The Betting Startups Podcast

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


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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



    The Canadian Gaming Summit is happening June 17–19 in Toronto! Don’t miss out — get 50% off your Full Event Pass using code BETTINGSTARTUPSVIP at checkout. Grab your ticket now: https://sbcevents.com/canadian-gaming-summit/ticket-options/

     

    📩 Get the top headlines from the industry's most promising growth-stage companies every week—totally free! Subscribe to the Betting Startups newsletter here: https://news.bettingstartups.com/

     

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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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