Novig Launches Sweepstakes Platform in the US

Novig, an ambitious sweepstakes startup, has launched in 42 US markets and Washington DC. Despite the somewhat controversial nature of sweepstakes, the prediction operator hopes to disrupt the market with innovative content that doesn’t put customers at a disadvantage.

Novig Makes Big Promises

Novig’s nationwide launch hopes to channel thousands of players who have been aggravated by traditional sportsbooks toward the sweepstakes platform. Describing itself as a “fair and efficient prediction market,” the platform promises to put users on the same level, allowing them to compete against their peers instead of against the house.

Overall, the disruptor makes big promises of “no rigging, no banning and no penalties for outsmarting the market.” The company also promised customers that they would not have to deal with fixed odds, restrictions and refused payouts.

Novig users can use Novig Coins to play for fun or Novig Cash to play for a shot at monetary prizes. All new users get 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash preloaded, allowing them to start trading right away.

Novig offers moneyline, spread, total markets and player props in NFL, NBA, WNBA, NCAAF, NCAAB, and MLB. More leagues and bet types are set to be included soon.

The platform is available on iOS in all states, except Alabama, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada and Tennessee. An Android release is coming soon.

Novig’s CEO Wants to Create a Thriving Community

Jacob Fortinsky, Novig’s founder and chief executive officer, commented on the launch, saying that he is excited that the prediction market is finally available to players. He promised that his company’s sweepstakes model would make a whopping 43% of its users profitable, instead of only 3.

Fortinsky invited players to download the app and join the Novig Discord server to connect with other members of the community.

The more users we have in our community, the stronger the exchange becomes, so I’d greatly appreciate it if you could help spread the word and get others to join the Novig movement. It’s high time for a more profitable, social, and efficient sports prediction market.

Jacob Fortinsky, founder & CEO, Novig

Sweepstakes Remain Somewhat Controversial

Novig’s development was underpinned by a $6.4 million funding round that attracted a significant number of prominent investors. The company previously tried to launch a betting exchange in Colorado but was prevented from doing so by the local regulator. As a result, Novig opted to launch commission-free sports betting but quickly shut it down to focus on other business opportunities.

Novig’s launch comes amid increased scrutiny of the sweepstakes sector. Sweepstakes are not considered to constitute gambling and therefore are not regulated as such. However, the American Gaming Association, among other industry bodies, has expressed disapproval of this oversight.

Overall, sweepstakes have cemented themselves as a controversial and, according to some people, insufficiently regulated gaming model, not unlike skill-based games in certain US markets. 

Some have slammed sweepstakes as yet another offering that seeks to cannibalize the legal gaming market.