Odditt banks investment for deeper sports data

The news: Odditt, a sports data and analytics startup co-founded by DraftKings alum Elaine Milardo and Matt Bresler, has closed a strategic funding round and added a high-profile advisor. The round was led by Four Okes Digital (FOD) with participation from gaming veterans Chris Kape, Ron Segev, and Alon Segev. Former DraftKings executive Dan Malone is joining as a strategic advisor to guide Odditt’s go-to-market plans.

Zoom in: Odditt is building what it calls “next-generation sports data”—feeds that combine proprietary collection methods with contextual layers like venue dynamics, player traits, and coaching styles. The company aggregates statistics across more than 115 leagues in 45+ countries, aiming to serve both enterprise clients and, soon, its own direct-to-consumer app. FOD cited Odditt’s clarity of vision and product instincts as a key driver of its investment, noting its alignment with “smarter, faster, and more scalable” sports tech.

Why it matters: The sports data race is heating up again. While established players dominate distribution, startups like Odditt are innovating around data depth, narrative utility, and predictive frameworks—particularly for new formats, content layers, and AI integration. With backing from seasoned operators and a team of product-first founders, Odditt is positioning itself as a challenger brand with real teeth.

How TinyRex co-founder is tapping into learnings from EA, BlueBat to design better casino games

The news: TinyRex Games co-founder Kenny Huang thinks there’s real room for innovation in iGaming, and told BettingStartups how his company is aiming to bring more originality and entertainment value to the space. With past stops at Electronic Arts (where he worked on franchises including NHL, Madden, and FIFA) and BlueBat Games (acquired by Greentube in 2015), Huang is now betting on crash games and interactive formats to reshape the category.

Zoom in: TinyRex is focused on next-gen instant games that borrow more from arcade and mobile games than traditional casino slots. “It’s not just about slots anymore,” Huand said. While many games still offer passive, one-click experiences, he noted that crash-style games give players agency—adding suspense, decision-making, and even FOMO to the formula. That bet seems well-placed, with Eilers & Krejcik Gaming estimated U.S. crash games will generate $400M in GGR this year. Huang says TinyRex is leaning in.

Why it matters: As real-money gaming looks for fresh ideas, TinyRex is drawing from video games and social mechanics to build something different. The studio’s process—part market research, part improvisation, and part nostalgia—is already delivering results, with a growing catalog of 12 games and distribution through aggregators and direct partnerships. AI plays a supporting role too, helping during early-stage ideation and marketing asset creation, but Huang says the final product is still handcrafted with a company motto to “create endlessly.”

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Sponsored by SBC

The news: First Pitch is back this September (16-18) at SBC Summit 2025 in Lisbon, giving real-money gaming startups a chance to pitch live to industry leaders and investors for a prize package worth over $100,000.

Why it matters: First Pitch is where startups find out if their idea really holds up—or get a wake-up call to tighten up the story and roadmap. Whether you're looking for validation, visibility, or just want to test your idea in front of the right crowd, First Pitch is your stage. Applications close on July 25 – apply now!

Random State secures fresh funding for continued innovation in digital lottery segment

The news: Swedish iLottery and iBingo platform Random State has secured a strategic investment co-led by FDJ UNITED Ventures and ZEAL Network SE. The funding will support the company’s expansion efforts and accelerate the development of new lottery and bingo formats, reinforcing its push to modernize the traditional lottery experience.

Zoom in: Random State builds digital instant lottery and multiplayer bingo games characterized by creative design, flexible formats, and a player-first approach. Its platform already powers titles for clients including Delta Bingo Online and Miljonlotteriet. The backing from FDJ UNITED and ZEAL—two of Europe’s largest and most respected lottery operators—signals strong institutional confidence in Random State’s vision and execution. Co-founder Adam Fonsica added that the investment is a “vote of confidence” in the way his team thinks about lottery entertainment.

Why it matters: While the broader online gambling market continues to evolve rapidly, the lottery category has seen relatively limited innovation. Random State is among a new crop of startups rethinking what lottery and bingo can look like—bringing interactive design, gamified mechanics, and mobile-native UX to legacy formats. With the support of two powerhouse operators and a proven platform, Random State is well-positioned to shape further iLottery innovation.

News, money, and alpha

• From iGB Live, CoinGeek surveyed investors to find out how startups can stand out during a hype cycle.

• Polymarket says it’ll be returning to the U.S. market soon after a $112M deal.

• BetHog, the crypto-first operator from FanDuel co-founder Nigel Eccles, has released a major upgrade to its sportsbook.

From the studio

Catch up on the latest episodes of The BettingStartups Podcast.

• Bringing innovation to instant games w/ Kenny Huang from TinyRex Games

• Productizing first-party sports data w/ Richard Acosta from VOR Interactive

• Turning winning models into a startup w/ Ben Howard from EdgeSports

You’ve made it to the end of the newsletter—seems like you should probably subscribe if you haven’t already.

Are you a startup in real-money gaming looking to announce a new product launch, partnership, or funding round? Get it on our radar! Email: [email protected]