BetHog has successfully raised $10 million in a Series A funding round and introduced Sentient Studios, a new B2B platform designed to provide AI-driven live dealers for online casinos. CEO Nigel Eccles announced that their AI technology is already surpassing traditional live dealers in terms of player engagement.
The funding was co-led by Will Ventures and RockawayX, with contributions from PCV, 6MV, Bullpen Capital, and Advancit Capital, bringing BetHog's total funding to $16 million.
Eccles, who is also a co-founder of FanDuel, stated, “After testing our basic AI dealer for six months, we found it to be ten times more appealing than live dealers, resulting in improved player retention and satisfaction.”
Currently, the AI dealer technology is exclusive to BetHog’s platform, but Eccles mentioned that discussions with other operators are already underway. The Sentient Studios platform aims to overcome limitations of the existing live-dealer model, which often relies on third-party providers.
BetHog highlighted that the current system restricts flexibility in capacity, localization, and product differentiation. In contrast, Sentient Studios allows operators to dynamically adjust table availability and support multiple languages, enabling real-time customization of dealer experiences.
Eccles emphasized that AI dealers could alleviate concerns for users who may feel intimidated by human dealers. “Our V1 AI dealer has shown that players are ten times more inclined to engage with it compared to human dealers, as it is perceived as more welcoming,” he explained.
He further criticized the human dealer model, noting that many live dealers are hired at minimum wage, often working late hours and communicating in non-native languages. This situation leads to a lack of engagement, with many streams being monotonous and robotic. In contrast, AI can provide a more engaging experience, remembering players and maintaining energy without fatigue.
BetHog's AI blackjack dealer, named “Sunny,” was launched in October 2025 and is currently available in twelve languages. The company plans to expand its offerings to include baccarat and roulette later this year. Sentient Studios will operate on a revenue-sharing model, eliminating setup fees.