Expert in sports betting and analytics joins global venture capital firm

ADvantage, a leading venture capital firm that invests in sports technology, is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Laila Mintas as Venture Partner. With over two decades of experience in the sports industry, Dr. Mintas will play a pivotal role in identifying, evaluating, and nurturing emerging startups in the sector.

Dr. Mintas joins ADvantage at a time of rapid growth in the sports technology space, where innovation in fan engagement, betting and iGaming, and wearable technology is increasingly in demand. Her deep knowledge of the industry and extensive network will be invaluable as Advantage drives forward its mission to shape the future of sports.

“We are thrilled to welcome Laila to the ADvantage team,” said Alex Bente, Managing Partner at ADvantage. “I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know her over the past couple of years, and her unique background gives her unmatched insights. She is a world-class expert in sports data, analytics, fantasy, and betting with an extensive network in the industry. We’re excited to work more closely with her as we continue to back the best and brightest entrepreneurs in our industry.”

Having held pivotal roles in global organizations such as FIFA and Sportradar, Dr. Mintas brings over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of success in sports technology with a focus on sports betting and iGaming. An active investor, she has built a portfolio of investments in the fan engagement, sports betting, and iCasino-tech industries.

“Joining ADvantage represents an exciting opportunity to leverage my experience in sports and gaming technology,” said Dr. Mintas. “I am passionate about supporting innovative companies that are redefining the sports landscape globally. Together with the talented team at ADvantage, I look forward to fostering the next generation of sports tech entrepreneurs.”

“Technology has reshaped fan engagement into interactive, immersive experience. Today’s sports enthusiasts demand experiences that foster a two-way relationship with their favorite teams and athletes. We are looking to invest into companies that are redefining what it means to be a fan in this digital age.”

In 2024, Dr. Mintas was chosen as a judge for numerous prestigious awards in the sports betting and iGaming Industry, including the SBC Awards, Global Gaming Awards Americas, Global OTT Sports Awards, the GGB Gaming & Technology Awards, and the iGB Most Influential Women Awards. Throughout her career, she was awarded the Leaders in Sports U 40 Award, the SBJ Game Changers Award, the International Award for Women in the Gaming Industry – Inspiration of the Year, the SBJ´s Power Player Sports Betting Award, the Business Insider´s Leaders of the Sports Betting Industry Award, and the GGB Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Award.

Advertisement

BF Games, a leading slot games provider, has announced its successful entry into the Brazilian market as a supplier to licensed operators. This milestone marks the company’s first step in its Latin American expansion strategy. The company views Brazil’s newly regulated online casino market as an optimal direction for its growth in the coming months.

Wiktor Grabarczyk, CEO of BF Games, commented: “We are thrilled to bring our premium game portfolio to players in this dynamic market. While Latin America represents new territory for our products,  we are confident that our offerings are tailored to meet local expectations, representing a major step in our growth and presence in Brazil and the broader Latin American region.”

This expansion into Brazil follows BF Games’ successful entry into several other markets over the past year, including the Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic, and Georgia.

Brazilian players will have access to popular titles such as Book of Gods, El Dorado Totems, Chicken Madness, Stunning Crown, Buffalo Trail, Cave of Gems and more.

Rok Hribar, CCO of BF Games and BF HUB Aggregation, committed: “Our strategic partnerships with leading operators and our role as an aggregator to our 3rd party game providers have been instrumental in our success. We are confident that our diverse portfolio will captivate players. Our substantial investments in game development and our unwavering focus on clients and players have significantly expanded our player base, surpassing our targets. We are eagerly anticipating continued growth and success in this year.”

BF Games has established itself as a prominent figure in the gaming industry, building its reputation on a commitment to creating engaging and visually stunning games. The company continues to push the boundaries of game design and technology, consistently delivering memorable gaming experiences to players worldwide.

The Brazilian market entry is a testament to BF Games’ strategic vision and dedication to growth, paving the way for further opportunities in Latin America.

The Ottawa Black Bears announced an extensive partnership agreement with PowerPlay Online Sportsbook and Casino that will see the company’s logo featured on the club’s home and away jerseys.

In addition to the jersey partnership, PowerPlay will also have branding elements inside the goal crease, behind the bench, on the LED display ring, and along the rinkboards for Black Bears home games at Canadian Tire Centre. As part of the deal, PowerPlay also becomes the exclusive sportsbook and online casino partner for the Ottawa Black Bears.

“We are thrilled to have PowerPlay on board for our inaugural season with such a comprehensive partnership agreement. Their investment with the Black Bears represents a foundational agreement for our lacrosse club. And we’re proud to wear their logo alongside ours as we launch our franchise,” said Chelsea McDermott, Vice President of Business Operations for the Ottawa Black Bears.

“We are excited to bring PowerPlay’s bold, community-driven spirit to Ottawa-Gatineau, partnering with the Black Bears as they establish themselves as a force in lacrosse. This partnership celebrates a sport deeply tied to Canada’s heritage and competitive energy. Together, we’ll ignite passion, energize fans, and deliver excitement all season long,” said Thomas Vermeulen, Marketing Director for PowerPlay.