A daily fantasy sports operator is taking a new approach.
PrizePicks has debuted a new free-to-play game in Michigan after the company announced an exit from the market in October following regulatory changes regarding fantasy sports contests.
"We're thrilled to launch our newest offering on PrizePicks, a fun free-to-play game. This new free-to-play format is the first of new game types to come and opens the door for us to reach sports fans who may not already be familiar with PrizePicks."
- PrizePicks VP of Innovation Brian Huss
The new game from PrizePicks allows users to make picks on various sports using virtual currency. The top 100 scorers each day in Michigan win a share of the operator’s daily prize.
Change of heart
PrizePicks had previously planned to exit the Michigan fantasy sports market on Nov. 10.
PrizePicks’ new game in the Wolverine State comes after Michigan’s Gaming Control Board put in place new administrative rules for fantasy sports. The rules, which are required under the Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act, ban fantasy contests “that involve, result in, or have the effect of mimicking betting on sports.” The requirements have been met with backlash.
Michigan residents have voiced their displeasure of the fantasy rules to state lawmakers, according to the Coalition for Fantasy Sports. PrizePicks competitors, including Underdog Fantasy and Sleeper, have taken exception to new state rules that hinder their businesses.
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Widespread issue
The concern over fantasy contests resembling sports wagering impacts other states, including Florida and Ohio. Earlier this year, regulators in those states also took action to prohibit pick‘em-style fantasy sports contests while fantasy operators in those jurisdictions have pushed back on the issue believing the crackdown has been driven by sportsbooks, including FanDuel.
In September, Florida gaming regulators ordered fantasy operators to shut down their platforms after the state’s Gaming Control Commission said it received information operators “may be offering or accepting illegal bets or wagers from Florida residents.” As a result, cease and desist letters were sent to a group of fantasy sports operators, including PrizePicks and Betr.
