# Fandicapper Complete Documentation

## Overview

Fandicapper is a free web application that transforms how friends engage with sports predictions. Unlike traditional sportsbooks, Fandicapper removes real money from the equation entirely, replacing financial stakes with Amazon gift cards and team merchandise through affiliate partnerships.

## Mission Statement

We believe sports fandom should bring people together, not tear them apart through gambling addiction. Fandicapper exists to preserve the excitement of making predictions while eliminating the financial devastation that gambling can cause.

## How It Works

### Step 1: Find a Matchup
Users browse upcoming games from major sports leagues. Each matchup displays:
- Team names and logos
- Game date and time
- Current sportsbook odds (spread, over/under, money line)
- League information

### Step 2: Create a Betcha
A "Betcha" is our term for a friendly prediction. Users select:
- **Bet Type**: Spread, Over/Under, Money Line, or Custom
- **Bet Details**: Which side they're taking
- **Wager**: Amazon gift card amount or specific team merchandise

### Step 3: Send via Text
The app generates a pre-formatted message and opens the user's native texting app. The user sends this to any friend they want to challenge. Examples:

"I BETCHA the Chiefs cover -7 against the Raiders this Sunday! Stakes: $25 Amazon gift card. Are you in? 🏈"

"I BETCHA the over hits on Lakers/Celtics (228.5 total). Loser buys winner a team hoodie! 🏀"

### Step 4: Settle Between Friends
Fandicapper does not track outcomes or process payments. Friends settle their Betchas themselves - the winner receives an Amazon gift card or merchandise from the loser.

## Why We're Different

### The Problem with Sports Gambling
- Americans lost $17.5 billion to legal sports betting in 2023
- Problem gambling affects 2-3% of the population
- Young adults aged 18-24 are the fastest-growing demographic for gambling addiction
- Gambling advertising has increased 1,400% since legalization

### Our Solution
Fandicapper provides the social engagement of sports betting without:
- Real money transactions
- Deposit requirements
- Addictive mechanics (no "one more bet" loops)
- Financial risk

### Our Values
1. **Fun First**: Sports predictions should enhance fandom, not exploit it
2. **Friend-to-Friend**: Real connections matter more than anonymous betting
3. **Transparency**: We're upfront about being affiliate-based
4. **Responsibility**: We actively promote gambling addiction resources

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Fandicapper legal?
Yes. Fandicapper does not facilitate gambling. We display publicly available odds information and help users send text messages to friends. No money passes through our platform.

### How does Fandicapper make money?
Through Amazon affiliate links. When users settle bets with Amazon gift cards or merchandise purchased through our links, we earn a small commission.

### Can I use real money?
No. Fandicapper explicitly does not support real money wagering. Stakes are symbolic and settled between friends outside our platform.

### Is my data private?
Yes. We cannot see any text messages you send. Message composition happens on your device and uses your phone's native messaging app.

### Do I need an account?
No. You can use Fandicapper without creating an account. Optional accounts let you save your Betcha history.

### What sports do you cover?
Currently: NFL, NCAAF (college football), NBA, NCAAB (college basketball), NCAAWB (women's college basketball), NHL, and MLB.

### Where do the odds come from?
We aggregate odds from major US sportsbooks via The Odds API, displaying consensus lines from books like DraftKings and FanDuel.

## Understanding Sports Betting Terms

### Point Spread
The spread represents the expected margin of victory. The favorite has a negative number (must win by more than that amount), while the underdog has a positive number (can lose by less than that amount or win outright).

Example: Patriots -3.5 vs Jets +3.5
- Patriots bettors need New England to win by 4+ points
- Jets bettors win if New York loses by 3 or fewer, or wins

### Over/Under (Totals)
A prediction on the combined final score of both teams.

Example: Over/Under 47.5
- Over bettors want the final combined score to be 48+
- Under bettors want 47 or fewer total points

### Money Line
Simply picking the winner, with odds indicating the payout ratio.

Example: Dodgers -150, Padres +130
- Dodgers are favored (bet $150 to win $100)
- Padres are underdogs (bet $100 to win $130)

### Prop Bets
Predictions on specific events within a game, not the final outcome.

Examples:
- "Patrick Mahomes throws 3+ touchdowns"
- "First basket scored by LeBron James"
- "Total strikeouts over 8.5"

## Responsible Gaming Resources

### Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
- Betting more than you can afford to lose
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Lying to friends/family about gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Neglecting work or relationships for gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling

### Get Help
- **National Problem Gambling Helpline**: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7, free, confidential)
- **Crisis Text Line**: Text HOME to 741741
- **National Council on Problem Gambling**: https://www.ncpgambling.org/
- **Gamblers Anonymous**: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
- **SAMHSA National Helpline**: 1-800-662-4357

### Self-Exclusion Programs
Most states offer self-exclusion programs where you can ban yourself from sportsbooks:
- Check your state gaming commission website
- Most programs last 1-5 years
- Violations can result in forfeiture of winnings

## Technical Information

### Data Sources
- Odds data: The Odds API (https://the-odds-api.com/)
- Odds refresh: On page load
- Bookmakers: DraftKings, FanDuel, and others

### Supported Platforms
- Mobile web browsers (iOS Safari, Android Chrome)
- Desktop web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- Progressive Web App capable

### Privacy
- No personal data collection required
- No tracking of sent messages
- Optional analytics for aggregate usage only
- No sale of user data

## About the Name

"Fandicapper" combines "fan" and "handicapper":
- **Fan**: Someone who passionately follows sports
- **Handicapper**: Someone who analyzes odds and makes predictions

A "Betcha" is our playful take on "I bet you" - emphasizing the social, friendly nature of predictions rather than financial gambling.

## Contact

Website: https://fandicapper.lovable.app

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*Fandicapper is committed to responsible gaming. If you or someone you know struggles with gambling addiction, please reach out to the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.*