Online sports betting is a trap we all know: addiction, money losses, and that bitter feeling when you realize you’ve caved again. But what if there were now an alternative that keeps all the fun without the financial risks? That’s exactly what Genius offers, a French mobile app that turns sports predictions into a real competitive video game.
A free-to-play that bets on gamification
Available on iOS and Android, Genius adopts gaming codes to make sports predictions healthier and more entertaining. Zero money staked, 100% guaranteed fun. The idea? To take back the best mechanics of competitive games to create an addictive experience… but without the downsides of gambling.
The principle is simple yet clever: the more you validate risky odds, the more points you earn thanks to the exclusive mode “Cote2Ouf”. You can combine different types of predictions, climb leaderboards, join leagues among players, and even win real rewards (jerseys, gift cards) without ever spending a penny.
“With Genius, we want to show that you can create a true competitive free-to-play game where you can actually win something, without staking a single centime”, explains Anthony Coulais, cofounder and chief technical officer of the startup.
Esports coming to the platform soon
But here’s what will really make the geek community tilt: Genius is gearing up to bring esports to its platform. A first in France! Currently, the National Gaming Authority does not authorize bets on esports competitions, pushing some fans (often very young) toward foreign platforms not always recommended.
In the coming months, Genius will integrate the biggest competitions: Worlds LoL, Majors CS2, Valorant Champions, Rocket League Championship Series… Enough to finally allow French fans to predict legally and for free on their favorite tournaments.
In the meantime, the app already covers football and plans to progressively add basketball, tennis, F1, rugby, handball, etc.
IRL and online: the perfect combo
The other strength of Genius? Its community-focused approach designed for clubs and esports structures. Through private leagues, live predictions and challenge mechanics, organizations can unite their fanbase and create new touchpoints with their audience.
Imagine: you’re at the stadium, you place your live predictions on the app, and the one who validates the biggest odds leaves with a signed jersey. Dream on!
“We want Genius to become a fan engagement tool for clubs, on par with, for example, a Discord server. But more fun, more interactive, and rooted in current competitive news”, says Gaspard Marcel, founder and president.
A French startup that aims high
Founded in 2022 in Dinard by Gaspard Marcel (25) and Anthony Coulais (27), Genius Gambler SAS has already raised €122k and employs 5 people. The startup is currently preparing another funding round to accelerate its development and realize its esports ambitions.
A French initiative that could well shake up a sector dominated by foreign giants. To keep an eye on, especially if you’re an eSports fan and you’re looking for a healthy way to spice up your viewing parties!
Genius is available free on the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
