FANALYTICS: The psychology of prizes

For a time, I've wondered whether the joy of competition has been surpassed by the obsession with cash winnings. Fantasy sports has worked so hard to separate itself from the gambling aura, yet it seems like we are still largely driven by the promise of material gain.

Flip open through any spring magazine or hop onto any national game website and the first thing you are likely to see is a huge headline that shouts, Win Some Ridiculously Ma$$ive Grand Prize!!.

Sure, we play to win, and sure, it's nice to have something to play for. But we say that life is about the journey, not the destination. Is fantasy sports just about the destination?

I once surveyed our readers on this topic. I asked, "What is your attitude towards money...

Almost!

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