Definition
A cash game is a DFS contest with a flat payout structure that rewards consistency over a top-heavy finish. Common formats include head-to-heads, double-ups, and 50/50 contests. The goal is to beat the payout line, not finish first.
Break-even win rate formula:
entry fee / (entry fee + net profit)
Worked Example
In a $10 double-up, a winning lineup returns $18 total: the original $10 entry plus $8 profit.
Break-even rate:
10 / (10 + 8) = 0.5556
A player must cash at least 55.56% of the time to break even before taxes or other costs.
Why It Matters
Cash games help bettors and DFS players focus on stable projections, floor, and lineup consistency. The concept is useful when comparing payout structures and deciding whether a contest’s rake makes the required win rate too high.