DraftKings Pick6 is a peer-to-peer Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contest, offering a unique way to wager on player performances. Unlike traditional sportsbooks, where you bet against the house, Pick6 pits you against other players. This format creates more opportunities to find value and maximize potential profits.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Pick6, including how it works, payout structures, and key strategies to get ahead.
What is DraftKings Pick6?
DraftKings Pick6 is a DFS platform where players select player props and compete against others based on the accuracy of their selections. Instead of fixed odds set by a sportsbook, the payouts fluctuate based on entry distribution and contest participation.
Key Features:
- Peer-to-peer format – compete against other bettors, not the house
- Market-driven payouts – prizes vary based on how peers perform
- Multiple sports supported – NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, NCAA, and more
How to Enter a Pick6 Contest
Step 1: Select Your Picks
- Choose between 2 to 8 player props (3+ if playing from Colorado)
- Each pick is an over/under on a player’s statistical performance
- The more picks in your entry, the higher the potential payout
Step 2: Submit Your Entry Fee
- Entries start at $1 per selection, and you can submit multiple entries
- Your entries are automatically distributed across contests
- You are not required to select contests manually—Pick6 does it for you
- Pro Tip: Entering multiple Pick Sets can increase your exposure to different contests.
Step 3: Track Your Progress
- Once submitted, entries are assigned to contests
- Check real-time results and potential payouts in the DraftKings Pick6 app
- Track your contest distribution to see where your picks landed
Understanding Contest Distribution & Prizing
Unlike traditional DFS, Pick6 automatically places your entries into contests based on a structured format. This ensures an even playing field and allows for more organic prize pools.
Example Contest Distribution:
- Your $10 entry gets split into 10 individual $1 entries
- These 10 entries are spread across multiple Pick6 contests
- Each contest has varying prize pools based on participation
Average Payout Structure (NBA Average Payouts 12/22/24 – 1/21/25)
- 2/2 Correct: 3.1x
- 3/3 Correct: 5.5x
- 4/4 Correct: 10.4x
- 5/5 Correct: 15.8x
- 6/6 Correct: 33.9x
- 7/7 Correct: 68.8x
- 8/8 Correct: 137.3x
🏆 Key Takeaway: Unlike fixed-multiplier DFS sites, Pick6 payouts fluctuate based on contest participation, meaning you can sometimes win more than the standard payout rates. We’ve had wins up to 100x in 6-pick contests.
Why Pick6 Offers a +EV Edge
Pick6 differs from fixed-odds DFS apps like PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy by allowing dynamic payouts based on contest participation. This often leads to softer lines and higher payout potential compared to fixed-multiplier platforms.
How to Exploit the Edge:
✅ Use Line Shopping – Compare Pick6’s lines to sportsbooks and DFS platforms using OddsJam
✅ Identify Soft Lines – Because Pick6 sets lines differently, some props are mispriced, leading to +EV opportunities
✅ Play Higher Entry Counts – More selections increase your exposure to larger payouts
✅ Leverage Market Movements – Since lines can move, betting early before odds adjust can increase profitability
✅ Optimize Slip Sizes – Selecting the right number of picks per entry is crucial for maximizing +EV opportunities
✅ Target 6-Pick Entries for Maximum EV – A 6-man entry is the most +EV strategy due to the bonus payout structure. When payouts range from 30x to 50x, the required break-even odds per pick are approximately -120 to -125. If you can consistently find plays with a 53%+ hit rate, you have a long-term profitable edge.
Optimal Slip Sizes for Maximum Profitability
The number of picks in your entry directly impacts your expected value (EV) and payout potential. Here’s a breakdown of the best slip sizes based on EV calculations:
- 2-Pick Entries: Lower risk, but limited profit potential (not recommended for high +EV bets)
- 3-Pick Entries: Solid multiplier with a reasonable hit rate (one of worst +EV slips on Pick6)
- 4-Pick Entries: Not a +EV value slip (one of worst +EV slips on Pick6)
- 5-Pick Entries: Higher variance, but often strong multipliers (higher +EV probability)
- 6-Pick Entries: Highest +EV potential – Due to potential 30x-50x payouts, finding six legs with at least 53% probability (-120 to -125 odds per pick) makes this the most profitable long-term strategy.
- 7+ Pick Entries: Extreme variance; only recommended when soft lines allow for a stacked, high-probability slip.
🏆 Best Strategy: Focus on 6-pick entries where you can consistently find +EV plays while maintaining a solid hit rate. If you can find six plays each with a 53%+ hit rate, the compounded probability of hitting all six makes the 30x-50x payout structure highly profitable long-term. We find value consistently on the OddsJam Fantasy Optimizer. You can get a free 7-day trial and 35% off using the code ‘MEIS‘.
Pick6 Strategy Tips for Beginners
🔹 Bankroll Management – Don’t go all-in on single contests; diversify entries across multiple contests. Stick to a 1%-of-total-budget unit size. We typically play 0.5 units for 6-man since we select high-value plays more than once.
🔹 Use OddsJam Optimizer – Capitalize on value
🔹 Limit Exposure – The best values still return only 55-60% hit rates, don’t overexpose yourself to a single prop, meaning don’t play the same prop over and over.
🔹 Play Volume – The key to profitable EV betting is playing volume. Over time, you will make money if you’re finding profitable plays. Playing value at volume is the key to beating variance.
🔹 Don’t Chase Losses – Variance is part of DFS betting; trust your strategy and stay disciplined
DraftKings Pick6 vs. PrizePicks vs. Underdog
| Feature | Pick6 | PrizePicks | Underdog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payouts | ✅ Dynamic bonuses based on group performance | ❌ Fixed multipliers | ❌ Fixed multipliers |
| Peer-to-Peer? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Some states | ❌ Some states |
| Line Value | ✅ Softer lines | ❌ Tighter lines | ❌ Tighter lines |
| Promotions & Bonuses | ✅ Frequent Boosts | ✅ Taco Tuesday, Flex Friday, etc. | ✅ Discount Picks, Profit Boosts, etc. |
| Best For | +EV bettors | Casual DFS players | Best Ball & Casual Pick’em |
🏆 Winner: DraftKings Pick6 – Offers the most exploitable edges, highest payout potential, and dynamic market pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is DraftKings Pick6 legal in my state?
Pick6 is currently available in most states where Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is legal. Be sure to check DraftKings’ website for an updated list of states where Pick6 is offered.
How does Pick6 compare to traditional sports betting?
Unlike sportsbooks, Pick6 is a peer-to-peer contest, meaning you’re competing against other users instead of the house. This creates better opportunities for +EV betting as the lines are more exploitable.
Can you use promo codes on Pick6?
Yes! DraftKings often runs deposit bonuses and contest promotions. Check the latest offers in the DraftKings app or on their promotions page. Sign up here to get 100% of your deposit matched.
What are the best Pick6 strategies?
- Use OddsJam’s Fantasy Optimizer to find the best value picks
- Enter high volume of contests to reduce variance
- Stay ahead of line movement by monitoring value throughout the day
Final Thoughts
DraftKings Pick6 is one of the most exciting peer-to-peer DFS platforms for sports bettors looking for an edge. With market-driven payouts, frequent mispriced lines, and a competitive format, it offers unique value compared to PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy.
