Skill Money Games Launches AI-Driven Platform for Cash-Based Golf Challenges
Skill Money Games has unveiled an innovative AI-driven platform that allows players to participate in skill-based golf challenges for cash rewards.
Based in Las Vegas, formerly known as Super Money Games, this company is spearheading a new era in the indoor golf sector with its cash-based contests on golf simulators. The startup is led by veteran entrepreneur Sameer Gupta.
Recently, Skill Money Games secured $5 million in funding from EBCI Holdings, with support from prominent investors such as Ernie Moody, Seth Schorr, Chris Grove, Gavin Isaacs, Kevin Hwang, and Joseph Assell. The company has developed a unique app that introduces a novel golf gaming experience, collaborating with Full Swing and Swing Social.
Revolutionizing Indoor Golf Challenges
Skill Money Games aims to enhance the indoor golf experience using patented AI technology that offers personalized, skill-based cash challenges. Players can engage in a Closest-to-the-Pin challenge, designed for a range of skill levels, with its initial premiere at Swing Social in San Diego.
"We add the thrill of winning money to indoor golf," said Bryan O'Reilly, CEO of Skill Money Games. "It’s beneficial for players, venues, and golf as a whole. With our technology, golfers of all abilities can play for real money on any simulator, allowing them to earn rewards instantly for good shots."
Innovative AI Technology
The platform's primary feature is its AI technology, which analyzes a player's swing characteristics and performance in real-time. Unlike traditional tournaments that reward only the best shots, Skill Money Games tailors contests to match each player's skill level, providing equitable challenges for beginners and advanced players alike.
Gupta conceptualized this idea with college friend Seth Schorr, leading to the patent for the technology in 2019. They later brought on industry veteran O'Reilly as CEO and Andrew Costello as CTO to focus on AI and machine learning developments.
Gameplay Mechanics
Skill Money Games utilizes advanced AI to assess individual golfing skills and create unique challenge conditions. The AI predicts your shot accuracy and establishes a "fair circle" for scoring, ensuring players compete on even terms.
In an engaging demo, Gupta illustrated how the simulator recognizes players and displays target holes. After taking a shot, the simulator indicates where the ball would land, calculating scores based on performance within the skill circle. Players can see the amount they're wagering on the screen, enhancing the competitive experience.
The Rise of Indoor Golf
The indoor golf market is experiencing significant growth, with more players engaging in simulators and venues like Topgolf than traditional golf courses, according to the National Golf Foundation. "Indoor golf has reached a tipping point," Gupta commented. "Skill-based gaming is on the rise, and since golf is inherently a skill game, it often sidesteps classification as gambling."
Strategic Collaborations and Future Plans
Skill Money Games collaborates with Full Swing, known for its PGA Tour-licensed golf simulation platforms. The gameplay experience is currently available at select Full Swing locations, with plans for expansion in 2024.
Dana Shertz, head of business development at RMD Group, operators of Swing Social, expressed excitement about introducing Skill Money Games to their venue, stating, "It’s like Topgolf meets DraftKings. Our customers love it, and we foresee great success in engaging golfers in skill challenges."
Players will pay a small fee for each game, with quick contests ranging from 60 to 100 per hour. The company is also exploring opportunities to apply its AI technology to other sports.
Gupta envisions this platform as a groundbreaking addition to the gaming landscape: "The idea that you could win money based on your skill every time you compete is truly revolutionary."
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