PrizePicks Taps Former Uber Executive Nick Zabriskie to Lead Public Affairs

Adapting Playbooks from Ridesharing to Gaming

Zabriskie joins PrizePicks with a resume defined by managing policy for disruptive technologies. He served as a director at Uber and was an early member of the company’s policy team.

During his tenure, he played a central role in the legislative efforts that allowed for the global expansion of ridesharing services. His specific roles included Head of Marketplace Policy and Head of Policy for Self-Driving initiatives.

His work at Uber focused on navigating complex local and state regulations to normalize services like UberX. This background parallels the current situation at PrizePicks, which operates in a sector where state-by-state legality often hinges on specific interpretations of gaming laws.

Before his time in the tech sector, Zabriskie worked on Capitol Hill as a staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives and as a director at the Capitol Hill Consulting Group.

Jason Barclay, Chief Legal Officer and Head of Public Policy at PrizePicks, noted that adding an executive with Zabriskie’s background reflects the company’s current scale.

Barclay described Zabriskie as the ideal leader for the next phase of the operator’s development, citing his reputation for ingenuity and transparency as key assets for the company’s advocacy efforts.

Zabriskie indicated that his focus will remain on consumer-centric operations while managing compliance.

“I am thrilled to build upon the inroads that the PrizePicks team has made these past several years. The team has done an incredible job of creating innovative products and putting customers at the forefront, delivering the ultimate sports entertainment experience. PrizePicks has a huge opportunity ahead to serve even more people while maintaining the highest standards of player protection and compliance.”

A Shift in Corporate Strategy and Structure

The appointment occurs amidst a broader transformation at PrizePicks. In 2025, the company underwent an ownership change when Allwyn, a multinational lottery operator, acquired a majority stake.

Allwyn purchased approximately 62.3% of the company for $1.6 billion, valuing the enterprise at $2.5 billion. While PrizePicks continues to operate as an independent brand under CEO Mike Ybarra, the backing of a large institutional player like Allwyn provides new resources for navigating regulated markets.

Zabriskie’s arrival also coincides with the company’s expansion into new vertical markets. PrizePicks recently became the first fantasy sports operator to secure a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) status from the National Futures Association.

This license allows the company to integrate regulated prediction markets into its offerings. The operator has since launched prediction products powered by Kalshi in nearly 40 states and established a partnership with Polymarket to incorporate their event contracts.

Simultaneously, the operator is adjusting its core fantasy sports product to satisfy regulators in strict jurisdictions. Following pushback in states like Florida and New York regarding its traditional “against-the-house” games, PrizePicks transitioned to a peer-to-peer model known as PrizePicks Arena.

To support these compliance efforts, the company also recently hired Todd Grossman, former general counsel for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, as Director of Gaming Regulatory Compliance. The company also achieved accreditation from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in 2025, reinforcing the consumer protection standards Zabriskie referenced in his statement.