DraftKings launches single-game contests
Operator also introduces defensive players scoring for the first time ahead of this weekend’s NFL playoff games
DraftKings has launched single-game fantasy contests for the first time ahead of this weekend’s NFL playoffs.
The DFS operator launched its inaugural NFL showdown contest, where fans are asked to pick six players from Sunday’s Saints v Panthers playoff game.
It is the first time the operator has offered contests for a single game, and the first time it has introduced defensive players into scoring, with two of the six roster sports be filed by defenders.
DraftKings VP of Games Mark Nerenberg told Legal Sports Report the format represented “a more unique, exciting experience with more scoring events all jam packed into the one game you’re actually watching.
“That goes well with the post season, because there’s just one game at a time that everyone’s watching. And it’s usually a pretty exciting game,” Nerenberg added.
The first so-called ‘single game showdown’ will feature a $200,000 prize pool and $8 entry fees.
Single-game fantasy contests have so far been considered risky by DFS firms given the UIGEA carve-out for fantasy stipulates results must be determined by stats from “multiple real-world sporting events”.
However, the language of state DFS regulations contain no such restrictions on single-game fantasy and several firms have tested the waters without backlash. Boom Fantasy, for instance, ran contests on the Conor McGregor/Floyd Mayweather fight, while DraftKings itself has run contests on Nascar races without federal repercussions.
Nerenberg said the format had been launched now thanks to consumer demand and more variations were likely on the way.
The launch comes just days after FanDuel broke ground of its own earlier this week, launching the inaugural Bitcoin Bowl around the upcoming NFL playoff games.