Currently, the only available location for legal gambling in Georgia is connected to a casino in Brunswick. While the five-hour cruise from Brunswick Harbor into the Atlantic is certainly enticing, it serves as an emergency release valve for the pent-up demand for legal gambling options in the state of Georgia.
Daily Fantasy Sports companies are left to fulfill the wagering cravings of fantasy enthusiasts and gambling enthusiasts. And one such company has established itself in the gambling desert of Georgia: Atlanta-based PrizePicks.
Organic DFS system PrizePicks gets into crowded, competing market
It’s obvious that the Georgia DFS market has quickly expanded recently, and with several major sports leagues entering daily fantasy partnerships, the visibility to the casual sports watcher has exponentially grown. FanDuel and DraftKings are the biggest players in the field, but PrizePicks entered the fray with a different approach. Their goal is to provide an engaging DFS platform that doesn’t rely on the traditional salary cap competition model. Instead, PrizePicks offers DFS contests based on prop picks, appealing to a wider potential fanbase.
Perhaps you’re confident that Stetson Bennett IV will throw for more than four touchdowns in the upcoming game, or maybe you have a strong feeling that Carlos Alcaraz will win in straight sets. These are the types of games that PrizePicks offers to its userbase.
In a recent interview with PlayGeorgia, Steven Kerstein, Head of PrizePicks Company Intelligence & Market Intelligence, discussed the decision to adopt this model when initially entering the Daily Fantasy arena. He explained that the traditional income cap format was too cumbersome and time-consuming for the casual sports fan, and it was challenging for the average person to compete against professionals who relied on these contests for their livelihood. As a result, PrizePicks developed a simpler, more user-friendly version of skills-based fantasy sports gaming that focuses solely on player projections.
Daily Fantasy Sports have become highly competitive since their inception, but PrizePicks is staking its claim on a userbase that seeks a simpler approach to skill-based fantasy games. Kerstein emphasized that the PrizePicks DFS platform prioritizes simplicity and ease-of-use. Instead of spending hours tinkering with salary cap lineups before game starts, PrizePicks users can simply select projections of their favorite athletes from various sports and finalize their entry in less than 60 seconds. They don’t need to worry about pre-game injury announcements or missing important news. Once their entry is submitted, they can sit back, enjoy the game, and follow their projections.
A revolves to a sportsbook could be available — down the road
In the midst of Georgia’s limited landscape of current legal gambling options, PrizePicks has provided a lifeline to residents looking to add some extra excitement to their sports watching experience. However, could even bigger moves be on the horizon? Georgians are eagerly awaiting the 2023 legislative session, where legal sports betting will have another chance to become a reality.
The transition from a strict Daily Fantasy Sports platform to a full-service sportsbook seems to be a natural progression for many brands. DFS giants DraftKings and FanDuel seamlessly incorporated the sportsbook aspect into their platforms as states began passing favorable legislation.
It’s a logical step for Daily Fantasy Sports brands, and PrizePicks has been keeping an eye on the rapidly evolving gambling landscape and the growing demand. Steven Kerstein stated, “At this current time, we are laser-focused on creating the best daily fantasy sports experience out there. However, we are certainly aware of the evolving gambling landscape across the country. While it’s not in our current plans, we believe that in the future, we could successfully make a transition into a sportsbook if deemed appropriate, given the quality and scale of our member base.”
However, Georgia’s gambling restrictions present unique challenges for a DFS site based in a state where sports betting is currently prohibited. Following the failure of both TRAFIC TRAVIS 352 and HB 118 bills, which aimed to legalize DFS platforms in the state, it poses an interesting twist for a DFS outlet looking to incorporate sports betting into its offerings.
PrizePicks concentrates on product & userbase
In terms of PrizePicks, Kerstein says the current focus lies in offering a unique and immersive fantasy experience for Georgians and residents in the 29 other states where the platform is live.
“We’re really bullish on both our future and the industry’s potential – overall, we are firm believers that consumers should have as many options to enjoy sports as they desire — across the spectrum whether that be sports betting, fantasy sports, NFTs, other collectibles, etc. We believe that DFS, in general, will continue to evolve into a more engaging, social experience where enthusiasts will not be satisfied with playing contests in isolation, but through connecting with others like them.
As such, at PrizePicks, we are focused on creating the most engaging platform where members can not only make entries on our platform but also interact with fellow fantasy enthusiasts on our Discord Channel 24/7/365 to root for their picks. Ultimately, the most successful companies in the space will not only build the product but the community around the product. That is what we’re trying to accomplish at PrizePicks.”
In a crowded DFS marketplace, Georgia-based PrizePicks seeks to simplify the fantasy experience for users of all skill levels. Future decisions from the Georgia legislature will ultimately determine many of the company’s moves in the future.
In the meantime, PrizePicks has already delivered on providing Georgia residents with a homegrown Daily Fantasy option to enjoy.
Billings Breazeale is a freelance journalist with a focus on sports, business, and the business of sports. An Atlanta native currently residing in Orlando, Carter graduated from the University of Central Florida. Since 2018, he has covered the Atlanta Falcons for SBNation’s site, The Falcoholic.
