Unikrn launches social eSports betting platform

eSports betting operator launches new freeplay platform and virtual currency Unikoins

eSports betting operator Unikrn this morning announced the global launch of a freeplay version of its real-money wagering platform, plus a new virtual currency. [private]

Unikrn Arena Global gives players the chance to win Unikoins, a virtual currency they can use to enter daily, weekly or month raffles to win prizes, the firm said.

Players can earn Unikoins by taking part in betting quests, which reward players for placing bets on Unikrn, and social quests, which rewards users for engaging with friends and social networks.

To coincide with the launch of Unikrn Arena Global, the San Francisco-based firm said it would also release its first companion app, Unikrn Vault, on Android and iOS.

“I’m thrilled to be launching Unikrn Arena to the world, and releasing the Unikrn Vault app to allow our users to generate Unikoins is something we’re all really excited about,” Unikrn CEO Rahul Sood said.

Unikrn also announced that movie star Ashton Kutcher had invested in the firm through his Sound Ventures business, which has previously backed the likes of Airbnb, Skype and Uber.

“Bringing Ashton Kutcher and Guy Oseary on was a big deal for me,” Sood said. “They are well known for picking winning consumer technology companies and are incredibly connected.”

eSports contests are huge tournaments where players go head to head in games such as League of Legends and Counter Strike: Global Offensive for big cash prizes.