With its standpoint on daily fantasy sports (DFS), PrizePicks has swept the whole fantasy sports industry. Users create “pick’em” entries, choosing whether players would surpass or fall short of statistical predictions, as opposed to managing a fantasy squad throughout a season. One legal concern, however, persists as the site becomes more popular among players: Is PrizePicks gambling according to law?
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What PrizePicks Is and How It Operates
PrizePicks positions itself as a skill-based fantasy gaming site; authorities and legislators are starting to take a closer look at its business model. Founded in 2015, PrizePicks has its main office in Atlanta. According to CrunchBase, it was started by Adam Wexler and Jay Deuskar and is affiliated with the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. Most likely, you have also seen their TV commercials during NBA and NFL football games. Social media has also seen branded advertisements. Indeed, PrizePicks’ durability, quality, and powerful branding make it one of the industry leaders in DFS.
Although PrizePicks just offers pick contests, it is a top DFS software because of its user-friendliness and simplicity. Make your selections, log in, and begin watching the games! That’s how easy it is. In addition to contests on major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, and NHL, PrizePicks also offers college basketball and football competitions in states where college picks are permitted. Esports, international soccer, and tennis are additional picks for contest alternatives. It may seem like PrizePicks is gambling; however, it is a bit more nuanced than it seems.
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Canadian Legal Definition of Gambling
Gambling is defined as risking money for a prize if chance is more important in Canada. Like many fantasy games, skill-based competitions frequently avoid being classified as gambling. This distinction is significant across the country, except for Ontario, where PrizePicks is not yet accessible. To stay up-to-date with the latest sports news, Canadian players use various news outlets to be aware of all the changes that they may use for their next move in PrizePicks.
Where PrizePicks Falls Within Legal Boundaries
So, is PrizePicks considered gambling? Three requirements must be fulfilled for fantasy sports to be excluded from gambling regulations in the United States: rewards must be predetermined, skill must be the primary factor, and awards cannot be dependent on the results of actual contests.
PrizePicks satisfies these requirements: awards are predetermined, and participants select statistics rather than game winners. Pick-em games, however, are controversial since they resemble player prop bets and conflate them with sports betting.
PrizePicks has been challenged by state authorities in Florida, Georgia, and Illinois, who have issued cease-and-desist orders on the grounds that it functions similarly to a sportsbook. Operations in New York were likewise suspended by a $15 million deal with the city.
Provincial Differences in Regulation
At the moment, PrizePicks is accessible in all Canadian provinces with the exception of Ontario, 43 U.S. states, and Washington, D.C. Except for Massachusetts and Arizona, where users must be at least 21, PrizePicks users must normally be at least 19. Before registering, be sure to verify the local age restrictions. Different states in the US have very different DFS legislation. As of 2024, fantasy sports are prohibited in five jurisdictions, mostly allowed but unregulated in 19, and expressly regulated in 27 states.
Current Legal Status and Grey Areas
Fantasy-sport carveouts are made possible by federal laws such as the Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). States still decide what is legal. Illinois has ordered its gaming board to stop providing pick-em. PrizePicks was compelled to switch to peer-to-peer “Arena” competitions in Florida as well. Citing skill-based exemptions, Georgia officials permit activities.
Potential Legal Changes on the Horizon
DFS 2.0 businesses like PrizePicks have prompted some states to rethink their fantasy sports regulations. In order to ensure that pick-em games are not classified as gambling, PrizePicks has been campaigning at the federal level since 2023. There have been requests for stronger rules after the AGA expressed worries that DFS now too closely mimics betting.
Connecticut and other bills might increase legal allowances for skill-based gambling or tighten existing controls. Court decisions allow states to enact laws that restrict or outright forbid fantasy sports, such as Murphy v. NCAA (PASPA repeal).
Taking everything mentioned above, how is PrizePicks not gambling? DFS is excluded under federal law as long as talent is the dominant factor. PrizePicks relies on this, but state authorities are becoming more concerned because they believe pick-em games are becoming sports betting. That tug-of-war peaked with the $15 million New York settlement. PrizePicks continues to operate in a gray area, where it is now legal in many regions but might be reclassified in the future due to changing regulations and regulatory pushback.
