Draftstars Review - DFS Pros & Cons

Draftstars is Australia’s leading daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform, and it is a fundamentally different product to a traditional bookmaker. There are no match result markets, no same game multis, and no fixed odds. Instead, you pick a lineup of real players within a salary cap, score points based on their real-world statistical performance, and compete against other players for a share of a prize pool. This review covers everything you need to know about Draftstars — how it works, what sports are available, how to get started, and whether it is right for you. Visit Draftstars to browse current contests.

Draftstars is operated by PlayUp Limited and licensed by the Northern Territory Racing Commission, making it a fully regulated and legal platform for Australian residents. It sits in a small but growing niche: DFS is legal in Australia whereas casino-style gambling on sports results carries much heavier restrictions. If you enjoy strategic team-building and competing on skill rather than predicting outcomes, Draftstars is the platform to know.

 

The History of Draftstars

Draftstars launched in Australia in 2015, founded with the specific goal of bringing daily fantasy sports to the Australian market at a time when DFS giants like DraftKings and FanDuel were transforming the US sports landscape. The platform grew rapidly on the back of AFL and NRL content, two codes that lend themselves well to fantasy scoring due to their statistics-rich nature and large, passionate fanbases.

In 2019, Draftstars was acquired by PlayUp, an Australian sports wagering and technology group led by CEO Daniel Simic. PlayUp operates a broader suite of gambling products under the same group, including the PlayUp sportsbook, but Draftstars continues to operate as a standalone brand with its own platform, app, and identity. The acquisition gave Draftstars access to greater financial backing and technology resources without diluting its focus on daily fantasy.

PlayUp Limited holds an NT Racing Commission licence covering Draftstars operations, ensuring the platform meets Australian regulatory standards for responsible gambling, consumer protections, and anti-money laundering compliance. Today, Draftstars is widely considered Australia’s premier DFS platform, with contests running year-round across AFL, NRL, cricket, NBA, NFL, soccer, and horse racing.

Key milestones in Draftstars history:

• 2015 — Draftstars launches in Australia as a dedicated DFS platform
• 2016–2018 — Rapid growth off the back of AFL and NRL contests; guaranteed prize pools introduced
• 2019 — Acquired by PlayUp Limited (Daniel Simic, CEO)
• 2020 — Expanded sport coverage to include NBA, NFL, and international cricket
• 2022 — Platform redesign and iOS/Android app updates
• Present — Australia’s highest-volume DFS platform by contest entries

 

What is Daily Fantasy Sports?

Daily fantasy sports is a skill-based game where you assemble a virtual lineup of real athletes within a salary cap budget, and your lineup earns points based on how those athletes perform in real matches. The better your players perform statistically, the higher your score. You compete against other entrants, and the highest-scoring lineups win a share of the contest’s prize pool.

Here is how a typical Draftstars contest works on a step-by-step basis:

1. Choose a contest — Browse available contests for upcoming matches or slates. Each contest has an entry fee (or is free), a prize pool, and a maximum number of entrants.
2. Build your lineup — Select players from both competing teams (or across a full round for multi-game slates). Each player has a salary value assigned by Draftstars. You must stay within the total salary cap.
3. Manage the cap — The salary cap forces trade-offs. You cannot simply pick every star player. Strategy and value-hunting are central to success.
4. Lock in your entry — Once the first match of the slate starts, lineups are locked. You cannot swap players mid-contest.
5. Score points — Players earn fantasy points for statistical actions: goals, kicks, tackles, tries, wickets, points scored, and so on. Scoring systems vary by sport.
6. Win prizes — At the conclusion of the slate, prizes are paid out to the top-finishing lineups according to the payout structure.

DFS differs from traditional sports betting in a critical legal and practical sense: it is classified as a game of skill, not a bet on a sporting outcome. You are not predicting who wins a match. You are competing against other players using your knowledge of player form, matchups, and statistics. This distinction is why DFS is legal in Australia in a different regulatory framework to fixed-odds sports betting.

For Australian punters who are used to traditional sports betting, DFS requires a mindset shift. You are no longer picking winners and losers — you are picking the players most likely to put up big statistical numbers, and you are doing it within a budget constraint that requires genuine strategic thinking.

 

Sports Available on Draftstars

Draftstars runs contests across a broad range of sports, with the heaviest contest volume on AFL and NRL. Below is a summary of available sports and the typical contest formats offered for each.

 

Sport	Contest Types Available	Season Coverage
AFL	Classic, Single-Game, GPP, Head-to-Head, 50/50, Multi-Entry	March – September (plus finals)
NRL	Classic, Single-Game, GPP, Head-to-Head, 50/50	March – October (plus finals)
Cricket (BBL)	Classic, Single-Game, GPP	December – February
Cricket (IPL)	Classic, Single-Game, GPP	March – May
NBA	Classic multi-game slates, Single-Game, GPP	October – June
NFL	Classic, Single-Game, GPP	September – February
Soccer	Single-Game, GPP (selected matches)	Year-round (selected fixtures)
Horse Racing	DFS-format racing contests (jockey selection)	Year-round

 

AFL and NRL are by far the most active sports on Draftstars. During the AFL and NRL seasons, there are typically multiple contests running each week, including large-field guaranteed prize pool events with significant prize money. For more on how to bet on AFL or NRL through traditional bookmakers alongside your DFS activity, see our AFL betting guide and NRL betting guide.

Cricket is the third most active sport, with the BBL (Big Bash League) generating strong contest volumes during the Australian summer. IPL coverage has also grown significantly, with international interest in T20 fantasy driving solid entry numbers. For cricket betting context, see our cricket guide.

 

Draftstars Contest Types

Draftstars offers several distinct contest formats to suit different play styles and risk appetites. Whether you are looking for a low-risk 50/50 format or a high-upside guaranteed prize pool event, there is a contest structure to match your approach.

 

Contest Type	How It Works	Risk/Reward Profile
Classic	Full-round or multi-game slate with a salary cap. Pick players across multiple matches. Compete against all other entrants.	High variance — top-heavy prize structure. Best upside, most competitive.
Single-Game Slate	Lineup built from players in one specific match only. Smaller player pool, more focused strategy.	Medium variance. Less exposure to slate-wide randomness.
Guaranteed Prize Pool (GPP)	The stated prize pool is guaranteed regardless of how many players enter. Draftstars covers any shortfall between entry fees collected and the guaranteed amount.	High upside. Overlay potential if the contest does not fill.
Head-to-Head	Your lineup faces exactly one other opponent. The higher score wins the prize (minus platform rake).	Low variance. Closest to a 50/50 proposition. Good for consistent players.
50/50 Contest	The top half of all entrants by score double their entry fee (minus rake). The bottom half lose their entry. No need to win outright, just finish in the top half.	Low variance. Best format for beginners or conservative DFS players.
Multi-Entry	Submit multiple different lineups in the same contest. Allows you to cover more player combinations and hedge variance.	Variable. Increases exposure but also the total entry cost.

 

For beginners, the 50/50 format is generally the recommended entry point. You only need to finish in the top half of the field to profit, which is a more achievable target than outright winning a large-field GPP. Once you are comfortable with lineup construction and salary cap management, moving into guaranteed prize pool contests gives you access to the bigger prize money that Draftstars is known for.

Contest entry fees vary widely, from free-to-play contests to high-roller events with significant buy-ins. The majority of regular contests have entry fees in the $2–$20 range, making Draftstars accessible to players at most bankroll levels.

 

Draftstars App Review

Draftstars has a dedicated mobile app available on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). Given that many DFS players make last-minute lineup decisions based on injury news and late team announcements, having a reliable mobile app is essential — and Draftstars delivers a solid product on both platforms.

iOS App

The Draftstars iOS app is available as a free download from the Apple App Store. It supports all core platform functions: contest browsing, lineup building, live scoring, contest results, and account management. The interface is clean and optimised for mobile, with the salary cap builder designed to make player selection fast and intuitive on a touchscreen. Push notifications alert you to lineup lock times, late scratching news, and contest results.

Android App

Android users can download the Draftstars app from the Google Play Store. The Android version mirrors the iOS experience closely, with full access to all contest types, live scoring, and the lineup builder. As with iOS, it supports biometric login and push notifications for match updates and lineup changes.

Key App Features

• Full contest browsing with filters by sport, entry fee, and prize pool size
• Salary cap lineup builder with player stats, ownership projections, and injury flags
• Live contest scoring with real-time player points updates during matches
• Push notifications for lineup lock alerts and late scratching news
• In-app deposit and withdrawal management
• Contest history and account balance tracking
• Biometric login (Face ID / fingerprint) for fast, secure access

The Draftstars app is well-regarded by the Australian DFS community. The live scoring experience in particular is a highlight, as watching your players accumulate points in real time adds significant engagement to the platform during match days. The lineup builder works smoothly and the player pool information — including recent form, average fantasy points, and injury status — is well-presented within the app interface.

 

How to Sign Up for Draftstars

Getting started on Draftstars is a straightforward process. You must be 18 or older and located in Australia to create an account. Here is a step-by-step guide to signing up and entering your first contest.

1. Visit Draftstars — Go to draftstars.com.au or download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create your account — Click “Sign Up” and enter your name, email address, date of birth, and a password. You will also need to provide your residential address and mobile number.
3. Verify your identity — Draftstars is required by law to verify your identity. You will be asked to provide a government-issued photo ID (driver’s licence or passport). This is typically processed quickly via the platform’s digital verification system.
4. Set your deposit limits — Before making your first deposit, Draftstars will prompt you to set deposit limits. This is a mandatory responsible gambling step. Set a limit that reflects your entertainment budget.
5. Make your first deposit — Fund your account using a debit card, credit card, or other supported payment method. The minimum deposit is typically $10.
6. Browse and enter contests — Once your account is funded, browse available contests by sport, format, or prize pool. Select a contest, build your lineup within the salary cap, and confirm your entry before the lineup lock time.

If you are new to DFS, start with a free-to-play or low-stakes 50/50 contest to get comfortable with lineup building before moving to larger events.

 

Draftstars Deposit Options

Draftstars supports several standard Australian payment methods for funding your account. All transactions are processed in Australian dollars (AUD).

 

Deposit Method	Minimum Deposit	Processing Time
Visa / Mastercard (Debit)	$10	Instant
Credit Card (Visa / Mastercard)	$10	Instant
PayPal	$10	Instant
Bank Transfer (EFT)	$10	1–3 business days
BPAY	$10	1–2 business days

 

Debit card is the fastest and most widely used deposit method on Draftstars. Funds are available instantly, which is important if you are trying to enter a contest close to lineup lock time. Bank transfer and BPAY are available for players who prefer not to use a card online, but the processing delay means they are less suitable for last-minute deposits.

 

Draftstars Withdrawal Methods

Withdrawing winnings from Draftstars is straightforward. You must have a verified account before any withdrawal can be processed. The available withdrawal methods mirror the deposit options, with bank transfer being the most commonly used route for larger withdrawals.

 

Withdrawal Method	Minimum Withdrawal	Processing Time
Bank Transfer (EFT)	$10	1–3 business days
PayPal	$10	1–2 business days
Debit Card	$10	1–5 business days

 

Draftstars processes withdrawal requests within one business day on their end. The remaining processing time reflects your bank’s standard clearing times. First-time withdrawals may take slightly longer if your identity verification is still pending. Make sure your account is fully verified before requesting a withdrawal to avoid delays.

 

Draftstars Withdrawal Times

Withdrawal times on Draftstars are generally in line with Australian online gaming platforms. Here is a breakdown of realistic timeframes for each method.

• Bank transfer: Draftstars typically processes the withdrawal within 24 hours. Once processed, your bank takes a further 1–3 business days to credit the funds. Total: 1–4 business days.
• PayPal: Processing is usually completed within 24 hours by Draftstars. PayPal then makes funds available in your PayPal balance within 1–2 business days. Total: 1–3 business days.
• Debit card: Card refund processing can take longer depending on your card issuer. Allow up to 5 business days in total for the funds to appear on your card statement.
• First withdrawal: Your first withdrawal may be subject to additional identity verification checks. This can add 1–2 business days to the timeline. Having your documents ready (ID, proof of address) speeds up the process significantly.

In practice, most Draftstars users report receiving their winnings within 2–3 business days. If your withdrawal has not arrived within 5 business days, contact Draftstars support via live chat or email with your withdrawal reference number.

 

Draftstars Unique Features

Draftstars has several features that distinguish it from both traditional bookmakers and international DFS platforms. Here are the key elements of the Draftstars product that are worth understanding.

Salary Cap System

The salary cap is the core mechanic of Draftstars and what gives daily fantasy sports its strategic depth. Every player in a contest slate is assigned a salary value by Draftstars, and you have a fixed total budget — typically $100,000 — to build your lineup. Premium players (consistent high-scorers or match-day favourites) have higher salaries, while lower-profile or lower-form players are cheaper.

The challenge is maximising your lineup’s fantasy scoring potential within that budget constraint. This requires balancing stars you need to include with cheaper value options who can outperform their salary. Identifying “value plays” — players priced low relative to their expected output — is a core DFS skill. Draftstars salary assignments are updated weekly (or more frequently for single-game slates) based on recent form, injury status, and role within their team, which keeps the strategic challenge fresh across the season.

Guaranteed Prize Pools

Draftstars was one of the first Australian DFS platforms to commit to guaranteed prize pools (GPPs), and these remain a signature part of its product. A GPP contest states its prize pool upfront, and Draftstars guarantees that amount will be paid out regardless of how many players enter.

For example, if a contest has a $50,000 guaranteed prize pool and only collects $40,000 in entry fees, Draftstars covers the $10,000 shortfall (known as overlay). From a player’s perspective, overlay is a significant advantage: you are competing for a pool that exceeds what the other entrants have contributed, giving you better expected value. The largest GPPs on Draftstars typically run during AFL and NRL finals, with six-figure prize pools available for marquee events.

AFL and NRL DFS

AFL and NRL are Draftstars’ strongest products and the primary reason the platform has maintained its market-leading position in Australian DFS. Both codes generate rich statistical outputs per game — AFL in particular, with its disposal counts, marks, tackles, and goal kicks — that translate into highly differentiated fantasy scoring outcomes.

Draftstars runs AFL contests for every round of the home-and-away season, as well as finals and representative games. NRL coverage follows the same pattern, with round-by-round slates and major single-game contests for State of Origin and the NRL Grand Final. The depth of contest choice during AFL and NRL season is substantially greater than for other sports on the platform, with options ranging from free entry events to high-stakes GPPs running simultaneously.

For those who bet on AFL and NRL through traditional bookmakers as well as playing DFS, the skills are complementary. Knowledge of player form, team composition, and match conditions is relevant to both activities. See our AFL betting hub and NRL betting hub for expert tips and analysis during the season.

Live Scoring and Contest Tracking

One of the more engaging aspects of Draftstars is the live contest tracking experience. During matches, the platform updates fantasy scores in real time and shows your lineup’s ranking within the contest. You can see which of your players is performing and where you stand against your opponents at any point in the game. For GPP contests with multiple rounds of scoring, this creates a continuous engagement experience across an entire round of football or a night of NBA games.

Multi-Entry and Contest Diversity

Experienced DFS players often enter multiple lineups in the same contest to spread their risk and increase their exposure to different player combinations. Draftstars supports multi-entry in most contest formats, with limits set per contest to prevent a single player from dominating the field with hundreds of entries. This multi-entry capability, combined with the variety of contest types available, means players can tailor their approach to their risk preference and bankroll on any given day.

 

Draftstars Alternatives

If you are considering Draftstars, it is worth knowing what the alternatives look like — both within DFS and in the broader Australian sports betting landscape.

DFS Alternative

The main DFS alternative in Australia is Dabble Fantasy, which operates as a DFS product alongside the Dabble traditional sportsbook. Dabble Fantasy runs AFL and NRL contests and offers a slightly different contest structure to Draftstars. Contest volume is lower than Draftstars, which means smaller prize pools, but the platform is well-designed and easy to use.

Traditional Sports Betting Alternatives

If you are looking for traditional fixed-odds sports betting rather than DFS, Draftstars is not the platform for you. The following bookmakers are our top-rated options for Australian sports bettors:

 

Bookmaker	Best For	Review
Picklebet	AFL, NRL, and esports markets	Picklebet review
Dabble	Social betting and AFL/NRL	Dabble review
Neds	Australian racing and sports	Neds review
Ladbrokes	Racing, multis, and live betting	Ladbrokes review
bet365	Live streaming and in-play betting	bet365 review

 

For a full comparison of Australian betting sites, see our best Australian betting sites guide and our new Australian betting sites page for the latest additions to the market.

 

Contact Draftstars Australia

Draftstars offers customer support through several channels. Response times are generally prompt during business hours and around peak contest times (AFL and NRL round days).

• Live chat: Available within the Draftstars app and on the website. The fastest route for urgent queries such as lineup issues close to lock time.
• Email: Support requests can be submitted via the help centre on the Draftstars website. Email responses typically arrive within 24 hours.
• Help centre: Draftstars has a self-service help centre covering account issues, contest rules, payment queries, responsible gambling tools, and scoring FAQs. This is the best starting point for common questions.

For responsible gambling support, Draftstars provides access to deposit limits, time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. If you are concerned about your gambling, contact the Gambling Help Online service on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7).

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Draftstars

What is Draftstars?

Draftstars is Australia’s leading daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform. It allows players to build virtual lineups of real athletes within a salary cap and compete against other users for prize money based on those athletes’ real-world statistical performance. Draftstars runs contests across AFL, NRL, cricket (BBL and IPL), NBA, NFL, soccer, and horse racing.

Is Draftstars a bookmaker?

No. Draftstars is not a bookmaker and does not offer traditional fixed-odds sports betting. There are no match result markets, no same game multis, no head-to-head betting, and no odds in the traditional sense. Draftstars is a daily fantasy sports platform where you compete against other players using skill-based lineup building, not against the house on sporting outcomes. It is operated by PlayUp Limited and licensed by the NT Racing Commission as a DFS operator.

Is Draftstars legal and legitimate in Australia?

Yes. Draftstars is a fully legal and regulated platform in Australia. It is licensed by the Northern Territory Racing Commission and operated by PlayUp Limited. Daily fantasy sports is legal in Australia and regulated under a different framework to traditional sports wagering. Draftstars has been operating in Australia since 2015 and has an established track record of paying out winnings and operating responsibly.

Does Draftstars have an app?

Yes. Draftstars has a dedicated mobile app available on both iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play). The app supports all core platform functions including contest entry, lineup building, live scoring, account management, and deposits and withdrawals. It is free to download and offers biometric login for fast access.

How do Draftstars withdrawals work?

Once you win prize money in a contest, the funds are credited to your Draftstars account balance immediately. To withdraw, navigate to the cashier section in the app or on the website, select your preferred withdrawal method (bank transfer, PayPal, or debit card), enter the amount, and submit the request. Draftstars processes the request within one business day. Bank transfer withdrawals typically arrive within 1–4 business days total, while PayPal withdrawals take 1–3 business days. Your account must be fully verified before withdrawals can be processed.

What sports are available on Draftstars?

Draftstars covers AFL, NRL, cricket (BBL and IPL), NBA, NFL, soccer (selected matches), and horse racing (DFS format). AFL and NRL generate the highest contest volume and the largest prize pools during their respective seasons. Cricket is the third-most active sport, with the Big Bash League running through the Australian summer and the IPL providing coverage in the autumn. NBA and NFL contests are available throughout their seasons for players who follow American sports.