Latest News
Sharp Alpha Closes Fund II With Over $25 Million To Back Sports, Gaming, Entertainment Startups

Sharp Alpha Advisors announced the closing of Sharp Alpha Fund II, an oversubscribed $25 million venture capital fund investing in early-stage sports, gaming, and entertainment businesses.
Existing investments in Fund II include C15 Studio, which recently emerged from stealth mode as the operator and distributor of Formula 1’s new streaming channel. Previous investments include Almost Friday Media, Jackpot.com, and Betcha (acquired by Vivid Seats).
The fund targets seed investments ranging from $1 – 2 million. Sharp Alpha also operates a co-investment vehicle that provides limited partners the ability to invest additional capital in select deals alongside the fund.
Managing Partner Lloyd Danzig was recently named to Business Insider’s Top Venture Capitalists in Sports and ELG’s 40 Under 40. He is frequently featured by CNBC, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.
The fund is backed by public companies, US fnancial institutions, pro sports team owners, family offces, top venture capitalists, and funds of funds, among others.
According to Danzig, there is a signifcant opportunity at the intersection of sports, gaming, media, and technology. “The competitive entertainment category is experiencing exponential growth but at the same time is desperate for innovation that early-stage companies are best positioned to supply.”
The fund has exceeded its $25 million capital raise target and expanded the size of its deal team.
Commenting on current market conditions, Danzig explained, “we are entering the most favorable period in the last 15 years to bet on great founders.”
Sharp Alpha’s advisory board includes Keith Horn, founder of Loring Capital Advisors and former COO of Elliott Management and Global Head of Leveraged Finance at Merrill Lynch; Emanuel Pearlman, the former Chairman of Empire Resorts and board member at several public companies; Daniel Bernard, Founder and Chairman of Redwood International Sports; Roy Behren, the President and Chief Investment Offcer of a $5.2 billion asset manager; and Don Kornstein, the Vice Chairman of Caesars Entertainment and former executive at numerous successful gaming companies.
In addition to investment capital, the frm provides portfolio companies with a suite of resources and opportunities spanning fundraising, revenue generation, brand awareness, commercial strategy, fnancial planning, and product development.
Latest News
Checkd International passes 1 million bets placed across NFL season on SmartPicks

- Checkd International’s SmartPicks app has surpassed one million bets in just five months
- There have been over six million screen views by users
- More than 8,000 subscriptions have been purchased on SmartPicks Pro
Checkd International, the North American sports betting specialist and part of the award-winning Checkd Group, has announced a successful first NFL season for its SmartPicks betting app with many huge milestones hit by users.
At the culmination of Super Bowl LIX in Louisiana, over one million bets had been added to bet slips through SmartPicks, as the informative and streamlined app proved it was a roaring success.
The new and improved SmartPicks app was launched in October, midway through the NFL season, and builds on existing technology used in the UK by the Manchester-based company, to provide a unique sports betting-focused app to the US.
There have been over six million page views on SmartPicks since the launch, equating to more than one million each month.
The apps prop tool, which sits front and centre, has been hugely popular with users, and over one million markets have been selected using this.
In the past five months, there have been more than 29,000 installs for the app as more users across America look to use this as their preferred choice when gambling.
SmartPicks Pro, which gives users even more access and is Checkd Group’s first-ever subscription model product, saw more than 8,000 users join throughout the NFL season, proving how vital this model will be for the business going forward.
SmartPicks was built in-house by Checkd Dev, the technology specialist division of Checkd Group, which has supported top-tier operators with new products in the past year, including Paddy Power’s Mix ’N Match bet building tool.
The success of SmartPicks continues to expand Checkd Group’s position in the US-based betting market through Checkd International’s on-the-ground presence, and 2024 saw a 187% increase in app searches for the business.
Commenting on the success, Callum Broxton, Head of US Operations at Checkd Group said: “We’re delighted to announce that our SmartPicks app has been greatly received in the American sports betting market, with millions of bets placed and thousands of new users choosing the market-leading technology provided this NFL season.
“The launch of SmartPicks Pro has proven successful for the business, and with plenty of positive feedback from users, means we are looking for further ways to tap into revenue subscription models as there is clear demand for this.
“As we enter a key stage of the NBA season and March Madness set to begin, we look forward to developing the app further and making betting even easier across America.”
Latest News
Arizona Department of Gaming Releases November Sports Betting Figures

Bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $898 million on sports in November of 2024, according to a new report by the Arizona Department of Gaming. This represents an approximate 26% increase when compared to November of 2023.
The state collected approximately $5.7 million in privilege fees in the month.
Latest News
Indian Gaming Association Introduces TribalBond Connections Program

The Indian Gaming Association is introducing TribalBond, an exciting new initiative designed to foster meaningful connections between tribal gaming casino executives and solution providers at this year’s Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, taking place March 31-April 3 in San Diego, CA. This innovative program will feature a dynamic “speed networking” format, aimed at creating efficient, valuable interactions and personalized experiences for participants.
As the largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention is the meeting place where the community gathers to learn, network, and create new connections. TribalBond was created with tribal casino executives in mind, designed to bring operators and solution providers together through structured meeting sessions that cater specifically to their unique needs. By facilitating targeted networking opportunities, TribalBond empowers attendees to build connections, share insights, and unlock new opportunities. A special focus will be put on equipping solution providers with knowledge and insights on how to effectively engage and build long-lasting relationships with the tribal gaming industry.
The Indian Gaming Association has tapped into the extensive industry knowledge and experience of Frances Alvarez, to lead this program. Alvarez is a highly respected leader in the tribal gaming industry, with over 24 years of service. She remains engaged and influential in Indian Country through her roles as Chairwoman of the Tribal Gaming Protection Network, President of the National Native American Hall of Fame, and Gaming Commissioner for the Wilton Rancheria Gaming Commission. In these capacities, she builds strong relationships and fosters opportunities for collaborative success. Through her firm, Rezonate LLC, Alvarez demonstrates her unwavering commitment to service while actively working to reshape the conversation surrounding tribal relations.
Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr said: “We are excited to introduce TribalBond at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention. Our goal is to provide Indian Country with the best experience to foster meaningful connections and support their communities. This program will be a game-changer to support the innovation that tribal gaming is known for. We could not think of a better person than Frances to help us introduce this program to the event.”
The highlight of TribalBond is its engaging speed networking format. This fast-paced, efficient program ensures participants maximize their time at the tradeshow while establishing meaningful professional relationships. The 2025 event will feature five rounds of speed networking over the course of April 2 and 3. Participants in the TribalBond program will enjoy exclusive benefits designed to enhance their experience as well as their professional growth.
“As a long-time supporter of the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, I’m excited to lead the TribalBond program. My aim is to support the tribal gaming community by connecting them with innovative products and insights to enhance their operations and communities. Equally important, I will provide solution providers with the knowledge and resources needed to foster meaningful, lasting partnerships with Indian Country. I am encouraged by the positive feedback we have already received from the tribal gaming community regarding TribalBond,” Alvarez said.
-
Latest News7 days ago
BetBreak.org Publishes New Workbook to Help Gamblers Take a Break from Sports Betting
-
Latest News3 days ago
EstrelaBet Reinforces Its Commitment to Betting Integrity Through Membership in the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA)
-
Latest News3 days ago
BiS SiGMA Americas announces institutional partnership with ANJL to strengthen the new regulated betting market in Brazil
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
Washington’s Lottery Achieves Nation’s Highest Level of Responsible Gambling Certification
-
Latest News4 days ago
Resorts World Las Vegas Appoints Carlos Castro as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
-
Latest News7 days ago
BETER names Juliana Querino as LatAm Business Development Manager
-
Latest News4 days ago
Infingame levels up casino portfolio with Dynabit Gaming
-
Latest News2 days ago
BETBY EXPANDS LATAM PRESENCE WITH APPOINTMENT OF JUAN PABLO BARAHONA AS REGIONAL DIRECTOR