PrizePicks plans $50m injection into responsible gaming efforts
DFS operator to ramp up investment into in-house capabilities, while Caroline Silveira is named to head up lobbying in western US
PrizePicks has announced a planned $50m investment into various responsible gaming initiatives throughout 2025.
The pledge will see funding allocated to various responsible gaming facets across the DFS operator’s ecosystem.
Those include enhanced KYC/AML technologies, responsible play tools, RG-focused advertising, employee training, and compliance efforts.
PrizePicks has also said some of the funds will be used to deliver expanded support via its partnership with Kindbridge Behavioral Health.
Mike Ybarra, PrizePicks CEO, said: “With continued growth and national expansion comes an even greater responsibility to our players.
“Player protection has been a core pillar of PrizePicks since day one, and this investment reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible gaming.
“As we bring our innovative products to new states, we’re equally focused on advancing industry-leading standards for safety, transparency, and care.”
Elsehwere, PrizePicks has named former DuPont head Caroline Silveira as its new director of regulatory and government affairs.
Silveira joins the DFS operator from Corteva Agriscience, where she served as government and industry affairs lead for the western US.
The new PrizePicks head previously spent seven years at multinational giant DuPoint, working across government affairs in the US.
A former legislative director in the California State Legislature, Silveira was also a director of state affairs for the Consumer Brands Association.
Her move to PrizePicks comes a little over a year after the Atlanta, Georgia-based company hired Stuart Wilkinson as director of government affairs.
Wilkinson previously worked out of the governor’s office in the Peach State prior to moving to the operator.
Silveira’s remit will focus mainly on the western US, with PrizePicks live in eight of 13 states defined as the western US by the country’s census.
PrizePicks’ pick’em games are available in Oregan, California, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and Wyoming.
Silveira said: “I’m very happy to share I’ve joined PrizePicks – the largest daily fantasy sports operator in the United States.
“I’m leading all government affairs in California and other western states. My first few weeks have confirmed I’ve landed with an amazing company and team full of talent, excitement, fun, and fast growth.”
In other PrizePicks news, the firm has announced a deal with the San Diego Padres to become the MLB club’s official daily fantasy sports partner.
The agreement marks the operator’s first team partnership in the state of California, with PrizePicks branding to be placed across LED and banner displays at Petco Park.
The relationship will also expand to online portals, with PrizePicks featured prominently on the Padres website and during pregame commercials on Padres.TV subscription channel.
Mike Quigley, PrizePicks chief marketing officer, said: “The Padres are one of the most dynamic franchises in Major League Baseball, and we’re proud to be part of their journey.
“PrizePicks players and Padres fans share a deep passion for the game, and we look forward to creating new ways to engage and connect with fans both in San Diego and across the country.”
The firm has sealed a similar deal with the San Francisco Giants, further solidifying its position in California.
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.