Underdog Fantasy to Invest $1 Million in Responsible Gaming Startups

Underdog Fantasy announced today the launch of GuardDogGuardDog will receive $1 million in initial funding to support and accelerate early-stage startups focused on responsible gamingInvestments will be used to grow  “innovative startups” to further responsible gaming practices in operators and players

Underdog Fantasy is putting its money where its mouth is in terms of helping to develop new and innovative responsible gaming practices.

The sports gaming platform today announced the launch of GuardDog, an investment initiative dedicated to fostering innovation in responsible gaming. The company is launching GuardDog with a $1 million investment to support and fund startups focused on finding creative solutions to enhancing responsible gaming.

According to a company release, GuardDog’s mission “is to identify, invest and help grow innovative startups that help real-money operators operator responsibly and player play responsibly.”

$1 Million Investment in Responsible Gaming

GuardDog will make investments into companies and startups who are creating and developing technology and other solutions to make fantasy, betting, and real-money games safer for those who play.

“At Underdog, we always look to adopt best in class and then innovate further. With GuardDog, we intend to spur innovation to help companies that help people play the games they love — including all our games on Underdog — responsibly,” said Jeremy Levine, founder and co-CEO of Underdog, in a release. “We know there are tons of dreamers, entrepreneurs and builders out there that can help build a stronger, more responsible ecosystem for all. We want to help those innovating in responsibility by providing capital, mentorship and valuable connections. We’re really excited to launch GuardDog and we can’t wait to help some amazing companies.”

Companies interested in being considered by GuardDog can learn more at its official website.

Long List of Potential Mentors

In addition to monetary investments, companies receiving GuardDog funding will also have access to advisors, mentors, and investors from a community of former regulators, experienced funders, responsible gaming experts, and other who can help grow their business.

GuardDog and Underdog Fantasy have compiled an extensive list of mentors that include Brianne Doura-Schawohl, renowned responsible gaming advocate; Adam Warrington, former vice president of Responsible Gaming at FanDuel; Chris Grove, partner at Acies Investments; Dan Hartman, former director of the Colorado Division of Gaming; and Sara Tait, former executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission.

Underdog Fantasy was founded in 2020. UnderDog Fantasy offers its draft daily fantasy sports games in  41 states and its Pick ‘Em games in 33 states.