GuardDog has secured $1.0m (£818,839/€947,806) in funding to support startups focusing on addressing problem gambling and promoting responsible play in the realms of fantasy, betting, and real-money gaming. The aim of GuardDog is to identify and invest in these startups, which will collaborate with players and operators to develop safer gambling technology and provide support. Along with funding, the startups will have access to a range of industry advisors and investors, including Adam Warrington, Brianne Doura-Schawohl, and Sara Tait.
Jeremy Levine, the founder and co-CEO of Underdog, emphasizes that the launch of GuardDog aligns with the company’s commitment to safer gambling. Through GuardDog, Underdog aims to foster innovation in creating a more responsible gaming ecosystem by assisting companies that enable people to enjoy their favorite games responsibly. By providing capital, mentorship, and valuable connections, Underdog aims to support entrepreneurs and builders who are dedicated to responsibility.
In recent news, the New York State Gaming Commission decided to prohibit pick’em-style fantasy sports games. Underdog, headquartered in New York City, along with fellow fantasy sports operator PrizePicks, actively opposed this ban. In a previous open letter, Levine criticized DraftKings’ and FanDuel’s efforts to exclude daily fantasy sports from New York’s regulations.
