Novig Launches Sweepstakes Platform in 42 US Markets

06.09.2024

Novig has officially launched in 42 US markets and Washington DC. Novig seeks to provide an alternative to conventional sportsbooks, allowing users to compete against each other rather than the house.

Promises of Fairness and Transparency

Positioning itself as a disruptor in the market, Novig seeks to address frustrations that players often face with traditional sportsbooks.

The company emphasizes that its platform does not employ fixed odds or impose restrictions, claiming: “no rigging, no banning, and no penalties for outsmarting the market.”

Users will be able to compete against each other rather than against the house, which Novig believes will provide a more equitable and enjoyable experience.

The platform offers two types of currency for users: Novig Coins, for fun, and Novig Cash, which can be used to compete for real monetary prizes.

All new users are given 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash to get started.

The current offering includes moneyline, spread, total markets, and player props for leagues such as the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NCAAF, NCAAB, and MLB, with plans to add more leagues and betting options in the near future.

Novig’s app is available on iOS in most states, with an Android version set to launch soon.

Building a Thriving Community of Players

Jacob Fortinsky, the founder and CEO of Novig, is enthusiastic about the platform’s potential. He emphasized that the goal is to create a community-driven marketplace where the majority of users can succeed.

Fortinsky highlighted that 43% of Novig’s users are expected to be profitable, a stark contrast to the typical 3% seen with traditional sportsbooks.

Fortinsky invited users to not only participate but to help grow the Novig community by spreading the word: “The more users we have in our community, the stronger the exchange becomes. It’s high time for a more profitable, social, and efficient sports prediction market.”

Novig has also launched a Discord server to foster communication and engagement among its users, further reinforcing its commitment to building a community around the platform.

Sweepstakes: An Increasingly Controversial Sector

The launch of Novig comes at a time when sweepstakes platforms are under heightened scrutiny. Sweepstakes are not legally classified as gambling in the US and thus do not fall under the same regulatory frameworks.

This has drawn criticism from industry groups like the American Gaming Association, which argue that the lack of oversight could lead to potential exploitation.

Novig’s development was supported by a $6.4 million funding round, which attracted notable investors.

The company initially attempted to launch a betting exchange in Colorado but was blocked by regulators, forcing it to pivot to the current sweepstakes model.

While sweepstakes have gained popularity in some regions, critics argue that the model undermines regulated gaming markets and creates a legal grey area.

Despite these concerns, Novig remains focused on delivering a unique, commission-free betting experience that they hope will appeal to a broad audience of sports prediction enthusiasts.