You're standing in the checkout line at a Target or GameStop, and you see it. The bright green DraftKings logo staring back at you from the gift card rack. It looks like the perfect low-stakes gift for your buddy who won’t stop talking about his parlay. Or maybe you're just looking for a way to fund your own account without linking your primary bank account directly to a gambling site.
But here’s the thing. DraftKings gift cards aren't exactly like an Amazon card. You can't just scratch, sniff, and spend on whatever you want without hitting some guardrails. Honestly, the number of people who buy these only to realize they can't use them in their specific state or for their favorite game is kind of wild.
Why a DraftKings Gift Card is Actually Useful (and Why it Isn't)
Most people assume these cards are just for the Sportsbook. Not true. If you have a verified account, you can typically use those funds across the whole ecosystem: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), the Sportsbook, and even the Casino.
It's basically a prepaid ticket. You get the 16-digit code, you punch it in, and the money lands in your balance. No credit card interest. No "cash advance" fees from your bank. That last part is huge because as of late 2025 and into 2026, many major banks have started treating direct gambling deposits like a cash advance, hitting users with 25% APR or higher from the second they click "deposit." A gift card sidesteps that mess entirely.
But there is a catch. You can't withdraw gift card funds back to your bank account immediately. That would be a money-laundering nightmare for them. You have to actually play through the money. If you put $50 on a card, you need to wager that $50 before any winnings from it become "real" cash you can pull out.
Where to Buy Them Without Getting Scammed
Don't buy these on eBay. Just don't. I've seen too many stories of "unscratched" cards that were drained by bots before the physical card even arrived in the mail.
Stick to the big players.
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- Retail stores: Walmart, Target, GameStop, and Dollar General are the standard go-to spots.
- Digital marketplaces: PayPal's gift card store and GiftCards.com are solid.
- The Official DraftKings Shop: This is the safest bet for digital codes.
One weird quirk? Some stores only carry $25 or $50 denominations, while others have "loadable" cards where you can put any amount up to $500. If you're looking for a specific amount, digital is usually the way to go.
The "State Law" Headache
This is where the wheels usually fall off for people. As of early 2026, DraftKings is legal in about 26 states for sports betting, but the rules for gift cards are even more fragmented.
For example, if you're in a state like New Hampshire or Oregon where the lottery runs the show, gift card redemption might be restricted to certain types of contests. Even more annoying? If you buy a card in New York but try to redeem it while you're on a weekend trip in a state where DraftKings isn't legal yet—like Georgia or Texas—it simply won't work. The app uses your phone's GPS to geofence your account. If you aren't in a "green" zone, that gift card is just a piece of plastic until you cross state lines.
Quick Legality Check (Early 2026)
- Daily Fantasy (DFS): Available in almost every state (except a handful like Montana or Washington).
- Sportsbook: Legal in 26+ states including NY, NJ, PA, IL, MI, AZ, and NC.
- Casino: Still restricted to a few spots like NJ, PA, WV, MI, and CT.
If you bought a card for someone in a state where only DFS is legal, and they wanted to bet on the Super Bowl? They’re going to be disappointed. They can enter a fantasy contest, sure, but they can't place a traditional spread bet.
How to Actually Redeem the Code
Redeeming it isn't always intuitive because the "Gift Card" button isn't always front-and-center.
First, log in. Don't try to do this as a guest. Once you're in, hit the "Deposit" button (usually a green plus sign at the top). You'll see a list of boring options like "Online Banking" or "PayPal." Scroll down. You're looking for "Gift Card."
You will need the 16-digit code and the CVV. Yes, gift cards have CVVs just like a Visa. Once you hit submit, the balance usually updates instantly. If it doesn't, don't panic. Sometimes the system lags for a minute or two, especially during massive events like the NCAA tournament or NFL Sunday.
Actionable Tips for Using Your Balance
If you’ve just loaded up a card, here is how to actually manage that money effectively:
- Check for "Play-Through" Requirements: Always verify if your deposit triggered a bonus. Sometimes, if you use a gift card during a promotion, you might have to wager the amount $2\times$ or $3\times$ before you can withdraw.
- Use it for the Dynasty Rewards: Every dollar you spend from a gift card still earns you "Crowns" in the DraftKings Dynasty program. It's a slow burn, but those crowns can eventually be traded back for more credits or even merch.
- Don't Toss the Card: Keep the physical card or the digital email until the money is fully spent. If there’s a technical glitch or a voided bet that results in a refund, the system sometimes tries to push the money back to the original payment method. If you threw the card away, getting that money back is a customer service nightmare.
- Verify Your Identity First: If you're a new user, DraftKings will make you go through "Know Your Customer" (KYC) verification before you can even use the card. This means uploading a photo of your ID. If you aren't willing to do that, don't buy the card.
Basically, DraftKings gift cards are a great tool for budgeting your play or giving a gift that isn't just a boring check. Just make sure the person receiving it is actually in a state that allows them to play. Otherwise, you've just bought a very expensive bookmark.