PrizePicks, a daily fantasy sports game company, has made its return to Michigan with the launch of a free-to-play version of its product. The company’s pay-to-play offering was recently banned in the state, prompting PrizePicks to adapt and introduce a new, free format for players.
The free-to-play game will allow fans in Michigan to once again participate in PrizePicks’ daily fantasy sports experience. Similar to the pay-to-play version, the free game will involve picking between two and six players and deciding on their over/under performance.
Players will receive 1,000 PrizePoints daily to allocate to their chosen athletes. The top 100 players who finish with 1,001 credits or more will receive prizes ranging from $2 to $250. This new format aims to provide daily entertainment for participants at no cost, while still offering the opportunity for top players to win prizes.
Brian Huss, the vice president of innovation at PrizePicks, expressed enthusiasm for the new release, stating that it will help introduce more players to the company’s products. He mentioned that the free-to-play format is just the beginning of new game types to come and will allow PrizePicks to reach a wider audience of sports fans.
PrizePicks, known as the largest skill-based daily fantasy sports company in North America, has garnered recognition in the industry. The company has received accolades such as the Fantasy Sports Business of the Year by the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association and the Fantasy/DFS Operator of the Year by EGR North America.
The launch of the new game comes in the wake of Michigan’s decision to outlaw fantasy contests, claiming that they too closely resemble gambling and should be prohibited. The Michigan Gaming Control Board is yet to comment on PrizePicks’ new free product.
In a similar crackdown, the Florida Gaming Control Commission issued cease-and-desist letters to fantasy sports operators, including PrizePicks, Underdog Sports, and Betr. However, some criticized the regulator for not taking action against industry giants DraftKings and FanDuel.
PrizePicks’ introduction of the free-to-play game in Michigan signals the company’s commitment to providing innovative and engaging experiences for sports fans, despite the recent regulatory challenges in the fantasy sports industry.