Blog

FanDuel Interview By Jason Tenzer

Published

5 years ago

October 24, 2019

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.

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

Blog

All the Best Moments in Pebble Beach History

Featuring Tiger Woods, Tom Watson and Bill Murray

Published

2 days ago

January 27, 2025

Lord Eagleman III

Spanning over half a century, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has undergone changes in latitude as well as attitude. But the core of the tournament remains not only the exceptional golf by the world’s best players, but also the lore surrounding each yearly winter extravaganza.

Wyndham Clark made history at the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Tied for 23rd heading into Saturday’s third round, he ended the day in first place with a 12-under 60, setting the course record for the lowest score ever at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

In 2017, Justin Rose & Justin Timberlake collaborated on one of the most unique moments in AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am history. While JR took a selfie, JT nearly made an ace on the iconic par-3 7th ultimately leading to a tap-in birdie.

Always a fan favorite and one of the best entertainers Pebble Beach has ever seen, check out Bill Murray’s best shots and funniest moments from his career at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Signature moments from the five U.S. Opens that were held at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links, site of the 2019 championship.

Perhaps remembered best for a hole out at the par-4 15th hole, Tiger Woods came back from a 5-shot deficit to move past 54-hole co-leaders Mark Brooks and Matt Gogel and claim victory at the 2000 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Iconic courses, iconic golfers. See you at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, returning for its second year as a PGA TOUR Signature Event.

Blog

The Most Exciting Storylines to Follow in the 2025 LIV Golf Season

Will you be watching?

Published

1 week ago

January 22, 2025

Lord Eagleman III

The 2025 LIV Golf season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the league’s short but impactful history. With its disruptive approach to the sport, LIV Golf continues to challenge traditions and generate buzz. Here are the most compelling storylines to follow as the season unfolds:

1. New Players, Fresh Rivalries

One of the most exciting aspects of this season is the arrival of new talent. LIV Golf has successfully attracted top-ranked players from the PGA Tour, thanks to its lucrative contracts and innovative format. The clash of seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers promises to create intense rivalries. Will the newcomers shake up the established order, or will the veterans defend their turf?

2. Team Dynamics in Focus

LIV Golf’s unique team-based format continues to set it apart from traditional golf tours. Teams like Crushers GC, Fireballs GC, and 4Aces GC have cultivated strong fan followings. This season, roster changes and new strategies could shift the balance of power. How will captains adapt their leadership styles to foster team cohesion and success? And which team will dominate the standings?

3. The Battle for Global Expansion

LIV Golf has emphasized its commitment to expanding the sport globally, with events scheduled in emerging golf markets like India, South Korea, and Brazil. These new venues not only offer fresh challenges for players but also present opportunities to engage with diverse fanbases. Will LIV’s global push solidify its status as a truly international tour?

4. Technology and Fan Engagement

One hallmark of LIV Golf is its embrace of technology to enhance fan experiences. This season, expect to see advancements in augmented reality, interactive broadcasts, and player mic-ups. These innovations aim to bring fans closer to the action than ever before. Will these efforts further distinguish LIV Golf as the most fan-friendly tour?

5. The PGA Tour Rivalry

The tension between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour remains a defining narrative. With both organizations vying for the loyalty of players and fans, the stakes have never been higher. High-profile defections and joint-event rumors keep fueling speculation. Could 2025 be the year where cooperation begins to overshadow conflict, or will the rivalry escalate further?

6. Defending Champions and Underdog Stories

Every sports season needs its heroes and Cinderella stories, and LIV Golf is no exception. Last season’s champions return to defend their titles, but a host of underdogs are poised to challenge their reign. The unpredictability of golf means that anyone could have their breakout moment. Which players will rise to the occasion and capture the spotlight?

7. Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Amid growing concerns about climate change and sustainability, LIV Golf has pledged to make its tournaments more environmentally friendly. This includes reducing carbon footprints, promoting renewable energy, and supporting local communities at host venues. Will these efforts resonate with fans and set a new standard for the sport?

8. The Legacy Question

As LIV Golf grows, questions about its long-term impact on the sport persist. Critics argue that it’s diluting tradition, while supporters believe it’s revolutionizing golf for a new generation. How will this season shape the league’s legacy? Will LIV Golf prove its staying power or face challenges that threaten its future?

With a mix of drama, innovation, and high-stakes competition, the 2025 LIV Golf season is a must-watch for sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a fan of the league’s modern twist, there’s no denying that LIV Golf is making waves and keeping the world of golf on edge.

Blog

How To Shoot 13 On One Hole Like A Pro!

Stay out of the bunkers!

Published

1 week ago

January 20, 2025

Bobby Markowitz

During the 2025 American Express, PGA Tour rookie William Mouw found himself in a deep, 20-foot bunker on the par-5 16th hole—famously known as the “San Andreas Fault” for its ability to frustrate even seasoned pros.

Mouw’s shots went from bad to worse: after escaping the bunker twice, he’d end up back in it. After an epic 13 strokes, he followed up with a triple bogey on the 17th.

Despite a 5-under 67 in the next round, he missed the cut by 9 shots.

The lesson is to remain resilient despite setbacks. The 16th hole demonstrated how quickly things can go sideways, but his ability to shake off the octuple bogey and finish the weekend strong with a 67 shows that recovery and perseverance are key. Golf is unpredictable, but staying positive and focused on the next shot is crucial. Mouw’s resilience in the face of adversity can be an important learning experience as he moves forward in his career.