Ask HN: Can fans legally support teams for bragging rights+Cash? SportsChimp.com

[nav]

In the social and sports gaming space;

Companies like Zynga are at one end, simple, casual and social gaming. On the other end are sports bookies like Bet365, complex odds based cash betting.

We believe there is an interesting realm in the middle. Something that allows you to socially support your favourite teams without having to 'bet' on them and be rewarded for it.

SportsChimp: (http://www.sportschimp.com))

- You never use your own cash to buy in. We are F2P, not a sports bookie. - We are social, so you compete with your friends. - You can cash out, but you can never put a variable wager on an independent event i.e. bet - You can recharge your account by inviting more friends (which we cover) or from sponsors.

Let us know what you think.

Again, this is for the purpose of starting a conversation around a space that is well … grey :/

For those interested in the legality and background around online sports gaming and betting:

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Quora thread: http://www.quora.com/Will-online-sports-betting-ever-be-legalized-in-the-US-Why-not

Quora thread: http://www.quora.com/Is-it-possible-to-legally-bet-on-sports-online-in-the-US<p>Online Sports

Betting in Europe is huge. | http://batch.me/r/far8

Online Sports Betting in the US is well … getting there | http://batch.me/r/Rmr

[rahulnb]

Interesting approach to a space that has so much potential. It's definitely legal to allow people to pick a team... even if its not considered a skill game (like a darts game at the carnival). But cashing out instead of prizes... that's where the debate begins.

[nchatterji]

Awesome concept- super clean design and easy to start playing! Are you guys going to have the football (soccer) Word Cup?

[boglin]

This is interesting. Thanks for the links. This is definitely worth a conversation.

[vikramp9]

Love the UI ... very easy and simple to use... let the games begin...

[thodgins46]

Super clean. Good concept. All the best !!