BetHog, a crypto casino and sportsbook, has raised €8.5 million ($10 million) in a Series A round co-led by Will Ventures and RockawayX, with participation from PCV, 6MV, Bullpen Capital, and Advancit Capital.
The company also announced the launch of Sentient Studios, a B2B platform that enables operators to integrate AI-powered dealers into live online casino environments.
What The Company Does
Founded in 2024 by the creators of FanDuel, BetHog operates a digital casino and sportsbook offering a range of games, including AI-powered live dealer experiences. The platform supports multiple languages and allows users to transact using a variety of cryptocurrencies.
Its latest development, Sentient Studios, is a software platform designed for casino operators to deploy AI-driven dealers within their own platforms. Unlike traditional live dealer systems, which rely on physical studios and human staff, BetHog’s approach uses AI to simulate dealer interactions and manage gameplay in real time.
This model allows operators to scale table availability dynamically, offer multilingual experiences, and customise environments without the constraints of physical infrastructure. It also supports branding and tailored user experiences through configurable dealer personas and virtual settings.
The platform operates on a revenue-share basis, removing upfront costs and long-term contractual commitments for operators adopting the system.
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Market context / industry background
Online casino platforms have traditionally relied on live dealer studios to replicate in-person gaming experiences. While effective, these setups are resource-intensive and limit scalability due to staffing, physical space, and operational constraints.
Advances in AI are enabling new approaches to digital gaming experiences, where software can replicate aspects of human interaction while offering greater flexibility and lower operating costs. This shift aligns with broader trends in entertainment and gaming, where automation and personalisation are becoming central to user engagement.
At the same time, crypto-enabled gaming platforms are expanding globally, introducing new payment models and attracting a more digitally native user base.
In parallel, improvements in real-time rendering, voice synthesis, and behavioural modelling are allowing platforms to deliver more immersive and responsive user experiences. These technologies enable dynamic interaction environments that can adapt to player preferences and usage patterns. As competition increases, operators are focusing on differentiation through user interface design, engagement mechanics, and seamless integration of new technologies. Regulatory considerations also remain a key factor, as jurisdictions continue to define frameworks for both AI-driven gaming systems and crypto-based transactions across international markets. This trend is expected to continue in coming years ahead.
Founder / investor commentary
Nigel Eccles, CEO and co-founder of BetHog, said the company has been testing its AI dealer technology over the past six months and observed significantly higher engagement compared to traditional live dealer formats.
He noted that the AI-based system has shown improvements in player retention and satisfaction, suggesting that software-driven experiences can complement or potentially replace existing live dealer models in certain contexts.
Growth plans / use of funds
The new funding will be used to expand BetHog’s AI dealer technology within its own platform and to drive adoption of Sentient Studios among external casino operators.
The company also plans to extend its AI-powered game portfolio beyond blackjack, where its virtual dealer “Sunny” is already in use, into additional formats such as baccarat and roulette.
Further investment will support platform development, international expansion, and partnerships with gaming operators seeking to integrate AI-driven experiences into their offerings.
About BetHog
BetHog is a crypto casino and sportsbook founded in 2024 by the creators of FanDuel. The platform offers a range of games, including AI-powered live dealer experiences, and supports multiple cryptocurrencies. It focuses on combining digital gaming with AI-driven features while operating across a global user base.
