Wagr Review

Wagr Review

Note from the editor: In April 2023, Yahoo acquired Wagr, which is now offline. It is uncertain if Yahoo will revive Wagr or integrate its technology into their current fantasy sports and online gaming offerings.

In the past, sportsbooks have functioned by providing odds on events for you to bet against. If you win, you win their money; if you lose, they take yours. Wagr is revolutionizing this practice with the introduction of the first social-wagering platform.

When using Wagr, you are not betting against the house as there is no house involved. Instead, you compete against your friends in one-on-one bets. The winner receives the pot, including their friend’s money, and acts as a neutral party in settling the bet. To ensure payment, Wagr retains a small portion of the pot.

The introduction of this new style of sports betting allows friends to back up their words with action by challenging each other to head-to-head bets instantly.

Wagr Quick Facts

Wagr Locations

Wagr is currently only available for betting in Tennessee. While there are plans to expand to other markets in the future, the sportsbook must first prove its success and sustainability in Tennessee before launching nationwide.

Sports Leagues to Bet On

NFL Betting

The app was initially launched with the option to wager against friends solely on NFL spreads. Currently, they have expanded their offerings to include moneyline and Over/Under bets, though these are the only choices at the moment. Wagr is receptive to feedback and may introduce prop betting in the near future with some encouragement.

NBA Betting

Betting on NBA games with your friends can be a blast, but keep in mind that the options are limited to spread, moneyline, and totals. Don’t expect to get too creative with your bets.

College Football

Tennessee is known as a hub for college football, and fans of Rocky Top can place bets against each other on all the games happening in the NCAAF.

College Basketball

The University of Tennessee’s basketball program is just as dominant as its football team, making game days even more thrilling when you place friendly wagers on the outcome of Volunteer hoops games with friends.

NHL Betting

Having the Nashville Predators in close proximity makes NHL betting a necessity for Tennessee bettors. They have the opportunity to place wagers on various NHL betting options.

MLB Betting

All baseball fans can access all of the day’s games to compete against their friends. You can also place bets on run lines, spreads, and totals.

Other Sports Leagues

In addition to their collaboration with Nashville SC, Wagr now features MLS betting options. They have also expanded their offerings to include WNBA odds and NWSL lines.

Online Betting Experience

Website Experience

To access Wagr, you will need to download the app by following a link sent to your phone. Additionally, the desktop website provides information on the company’s history and a concise overview of what to anticipate while using their product.

Mobile Betting and Betting App

Wagr focused on creating a user-friendly app by avoiding the traditional sportsbook view cluttered with odds. Instead, they designed a visually appealing interface with icons and sliders for placing bets. The app is simple to navigate and includes explanations for different types of bets, making it accessible for beginners. Users can easily track their active challenges through an inbox feature.

As Wagr transitions its focus to the social aspect of sports betting, every bet now includes the avatar of the person you are challenging. This creates a more engaging and enjoyable experience for those interested in sports betting, but not necessarily interested in the traditional aspects of it. Wagr is making it less about the technicalities and more about the entertainment value.

Live Betting

The company’s focus is on attracting new sports bettors, which means live betting is not a priority at the moment. Additionally, their platform is not equipped to provide real-time stats and odds calculations. Considering their current market position, the possibility of offering live betting seems unlikely in the near future.

Casino, Poker, & Other Gaming Options

Because Wagr’s goal is to become the top social sports betting product, the app does not include any casino games, poker, or other gaming options.

Wagr History

Wagr was founded on the belief that sports betting should be a more communal experience. In 2021, co-founders Eliana Eskinazi and Mario Malave embarked on the development of their new app with this vision in mind. Their efforts were supported by an initial round of funding that included investors like The Kraft Group, led by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, as well as venture capital firms Seven Seven Six, Greycroft, and Pear VC.

Their app was officially launched to the Tennessee betting public in January 2022. Since then, they have made numerous revisions to improve the end user experience and make it as enjoyable as possible.

Throughout the year, they formed a partnership to become the official sports betting partner of the Nashville SC club. They chose to elevate women’s sports by prominently featuring the WNBA and NWSL on their app, putting them on equal footing with men’s sports.

One of the company’s ambitious updates was to streamline the onboarding process, reducing the time from signup to placing your first bet to around 15 seconds. For more information about Wagr, you can visit their blog on Medium, which features several posts detailing the startup process.

Customer Ratings & Reputation

One year after its launch, the reception of the app has been varied. This is not surprising, given the company’s relatively short time in existence and the unique features that set it apart from its competitors.

Customer Service

In order to compete with national players like DraftKings and FanDuel in more states, Wagr must enhance its customer service offerings beyond just a FAQ section on their website and an email address.

Wagr Contact

• Email: [email protected]
• Twitter: @withwagr
• Instagram: @withwagr

Wagr Legal Betting

Wagr is authorized and overseen by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council.

Responsible Gambling

To engage in sports betting in Tennessee, you must be at least 21 years old. Remember to gamble responsibly. Wagr follows the regulations set by governing authorities and offers a responsible gaming section with guidance on taking breaks, establishing betting limits, and recognizing signs of a gambling addiction.

Here are some additional resources to assist you in practicing responsible gambling.

• University of Memphis Gambling Clinic: Information is available on its website, by phone at 901-678-STOP, or by email at [email protected].
• State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: A Tennessee state government-specific website that is devoted to problem gambling.
• Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug, and other Addiction Services: Provides information on problem gambling, or you can call their 24-hour helpline at 800-889-9789.
• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): The NCPG has over 50 years of experience assisting people and families affected by problem gambling. You can call or text them (1-800-522-4700) or join their 24/7 Live Chat.
• Center for Problem Gambling: The Center has been funded by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) since 1996. They are committed to serving anyone affected by a gambling addiction. Treatment is confidential and provided regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Their gambling counselors have significant experience working with problem gambling and include therapists who are Nationally Certified Gambling Counselors.
• BeGambleAware.org: Offers free, confidential help and support to anyone worried about gambling for themselves or others.
• Gambling Therapy: A global service provided by Gordon Moody offering free emotional support and advice to anyone affected by gambling.

Why Choose Wagr?

It is often said that variety adds excitement to life, and Wagr provides a distinctive way to engage in online sports betting by bringing the friendly bet between friends to a convenient online platform accessible from anywhere in the state. While winning against the house is enjoyable, there is an added thrill in winning against your friend and earning the bragging rights that come with it.

Wagr has revolutionized the world of betting among friends by providing a secure and user-friendly platform for them to compete and show off their skills. With the rise of social betting, Tennessee sports enthusiasts can proudly claim to be at the forefront of this trend.