The US sports-betting boom has given rise to a robust startup community that's innovating on everything from the bets gamblers can place in a game to the way they cash out their winnings.
Companies like the fantasy-sports platform Underdog Fantasy, microbetting startup Simplebet, and gaming platform Players' Lounge have scored splashy investments from the likes of entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, influencer and boxer Jake Paul, and rapper Drake, respectively. Other prominent VCs have backed"picks-and-shovel companies" that supply the technology and infrastructure underpinning the betting experience.
In 2021, Pitchbook tracked 44 venture-capital deals totaling $700 million in US sports betting as of late December. That was up from 32 deals worth less than $200 million the year before.
Insider spent six months compiling and analyzing information on companies in the US sports-betting ecosystem to build a database of startups in the industry.
Of course, it's much more challenging to be a startup today than it was even six months ago.
Venture capitalists are getting more cautious as public-market valuations plummet and inflation rises. Layoffs have also started to spread across early-stage tech and media companies, from the creator startup Cameo to the media brand Wave Sports + Entertainment.
In sports betting, it's getting harder for startups with unproven founders and high burn rates to raise money, and valuations are being recalibrated, two industry investors told Insider.
That said, the public online-gambling companies like DraftKings and Penn National Gaming have not yet been as impacted by inflation as other businesses, like tech and media companies, that rely heavily on advertising. And investors haven't shaken their longterm prospects for the industry, as sports betting continues to expand into more states and reach new audiences.
"Gambling startups are definitely facing a challenging funding environment," said Chris Grove, an angel investor and cofounder and CEO of American Affiliate. "The thing that is likely helping to protect online-gambling startups from maximum pain is the fact that the broader industry still has a very clear growth trajectory, and frankly has very clear sets of needs and wants that are unlikely to be fulfilled by the current roster of operators and suppliers."
The result is outsized demand for the hottest startups on the scene, to the point where founders are rethinking the size of their funding rounds and the amount of ownership control they're willing to give up. Others are trying to raise as much money as they can to give themselves a buffer amid the economic uncertainty.
"It's a very had time to raise money as an inexperienced founder without traction and some semblance of product market fit," said Lloyd Danzig of Sharp Alpha Advisors, which invests in early-stage sports betting companies. "But it is a great time if you are a profitable, cash-flow-producing company with great investors on board that are enthusiastic about your management team."
Some investment firms are funneling even more resources into their portfolio companies. The Toronto-based firm Cardinal Sports Capital partnered in April with New York's Hot Paper Lantern Digital Sports on a $100 million accelerator program designed to help startups make the connections needed to raise more capital and build their brands, marketing strategies, and more.
The startup landscape surrounding sports betting is vast. Insider organized its database in six categories including:
We received recommendations for dozens of startups to consider from angel investors, venture capitalists, industry consultants, and other experts. Many of the companies provided Insider with details on their businesses, such as total funding raised, key investors, and number of employees. And Pitchbook shared with Insider a list of startups in the US online-gambling and sports-betting space that had raised the most venture capital money through the end of 2021.
Insider winnowed the database down to about 50 companies that had raised at least $1 million and demonstrated a focus on the US sports-betting landscape. We strove to include a range of businesses, including various sports betting, fantasy sports, and online gaming platforms; the picks-and-shovel data, tech, and other suppliers; and other businesses working closely with the industry such as media brands and affiliate partners.
The information in the database was largely provided by the companies, and checked against Pitchbook and media reports. The handful of estimates in the database were derived from Pitchbook.
Note: Insider will update this database periodically. Email arodriguez@insider.com to submit updated information.
Go here to see the original:
US Sports Betting Startups: 55 of the Biggest Innovators - Business Insider
- James King: the missed cross-sell opportunity on sports betting, casino and poker - SBC Americas [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2021]
- Heisman Trophy 2021 Picks and Best Bets - Sports Betting Dime [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2021]
- Puck Set to Drop on Single-Event Sports Betting in Canada - JD Supra [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2021]
- Ohio General Assembly set to take on sports betting as opponents sound off - WDTN.com [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2021]
- Digital Promotions, Partnerships with Sports Channels to Offer Growth Opportunities in Internet Sports Betting Market, Says TMR - PRNewswire [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2021]
- Deadwood Casinos Partner with BetMGM for Retail and Mobile Sports... - Casino.Org News [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2021]
- Stories behind 10 of the biggest longshot wins in sports betting history - Gwinnettdailypost.com [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2021]
- North Carolina Sports Betting Bill Passed by Senate - The Action Network [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2021]
- The Week in Review: Sports Betting May Not Be the Enemy After All - Thoroughbred Daily News [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2021]
- Wisconsin Compact Approved, Sports Betting on Tribal Lands - World Sports Network [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2021]
- Wisconsin Sports Betting To Roll Out In November - Legal Sports Betting [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2021]
- Everything You Need to Know About Online Sports Betting in Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania News Today [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2021]
- Betting on your favorite team could happen soon in Louisiana - WWLTV.com [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2021]
- Stories behind 10 of the biggest longshot wins in sports betting history - Grand Island Independent [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2021]
- Connecticut's Sports Betting Competition Is Heating Up - GamblingNews.com [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2021]
- Connecticut lottery, tribes poised for three-way sports betting competition - theday.com [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2021]
- Everything You Need To Know About Maryland Sports Betting | Eye On Annapolis - Eye On Annapolis [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2021]
- Chinook Winds In Oregon Celebrates Two Years Of Sports Betting - Legal Sports Betting [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Canada Could Grow into $2 Billion-a-Year Sports Betting Market, According to White Paper from PlayCanada - PRNewswire [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- DC Sports Betting Report On GambetDC Delayed Again - Legal Sports Report [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- How to Choose the Right Sports Betting Platform? - Sprout Wired [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Have app, will gamble: Arizona online sports betting sites open registration Saturday - Cronkite News [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Sports Betting Strategy - Strategies Professional Bettors Use [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Sports Betting: Odds, Sites, News + More | SportsBettingDime.com [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Sports betting - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Arizona Sports Betting: Launch Dates and Updates (August 2021) [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Bet Online Sports Betting at BetUS Sportsbook, Live Betting ... [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Sportsbook - Twin River Casino Hotel [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Best Online Sports Betting Site 2021 - #1 Top Sportsbook [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Sports Betting States - US States With Legal Sports Betting [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Best 5 Online Sports Betting Sites 2021 - Top Rated Sportsbooks [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2021]
- Legal sports betting in Arizona: 3 futures bets you can place on the Suns, Sun Devils and Cardinals - The Athletic [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2021]
- Sports Betting Operators To Spend Up To $1 Billion On Football Ads - Front Office Sports [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2021]
- Gambling wave coming to NFL TV screens, but in moderation - Associated Press [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2021]
- What I learned from visiting states that have sports betting up and running - The Boston Globe [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2021]
- Revenue from legalized sports betting in DC produces more bust than boom - WTOP [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2021]
- Here's an overview and guide to sports betting as it becomes legal in Arizona - The Arizona Republic [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2021]
- Half of US offers legal sports betting as NFL season begins - Associated Press [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2021]
- Illinois Sports Betting Slides To Low Point In July Revenue Report - Legal Sports Report [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Florida sports betting clears hurdles and faces others - Floridanewstimes.com [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- NJ Regulator Lays Down The Law With Sports Betting Operators About Their Advertising - NJ Online Gambling [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Arizona Online Sports Betting Promos for Giants vs. WFT: Collect $600+ on Thursday Night Football! - The Action Network [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Maryland in-person sports betting may launch in late fall, early winter - Saturday Tradition [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- How to Use Technology to Improve Your Sports Betting Game - American Football International [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Start of football seasons expected to boost state's sports betting - Meadville Tribune [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Tipico and Caesars Reach Sports Betting Deal - USBettingReport [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Rush Street Interactive Launches Innovative Hyper-Local Sports Betting "CityCasts," Around The US For Its BetRivers And PlaySugarHouse... [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Massachusetts, Ohio Still At Crossroads When It Comes To Sports Betting - Sports Handle [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Why It Matters That Facebook Is Dabbling Near Sports Betting - Legal Sports Report [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Opportunity and risk as sports betting takes off in the USA - AS English [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Lamont Says CT Sports Betting Starting Soon, But There's A Catch - Legal Sports Report [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- The Next Frontier For US Sports Betting Is Crypto And Blockchain Technology - Forbes [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Florida sports betting clears hurdles, faces others - ABC Action News [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- PointsBet Joins Austin FC as Founding Partner, Exclusive to Sports Betting Category - inForney.com [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2021]
- Come play in The Athletic's free sports betting challenge and win cool stuff! - The Athletic [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2021]
- Betting the Suns: A look at the preseason odds and best bets - Bright Side of the Sun [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2021]
- First Maryland Sports Betting License Applications Are Now Open - Legal Sports Report [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2021]
- Caesars, LSU Announce Groundbreaking Sports Betting Deal - The Action Network [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2021]
- Sports betting could be available in Maryland by end of NFL season - Washington Examiner [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2021]
- Louisiana: eight casinos have applied to offer sports betting - Yogonet International [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2021]
- Sports Betting Reaches New Heights with Outer Space Bet - GamblingNews.com [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2021]
- Washington Capitals become first NHL team to sell advertising on jerseys, announce partnership with Caesars Entertainment - ESPN [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- NFL and gambling companies cash in on football season betting boom - Washington Examiner [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Reddit and Sports Betting - The African Exponent [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Is DAZN The Next Streaming Giant With Sports Betting Plans? - Legal Sports Report [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Draftkings offers $20B to buy UK sports betting firm partnered with MGM - Las Vegas Review-Journal [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Red Rock App Stadium Live in License Revocation Threat Over Improper Sports... - Casino.Org News [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Some Words Of Caution As Sports Media Shoves All In On Sports Betting - Sports Handle [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Illinois Sports Betting Revenue Experienced a Drop in July - Illinoisnewstoday.com [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Seven Sportsbooks Back Third Potential Sports Betting Act on '22 California... - Casino.Org News [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- When Is Sports Betting Heading to Maryland? - The Southern Maryland Chronicle [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Sports Betting Approval Process Offers Head Start to Established Applicants Maryland Matters - Josh Kurtz [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Sports betting raking in millions more than expected for Colorado water projects - Canon City Daily Record [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- What do + and - mean in sports betting? - RotoWire [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Louisiana Sports Betting Signed into Law; Launch & Promo ... [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Mobile Mississippi Sports Betting Bills Fail Again - Legal ... [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Sports Betting | R25 Sign Up Bet | DATAFREE | Betway [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Is Sports Betting Legal in the USA? All States Covered With ... [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- Wanna bet? Here's where all 50 states stand on ... - CBS Sports [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]
- VSIN The Sports Betting Network | VSiN [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2021] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2021]