London-based technology start-up Fanslide has launched the world’s first live, in-play, fantasy football game ahead of the upcoming UEFA European Championships, which aims to ‘transform the experience of watching live football’.

Powered by real-time data from Opta, Fanslide allows fans to choose players at different times of the match, with everything from interceptions to goals scoring points, with users able to ‘slide’ players in and out of the game as the action unfolds.

Fanslide blends the elements of fantasy football, in-play betting and social gaming to enhance fans’ experience when watching matches live on TV.

The app, which is free to download from both Apple and Google Play app stores, has prize money available on each Euro match.

“Fanslide adds a whole new layer of excitement and engagement to watching football on TV, adding meaning to almost every kick, bringing fans together through healthy competition and keeping you on the edge of your seat right through to the final whistle,” Founder Joe Cocozza explained.

“Fans bet on football to put their opinions to the test and to add excitement. Over three quarters of sports bets are now placed in-play, but the binary nature of betting only provides a short-term hit, and little in the way of actual entertainment value.

“Meanwhile, you have seven million people playing fantasy football who spend all week researching players but can’t change their minds once the transfer deadline passes. Fanslide combines the two – creating a game of skill that lets fans change their mind and respond to what is happening in the match, making it far more exciting than just placing a bet. And that excitement lasts for the entire duration of the match.”

Described as the ‘perfect opportunity’ for Fanslide, the delayed continental competition kicks off on 11 June, with every match shown live on terrestrial television and available to play within the app.

“Fanslide will always be a free to play game,” added Cocozza. “But we believe that in-play games will change the way people engage with sport that they’re watching on TV, delivering far greater value for money than traditional betting for those who do wish to bet.”

With the global fantasy sports market continuing to grow, Fanslide are already working on versions of the game for the National Football League (NFL), cricket and basketball.

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