Who is Jake Paul?
Jake Paul is best known as a YouTuber and professional boxer, but since 2022 he has also been active in the U.S. gambling market. As co-founder of Betr, a mobile-first micro-betting platform, Paul is directly involved in one of the more unconventional ventures in the U.S. sports betting sector.
Who is Jake Paul?
Jake Paul is an American media personality, boxer, and entrepreneur. He first gained recognition on the now-defunct Vine platform, where he posted short-form videos. He later built a massive following on YouTube, known for his entertainment content, stunts, and self-promotion.
In the 2020s, Paul transitioned to professional boxing, competing in high-profile matches against former MMA fighters and celebrities, including Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and Mike Tyson.
Paul has also engaged in various business ventures, some of which have drawn regulatory scrutiny. In 2023, he settled charges with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to the undisclosed promotion of cryptocurrency assets.
What is Betr?
Betr is a mobile-first sports betting platform co-founded by Jake Paul and Joey Levy. The company launched in 2022, aiming to popularize “micro-betting”—wagers on individual moments during live sporting events, such as whether the next pitch will be a strike or the next football play will gain yardage.
Betr initially launched as a free-to-play app featuring original sports content. In early 2023, it began real-money betting operations in Ohio and later expanded to Massachusetts. As of June 2025, Betr is preparing to launch in additional states.
In addition to its sportsbook, Betr has launched Betr Picks, a pick’em-style fantasy game built around player performance predictions, positioning the company to compete in both sportsbook and fantasy verticals. Betr Picks is available in a broader range of jurisdictions under daily fantasy sports (DFS) rules.
Unlike traditional sportsbooks, Betr offers a simplified, mobile-focused interface and rapid betting loops, targeting users who may be new to sports betting.
The Jake Paul Effect
Jake Paul is a co-founder, investor, and public face of Betr. He uses his significant online reach to promote the brand and has appeared at public licensing hearings to support the company’s entry into regulated markets.
While Paul is instrumental in marketing and public relations, the company’s technical development and regulatory compliance are led by CEO Joey Levy, who previously co-founded Simplebet, a B2B provider of micro-betting infrastructure.
Funding and Expansion
Since its launch, Betr has raised at least $85 million in disclosed funding, including a $50 million Series A round in 2022 and a $35 million Series A2 round in 2023. The company’s last publicly reported valuation was approximately $300 million as of June 2023.
Betr’s strategy focuses on acquiring users through media exposure, product simplicity, and early entry into legal U.S. betting markets.
Is Micro-Betting Risky?
Micro-betting involves high-frequency wagering, allowing users to place dozens of bets during a single match with minimal downtime. This appeals to mobile users seeking instant feedback but has raised concerns among responsible gambling advocates, who argue the format may encourage compulsive behavior, especially among younger users.
Because the product mimics social media app design and pacing, there is increased pressure on operators like Betr to implement effective player protection tools. Betr has publicly committed to promoting responsible gambling.
Betr differentiates itself from offshore or crypto-based platforms by fully complying with U.S. legal frameworks. This includes mandatory identity verification, geolocation, and adherence to state-specific betting rules.