Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association Spotlight

The FSGA
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  • FANTASY SPORTS

The Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA) Spotlight brings you face-to-face with the trailblazers and thought leaders shaping the future of the fantasy sports and gaming industries. We explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities, featuring conversations with the innovators and successful entrepreneurs who are making waves and setting new standards. From regulatory hurdles and technological advancements to the strategies for community engagement and customer acquisition, our podcast delves into the stories behind the big ideas and industry transformations that matter most. Tune in for expert insights and actionable takeaways from the people at the forefront of this rapidly evolving space.

Episodes

  1. DEC 10

    Building the Future of Fantasy Sports: Women Founders, On-Air Talent & New Tech

    Welcome back to the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association Spotlight - your inside look at the leaders shaping fantasy sports, sports betting, gaming tech, and fan engagement. In this episode, Lauren Jump (RotoWire) sits down with three powerhouse women in fantasy sports and gaming innovation: Kamini Manivannan — Founder of Laces Sports, a fantasy app focused on education, simplified gameplay, and loyalty rewards Chelsie Cooper — Founder & CEO of Approvely, a payments platform built for the online gaming industry Claudia Bellofatto — On-Air Analyst & Host with CBS Sports, covering fantasy, betting, NBA, NHL, UFC, MLB, WNBA & more Together they discuss reinventing the fantasy onboarding experience, payments infrastructure for gaming platforms, the freelance on-air life, and the importance of getting more women involved across the industry. They also dive into funding challenges for female founders, the evolving landscape of women in sports media, and even talk about starting an all-women FSGA fantasy league. What you’ll hear: - How Laces Sports simplifies fantasy and teaches new players step-by-step - Approvely’s work building instant deposits and stablecoin infrastructure for operators - Claudia’s path as on-air talent and covering more women’s sports nationally - Real talk about investor dynamics, building networks, and women supporting women in gaming - A celebration of women founders, creators, and trailblazers changing the game If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the innovators shaping the future of fantasy sports and gaming. Want highlights or short clips from this episode? Drop a comment below telling us what you want to see next!

    15 min

  2. NOV 11

    Coopetition Over Competition: Why This Industry Actually Cares

    In this episode of the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association Spotlight, host Brett Lanier sits down with Justin Schoenfelder for a refreshingly honest conversation about what makes the fantasy sports and gaming industry truly different. Justin introduces us to the concept of "coopetition" - a perfect word that captures the unique blend of competition and cooperation that defines the FSGA community. Unlike other conferences where interactions feel purely transactional, the FSGA is a place where people genuinely ask "hey man, how's the family?" and actually care about the answer. Throughout their conversation, Justin shares how the supportive nature of this community has been invaluable throughout the years, why being helpful is the smartest business strategy in a small industry, and how passion - not just profit - drives people to build companies in this space. It's a reminder that in an industry where your reputation travels fast, the relationships you build matter just as much as the business you do. Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran or just starting out, this episode will remind you why the fantasy sports and gaming community is special - and why that matters for your success. Links: Learn more about the FSGA: https://thefsga.org/ Check out Approvely: https://www.approvely.com/ Check out Fantasy Elect: https://fantasyelect.io/

    23 min

  3. OCT 15

    Building Real Relationships in the Fantasy Sports World

    In this episode of the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with the team from Establish The Run, one of the most respected brands in fantasy sports content. The conversation dives into how they’ve built a loyal audience, the importance of authenticity in a growing industry, and why community and real connections still matter more than ever. From early experiences in the space to the evolution of their business, this is a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in fantasy sports and gaming. 🎧 Listen for insights on: The origins and growth of Establish The Run The role of networking and community in the industry How the fantasy sports landscape continues to evolve Advice for new creators and entrepreneurs in the space Subscribe to hear more conversations with the people shaping the future of fantasy sports and gaming. https://establishtherun.com/ https://thefsga.org/ #FSGA #FantasySports #EstablishTheRun #SportsBusiness #GamingIndustry #Podcast

    14 min

  4. SEP 16

    The Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association Effect: How It Helped RotoWire Build Toward Their New App & Website Launch

    At the FSGA Summer Conference, RotoWire unveiled something big! They officially launched their brand-new website and introduced the all-new RotoWire Fantasy Football app — the next evolution in their 27-year journey in fantasy sports. In this episode, RotoWire shares how the FSGA has been instrumental in their success, from building key partnerships with ESPN, Yahoo, and 80+ clients to protecting the industry through advocacy and collaboration. Topics include: - The debut of the new RotoWire Fantasy Football app that now includes both drafting and in-season tools and updated website - How FSGA helped RotoWire grow from its early days in 1997 to an industry leader - The importance of community and partnerships in fantasy sports - How industry events like the FSGA Summer Conference continue to shape the game Featuring: - Peter Schoenke (RotoWire President, Co-Founder & FSGA Board Member), Ken Crites, Lauren Jump, and Shannon McKeown The FSGA has been a cornerstone of fantasy sports for decades, and RotoWire’s story shows just how vital that support has been. Visit RotoWire: https://www.rotowire.com/ Visit The FSGA: https://thefsga.org/

    13 min

  5. AUG 20

    Building Connections and Community: The Power of Networking at FSGA | Scott Fish of Scott Fish Bowl

    Join host Scott Hoyt as he sits down with Scott Fish, founder of the Scott Fish Bowl (SFB), to explore the power of networking, community, and giving back in the world of fantasy football. 🏈 In this episode, Scott Fish shares: - How connections made at FSGA conferences can turn into long-term partnerships and friendships - The story and growth of the Scott Fish Bowl, one of the most impactful fantasy football events - Personal insights from his journey building a platform that brings people together Whether you’re a fantasy football fan, an entrepreneur, or someone who loves stories about meaningful connections, this episode is packed with inspiration. 🔗 Learn more: https://scottfishbowl.com/ 🌐 FSGA Info: https://thefsga.org/ Email us: info@thefsga.org

    13 min

  6. FEB 14

    The Hidden Problem in Sports Betting No One Talks About | Approvely CEO Chelsie Cooper

    Matt Deutsch (VSiN) sits down with Chelsie Cooper, CEO & Founder of Approvely, to uncover the side of gaming and fantasy sports that nobody likes to talk about… payments. In this episode, Chelsie reveals: Why payment processing is still one of the biggest challenges in gaming & fantasy sportsThe fraud and chargeback nightmares operators face every dayHow Approvely is solving problems that Stripe, PayPal, and big processors won’t touchThe future of instant payments, fraud protection, and startup-friendly solutionsWhy innovation and customization give Approvely its biggest edge in gamingIf you’re building in fantasy sports, iGaming, or any regulated space, you need to hear this. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.approvely.com/  🌐 FSGA Info: https://thefsga.org/

    13 min

  7. FEB 14

    You Be the Coach: Predictive Playcalling Meets Real-Time NFL | Aaron Rupp

    Live from the FSGA Winter Conference at Circa Resort in Las Vegas, Trevis Waters of PlayerProps.ai sits down with Aaron Rupp, co-founder of Blue 42, an innovative NFL gaming platform where you step into the coach’s shoes. In this episode, they break down how Blue 42 blends real-time NFL tracking data with predictive strategy, creating a skill-based, second-screen (or first-screen?) experience unlike anything else in sports gaming. Aaron shares how the app works, how users score points by calling plays as they unfold, and why resetting scores every quarter makes it easy to jump in and out. They also dive into the tech behind player tracking, monetization challenges, and future expansion into NCAA, PGA, and even off-season gameplay using anonymized historical NFL data. If you're a football fan with a coach's mind—or just want a smarter way to engage with the game—this episode is a must-listen. 🔗 Learn more: Blue42Gaming.com 📱 Download on iOS: Search Blue 42 or Blue 42 Gaming in the App Store. 🌐 FSGA Info: https://thefsga.org/

    16 min

  8. FEB 14

    The DFS Game-Changer? Fantasy Spin’s Wild New ‘Spin Lineup’ Feature | Will Tighe of Fantasy Spin

    Is Fantasy Spin the next big thing in DFS? 👀 Trevis Waters (PlayerProps.ai) sits down with Will Tighe of Fantasy Spin to talk about: 🔥 How Fantasy Spin is changing daily fantasy with their spin-to-win lineup mechanic 🎯 Why it's perfect for BOTH beginners & seasoned fantasy vets 📈 Their vision for the next 12 months (and how they plan to become a household name) 🏈 The future of fantasy sports beyond football If you’re into DFS, sports betting, or just love fantasy sports innovation — this one’s a must-watch! 🔗 Learn more: https://fantasyspin.com/ 🌐 FSGA Info: https://thefsga.org/

    15 min

  9. FEB 14

    Biometrics, Gaming, and the Future of Identity | Todd Jarvis of Aware Inc.

    In this episode, Brett Lanier of Bettor Vision sits down with Todd Jarvis from Aware Inc., a global leader in biometric authentication and identity verification. With more than 30 years of experience powering security for NASA, Interpol, and the U.S. military, Aware is now bringing its trusted technology into new industries—most notably gaming. Todd shares how biometrics are transforming KYC, reducing fraud, enabling responsible gaming, and helping operators navigate complex regulations. From sweepstakes to iGaming, payments to healthcare, discover why identity verification is becoming essential for the future of digital trust. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.aware.com/ 🌐 FSGA Info: https://thefsga.org/

    16 min

  10. FEB 14

    This App Will Change How You Watch Sports Forever | Bet Caddy

    In this episode, Brett Lanier of Bettor Vision chats with Tony Ryan, CEO and co-founder of Bet Caddy, the new mobile app designed to revolutionize the sports viewing experience. Bet Caddy brings all your bets, fantasy plays, and favorite teams into one personalized dashboard — giving fans one-click access to every live game across streaming platforms like ESPN+, Peacock, League Pass, and more. Instead of juggling multiple apps and remotes, Bet Caddy makes sure you never miss the plays and moments that matter most. Tony shares the story of building Bet Caddy with his co-founder, why fragmentation in sports streaming inspired the product, and how the app is set to change how fans experience March Madness, the NBA playoffs, and beyond. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.betcaddy.tv/ 🌐 FSGA Info: https://thefsga.org/

    15 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

The Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA) Spotlight brings you face-to-face with the trailblazers and thought leaders shaping the future of the fantasy sports and gaming industries. We explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities, featuring conversations with the innovators and successful entrepreneurs who are making waves and setting new standards. From regulatory hurdles and technological advancements to the strategies for community engagement and customer acquisition, our podcast delves into the stories behind the big ideas and industry transformations that matter most. Tune in for expert insights and actionable takeaways from the people at the forefront of this rapidly evolving space.

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