PrizePicks launches peer-to-peer fantasy sports game
Atlanta-based firm the latest to introduce pick’em-style contests that steer clear of controversial against-the-house format
DFS operator PrizePicks has launched ‘PrizePicks Arena’, a new peer-to-peer fantasy sports game.
The game debuts in Tennessee, where PrizePicks recently secured a fantasy sports license, as well as Alabama, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Plans to roll out in additional states will follow.
PrizePicks, which claims to be the largest DFS operator in North America, revealed that the format involves players competing against other people rather than the house for the chance to win guaranteed prizes.
Players compete for guaranteed prizes by being put into groups matching their number of entries, selected entry fee, and experience level on the operator’s platform.
Brian Huss, PrizePicks’ VP of innovation, said: “We’re focused on expanding PrizePicks’ reach by creating new, innovative game types that push the PrizePicks brand and truly put sports fans at the center of gameplay.
“PrizePicks Arena is an exciting new twist on the PrizePicks experience that paves the way for future product innovations.”
The Atlanta-headquartered company is the latest to roll out a peer-to-peer version following regulatory scrutiny over the against-the-house format that critics have accused of being player prop betting masquerading as fantasy sports.
Last November, PrizePicks rival Underdog Fantasy released peer-to-peer contests called ‘Pick’em Champions’, while DraftKings introduced Pick6 in December but had to withdraw the product from Maryland later that month.
Meanwhile, PrizePicks, which is currently available in 33 states and all of Canada apart from Ontario, was forced last November to exit Michigan after the state introduced laws to ban certain DFS contests.
As a result of the withdrawal, PrizePicks pivoted to only offering a free-to-play version in Michigan.
More recently, the operator promoted Steven Kerstein to head of corporate development and investor relations.
Yesterday, January 24, Underdog sealed a market-access agreement with McConnell Golf to debut its yet-to-be-released mobile sports betting product in North Carolina ahead of the market’s expected launch on March 11.