I’ve co-founded 64seven.com, a website dedicated to fantasy chess. Since launching the company, we’ve realized that many people aren’t quite sure what “fantasy” means in this context. Some even confuse it with gambling. Let’s clear that up!

Fantasy sports are games where participants create virtual teams made up of real-world players. These players don’t actually play together in real life—that’s the fantasy element. In fantasy chess, users select players from ongoing chess tournaments to build their dream teams, almost like acting as team managers. As the tournament progresses, your team earns points based on how your selected players perform. The better your picks, the better your score, and the better your chances of winning a prize.

We run both free-entry and paid-entry contests. They come with prize pools, just like in a real chess tournament. But instead of playing the games yourself, your skill lies in analyzing form, strength, and style, and making the best picks.

Legally, fantasy sports are classified as games of skill, not games of chance (gambling). That means they’re not considered gambling in most U.S. states, including Illinois, where our company is based. Of course, luck plays a small role in anything, but long-term success comes from chess knowledge, strategic thinking, and decision-making. In that sense, it’s like building a chess-based investment portfolio. Fantasy chess is a fun, skillful, and totally legal way to engage with the game, whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore chess enthusiast.

Important note: While fantasy sports are generally considered legal skill-based competitions, laws vary by country. In some regions, paid-entry contests may fall under local gambling laws. We encourage all users to check their local regulations before participating in paid events.