PrizePicks CEO praises operator’s “remarkable” RG efforts
Mike Ybarra has issued a glowing assessment of the responsible gambling work conducted by the daily fantasy sports company last year, which includes creating the first self-exclusion scheme in the sector
PrizePicks CEO Mike Ybarra has heralded the “remarkable strides” made by the daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator in its efforts to set new responsible gaming (RG) standards within the industry.
Ybarra’s comments came in a foreword to the firm’s 2024 RG report, which detailed several initiatives and schemes the Atlanta-based business engaged in last year.
Those efforts included helping to develop the first Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) scheme alongside the Coalition for Fantasy Sports and idPair.
The VSE scheme, which will allow players to self-exclude from multiple DFS platforms simultaneously, is expected to launch early this year, initially in Nebraska and New Mexico before eventual further expansion.
PrizePicks also secured several key partnerships over the course of 2024, including with EPIC Global Solutions, which provided comprehensive RG training for staff.
Last year, 100% of PrizePicks staff received RG training, accumulating to 1,198 hours’ worth of training, including two live sessions delivered by individuals with lived experience of gambling-related harms.
As part of that collaboration, PrizePicks and EPIC Global Solutions conducted an internal RG survey that found 88% of the operator’s staff view RG as critical to the gaming industry’s sustainability, as well as 82% recognizing PrizePicks’s “existing RG culture.”
On the efforts of last year, Ybarra explained: “As we reflect on 2024, PrizePicks has made remarkable strides in setting a new standard for RG within the daily fantasy sports industry.
“This year, we’ve not only advanced player initiatives within the PrizePicks platform but have also taken meaningful steps to lead the industry toward a safer, more transparent gaming environment.
“At PrizePicks, our vision for RG goes beyond compliance. It’s about fostering a culture where innovation, trust, and community intersect.
“Whether it’s introducing the first-ever national VSE program in partnership with the Coalition for Fantasy Sports or providing free behavioral health services through Kindbridge, we are deeply committed to protecting and supporting our community.”
PrizePicks is advancing to Internet Compliance Application Program (iCAP) certification, something the operator notes is widely acknowledged as the most significant RG benchmark in the industry.
It is the first DFS operator to undergo the application process, which is expected to be finalized early this year.
Currently, PrizePicks’ RG offering includes deposit, spending, and playtime limits for members, all of which can be set daily, weekly, or monthly.
PrizePicks players can also receive tailored RG push notifications, account insights, and access to free counseling via its partnership with Kindbridge Behavioral Health.
Outlining the operator’s RG plans for the remainder of the year, Ybarra added: “Our focus remains on providing accessible, user-friendly RG solutions. In doing so, we aim to only enhance the player experience but also set a higher benchmark for consumer protection in gaming.
“Looking ahead, we are committed to deepening our impact. Our roadmap for 2025 includes better integrating our player protection tools, conducting independent RG audits, and continuing to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure our policies reflect the highest standards of integrity and care.”
Earlier this month, PrizePicks made an addition to its C-suite, appointing Mike Quigley as its new chief marketing officer (CMO).