How it works
How Locked turns your skill into real money.
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.
The four steps
- Create a challenge. Pick your game (EA FC 26, NBA 2K26 or Madden 26), set the stake from $2.50 up. Choose game mode and rules.
- Match an opponent. Send the match link to a friend, or post it to the public Arena. When the second player accepts, both stakes lock into escrow.
- Play the match. Play head-to-head on console or PC, just like any normal online match. Locked does not interfere with gameplay.
- Submit results & cash out. Both players confirm the result with a screenshot or short clip. The winner is credited the full pot (minus the 10% platform fee), instantly available to withdraw.
Why Locked is not gambling
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 vs sportsbooks vs fantasy sports
| 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+ |
Money handling and safety
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.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Locked legal in the United States?
- Locked is designed to operate as a skill-based contest, not a chance-based wager, which is the legal distinction the U.S. Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) draws. State laws vary; users are responsible for confirming legality in their jurisdiction.
- Is Locked the same as gambling or sports betting?
- No. Locked has no bookmaker, no odds, and no house betting against players. Two players bet equal stakes against each other in a head-to-head video game, and the better player wins. The platform takes a fixed 10% cut of the total pot — it does not profit from outcomes.
- How does the escrow work?
- When both players accept a match, the entry stakes are moved from each player's wallet into a locked escrow balance for that match. Funds are released to the winner after results are confirmed. If the match is disputed, funds remain in escrow until an admin reviews the evidence.
- What if my opponent cheats or refuses to submit a result?
- Either player can open a dispute. Both upload evidence (screenshot of the final score, video of the match). An admin reviews within 24 hours and applies the ruling. Repeat offenders are banned and can lose escrowed funds.
- How fast are payouts?
- Wallet credit is immediate after results are confirmed. Withdrawals to PayPal or card are processed within 24 hours.
- What does Locked charge?
- 10% of the total pot, deducted from the winner's payout. Account creation, deposits and withdrawals are free on Locked's side.