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:
- Weekly challenge determines rankings (Mon-Sat)
- Top 6 players qualify for Elite Six
- Sunday showdown determines final positions
- Prizes distributed based on finish position
- Money deposited to your DCS account
Distribution by Tier
Bronze Cities ($500 weekly pool):
| Position | Prize | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $200 | 40% |
| 2nd | $125 | 25% |
| 3rd | $75 | 15% |
| 4th | $50 | 10% |
| 5th | $30 | 6% |
| 6th | $20 | 4% |
Silver Cities ($1,000 weekly pool):
| Position | Prize | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $400 | 40% |
| 2nd | $250 | 25% |
| 3rd | $150 | 15% |
| 4th | $100 | 10% |
| 5th | $60 | 6% |
| 6th | $40 | 4% |
Gold Cities ($2,000 weekly pool):
| Position | Prize | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $800 | 40% |
| 2nd | $500 | 25% |
| 3rd | $300 | 15% |
| 4th | $200 | 10% |
| 5th | $120 | 6% |
| 6th | $80 | 4% |
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:
| Tier | Weekly Pool | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $500 | $26,000 |
| Silver | $1,000 | $52,000 |
| Gold | $2,000 | $104,000 |
Across 50 Cities:
| Tier Mix | Estimated 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:
| Place | Prize (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:
| Place | Prize (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:
- Navigate to Wallet in the app
- Select Withdraw
- Choose payment method
- Enter withdrawal amount
- 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 Source | Use |
|---|---|
| Membership fees | Prize pools, operations |
| Sponsorships | Prize pool enhancement, events |
| Partnerships | Platform 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
- Membership Tiers — Compare tier options
- Elite Six Explained — Weekly competition format
- NDT Information — National championship
- Membership Overview — Full membership details