Min-Cash
What Is a Min-Cash in DFS?
Last updated September 22, 2026 by Ship It Nation
A min-cash is the smallest prize in a contest, earned by finishing just inside the paid places. In tournaments it is usually a small multiple of the entry fee.
Why It Matters
In GPPs, min-cashes rarely make up for all the losing entries; the profit comes from the rare top finish. That is why tournament lineups should aim for a high ceiling, not a safe score that squeaks into the money. In cash games, every winner earns the same, so a min-cash is the goal.
Example
Say you enter 20 MLB tournament lineups at $5 each, $100 in total. Three of them finish just inside the paid places and each wins the smallest prize, a small multiple of the $5 entry, while the other 17 win nothing. You still lose money on the slate, which is why tournament profit depends on the rare lineup that finishes near the top.
Do not judge a tournament slate by how many lineups min-cashed. Track your top finishes, since that is where tournament profit actually comes from.
Heard on the Shows
This term has come up on 5 shows. Each line jumps to that moment of the video.
Common Questions
How much is a min-cash in a DFS tournament?
It depends on the contest, but it is usually a small multiple of the entry fee. The exact amount is listed in each contest's payout table, so check it before entering if you want to compare payout structures.
Is min-cashing in GPPs profitable?
Usually not on its own. Most tournament entries miss the money, and the small prizes near the cash line rarely cover those losses. Long-term tournament profit comes mostly from occasional finishes near the top.
Do cash games have a min-cash?
Not really. Every winner in a cash game gets the same prize, so the smallest prize is also the only prize. That is why cash players aim to clear the cash line safely rather than chase a top finish.