In the fast-paced world of sports betting, Tomash Devenishek is pioneering a new frontier. As the founder and CEO of Kero Sports, he’s revolutionizing how fans engage with live sports through innovative micro-betting technology.
Devenishek’s journey to the forefront of sports tech is as diverse as his product offerings. Born in Russia, raised in Israel, and having immigrated to Canada at age 16, he embodies the global perspective that now drives Kero Sports’ expansion. His professional background as a CTO and product director for large-scale social entertainment companies laid the foundation for his current venture.
Devenishek noticed that most of the time when he was watching sports, he was at home, and that just betting on the outcome of the game didn’t provide the fun he was looking for.
“I asked myself the questions, ‘What would happen if sports betting were to follow the general trends of the digital world? If traditional sportsbooks are the first generation, then what is the second-generation product?’”
Pursuing an answer led to the creation of Kero Sports in 2020, just weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. What could have been a setback became an opportunity as the sports world’s sudden pause created a hunger for new digital engagement solutions.
Micro-Betting: As Effortless as Scrolling Through Social Media
Kero Sports’ flagship product is an algorithmically curated in-game micro-betting engine. It ingests real-time play-by-play data and extrapolates meaningful, exciting betting opportunities for fans. Unlike traditional sports betting, which often requires detailed knowledge and effort, Kero’s approach aims to make wagering as effortless and engaging as scrolling through social media.
“If Steph Curry just hit four three-pointers in a row, will he score the fifth? That’s top of mind when you see him score the fourth,” Devenishek illustrates. This contextual, story-telling approach to betting sets Kero apart in a crowded market.
The company’s growth has been as rapid as the bets it facilitates. Beginning as a self-funded startup focused purely on fan engagement through free-to-play mechanics, Kero has expanded to partnerships with major sports teams across the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL. Its technology now powers in-game micro-betting experiences for users of the official mobile apps of the Chicago Bulls, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and dozens of other pro teams.
Betting for the Next Generation
Looking ahead, Devenishek is bullish on micro-betting’s potential within the real-money gaming vertical. “Today’s sports betting products will be rejected by the next generation,” he predicts, emphasizing the need for more accessible, entertainment-focused offerings. Kero Sports is expanding beyond North American sports into soccer, cricket, F1, golf and tennis, aiming to capture a global audience through recently announced partnerships with international heavyweight sports betting brands such as Novibet and Altenar.
Early metrics indicate that Kero’s real-money micro-betting product now accounts for 5 percent of the in-play betting volume in games where the technology is available.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Devenishek offers hard-earned wisdom, stating, “Your personal life and your work life have to blend together in order to enjoy the journey you’re on.” He stresses the importance of hiring smart people and maintaining conviction in one’s vision while honestly assessing progress.
As Kero Sports launches in multiple jurisdictions around the world, Devenishek’s journey serves as a testament to the power of innovation in transforming traditional industries. By merging the thrill of sports with the engagement of social media, he’s not just predicting the future of sports betting—he’s actively shaping it.
—Jack Goodin
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