BetHog raises $10M, launches AI live-dealer platform

BetHog, a crypto casino and sportsbook, announced a $10 million Series A round and the launch of Sentient Studios, a business-to-business platform that supplies AI-powered live dealers to online casino operators. The round was co-led by Will Ventures and RockawayX, with participation from PCV, 6MV, Bullpen Capital and Advancit Capital, bringing the company’s total funding to $16 million. The company disclosed the Series A and product launch in April 2026 and said it will use the proceeds to advance its AI dealer technology and accelerate operator adoption.

Sentient Studios lets operators integrate AI live dealers into their own platforms. At launch the AI dealers are available only on BetHog’s site, though the company said it is in discussions with other operators to expand distribution. The platform supports multiple languages, lets operators increase or decrease table availability on demand and offers real-time adjustments to dealer behavior.

Nigel Eccles, BetHog’s CEO and co-founder, said tests of an early AI dealer over six months showed a tenfold increase in player uptake compared with human dealers, along with higher retention and reported player satisfaction. He added that some players find AI dealers less intimidating and are more likely to try AI-led tables than human-led ones.

BetHog introduced an AI blackjack dealer named Sunny in October 2025; Sunny is currently offered in 12 languages. The company plans to add AI dealers for baccarat and roulette later in 2026. Sentient Studios will be offered on a revenue-share basis, with no setup fees or minimum commitments to allow operators to trial the technology.

Eccles described AI as a response to limitations in the traditional studio-based live-dealer model, citing low pay, late working hours, non-native language streams, high staff turnover and restrictions on stream personality. He said AI dealers can deliver consistent performance, retain player-specific information and avoid fatigue.

BetHog presented Sentient Studios as a tool for operators to expand localized dealer offerings and scale table availability more quickly than relying solely on third-party studio capacity. The company plans to use the new funding to develop its AI capabilities and promote adoption among global operators.