May 27, 2025

Ep. 166: When a merger becomes a multiplier w/ Steve “Dakota” Happas & Sahil Patel from FantasySpin

30 minutes

Ep. 166 features Steve “Dakota” Happas and Sahil Patel from FantasySpin, a real-money DFS platform reinventing the fantasy experience through a gamified, slot-style draft mechanic. This episode was recorded on-site at SBC Summit North America 2025 in Fort Lauderdale.

Hear them discuss:

How a friendly fantasy football bet led to the founding of BettorFantasy

Steve’s journey from online poker and dating platforms to fantasy sports

Why the two companies merged to form FantasySpin and how the deal came together

How their slot-style drafting system introduces luck, skill, and replayability

Why FantasySpin rewards users even when players in their lineup don’t play

The biggest lessons from their first full NFL season post-merger

How their gameplay translates into highly engaging, video-first marketing

Why their future plans include spin-to-pick hybrid formats and arcade modes

How they’re self-funding growth while selectively exploring strategic capital

Their long-term vision to become the next billion-dollar DFS platform

Catch the video version of this episode here.

Learn more 👇

➡️ FantasySpin website

➡️ Steve Happas on Linkedin

➡️ Sahil Patel on Linkedin

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This podcast is presented by Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry. Since 2012, Optimove has served iGaming Operators from startups to industry leaders. Today, 4 out of the Top 5 US Operators Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. iGaming operators know their growth journey begins and continues with Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry.

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By BettingStartups.com

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