Splash Sports

Overview

Splash Sports is an innovative real-money peer-to-peer gaming platform that emerged as a significant player in the sports gaming industry. It allows friends and groups to compete in skill-based contests, modernizing the sports pool industry in the process. Splash Sports was founded in 2021 and is based in Denver, Colorado. The company was established by co-founders Joel Milton and Kyle Christensen. It stands out for its distinct approach to customer engagement, having raised substantial funding in its "eight-figure" series round from investors including notable sports personalities and venture capital firms.

Recent Developments

  • November 2023: Splash Sports drew considerable attention during the NBA's new in-season tournament by hosting a special free-to-play contest with over $12,000 in prizes. The contest attracted a large number of participants and emphasized Splash's growing influence in the sports gaming arena, even without traditional marketing spends exceeding $500,000 annually.
  • August 2023: The company launched a new real-money gaming platform across 33 states, just in time for the NFL season. This platform offers Survivor, PickX, and Daily Fantasy contests, aiming to engage users with diverse gaming preferences. The launch also introduced a $2 million "Commissioner Rewards Program" to incentivize game organizers.
  • June 2023: Splash Inc., the parent company of Splash Sports, announced the acquisition of RunYourPool and OfficeFootballPool, premier office-style sports pool websites. This strategic move significantly bolstered Splash's portfolio, expanding its user base to over 2.5 million active users.
  • April 2023: Splash Sports entered a private beta with their new platform during the Masters Tournament, integrating advanced geolocation and wallet functionalities to enhance user experience and regulatory compliance.
  • March 2023: The company expanded its presence, securing additional funding from various owners of premier sports teams and tech investors. This completed a crucial phase in establishing Splash Sports' legitimacy and competitive edge in the sports betting market.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2021
HeadquartersDenver, Colorado
FoundersJoel Milton, Kyle Christensen
RevenueNot publicly disclosed
ProfitsNot publicly disclosed
Key InvestorsElysian Park Ventures, Acies Investments, others
IndustrySports Gaming, Real-Money Contests
Number of EmployeesNot publicly disclosed

Early History

Splash Sports began its journey in 2021 when the founders identified a gap in the market for a modernized, community-focused sports gaming platform. They envisioned a platform where users could enjoy sports betting in a manner that was both engaging and secure. The company initially operated in stealth mode after acquiring RunYourPool and OfficeFootballPool, two leading platforms in the office pool space. By leveraging these established entities, Splash Sports quickly integrated a large number of users, fostering a community-driven approach to gaming. The early investment from reputable backers and the subsequent technological developments laid a strong foundation for its future expansions.

Company Profile and Achievements

Splash Sports exemplifies a shift in sports gaming by prioritizing user experience and community engagement. The platform allows participants to organize and manage sports pools effortlessly, supporting a variety of games such as Survivor and PickX contests. Key achievements include:

  • Launch of Real-Money Platform: Successfully launched in over 33 states, enabling friends and groups to engage in contests legally.
  • Innovative Rewards Program: Introduced a lucrative "Commissioner Rewards Program" shaping creative economic opportunities for contest organizers.
  • Strategic Acquisitions: Acquired RunYourPool and OfficeFootballPool, boosting market reach and technological infrastructure.
  • User Base Expansion: Grew its active user base to over 2.5 million within a short span, showcasing rapid adoption and user satisfaction.
  • Technological Advancements: Integrated advanced features like geolocation and digital wallet capabilities to enhance the user interface and ensure compliance with regional gaming laws.

Current Operations and Market Position

Splash Sports operates as a leader in the peer-to-peer gaming industry, active in 37 states across the USA, including key markets like Florida, Texas, and California. The platform's community-centric model puts it at a competitive advantage, offering users a seamless gaming experience without the conventional challenges of entry-fee collections and prize distributions. The company's strategic use of a community model allows it to maintain a cost-effective customer acquisition strategy. Splash Sports competes with giants like DraftKings but differentiates itself through focus on organic growth and community-based promotions. It continues to look forward to expanding its contest offerings and technology integrations to remain competitive and at the forefront of sports gaming innovations.

Conclusion

Splash Sports has quickly become a pivotal player in the sports gaming industry by innovating the way users participate in and administer sports pools. Its growth trajectory suggests significant promise, emphasizing strategic acquisitions and expansive market entry. With an active user base and a robust rewards system, Splash Sports positions itself for continuous growth and evolving influence in the realm of real-money, peer-to-peer gaming environments.

References

  1. Sportico Article on Splash Sports NBA Pool
  2. SportsBusiness Journal Article on Splash Sports Launch
  3. Sportico Article on Splash Sports Acquisition
  4. PRNewswire Article on Splash Sports Launch and Program
  5. Crunchbase Profile on Splash Sports