.

Best Bonus Offers

You can also claim a welcome bonus when creating an account at CBB DFS platforms. This is usually a deposit match bonus that will provide you with some extra funds. You can also find no-deposit deals that are credited upon opting in. Remember to read the terms for details on wagering requirements and validity periods.

Top Fantasy College Basketball Apps

If you prefer playing on the go, you can also try some of the best fantasy college basketball apps. While most sites have mobile browser versions, some also have native apps for iOS and Android devices. Note that some sites may have exclusive features for their native apps, such as additional promotions. When testing them, we found the apps to be intuitive with fast load times.

Available Payment Methods

Before you can participate in any fantasy college basketball contests, you must deposit funds. You will usually have a decent selection of payment methods, from e-wallets such as PayPal to Visa debit cards. You can be certain that all methods are safe and protected by the latest encryption technology, with deposit times being instant.

Minimum deposit amounts vary, so you should check the banking policies carefully. Additionally, some payment methods may not be available for withdrawals, and you can usually only withdraw using methods you have deposited with. When withdrawing, you should also ensure you complete any wagering requirements or risk forfeiting your bonus. Withdrawal times vary between methods, but some CBB DFS sites allow you to track the progress of your request.

Pros and Cons of Playing Fantasy College Basketball

Fantasy college basketball has been gaining popularity, providing a great alternative to NBA events. The single-elimination tournament and different rules offer plenty of variety. Many fans enjoy the games as the teams are more evenly matched with players who develop quickly. As such, it is even more important to check the latest news.

However, the games aren't always available, as there is a large gap between seasons and fewer games overall. Some contest types, such as best ball or custom scoring, are also unavailable for CBB DFS. Nevertheless, you can find quick games and unique modes where you choose whether a player will perform better or worse than their projected stat.

  • Varied contest types
  • Wide entry fees
  • Satellite contests
  • Dark Horse scoring format
  • Prize multipliers
  • Limited season
  • No custom scoring
  • No best ball contests

Responsible Gambling

When playing at the best fantasy college basketball sites, you should always gamble responsibly. Always prepare a budget and remember to take a break if you've been playing for long. While DFS contests rely on skills, you should also be prepared if your players get injured or can't play. Finally, you can also use tools, such as self-exclusion and deposit limits, which can be accessed directly from your account.

If you require professional help, the college basketball DFS sites also work with many responsible gambling organizations. These include the NCPG and Gamblers Anonymous, as well as state-specific ones such as the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. You can find helplines, meetings and other resources to help you combat gambling addiction.

FAQ

Before concluding our guide to the best fantasy college basketball apps, we will answer all your questions. You can learn more about the top sites, including how to find legitimate ones and which states they're available in. We will also provide details on the contests, bonus offers, and payment methods.

What are the the best fantasy college basketball sites in the USA?

As there are many top fantasy college basketball platforms, you should always ensure your preferred one suits your needs. You can be certain they all provide varied contests with wide entry fees. Many also have guides and beginner contests, which allow you to play against other newcomers. Some even have unique game modes for more variety.

Is it legal to play online daily fantasy college basketball in the US?

Yes, you can be sure that college basketball DFS is legal. All the sites on our list have valid state licenses and use the latest encryption technology to protect your data. However, some sites may be unavailable in certain states, so you should check carefully. States are always discussing new legislation, so DFS sites may appear in more areas.

Can you play online fantasy college basketball from all states?

While you can find the best fantasy college basketball apps at many states, they aren't available everywhere. Currently, 46 states allow daily fantasy contests, with all legitimate sites having a license from the relevant authorities. Some platforms plan on expanding to other areas, so we hope they will become available.

Can I claim a bonus to play at fantasy college basketball apps?

Yes, you can claim some decent CBB DFS welcome bonuses. While most are deposit matches for extra funds, some sites provide no deposit bonuses or require a code. You can also find loyalty programs and regular promotions. Remember to read the terms before claiming an offer, as wagering requirements and validity periods can vary.

What payment methods can you use to play fantasy college basketball?

When depositing funds, you can use various payment methods. Most players at fantasy college basketball sites prefer using e-wallets, such as Apple Pay, for their speed. However, you can also use credit cards and online banking. Remember to check the banking policies for information on the minimum deposit limits and complete any necessary verification.

Conclusion – Best Fantasy College Basketball Sites for 2024

In my opinion, the best fantasy college basketball sites provide a great variety of scoring formats and game types. I was impressed by the community features as I could chat with other players and find the latest news to form a strategy. Aside from standard contests, there were also picks that provide quick gameplay. Some sites even had decent loyalty programs.

Blake Roberts, a Morgantown native with a background in statistics, takes the position of Editor in Chief at Betting.us. He combines his love for sports and his knowledge of statistics to produce high-quality sports betting reviews. Blake enjoys evaluating online betting sites and believes that keeping a professional mindset in gambling is of utmost importance.

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief at Betting.us More about Blake

After carefully analyzing these sites, we believe they will provide a great experience for fans of fantasy college basketball. The sport is gaining in popularity, with more sites adding contests for it and featuring new types of contests. As the industry continues to improve, we will also update this guide with any new sites, features, and bonuses that may appear. The good news is that these platforms also provide daily fantasy college football contests as well.

References

  1. Draftkings Secures First Daily Fantasy Sports License in Louisiana, (July 20, 2021), Gaming Intelligence, Retrieved on April 19, 2024
  2. Horner, Charlie, (March 11, 2022), Draftkings Premiers Programming for Men's College Basketball Bracket Reveal, SBC Americas, Retrieved on April 19, 2024
  3. O'Boyle, Daniel, (June 29, 2020), Men's College Basketball Schedule, iGB North America, Retrieved on April 19, 2024