• Loading stock data...
Thursday, January 29, 2026

Micro Betting Company Simplebet Raises $30M

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Former UFC executive Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul’s Anti Fund are leading a $30 million financing round in micro betting company Simplebet.

The raise brings Simplebet’s total funding to $80 million. Previous investors include Australian gambling machine manufacturer Aristocrat and tennis star Andre Agassi.

Simplebet offers in-game wagers for the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college football — with plans to add more.

  • The company announced a multiyear deal with DraftKings on Tuesday.
  • It also named MGM Resorts International head Jim Murren to its board of directors this week. 

Anti Fund launched in March and uses AngelList’s Rolling Funds platform rather than a pool of capital. Paul says the venture plans to invest “around $10 million to $20 million a year.”

The Simplebet investment is Anti Fund’s biggest yet. Paul previously cofounded TGZ Capital, a small venture fund that participated in financing rounds for 15 startups.

On Sunday, Paul will look to improve on his 3-0 record — all knockouts — by fighting mixed-martial artist and former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.

Editor’s note: DraftKings is an FOS partner.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Atlanta Braves second baseman Brandon Phillips, left, and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto, share a laugh in the first inning on June 3, 2017, at Great American Ball Park.
exclusive

NBC Lands Votto to Complete MLB Talent Triple Play

NBC is taking over Sunday Night Baseball from ESPN.
Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; NFL Commissioner is Roger Goodell walks on the field prior to a game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field.
exclusive

NFL Won’t Allow Prediction-Market Super Bowl Commercials

Prediction markets are everywhere. But they won’t be on the Super Bowl broadcast.

NBC Sports Parent Earnings Slip As Subscriber Numbers Slide

The NBC Sports parent company again touts its live-rights portfolio.

Featured Today

Tim Jenkins

How One NFL Pass Turned Into a Career on YouTube

Tim Jenkins missed the NFL. He took his football IQ to YouTube.
January 17, 2026

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
Nov 4, 2023; Santa Anita, CA, USA; Auguste Rodin (5), with jockey Ryan Moore up, wins the BREEDERS CUP TURF during the 2023 Breeders Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park.

Santa Anita Track and California in Legal War Over Betting Machines

The California DOJ seized gambling machines from Santa Anita.
Sep 26, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team USA golfer Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot from the first tee on the first day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
exclusive
January 14, 2026

Kalshi Tees Up First Athlete Deal With Bryson DeChambeau

The prediction-market platform previously made a deal with the NHL’s Blackhawks.
Nov 8, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; A detailed view of an official game ball with the NCAA logo prior to the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the East Texas A&M Lions at Reed Arena. The Aggies defeated the Lions 87-55.
January 17, 2026

‘Death, Taxes, and Chinese Basketball’: Wildest Texts in The NCAA Point-Shaving Indictment

The indictments reveal in extreme detail how the scheme was carried out.
Sponsored

From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook

Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
Prediction markets
December 31, 2025

Prediction Markets Exploded in 2025. What Comes Next?

After 2025’s prediction-markets mania, the dust may start to settle in 2026.
December 30, 2025

ESPN Employee Didn’t Violate Rules in $1 Million DraftKings Win

ESPN researcher Mackenzie Kraemer didn’t break company rules, a source told FOS.
December 30, 2025

Sportsbooks Sue to Stop Chicago’s New Licensing Requirement

DraftKings, FanDuel, and others are crying foul over last-minute budget additions.
December 30, 2025

Why Polymarket Has Avoided Legal Pushback So Far

Regulators have taken a wait-and-see approach since Polymarket’s U.S. relaunch.