Fantasy Sports Operators Help Launch 1st Nationwide Responsible Gaming Initiative

Grant Mitchell - News Editor
Grant Mitchell • News Editor 5+ years betting experience
Updated: Mar 10, 2026 , 02:29 PM ET • 4 min read

The National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program is the first such initiative to include multiple operators and cover all 50 states and Washington D.C.

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Responsible gaming technology company idPair partnered with several top fantasy sports platforms to expand its voluntary self-exclusion service to all 50 states and Washington D.C.

Key Takeaways

  • Customers previously had to self-exclude one state or one operator at a time.

  • Self-excluded gamblers aren’t allowed to place wagers for a predetermined period of time, if not indefinitely.

  • Fantasy platforms were commended for upholding the “public good.”

Thanks to the partnership, which includes PrizePicks, Underdog, Dabble, and Splash Sports, the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program will cover every corner of the U.S.

The technology allows consumers to protect themselves from harmful financial decisions without waiting for or requiring intervention from state regulators. Many states have self-exclusion lists, though they are separate from lists in other states. Users previously needed to self-exclude in multiple states or with multiple operators to fully complete the process. 

Anyone who wishes to self-exclude with idPair will follow a much simpler blueprint, no matter if they are seeking precautionary assistance or are battling gambling addictions.

“For the college student in Nebraska who downloaded a fantasy sports app during the excitement of March basketball and got carried away, or for the parent in California trying to rebuild trust at home - this expansion means they don’t have to face things alone,” Jonathan Aiwazian, CEO of idPair, said in a statement. “By expanding this operator-led program to all 50 states, we’re making sure that when someone raises their hand and asks for help, safeguards show up for them everywhere.”

Individuals who choose to self-exclude will be given the option to apply the exclusion across all of idPair’s partner products and operators in all 50 states.

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Putting consumers first

idPair’s announcement commended PrizePicks, Underdog, Dabble, and Splash Sports for their commitment to the “public good” in the face of marketplace competition. 

Additionally, it noted the program can be applied to multiple segments of the gambling industry, including online sports betting, skill games, casino, and more. It also left an open invitation for national operators to join the initiative. 

“We have always prioritized player well-being,” said Phil Sherwood, PrizePicks’ senior director of responsible gaming. “By taking this program national, we are ensuring that our commitment to responsible gaming is as expansive as our footprint. We are proud to be a founding member of a movement that puts the person before the product.”

Adam Warrington, Underdog's VP of responsible gaming, said partnering with idPair was crucial to maintaining a customer-first approach across the industry. 

“Two years ago idPair was the first company selected by GuardDog, our responsible gaming innovation fund, with the intent of utilizing their technology to create meaningful partnerships that advance safer play,” he said. “This 50-state rollout is proof of concept of that intent and further establishes that collaboration on safety and protection is critical for our entire industry.”

A responsible approach

As the gambling boom in the U.S. continues, many companies in the industry are increasing their focus on responsible gambling.

FanDuel in January revealed its “Play with a Plan” initiative, which was created to help bettors make more informed decisions. It includes a variety of consumer-friendly tools, including My Spend, Loss Limits, and Deposit Alerts. 

The Responsible Online Gaming Association has also come to the defense of self-excluded gamblers, claiming sportsbooks shouldn’t tempt VIP members with offers to lure them into returning.

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Grant Mitchell - News Editor
News Editor

Grant jumped into the sports betting industry as soon as he graduated from Virginia Tech in 2021. His fingerprints can be found all over the sports betting ecosystem, including his constant delivery of breaking industry news. He also specializes in finding the best bets for a variety of sports thanks to his analytical approach to sports and sports betting.

Before joining Covers, Grant worked for a variety of reputable publications, led by Forbes.

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