⚖️ Legal & Eligibility
Where is Splash Sports legal?
Splash Sports is legal in most U.S. states. However, it is not available in:Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
Additionally, certain contests have state-specific restrictions:- Missouri: Survivor contests are not available- Kansas: Survivor contests are not available, though other games may be accessible- Tennessee: Paid survivor contests are not currently available
Can I play if I live in a restricted state? Yes. You just need to be physically located in a legal state when entering a contest. After that, you can make your picks from anywhere.You can even create contests while in an ineligible location, but you must physically move to a legal jurisdiction to enter and participate in the contest.
Why is my account temporarily restricted?Splash may temporarily restrict your account if patterns of rapid location changes are detected. If this happens:1. Wait 1 hour before attempting to join contests again2. Avoid using location-masking tools (these are prohibited)3. Remember that Splash has a strict one-account-per-user policy
Can I participate if I'm self-excluded in certain states?Users who are self-excluded in one state may often still participate in contests held on Splash Sports. However, specific regional restrictions may apply, and compliance with state-specific self-exclusion rules is your responsibility.Tips for avoiding location-based errors:- Check your state's specific regulations on Splash Sports' website
Ensure location services are enabled and accurate
Disable ad blockers that may interfere with geolocation
Disconnect from VPNs or any location-masking tools
Use Google Chrome browser for best results
Allow browser location tracking permissions
Try using an unsecured (open) WiFi network
Avoid using auto-fill for entering information
If problems persist, try logging in from another device
👤 Account Setup
How do I sign up for Splash Sports?
Sign up using your existing RunYourPool/OfficefootballPool credentials or create a new account. A quick identity verification is required before depositing or joining contests.
🏆 Pools vs. Contests
What’s the difference between a pool and a contest?
Pools = for fun only (no money involved)
Contests = real-money competitions, legally run as “games of skill”
Contests are legal in many states and allow you to collect entry fees and award prizes.
💳 Deposits, Payments & Fees
What deposit methods are accepted?
Debit card
Credit card
ACH transfer
Venmo
PayPal
Minimum deposit is $10 USD.
Where is player money held?
All funds are stored securely in a separate MVB bank account through Splash Player Reserve, LLC. Splash cannot access these funds.
What is the contest fee structure?
Rewards enabled: 5% goes to you, 7.5% to Splash (12.5% total)
Rewards disabled: 10% goes to Splash
Some Self Managed contests may also have additional fees.
How are payouts handled?
Winners are paid automatically when a contest ends (or by segment, if configured). Funds are instantly withdrawable.
How are Commissioner Rewards paid out?
Your 5% earnings are credited right after the contest ends. You can withdraw them immediately or use them in future contests.
📄 Taxes & Reporting
Will I receive tax forms for my winnings?
Yes. If you earn $600+ in a calendar year, you’ll receive a 1099-MISC from Splash Sports.
Will I receive tax forms as a Commissioner?
Yes. Commissioners earning $600+ annually also receive a 1099-MISC.
Note: Beginning in 2024, PayPal, Venmo, and other platforms may send you a 1099-K if you receive $5,000+ in payments. This threshold will soon drop to $600.
🛠️ Contest Setup
How do I create a contest?
Log in on splashsports.com or the mobile app
Click "Create a Contest"
Choose your league and game format
Customize contest settings (roster, payout, etc.)
Note: All contests are private by default and require a direct link to join.
Can I test out formats before launching a season-long contest?
Yes. Formats go live mid-July (for NFL), and you can create a “test drive” contest anytime after that.
How do I set my contest size?
Set your maximum entries at creation. You can resize down later if it doesn’t fill — but not up.
Tip: Add 20–30% more than your usual pool size to account for growth.
What happens if my contest doesn’t fill?
The prize pool automatically adjusts based on the number of entries received.
Can I allow multiple entries?
Yes. You can allow players to submit multiple entries — up to 150 total or 3% of the total entries.
What payout structures are available?
Overall Contest Payouts
Tournament Payouts
Weekly Payouts (NFL, NCAAF only)
In-Season Segments
📣 Communication & Public Contests
Can I email my contest participants through Splash Sports?
Not directly. VIP Commissioners can request an email export to send messages externally. All outreach must follow our Privacy Policy.
Can I make my contest public?
By default, all contests are private. However, select partners and VIP Commissioners can request lobby visibility.
📊 Platform Features
Does Splash Sports have live scoring and leaderboards?
Yes! Real-time scoring and player leaderboards are included with every contest.
🚧 Common Objections & Responses
“I want to stay on RunYourPool”
We offer white-glove migration support:
No new accounts needed for players
Auto-import rosters and emails
Email templates and instructions provided
Simple contest link sharing
“I’m worried about getting taxed”
Running paid contests on entertainment-only sites is illegal. Splash Sports ensures you're compliant and provides proper tax documentation.
“The fees seem too high”
Splash doesn’t charge a $3/player flat fee like some other platforms. Our structure includes:
Secure fund handling
Auto payouts
Live scoring
Customer service
Proper tax compliance
“My players live in restricted states”
Players only need to be in a legal state when entering. They can make picks from anywhere afterward.
“I prefer to handle cash myself”
Splash offers debit, Venmo, PayPal, and more. Funds are held in a secure account — we use the same banking partner as FanDuel.
“Is this legit?”
Yes. Splash Sports is a regulated gaming company with reputable investors. We've paid out over $50 million safely and securely.
“I don’t want to fully switch platforms yet”
Try a small contest first! Get familiar with the platform and show your players the benefits before making a full transition.
“Can I split the pot at the end?”
Yes — we just need written consent from all involved players. Once confirmed, we can process payouts immediately.
“Can I donate to charity and still earn rewards?”
This is complex due to charitable promotion laws. Reach out to our VIP team to explore creative, compliant options.