BetHog has closed a $10m Series A funding round and announced the launch of Sentient Studios, a new B2B venture designed to give online casino operators access to AI-powered live dealer technology.
The round was co-led by Will Ventures and RockawayX, with additional participation from PCV, 6MV, Bullpen Capital and Advancit Capital, bringing the company's total funding to $16m.
Sentient Studios positions itself as a software-driven alternative to traditional live dealer supply models. Rather than relying on third-party studios for table staffing, operators using the platform can scale table availability dynamically, support multiple languages and build customized dealer personas and branded environments – all without fixed-term contracts or setup fees. The platform operates on a pure revenue-share model.
Commenting on the launch, Nigel Eccles, CEO and Co-Founder of BetHog, stated: “We’ve tested our basic AI dealer over the past 6 months and have discovered that it is 10X more popular than its live dealer equivalent. In addition, we’ve seen better retention and player satisfaction.
“With Sentient Labs, we’re excited to bring this product to other online casinos where operators can launch and scale their own dealer experiences instantly, operate continuously, and create more personalized interactions for players.”
The company plans to expand its AI dealer offering to include Baccarat and Roulette later this year.
In a recent interview on the Huddle, Eccles discussed the broader implications of AI dealer technology, touching on questions of player trust, adaptability and the potential impact of prediction markets on traditional betting models – themes that now sit firmly in the foreground as the company moves to scale its technology across the wider industry.
The announcement also adds to a period of notable activity in the live casino space more generally. Earlier this year, the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas launched Vegas Live Casino Network, a streaming channel broadcasting live dealer games from its casino floor seven days a week.
BetHog’s AI dealer “Sunny” is currently available in 12 languages and is among the most-played games on the company’s platform
