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Sports Betting Entrepreneur Joey Levy and Media Mogul Jake Paul Announce Creation of Micro-Betting and Media Company “Betr” with $50M Series A

Published

3 years ago

August 10, 2022

Sports betting entrepreneur Joey Levy and media mogul Jake Paul announced the creation of Betr, the first direct-to-consumer micro-betting focused sports betting company. Levy will be acting as CEO of the company, while Paul will be the President, which has raised $50 million in a Series A round.

As part of the company’s efforts, the two are also launching a new media venture for the next generation of sports fans. Betr is setting out to “disrupt legacy gambling and legacy media”, with a mission of making sports and betting “betr”.

Betr is the first direct-to-consumer sports betting company to focus predominantly on micro-betting, a new form of betting that introduces instant gratification to the sports betting user experience by enabling the moments that drive U.S. sports consumption – such as pitches & at-bats of baseball games and plays & drives of football games – to become discrete betting opportunities.

Levy is the co-founder of Simplebet, the B2B technology company that has pioneered micro-betting on U.S. sports by building the machine learning and automation infrastructure to enable this new form of betting to exist at scale.

Betr will be leveraging Simplebet’s technology and is releasing its app in the coming weeks, initially as a free-to-play experience available in all 50 states, with a state-by-state rollout of its licensed real money betting experiences to follow later this year. Betr has secured market access in multiple U.S. states through strategic equity-based partnerships that the company will be announcing in the near future.

Paul, who has 70 million followers on social media and is one of the most searched public figures on Google, kicked off the launch of Betr’s media company with a preview of “BS w/ Jake Paul,” the first of many franchises Betr will release as it aims to become the primary media platform for the next generation of sports fans.

The show will feature Jake, arguably the most disruptive athlete-influencer in sports and one of the most famous Gen-Z personalities in the world, along with his celebrity friends taking fans on a journey across the landscape of sports and sports betting through the eyes of an A-list athlete. The show sets out to become one of the most viewed and engaged sports shows on digital with each episode featuring Jake, his sidekick co-hosts, and celebrity/athlete guests as they discuss the hottest stories in sports. In addition to generating brand awareness and affinity for the Betr brand, Betr’s media company will independently generate revenue for Betr, with the company evaluating sponsorship opportunities for “BS w/ Jake Paul” and its other premium content initiatives.

Joey Levy, Founder and CEO of Betr, said: “I co-founded Simplebet to simplify the sports betting user experience – to reconsider why sports betting products felt uninterpretable to the casual fan who had never bet on sports before. In doing so, we discovered that the technology required to enable a scalable micro-betting platform around the moments that drive U.S. sports did not yet exist, given the global market’s focus was on soccer, a fluid sport without a natural start and stop cadence. So we decided to build it ourselves at Simplebet; however, years later, the user experience remains unintuitive for a mass market consumer.

“Betr will unbundle micro-betting by building an entire company around it and delivering the experience in a simple, intuitive UI layer. We believe micro-betting will ultimately emerge as the predominant way consumers bet on U.S. sports, given (1) the stop and start cadence of U.S. sports lending itself perfectly to this style of wagering, and (2) similarly to how daily fantasy sports innovated on top of season long fantasy, micro-betting introduces an order of magnitude greater level of instant gratification to the current sports betting user experience.

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“We have an opportunity to build the most capital efficient and culturally relevant gambling business in the US – ultimately surpassing other sports betting companies whose primary focus remains on spending heavily on customer acquisition while offering commoditized legacy sportsbook product experiences – by introducing superior and differentiated product, while capturing billions of dollars-worth of free marketing via our media company, all while also directly monetizing our media company via sponsorship and licensing revenue.”

Alex Ursa has joined Betr as Head of Product from FanDuel, where he helped build their sports betting & casino businesses into the clear market leader. Mike Denevi has joined Betr as Head of Media from Bleacher Report, where he helped build BR Betting into the top sports betting media brand on social. The company is headquartered in Miami and the team will be working together in person, which it views as a competitive advantage in a post-COVID world that has embraced remote work.

Jake Paul, Founder and President of Betr, said: “I wasn’t into sports betting until I was introduced to micro-betting. Micro-betting is the TikTok-ification of sports betting and I am excited to bring it to the masses through Betr. We are in this for the long haul and are focused on doing things the right way. We are getting licensed state-by-state, adhering to each state’s regulatory framework while advocating for important consumer protections and responsible gambling. We want to be the category defining consumer company in both sports betting and sports media by the end of the decade and are confident we will achieve that goal.”

Simplebet CEO Chris Bevilacqua said: “We’re thrilled to be Betr’s technology partner, powering unique in-play betting experiences centered around micro-betting and transforming the way consumers engage and wager on sports. The combination of our best-in-class technology together with the reimagined user experience, reach, and influence of Betr’s distribution channels will be a powerful force in the market. This partnership features many of the best elements of the rapidly increasing convergence of sports, media, and technology and we are excited to be in the center of it.”

Betr has raised $50 million in funding from renowned institutional and strategic investors and some of the most influential athletes, celebrities, and sports team owners including Florida Funders, 8vc, Aliya Capital Partners, Fuel Venture Capital, FinSight Ventures, Co-Owners of San Francisco 49ers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Marlins, Travis Scott, Ezekiel Elliott, Richard Sherman, Dez Bryant, DeSean Jackson, Braxton Berrios, Palm Tree Crew, Roger Ehrenberg, Mark Wan, Russell Galbut, David Grutman, Deirdre Bigley, Gary Barber, Simplebet, Stronach Group, Magic City Casino, Anti Fund, 305 Ventures, Elizabeth Street Ventures, Riverside Ventures, Gaingels, Moving Capital, Elysium Venture Capital, FJ Labs, Tampa Bay Ventures, Trog Hawley, and many others. Betr closed a $30M Series A led by Florida Funders earlier this year in what was the largest investment in Florida Funders history. The Series A was oversubscribed, so the company raised an additional $20M Series A1 led by Aliya Capital Partners and Fuel Venture Capital, with its initial closing last quarter and its final closing scheduled for this quarter.

“Florida Funders saw a massive opportunity in a nascent market where the legacy players have not been strong from product, technology, and cultural relevance standpoints. In addition to the market opportunity, the ability to back Joey Levy for the third time – having invested early with Joey in Simplebet and in 305 Ventures – was something we could not pass up on. In addition to Jake Paul, Joey has surrounded himself with great people, including Alex Ursa and Mike Denevi. We could not be more excited about the future of Betr – and are thrilled to be on this journey as this team changes sports betting and sports media in the US,” Saxon Baum at Florida Funders said.

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DraftKings Reports Second Quarter Revenue Growth of 37% to $1513 Million

Published

1 day ago

August 8, 2025

Niji Narayan

DraftKings Inc. announced its second quarter 2025 financial results. The Company also posted a second quarter 2025 business update and a slide presentation on the Investor Relations section of its website at investors.draftkings.com.

Second Quarter 2025 Highlights

For the three months ended June 30, 2025, DraftKings reported revenue of $1513 million, an increase of $408 million, or 37%, compared to $1104 million during the same period in 2024. The increase in the Company’s second quarter 2025 revenue was driven primarily by continued healthy customer engagement, efficient acquisition of new customers, higher structural Sportsbook hold percentage, and sportsbook-friendly outcomes. Revenue of $1513 million, net income of $158 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of $301 million in the second quarter set new records for the company.

“We set records for revenue, net income and Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter, driven by an acceleration in revenue growth to 37% year-over-year. We are pleased to be maintaining our fiscal year 2025 guidance, with revenue expected to be closer to the high end of our range, highlighting the strength of our platform as we prepare for an exciting new state launch,” said Jason Robins, DraftKings’ Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder.

“We remain focused on investing in key growth initiatives across the organization to maximize shareholder returns over the long-term. In addition to our investments, we repurchased 6.5 million shares through our stock repurchase program in the first two quarters of this year,” said Alan Ellingson, DraftKings’ Chief Financial Officer.

Monthly Unique Payers (MUPs) increased to 3.3 million average monthly unique paying customers in the second quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 6% compared to the second quarter of 2024. This increase reflects strong unique payer retention and acquisition across DraftKings’ Sportsbook and iGaming product offerings and the impact of the acquisition of Jackpocket. Excluding the impact of the acquisition of Jackpocket, MUPs increased by 5% compared to the second quarter of 2024.

Average Revenue per MUP (ARPMUP) increased to $151 in the second quarter of 2025, representing a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily due to improvement in the Sportsbook hold percentage and improved promotional reinvestment for Sportsbook. Excluding the impact of the acquisition of Jackpocket, ARPMUP increased 30% compared to the second quarter of 2024.

Fiscal Year 2025 Guidance

DraftKings is maintaining its fiscal year 2025 revenue guidance of $6.2 billion to $6.4 billion, which the Company previously announced on May 8, 2025. The Company is on track to deliver revenue closer to the high end of this range due to sportsbook-friendly outcomes in the second quarter as well as continuing strength across our core value drivers. Fiscal year 2025 revenue guidance equates to 32% year-over-year growth based on the Company’s fiscal year 2024 revenue and the midpoint of the Company’s fiscal year 2025 revenue guidance range.

DraftKings is maintaining its fiscal year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $800 million to $900 million, which the Company previously announced on May 8, 2025. The Company is on track to deliver Adjusted EBITDA near the midpoint of this range.

The Company’s guidance now includes anticipated financial impacts from DraftKings launching mobile sports betting in Missouri later this year.

In addition, the Company’s guidance now includes anticipated financial impacts from higher tax rates in New Jersey, Louisiana, and Illinois.

The Company’s guidance for fiscal year 2025 does not include the potential launch of a Prediction Markets offering.

Mobile Sports Betting and iGaming Footprint

DraftKings is live with mobile sports betting in 25 states and Washington, D.C., which collectively represent approximately 49% of the U.S. population. DraftKings expects to launch its Sportsbook product in Missouri pending market access, licensure, regulatory approvals, and contractual approvals where applicable.

DraftKings is also live with iGaming in 5 states, which represents approximately 11% of the U.S. population.

DraftKings is live with its Sportsbook and iGaming products in Ontario, Canada, which represents approximately 40% of Canada’s population.

Latest News

bet365 Announces Official Launch in Kansas

Published

1 day ago

August 8, 2025

Niji Narayan

bet365 has announced its official launch in Kansas, bringing its award-winning sportsbook to the Sunflower State.

Customers across Kansas will have access to bet365’s comprehensive suite of sports betting markets, competitive odds, and innovative features.

This milestone in bet365’s US expansion sees Kansas join Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia as the fourteenth live state.

A bet365 spokesperson said: “We are thrilled to bring the bet365 experience to sports fans in Kansas.

“With our industry-leading product, user-friendly interface, and a reputation built over two decades, we’re excited to provide Kansans with a trusted and dynamic platform for their sports betting entertainment.

“We’re focused on proving to customers that with our Bet Boosts, the fastest In-Game product, and Same Game Parlays, it’s Never Ordinary with bet365.”

Gaming

Global Gaming League Launches New Era of Competitive Video Gaming with T-Pain vs. NE-YO Showdown and More

Published

1 day ago

August 8, 2025

Niji Narayan

The Global Gaming League (GGL) announced its first season of year-around competitions titled SZN Zero. Backed by entertainment visionary Clinton Sparks and Grammy-winning artist and streaming icon T-Pain, the GGL is the first-of-its-kind, multi-title, live-action gaming entertainment league, where professional gamers, influencers, and casual players compete side-by-side in front of live audiences in Las Vegas and available globally on major platforms. Teams compete in popular game titles ranging from Call of Duty and Rocket League to Tetris and Street-Fighter.

Each event will feature two celebrity owned teams made up of four players each – high profile influencers, actors, athletes, artists, and both professional and casual gamers – facing off in four round matches covering four different genres. Superstar hosts and half time shows from major artists will turn up the entertainment factor. SZN Zero events will take place in Las Vegas, building up to a championship match in November live from the iconic Palms resort and casino, and the Global Gaming League will continue with SZN One in 2026.

SZN Zero’s first competition on August 23rd will feature T-Pain’s team Nappy Boy Grizzlies against three-time, Grammy award-winning hitmaker NE-YO and his Gentleman’s Gaming Team – finally facing off after months of social media trash talk and rivalry about who’s better at Tekken. The event will stream live on the GGL’s YouTube channel and other major platforms.

T-Pain, who is GGL’s Director of Strategy, was the league’s first team owner. NE-YO joins previously announced owners Flavor Flav and Bryce Hall along with Gillie Da Kid & Wallo.

“We wanted to build something that brought gamers from different backgrounds and cultures together in a unique way that was equally fun and competitive. With SZN Zero, we will introduce an authentic and relatable form of entertaining competition that will converge music, fashion, celebrity, and culture bringing the biggest form of entertainment in the world – video gaming – to the masses,” said Clinton Sparks, Founder and CEO of the Global Gaming League.

“Gaming is just as important as music or any other sport, to me. NE-YO had some words for me on socials, I heard enough of what he had to say and felt it was time to show him that I actually do this. But honestly I’m just ready to have some fun with my friend, because bottom line, that’s what gaming is all about. Now folks will just have to see what happens on August 23rd when we face off in Las Vegas at the GGL SZN Zero launch,” said T-Pain.

NE-YO responded: “Honestly, I was trying to connect with T-Pain to maybe be part of his team but when he kept blowing me off and then I saw that video of him talking about my lips, I decided the only way to get his attention would be to call him out. Now, we’ll see just how good he really is – or isn’t – when we go head to head.”

World-class Publishers such as Activision Blizzard, Bandai Namco, Capcom, EA, Tetris, and Ubisoft have all agreed to allow GGL to use some of the most popular and challenging games during SZN Zero, attracting a new audience and offering viewers a unique and compelling gaming experience. In addition to YouTube, the Global Gaming League SZN Zero will be available on other major streaming platforms in partnership with Dooya Media Group.