PrizePicks Becomes First DFS Operator to Secure NCPG’s iCAP Accreditation
North American daily fantasy sports leader PrizePicks announced that it has secured a major responsible gaming recognition just in time for National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).
PrizePicks Just Made History
PrizePicks, which is the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, announced that it has been awarded Internet Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP) accreditation from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
The company stressed that, to date, it is the only daily fantasy sports operator to have ever received this recognition. For context, the iCAP certification highlights PrizePicks as one of the operators meeting the NCPG’s highest standards for responsible gaming and consumer protection practices.
As mentioned, the iCAP assessment program was developed by the NCPG and is currently the leading program of its kind in the United States. The certification process involves an independent, comprehensive review of an operator’s responsible gaming policies and practices.
When companies apply for certification, they must be prepared to have their know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, staff training programs, work culture, consumer protection measures, responsible gambling tools, customer service standards, and regulatory compliance thoroughly assessed.
According to PrizePicks’ announcement, the evaluation by the NCPG “ensured alignment with the “highest Internet Responsible Gaming (IRG) standards, drawing from best practices across jurisdictions worldwide.”
NCPG Applauded PrizePicks’ Commitment
Representatives commented on the recognition, with PrizePicks’ CEO, Mike Ybarra, saying that it attests to the culture his team has fostered. Ybarra said that the iCAP certification is an “incredible honor” that proves PrizePicks will always put the customers’ safety first.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to the NCPG for their thorough evaluation, and to our exceptional team for setting the bar as an industry leader in responsible gaming.
Mike Ybarra, chief executive officer, PrizePicks
Jaime D. Costello, director of programs at the NCPG, was pleased that PrizePicks managed to hold up to the council’s high standards.
We are proud to recognize PrizePicks as the first daily fantasy sports operator to receive iCAP accreditation. This achievement highlights their unwavering commitment to player protection and promoting positive play, setting a new benchmark for excellence in the industry.
Jaime D. Costello, director of programs, NCPG
In the meantime, PrizePicks reiterated its commitment to maintaining responsible gaming as a core focus during its expansion into new markets. The daily fantasy sports operator already boasts partnerships with top-tier RG powerhouses, such as Kindbridge Behavioral Health, Socure, EPIC Global Solutions, Xpoint, and IC360.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month
The recognition of PrizePicks comes just in time for March, which is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month in America. PGAM is an annual initiative that puts the emphasis on safer gambling and aligns industry stakeholders, regulators and governments’ efforts to promote transparent and safe gaming.
Speaking of PGAM, Bally’s Corporation just unveiled a new initiative for Problem Gambling Awareness Month called Game in Good Hands. The casino and hospitality company likewise stressed its desire to promote gaming and expand safely.
Full House Resorts Adds Brandon Lenssen as VP and GM of Chamonix
American casino developer Full House Resorts announced that it has appointed Brandon Lenssen as vice president and general manager of its Chamonix Casino Hotel in Cripple Creek, Colorado. A highly experienced individual, Lenssen will contribute to the property’s vision to deliver a world-class experience.
Full House Enhances the Chamonix Team
According to Full House Resorts, Lenssen, who boasts nearly thirty years of gaming experience, will join the Chamonix team, subject to customary gaming approvals. The appointee was lauded as an industry heavyweight who was perfect for the job.
The casino company said that Lenssen had previously served as vice president and general manager for Quick Custom Intelligence. During his time with that company, he empowered casinos with data-driven strategies, allowing them to improve their game performance, marketing and overall player engagement.
Before that, Lenssen served Bally’s Black Hawk as vice president and general manager, exercising his executive skills to oversee the corporation’s three casino properties serving the Denver metropolitan area. During that time, he also collaborated with regulatory bodies and B2B providers of slots to integrate a seamless TITO ticketing solution across multiple casino licenses. This initiative significantly bolstered Bally’s local operational efficiency and created better customer experiences.
Earlier still, Lenssen held roles at VizExplorer and Isle Casino Black Hawk, where he served as a gaming analyst and senior director of casino operations respectively.
The Hire Will Receive an Inducement Equity Award
Full House Resorts said that its board’s compensation committee has agreed to grant an inducement equity award of 24,213 restricted shares to Lenssen in relation to his appointment. A third of these shares will vest on each of March 10, 2026, 2027, and 2028 – the anniversary dates of his appointment.
This award was not a part of Full House Resorts’ 2015 Equity Incentive Plan.
Lenssen Hopes to Turn the Resort into a Premier Destination
Lenssen commented on his appointment, expressing excitement about the opportunity to join the Full House Resorts family.
I’m excited to join the Chamonix team and contribute to its vision of delivering a seamless, world-class gaming experience.
Brandon Lenssen, vice president and general manager, Chamonix Casino
Lenssen noted that Chamonix is becoming a new trendsetter in Colorado and added that he is looking forward to further enhancing the property’s efficiency, bolstering the guest experience and maximizing the casino’s potential.
The appointee concluded that his plan is to drive meaningful change via data-driven strategies, and to turn Chamonix into the “premier destination in Colorado.”
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Inks Sponsorship Deal with San Francisco Giants
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort has become the official spring training partner of the San Francisco Giants, bringing together the Arizona-based gaming destination and one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic franchises. This newest collaboration marks another vital milestone in We-Ko-Pa Casino’s broader growth strategy after its recent partnership with Internet Sports International (ISI).
Spring Training Presents Exciting Opportunities
As part of the new sponsorship deal, We-Ko-Pa Casino will enjoy prominent in-ballpark signage, premium hospitality privileges, and multiple fan engagement opportunities. Additionally, the casino will have an on-site presence during the team’s 21 March and 22 March games, giving the operator a unique chance to resonate with Giants fans.
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort general manager Harold Baugus was excited about the partnership. He noted this collaboration would be invaluable for engaging the local community and out-of-town visitors. Baugus added that teaming up with the Giants would bolster the company’s community involvement and take advantage of spring training’s enduring popularity.
We are looking forward to introducing even more guests to our one-stop vacation destination, particularly with summer staycations just around the corner.
Harold Baugus, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort general manager
The Giants, founded in 1883, boast one of the richest histories in professional baseball, with 66 representatives in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. To commemorate this new partnership, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation President Sandra Pattea will take the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch on 21 March, when the Giants face off against the Cleveland Guardians.
Sportsbook Sponsorships Remain a Contentious Topic
This newest partnership aligns with We-Ko-Pa Casino’s broader expansion efforts following a separate collaboration with sportsbook solution provider ISI. The deal aimed to enhance the casino’s sportsbook offerings, equipping it with cutting-edge live-action betting capabilities powered by ISI’s proprietary odds technology. We-Ko-Pa Casino hopes this innovative solution will reinforce its reputation as a premier gaming and entertainment destination.
However, the intersection of sports and wagering continues to be controversial. Major League Baseball faces growing concerns about how wagering could affect the sport’s integrity. Players have reported a dramatic increase in gambling-related threats, prompting increased calls for preventative measures as the league considers implementing stricter regulations that could affect its relationship with sportsbooks.
Gaming operators like the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort also play a vital role in encouraging responsible gambling practices and promoting sports integrity. As the venue and the San Francisco Giants embark on this new partnership, they must balance their desire to offer fans exciting opportunities while safeguarding baseball’s integrity.
