How it works
Locked is a peer-to-peer 1v1 platform for EA FC 26, NBA 2K26 and Madden 26. Two players stake equal amounts, play head-to-head, and the winner takes the pot — minus a flat 10% platform fee. There is no bookmaker, no house edge, and no chance-based outcomes.
Traditional online betting platforms operate as bookmakers: they set odds, take wagers from players, and profit when players lose. Locked does the opposite. Two players agree to a stake, both put up the same amount, and the better player at the video game wins the pot. There are no odds, no spreads, no house balance to defeat. The platform takes a flat 10% fee on the total pot, regardless of outcome — it makes the same revenue on a $5 match as it does on a $500 match.
This structure is what U.S. federal law (the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, UIGEA) recognizes as a skill-based contest, not a wager. Outcomes are determined predominantly by the players' skill at the video game, not by chance.
| Locked | Sportsbook (DraftKings, FanDuel) | Daily fantasy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| You play against | Another real player | The house / bookmaker | Other players (lineups) |
| Outcome decided by | Your gameplay skill | Real-world game results + odds | Stat performance |
| House edge | 0% (flat fee) | 5–10% vig built into odds | Rake on contests |
| Payout speed | Instant on confirmation | 24–48h | After contest settles |
| Min entry | $2.50 | $1+ | $0.25+ |
Funds in your Locked wallet are yours to withdraw at any time. Money only leaves your wallet when you accept a match — at which point it sits in escrow until the match is settled. Locked does not invest, lend, or otherwise touch wallet balances.
Disputes are resolved by a human admin within 24 hours. Both players upload evidence and the admin applies a clear ruling. Players who repeatedly file false disputes or attempt to cheat can be banned and forfeit escrowed funds.