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Parimutuel-powered games (PPGs) are a relatively new segment of the gaming market. While the underlying mechanism—parimutuel betting—has existed for decades, PPGs are still in their early stages. Two of the more well-known PPG operators in the United States are Horseplay and GiddyUp, both of which offer distinct advantages over other online gambling formats.
1. Player-driven odds: no more unfair house advantage
PPG odds are based on player pools—that is, the bets placed by other players entering the same contest. As a result, the odds are not set by the house, but by the players themselves. The PPG platform acts as a conduit for the flow of money.
Because of this, players don’t have to compare odds across multiple sports betting or daily fantasy sites to find an edge. Everything depends on how other players bet, saving time and avoiding the hassle of traditional odds comparison.
2. Dynamic payouts: win more than expected
A unique feature of PPGs compared with traditional sports betting is that the payout on a ticket can change after you enter the contest. While this introduces the possibility of a lower payout, it also offers the chance to win more than the odds indicated at the time of your initial bet.
Some sports betting platforms allow bettors to cash out between the time a bet is placed and the event’s conclusion. However, these opportunities are relatively rare and generally less likely than with a parimutuel bet.
3. A legal betting alternative in states without sports betting
While PPGs do not offer the same variety of wagers and sports as traditional sports betting, they can serve as an alternative for those looking to wager on sporting events.
Because PPGs use parimutuel betting to determine odds and payouts, they are typically regulated under the same rules that govern horse racing. This means states such as California could be potential markets for PPGs, provided operators adhere to state parimutuel betting regulations.
The next big thing in online betting
As PPGs continue to grow, they offer a fresh alternative for players seeking a dynamic, player-driven gaming experience. With odds determined by the crowd rather than the house and the potential for changing payouts, these games bring a new level of excitement to online wagering.
For states without traditional sports betting, PPGs could become a go-to option, combining familiar parimutuel rules with a modern digital twist.
