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FanDuel Interview By Jason Tenzer

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I’m a supporter and that’s the rules that we’ll test — is put your money where your mouth is” … Jerry Jones, Owner – Dallas Cowboys.

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From a very early age until now, I’ve had more energy than most kids.  I was able to funnel that energy into playing sports year-round (baseball, basketball, soccer, football, and anything we could make up with a ball in our back yard).  As I got older, the sports continued, and I was introduced to fantasy sports.  Draft day for my baseball league is one of the most fun days of the year.  Then, the big one hit … Daily Fantasy Sports.  When I got the chance to interview Fan Duel, I leaped at the opportunity to get to know a little bit about this amazing company.  This is what I learned about Fan Duel from Emily Bass, Senior Communications Manager.
 
1. What is FanDuel and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)?
 
EB:  FanDuel Group is an innovative sports-tech entertainment company that is changing the way consumers engage with their favorite sports, teams, and leagues. The premier gaming destination in the United States, FanDuel Group consists of a portfolio of leading brands across gaming, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, advance-deposit wagering, and TV/media, including FanDuel, Betfair US, DRAFT, and TVG. FanDuel Group has a presence across 45 states and 8 million customers. The company is based in New York with offices in California, New Jersey, Florida, Oregon, and Scotland. FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment plc, a leading international sports betting and gaming operator and a constituent of the FTSE 100 index of the London Stock Exchange.
 
Daily fantasy sports contests are an innovative twist on traditional season-long contests.
 
People love fantasy sports, which have become our new national pastime. DFS is an evolution of traditional season-long fantasy — rather than select a team and compete against other participants over the course of a full season, participants select a team and compete with other participants over the course of a single day or weekend.
 
2. So, what you’ve done is turned a season-long fantasy football season into a 1-day (or week) contest, correct?
 
EB:  Correct. Like season-long contests, with daily contests, participants select a team of real-world athletes and accumulate points based on how their players perform in an actual game. The goal—regardless of format—is to select a team of players that will score the most possible points. The only difference between daily and season-long formats is duration: A DFS contest condenses a NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA (and other sports) contest into a single day or weekend of games.
 
3. Is it legal?
 
EB:  Fantasy sports are skill-based games. DFS contests are nothing more than a condensed version of the traditional season-long format. Rather than select a team and compete against other participants over the course of a full season, participants select a team and compete with other participants over the course of a single day or weekend. Those contests don’t just rely on the same skills as season-long contests— the skill is even more determinative.
 
Like the season long fantasy games that so many Americans participate in, daily fantasy sports are a game of skill which calls upon users to research and evaluate players, opponents, matchups and other variables just like you would in a season long fantasy season.
 
4. How much does it cost to play, and can I play more than 1 game at a time?
 
EB:  There are range of different contest types and game styles to choose from in every sport, from free to enter contests to contest with entry fees as low as $1.
 
You can enter multiple contests across multiple sports at once.
 
5. What is the biggest payout in 1 NFL game each weekend?
 
EB:  Our Sunday Million contest pays out ONE MILLION DOLLARS to the first place winner each week with a total of THREE MILLION DOLLARS in prizing.
 
6. Does Fan Duel have a “Championship” game that can be won? Something like an office fantasy football pool that culminates into a head to head Super Bowl game.
 
EB:  We offer Friends Mode leagues where users can play in leagues with friends all season long on FanDuel. Each week, we make a daily fantasy contest for your league and your overall progress is recorded in the season standings. You can play once a week for sports like football, and on multiple days per week for sports like baseball and basketball.
 
7. When I play, will I be playing against Fan Duel employees or employees from other DFS sites?
 
EB:  We have a clear Employee Play Policy in place that says employees of FanDuel and any other DFS website are restricted from playing on FanDuel.
 
8. I saw you have games where “no experienced players” are allowed to enter. What is an experienced player and how do you stop one from playing in these games?
 
EB:  We have experienced player badges which are used to identify players with certain levels of experience so you know who you’re up against. These badges appear alongside the player’s username. Experienced players can’t enter contests specifically excluding such players, like beginner only contests. A player will be tagged with an experienced or highly experienced badge according to the following criteria:
 
Experienced Player (blue star in white circle) — Any user who has played in 500 or more contests OR has won a total of $2,500 or more over a span of six or more contests.
 
Highly Experienced Player (white star in blue circle) — Any user who has played in 1,000 or more contests OR has won $1,000 or more in a single contest four or more times.
 
9. What is the behind the scenes importance of owners like Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft investing in DFS?
 
EB:  They see the value in DFS and how integral we are to live sports. “From my perspective, anything that follows the rules, that causes and creates more interest and more fan participation, I’m really for,” Jones said. “So, I’m a supporter and that’s the rules that we’ll test — is put your money where your mouth is.”
 
10. If you can give 1 bit of advice for all of the Fan Duel players, what would it be?
 
EB:  Have fun!
 
 
If you’re interested in trying to win ONE MILLION DOLLARS on Fan Duel, CLICK HERE

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Swinging into the New Year

Golf Resolutions You’ll Probably Break by February

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Ah, New Year’s resolutions—that time-honored tradition where we make promises to ourselves, armed with nothing but good intentions and the fleeting optimism of January 1st. For golfers, this is when we vow to fix our slices, improve our short game, and finally learn how to use the driver properly (instead of just blaming it for our poor aim). But let’s be honest: golf resolutions are like bunker shots—great in theory, but tricky to pull off.

Still, hope springs eternal, and the New Year is the perfect time to dream big. Let’s tee it up and take a swing at the golf resolutions we’d love to keep… but probably won’t.

This Year, I’m Hitting the Fairway.

Every golfer’s dream. You stand on the tee box, stare down the fairway, and picture your ball landing gracefully in the middle. You know, instead of careening into the trees or ricocheting off a sprinkler head into the clubhouse parking lot. But by the second round of the year, you’re back to muttering, “Play it where it lies,” while wading through knee-high rough. Hey, it’s the thought that counts.

I’m Going to Practice My Putting… Seriously This Time.

Every year, we promise ourselves that the short game is where we’ll shine. “No more three-putts!” we say, convinced that with just a little practice, we’ll master those pesky 10-footers. Fast-forward to March, and your putting practice has been reduced to rolling balls across the living room carpet, dodging the dog and hoping no one notices your “training” involves a coffee mug as the hole.

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I’ll Stay Calm on the Course.

Ah, the noble resolution to embrace serenity. You’re a zen master, calmly accepting every mishit and bad bounce with grace. That is, until you chunk a chip shot into the bunker you just escaped, and suddenly serenity is replaced with creative combinations of four-letter words. Golf is a test of patience, after all, and nothing says personal growth like learning to love double bogeys.

No More Buying Clubs to Fix My Game.

Every golfer knows the allure of shiny new gear. You tell yourself that this club is the one—your magical Excalibur that will fix your swing and lower your scores. This year, you swear off impulse buys and commit to working with the clubs you already own. By April, you’re drooling over the latest driver that promises an extra 10 yards and a straighter ball flight, credit card in hand. Resistance is futile.

I’ll Finally Learn the Rules of Golf.

Sure, you know the basics: don’t cheat, yell “fore,” and never talk in someone’s backswing. But when it comes to the finer points—like how to drop a ball after it lands in the drink—you’re winging it. Every year, you promise to read the rulebook. And every year, it sits on the shelf, pristine and untouched, because let’s be honest—Google exists for a reason.

This Year, I’ll Play More Rounds.

The ultimate resolution for any golfer. “I’ll hit the course every weekend,” you declare, imagining endless sunny days and perfect swings. Then life gets in the way—work, family, weather, and the realization that golf takes five hours, plus a nap to recover. Suddenly, “more rounds” turns into “well, I’ll watch the Masters.”

Why Resolutions Matter (Even If They Don’t Stick)

Here’s the thing: golf is a game of eternal hope. Every round begins with the belief that today will be different. Your drives will be straighter, your putts will drop, and your scorecard will look less like a math problem. New Year’s resolutions are the same. They’re not about perfection—they’re about the optimism that keeps us coming back, swing after swing, year after year.

So go ahead, make those resolutions. Dream big. Promise to break 80 (or just 100). Swear off the slice and commit to fixing your tempo. Will you keep them? Probably not. But in golf, as in life, it’s not about the end result—it’s about the pursuit. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always 2025.

Now get out there and start the year strong… even if it ends with a mulligan. Happy New Year, golfers!

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Exploring the World of Indoor Simulators

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Imagine teeing off at St. Andrews, tackling the iconic Amen Corner at Augusta National, or conquering Pebble Beach’s breathtaking oceanfront holes—all without leaving your home. Thanks to indoor golf simulators, this dream is now a reality. Modern technology has revolutionized how we experience the game, making it possible to play courses from around the world in stunning detail. Let’s dive into the world of golf simulators, their incredible realism, and how you can bring one into your home.

Play the World from Anywhere

Golf simulators offer players the chance to experience legendary courses without hopping on a plane or even driving to the local range. Using high-definition visuals, advanced sensors, and real-time feedback, simulators recreate the experience of playing on real-world courses. You can virtually stand on the first tee at courses like Royal Troon or Bethpage Black, with every bunker, green contour, and hazard accurately represented.

The experience is immersive and highly customizable. Want to adjust the wind, weather, or difficulty? No problem. Simulators allow you to practice specific shots, refine your swing, or just enjoy a casual round with friends—all while enjoying the comfort of being indoors.

How Far Technology Has Come

Gone are the days of pixelated graphics and clunky interfaces. Today’s simulators use cutting-edge technology, including:

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  • Ultra-HD Graphics: Simulators now feature breathtaking visuals that mimic the exact look of the course, down to individual blades of grass.
  • Advanced Ball Tracking: Using radar, infrared sensors, or cameras, these systems capture every detail of your shot, including ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and more.
  • Swing Analysis: Simulators like TrackMan or SkyTrak provide instant feedback on your swing mechanics, making them invaluable tools for improvement.

The realism is so advanced that professional golfers use simulators to train during the off-season. From the feel of the turf to the precise replication of putting greens, the gap between real and virtual golf is closing fast.

Bring the Course Home

Installing a golf simulator at home has never been more accessible. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious enthusiast, there’s a setup for every budget and space.

  • Basic Setups: Portable systems like the OptiShot 2 are affordable and easy to set up in small spaces. They provide a solid introduction to indoor golf.
  • Mid-Range Systems: Options like SkyTrak offer more detailed data and a wider range of courses, perfect for improving your game.
  • High-End Simulators: TrackMan and Foresight Sports simulators are the gold standard, offering unmatched accuracy and realism. These setups require more space and investment but provide a premium experience.

Many setups include a projector, impact screen, and turf mat, creating a dedicated golf space in your home. Got a spare room, basement, or garage? You’re halfway there.

The Rise of VR in Golf

Virtual reality is taking indoor golf to a whole new level. Using VR headsets like the Meta Quest or HTC Vive, players can immerse themselves in a fully 3D environment. With VR, you can physically walk the course, interact with the environment, and feel as though you’re truly there.

VR-based golf simulators like “Golf+” or “Pro Putt by Topgolf” are gaining popularity, combining realistic physics with a fun, interactive experience. It’s an exciting frontier that brings a fresh, futuristic dimension to the game.

Indoor golf simulators and VR technology have transformed how we play and practice golf. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for some off-season practice or a passionate golfer dreaming of playing bucket-list courses, simulators offer something for everyone. So why not bring the game you love into your home? The future of golf is here, and it’s more accessible and exciting than ever.

Ready to play? Your dream course is just a swing away.

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How Weather Shapes the Game of Golf

The wind roared across Royal Troon, but the spirit of one determined golfer proved unshakable, a testament to the resilience that defines the game.

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It was a day that began like any other at Royal Troon, the sea breeze whispering across the links as early morning dew sparkled under the Scottish sun. But as the players teed off, the skies turned darker, and the wind began to roar—a ferocious, unrelenting force that turned the course into a battlefield.

A Test of Skill and Resilience

In the world of golf, weather is the great equalizer. It can humble the strongest players, turning even a simple par-four into an epic struggle. That day at Royal Troon was no exception. As the wind howled, the carefully groomed fairways became a treacherous maze. Players who had practiced their swings tirelessly found themselves grappling with gusts that sent their drives veering unpredictably.

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Among them was a young competitor named Callum, playing his first Open Championship. Watching from the stands, I marveled at how this newcomer faced the elements with unyielding determination. His drives sliced through the gale with a low trajectory, and his putts danced on the greens, refusing to be dictated by the storm. Callum wasn’t just playing golf; he was wrestling with the very soul of the course.

A Battle of Wits and Nature

Weather has always been an integral part of the game. At St. Andrews, golfers often contend with rain showers that come as suddenly as a whispered secret. At Augusta, the swirling winds around Amen Corner have broken many a championship dream. But it is on the windswept links of the British Isles where weather becomes a character in the story, its presence felt in every decision, every shot.

That day, Callum made his stand. On the infamous 8th hole—The Postage Stamp—where the green is small and the stakes high, his precision was a sight to behold. The crowd held its breath as he selected his wedge, adjusted for the gale, and executed a shot that landed softly, mere feet from the pin. It was a masterstroke, the kind that resonates long after the final score is recorded.

A Lasting Memory

Callum didn’t win that day. But as the storm cleared and the sun broke through, his courage and adaptability left an indelible mark on all who watched. Weather had tested him, and though the elements won the round, they couldn’t extinguish the fire of a player determined to rise.

Golf isn’t just about clubs and courses. It’s about moments like these—when players confront nature’s raw power and find within themselves the skill, resilience, and courage to keep going. The wind roared that day, but so did Callum’s spirit, echoing across the links and into the hearts of everyone present.

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