Skill outweighs chance in fantasy sports, new study finds

A groundbreaking report from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) and SP Jain Institute of Management & Research reveals that skill plays a predominant role over chance in fantasy sports contests. The joint study, titled “Decision Support System for Policy-Making: Quantifying Skill and Chance in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)”, presents compelling evidence that user skill is a more significant determinant of success than random chance.

Led by Professor U Dinesh Kumar, this research highlights the substantial impact of experience, past performance, and recent participation on a player’s success. By analyzing data from 2,951 matches and 160,000 contests, the study finds that experienced players with a consistent track record perform significantly better. Notably, recent participation is positively correlated with higher winnability, underscoring the value of ongoing engagement.

Professor Kumar emphasized, “This research provides a framework for policymakers to objectively differentiate between games of skill and chance. Such a data-driven approach is crucial for formulating fair regulations in the evolving online gaming sector.”In Guwahati, this study’s findings could influence local gaming regulations and industry practices. As fantasy sports gain popularity in the region, understanding the skill-based nature of these games can lead to more informed policy decisions and support for legitimate gaming enterprises.