Daily Fantasy Sports uncovered in 'Dueling With Kings'
As Bringing Down the House did for card counters and Positively Fifth Street did for poker players, Daniel Barbarisi does for Daily Fantasy Sports fans in this leap down the rabbit hole of America’s latest obsession.
The fact we are even at this point, shows how popular gambling on sports is and how fans will go to new lengths to test their sports knowledge and try to make a few bucks.
In this thrilling tale, Daniel Barbarisi quits his job as the New York Yankees beat writer for The Wall Street Journal and begins a quest: to join the top one percent of Daily Fantasy Sports (“DFS”) players, the so-called “sharks,” and figure out whether DFS is on the level—while maybe cashing in along the way.
It's Dueling With Kings, and you can preorder now, but it hits shelves this week- just in time for March Madness. If you are familiar with the likes of FanDuel and DraftKings, online "fantasy sports" portals that turned a legal loophole into a billion-dollar industry by allowing sports fans bet piles of cash constructing fantasy teams, this is a book that explains how we got to this point.
Daily Fantasy Sports are a world of their own.
Barbarisi quickly realized, what should have been a fun companion to casual sports viewing was instead a ferocious environment infested with sharks, a top tier of pros wielding complex algorithms, drafting hundreds of lineups, and wagering six figures daily as they bludgeon unsuspecting amateur “fish.” Barbarisi embeds himself inside the world of DFS, befriending and joining its rogue’s gallery as he tries to beat them at their own game.
The book not only details the struggles of man vs.betting website, but also how the two fantasy sports giants and warring with themselves and how that could and would almost crash the entire industry.
Barbarisi delivers the definitive account of the Daily Fantasy phenomenon—a fast-paced, smart, and entertaining exposé of DFS and its intriguing cast of characters. From reclusive and rowdy pros to wide-eyed newly minted millionaires and typical bros living an endless frat party—all are intent upon hoisting a giant winner's check and champion’s belt at the next over-the-top live final event. Can Barbarisi outwit them all and survive with his wallet, marriage and sanity intact?
The book is technical and very detailed. Barbarisi does his research and thensome!
Sports and fans, gamblers and those that like a look at the inside of a fast-paced and ever-changing industry will love this read. Don't want to give too much away, but grab a copy for your man cave.