Fantasy Sports Addiction : Are Player Prop Parlays Problematic Too?

The question about whether or not daily fantasy sports (DFS) is gambling was put to rest awhile ago. Why is the labelling important? It’s necessary to categorize it as such not just for regulatory reasons, but for public health considerations. Someone who is vulnerable to compulsive gambling could indeed develop a fantasy sports addiction (so to speak).

However, you may have heard about online platforms that offer fantasy-type gaming, but differ from DFS in that they do not allow peer-to-peer competition, nor do they tie winnings/prizes to the outcomes of football, basketball, baseball, hockey, or soccer (etc.) games. Instead, gaming is tied specifically to player props. Members of these platforms can create parlay-style tickets based on an offering of OVER/UNDER prop picks. These prop picks are generally centered around specific player performances. For instance, a member may build a ticket around picking the OVER on 224.5 yards (for the week) on Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson, then picking the UNDER on 212.5 yards on NY Giants’ Malik Nabers, and then doing the same for three other players for the same week to complete the ticket. The platforms also allow cross-sport player props should there only be one game/event on the schedule for a given league.

Someone who is concerned about their relationship with gambling may look to sites and apps that focus only on player prop parlays as a safe alternative. Would they be correct in doing so, or is the risk of fantasy sports addiction essentially the same as with DFS? Let’s review.

Why Player Prop Parlay Platforms Can be Problematic for Those Concerned About Fantasy Sports Addiction


Element of Chance

There is an element of knowledge and skill involved in making your picks for player prop parlays. You may follow player performances with a fine-toothed comb, and may even know a guy who knows a guy with insight into the health of a given team’s roster. This intel may give you an advantage. Further, the fact that you’re not competing against members on the platform theoretically increases your odds of winning compared to the traditional DFS model. In addition, platforms are legal in certain states where sports betting is still not legal. All of this has you thinking that these platforms are “safe spaces” for those who have a problematic relationship with gambling.

Despite the involvement of knowledge and skill, there is also a clear and present element of chance. This predominantly comes down to the parlay requirement. As soon as multiple outcomes are required to win (i.e. hitting the OVER/UNDER picks for all players in your parlay ticket) the element of chance grows significantly. Not only is this innate to the concept of gambling, it is what can be credited for the “rush” that participants feel. This is where things get more complicated.

Same Chemical Reactions in the Brain

Like with common DFS, the platforms discussed here today offer financial rewards and prizes that occur upon completion of a game schedule. Whether it’s based on player results for NFL Week 1 or a combination of player results across a daily slate of NBA and NHL playoff games, participants eagerly await the outcomes of their picks. Consequently, there is potential for compulsive behavior to form because there is an opportunity for immediate gratification and corresponding release of adrenaline and dopamine. Dopamine (also known as the “happy hormone”) and its close relative adrenaline are responsible for the aforementioned rush experienced when playing online fantasy sports. It occurs whether winning or losing, and when the feeling subsides compromised individuals chase after it by making more picks. A vicious cycle ensues. View more on the connection between these hormones and gambling, which is mirrored in fantasy sports and player prop parlays for vulnerable persons.

Gateway to Straight Sports Betting

If you have a vulnerability to developing gambling disorder (view risk factors here) then you should be extremely cautious when it comes to fantasy sports platforms of all types. DFS and DFS-adjacent platforms are a known gateway to gambling. Therefore, they are not safe spaces for anyone who has a propensity to developing compulsive behavior regarding gaming.


Kindbridge Behavioral Health is America’s premier online resource for gambling disorder therapy, which includes treatment for fantasy sports compulsions. If you’re concerned about your relationship with DFS, including player prop parlay platforms, reach out via the contacts provided below.

Concerned About Fantasy Sports Addiction?

CALL +1 (877) 426-4258

OR

Email [email protected]

Fantasy Sports Addiction Helpline