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.

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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.

Hellmuth to Bring His Bigger Than Life Personality Exclusively to Rush Street Interactive

Rush Street Interactive, Inc. (NYSE: RSI) (“RSI”), a premier online casino and sports betting operator, is thrilled to announce a new exclusive partnership with Phil Hellmuth, the world-renowned professional poker player and record-holder for the most World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament wins. Known as one of the most skilled gamblers in the world, Hellmuth will join the BetRivers team as a brand and content partner bringing his unparalleled expertise and charisma to deliver a variety of exciting and exclusive player experiences and entertainment across RSI’s Casino, Sportsbook, and Poker verticals, as well as throughout RSI’s media-owned productions such as the BetRivers Network and our long-running Poker Night in America poker show.

Hellmuth’s legendary career has made him one of the most recognizable figures in the poker world. With an unmatched 17 WSOP bracelets, he has cemented his status as a skilled gambler, captivating gambling audiences with his pride, passion, and larger-than-life persona. Beyond his accolades, Hellmuth’s engaging presence and entertaining personality have inspired countless fans and players worldwide.

This partnership will see Hellmuth integrated across RSI’s platforms and media production properties, delivering a mix of thrilling entertainment and engaging player opportunities.

Highlights of the partnership will include:

• In-App Promotions: Exclusive themed casino, sportsbook, and poker events and challenges for players to test their skills and enjoy unique rewards.
• Interactive Entertainment: Hellmuth will host Live Casino Dealer events, provide sports betting commentary, and lead interactive sessions for players and fans. He will also participate in unique engaging poker events with VIPs.
• VIP Events and Experiences: Appearances at in-person and online VIP tournaments and events, offering players a chance to compete with, be entertained by, and learn from one of poker’s greatest. In the upcoming weeks, VIPs will have the opportunity go to the Super Bowl in New Orleans with the poker legend.
• Brick-and-Mortar Activations: Hellmuth will headline events at BetRivers land-based casino partners, creating unforgettable moments for attendees. In the coming months, Hellmuth will be participating in various tournaments at our casino partners including Rivers Casino and Little River Casino.
• BetRivers Network Collaborations: Hellmuth will play a prominent role in RSI’s entertainment media property, BetRivers Network, including appearances on flagship poker show production Poker Night in America, exclusive streaming events, and other branded activations. Be on the lookout for upcoming shoots and promotions including Hellmuth’s signed legendary BetRivers hat.
• BetRivers Online Poker: Dedicated tournaments and exclusive branded content designed to captivate online poker enthusiasts and casual players alike. Including, promoting RSI’s recently launched online poker platform developed in collaboration with acclaimed poker professional Phil Galfond.

“Phil Hellmuth is a living legend whose influence extends far beyond the poker table to all gamblers, and we are excited to welcome him to the BetRivers family,” said Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive. “Phil’s unmatched passion, dynamic personality, and flair for entertainment make him the perfect ambassador as we continue to expand our offerings and elevate player experiences across our platforms. His expanded role in the BetRivers Network, including increased appearances on Poker Night in America, and his contributions to promoting our new online poker platform, will bring unparalleled excitement to our players. Additionally, his involvement with our best-in-class mobile casino and sportsbook promotional games will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.”

“Partnering with Rush Street Interactive and BetRivers is an exciting new chapter for me,” said Hellmuth. “Ever since meeting the Rush Street Interactive executive team in 2012, I have been a fan. I have been impressed with RSI’s moxie, will, and determination to build a beautiful product—an online gaming experience that people love to use and play on. Today, I am proud to announce that we will elevate our collaboration to share my experience and love of poker, gambling, and entertainment with BetRivers players and fans, both online and in person. First up, I will attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans with BetRivers VIP players!”

This partnership reinforces RSI’s dedication to delivering premium content, unforgettable events, and dynamic entertainment experiences for its players. By aligning with Hellmuth, RSI continues to solidify its position as a leader in the online casino, sportsbook, and poker industries.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. RSI’s actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, RSI’s expectations about its arrangement with Hellmuth, what RSI’s anticipated offerings and benefits arising from that arrangement will include and its future performance with respect to that arrangement. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside RSI’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation, changes in applicable laws or regulations, unanticipated product or service delays, and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in RSI’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and in RSI’s other filings with the SEC. RSI cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. RSI cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. RSI does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

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