Simplebet

Simplebet provides B2B technology that converts live sporting events into interactive betting opportunities. Its platform employs machine learning and automation to generate real-time, short-duration micro-markets within ongoing games. This proprietary system allows sports betting operators to offer dynamic, in-play experiences continuously updated by live action, greatly enhancing user engagement.

Co-founded in 2018 by Chris Bevilacqua, Joey Levy, and Scott Marshall, Simplebet emerged from recognizing a demand for instant gratification and continuous engagement in sports betting, beyond traditional wagers. Their core insight: every moment of a sporting event presents a distinct betting opportunity, creating a more continuous and immersive fan experience.

Simplebet serves sports betting operators seeking to expand live betting portfolios for modern audiences. The company envisions redefining fan interaction through betting, fostering a future where real-time micro-events drive continuous engagement. By enabling operators to integrate dynamic in-play markets, Simplebet aims to deepen fan involvement and unlock new interactive avenues during live sports.

High-Level Overview

Simplebet is a B2B sports betting technology company founded in 2018 that builds machine learning-powered platforms to transform every moment of sporting events into betting opportunities through automated Micro-Markets—short-duration, in-play bets created and resolved in seconds or minutes.[1][2][4][6] It serves sportsbook operators, technology platforms, and sports leagues like MLB and NFL partners (e.g., FanDuel), solving the problem of limited betting engagement by enabling real-time, intuitive micro-betting that boosts fan interaction, reduces customer acquisition costs, and increases lifetime customer value.[1][4][6][7] With around 95-104 employees in New York City, Simplebet has raised over $35M, including an $11M Series B, demonstrating strong growth momentum amid U.S. sports betting legalization.[2][3][4]

Origin Story

Simplebet was co-founded in 2018 by Chris Bevilacqua, Joey Levy, and Scott Marshall in New York City, emerging from the need to innovate in sports betting amid U.S. market expansion post-PASPA repeal.[4][6] The idea stemmed from leveraging machine learning and real-time data ingestion to automate micro-markets, turning play-by-play events into instant bets rather than traditional pre-game or halftime wagers.[7] Early traction included a 2020 U.S. launch with MLB partnerships, partnerships like INTRALOT for real-money micro-markets, and infrastructure scaling via cloud migration with SmartLogic to support high-volume launches like FanDuel's NFL in-game betting.[4][6][7]

Core Differentiators

• Proprietary Micro-Markets Technology: Uses machine learning and automation for real-time bet creation and resolution on every game moment (e.g., NFL drives), unavailable in standard sportsbooks.[1][4][7]
• B2B Platform Focus: Provides data ingestion/processing infrastructure to operators, enabling seamless integration without user-facing apps, prioritizing speed and scalability.[1][7]
• User Experience Innovation: Delivers simple, intuitive betting products that enhance fan engagement during live events, differentiating from complex traditional interfaces.[1][2][3]
• Proven Partnerships and Funding: Backed by investors like FJ Labs and MLB; collaborations with FanDuel, INTRALOT expand reach in regulated markets.[4][5][6]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Simplebet rides the wave of U.S. sports betting legalization (post-2018 PASPA) and the explosion of in-play wagering, fueled by mobile tech and data analytics, capturing a slice of the $100B+ global market.[4] Timing aligns with surging demand for real-time engagement as fans consume fragmented, live sports content, amplified by AI advancements in predictive modeling.[1][7] Market forces like operator needs for retention amid competition from DraftKings/FanDuel favor Simplebet's automation, which lowers costs and unlocks granular bets leagues like NFL/MLB endorse for revenue.[4][6][7] It influences the ecosystem by pioneering micro-betting standards, partnering with incumbents to evolve from static odds to dynamic, event-driven experiences.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Simplebet is poised to dominate micro-betting as AI refines real-time predictions and global legalization (e.g., more U.S. states, international leagues) expands addressable markets. Expect deeper integrations with streaming platforms and AR/VR for immersive bets, plus Series C funding to scale beyond MLB/NFL. Regulatory tailwinds and operator consolidation will amplify its B2B moat, evolving it from disruptor to essential infrastructure in fan engagement—powering betting's shift from sidelines to every play.[1][4]