Thursday, July 16, 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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jerry Colangelo sits courtside as the GCU Lopes play the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Mortgage Matchup Center on Dec. 6, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.
First at FOS

Las Vegas Jacks Have Been in the Works for Over a Year

The group paid $2,200 in fees to apply for the two trademarks.
Former NFL Coache Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Can Jon Gruden Reinvent Himself on Play-by-Play?

Gruden will reportedly call a Buccaneers’ preseason game next month.

MLB’s Stretch Run Will Be Defined By Labor, Stadiums, and Stars

The trade deadline and contending low-budget teams also loom large. 
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation With USWNT Alumni Julie Ertz & Kealia Watt

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
July 14, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; France's Kylian Mbappe looks dejected after the match as France are eliminated from the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

France’s World Cup Loss a Big Win for Sportsbooks

France was the biggest World Cup liability for several sportsbooks.
Sponsored

Europe Hits Highs and Lows in Thrilling World Cup

Europe has dominated the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but shocking upsets have reshaped the tournament. See the key trends, odds, and semifinal storylines.
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) bats against Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
July 13, 2026

Bryce Harper Says FanDuel Used His Video Without Consent

“What happened here went beyond anything I knew about or approved.”
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Jun 29, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) watches his home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park.
July 10, 2026

How Bryce Harper Ended Up Making Video for FanDuel Whale

Harper didn’t know how the video would be used, sources tell FOS.
FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen outside of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 30, 2020.
July 1, 2026

Novig Founder Isn’t Worried About Kalshi, Polymarket’s Head Start

The Novig CEO says prediction markets are a better product than traditional sportsbooks.
June 30, 2026

Jordan Spieth Says Betting Is Changing Golf—and Could Affect Outcomes

The golfer suggested U.S. Open fans were betting against Wyndham Clark.
June 29, 2026

Malik Beasley Latest NBA Player Indicted in Federal Gambling Probe

Beasley coordinated with Ed Davis to fix games, according to the indictment.