Prize Structure

Real money, every week. Understand how DCS distributes prize pools and how to claim your winnings.

DCS puts real money on the table every week. Here's exactly how prizes work—from weekly pools to national championships.

Weekly Prize Pools

How It Works

Every week in every city:

  1. Weekly challenge determines rankings (Mon-Sat)
  2. Top 6 players qualify for Elite Six
  3. Sunday showdown determines final positions
  4. Prizes distributed based on finish position
  5. Money deposited to your DCS account

Distribution by Tier

Bronze Cities ($500 weekly pool):

PositionPrizePercentage
1st$20040%
2nd$12525%
3rd$7515%
4th$5010%
5th$306%
6th$204%

Silver Cities ($1,000 weekly pool):

PositionPrizePercentage
1st$40040%
2nd$25025%
3rd$15015%
4th$10010%
5th$606%
6th$404%

Gold Cities ($2,000 weekly pool):

PositionPrizePercentage
1st$80040%
2nd$50025%
3rd$30015%
4th$20010%
5th$1206%
6th$804%

Key Points

  • Everyone in Elite Six gets paid — No elimination without compensation
  • Same percentages across tiers — Only absolute amounts differ
  • 52 weeks per year — Consistent opportunity

Annual Prize Potential

Per City, Per Year:

TierWeekly PoolAnnual Total
Bronze$500$26,000
Silver$1,000$52,000
Gold$2,000$104,000

Across 50 Cities:

Tier MixEstimated Annual Prizes
50 Bronze cities$1.3 million
Mixed tiers (realistic)$2-3 million
50 Gold cities (max)$5.2 million

National Domination Tournament (NDT)

Prize Structure (Projected)

The NDT features the largest single-event prize pool in American dominoes:

PlacePrize (Approximate)
Champion$25,000+
2nd$15,000+
3rd$10,000+
4th$5,000+
5th-8th$2,500 each
9th-16th$1,000 each

Actual amounts depend on participation and sponsorship levels.

Total NDT Pool

Estimated total prize pool: $75,000-$100,000+

Beyond Money

NDT prizes include:

  • Dominologist title for champion and top performers
  • WDC qualification for champion
  • National recognition and prestige
  • Media coverage and exposure

World Dominologist Championship (WDC)

Prize Structure (Target)

The WDC aims for the largest prize pool in competitive dominoes globally:

PlacePrize (Target)
World Champion$100,000+
2nd$50,000+
3rd$25,000+
4th$10,000+
5th-8th$5,000 each

Final amounts will depend on global participation and sponsorship.

Total WDC Pool

Target total prize pool: $200,000+

How to Claim Your Winnings

Account Balance

Your winnings accumulate in your DCS account:

  • Weekly deposits: Elite Six prizes credited Sunday night
  • Running balance: View anytime in the app
  • Transaction history: Full record of earnings

Withdrawal Process

Minimum withdrawal: $50

Steps:

  1. Navigate to Wallet in the app
  2. Select Withdraw
  3. Choose payment method
  4. Enter withdrawal amount
  5. Confirm and process

Processing time: 3-5 business days

Payment Methods

DCS supports:

  • Direct bank transfer (ACH)
  • Digital payment services (PayPal, Venmo, etc.)
  • Check (additional processing time)

Available methods may vary by region.

Tax Considerations

Your responsibility:

  • Winnings are taxable income
  • DCS tracks and reports earnings
  • 1099 forms issued for qualifying amounts
  • Consult a tax professional for guidance

DCS provides:

  • Annual earnings statements
  • Transaction history export
  • Tax document access

Prize Pool Economics

Where the Money Comes From

Prize pools are funded through:

  • Membership fees — Primary source
  • Sponsorships — Corporate partnerships
  • Entry fees — Special tournaments
  • Platform revenue — Supporting services

DCS Business Model

Revenue SourceUse
Membership feesPrize pools, operations
SponsorshipsPrize pool enhancement, events
PartnershipsPlatform development, expansion

Sustainability

DCS prize pools are designed for long-term sustainability:

  • Conservative projections for prize funding
  • Reserve requirements for consistent payouts
  • Growth plans tied to membership expansion
  • Transparent financial management

Maximizing Your Earnings

Strategy Overview

Play consistently:

  • Weekly participation = more opportunities
  • Regular play improves skill = better finishes
  • Consistent attendance = Elite Six qualification

Focus on Elite Six:

  • Top 6 every week is the goal
  • Every position pays something
  • First place pays 10× sixth place

Consider tier economics:

  • Higher tiers = bigger payouts
  • Calculate expected value based on your performance
  • Upgrade when the math supports it

Earnings Scenarios

Scenario 1: Occasional Bronze Player

  • 20 weeks played, 10 Elite Six appearances
  • Average finish: 5th place
  • Annual earnings: 10 × $30 = $300
  • Net vs. membership: +$250

Scenario 2: Regular Silver Player

  • 40 weeks played, 30 Elite Six appearances
  • Average finish: 4th place
  • Annual earnings: 30 × $100 = $3,000
  • Net vs. membership: +$2,900

Scenario 3: Dominant Gold Player

  • 48 weeks played, 45 Elite Six appearances
  • Average finish: 2nd place
  • Annual earnings: 45 × $500 = $22,500
  • Net vs. membership: +$22,300

Frequently Asked Questions

When do prizes get deposited?

Elite Six prizes are credited to your DCS account Sunday night after the showdown concludes.

Is there a fee to withdraw?

Standard withdrawals have no fee. Expedited processing may have a small fee.

What if there's a tie in Elite Six?

Tiebreakers are applied (head-to-head, point differential, etc.). If still tied, prize money for tied positions is split.

Can I donate my winnings?

Yes. DCS may offer charitable giving options. Contact support for details.

What happens to unclaimed prizes?

Prizes remain in your account indefinitely. There's no expiration, but inactive accounts may require verification.

Are NDT prizes guaranteed?

NDT prize amounts are projections based on expected participation and sponsorship. Final amounts are confirmed before the event.

Next Steps