Underdog Fantasy appoints John Pauley as VP of Government Affairs & Partnerships

June 21, 2024
By
Leer en Español

The new hire joins from a similar role with PrizePicks.

John Pauley has announced via a post on his LinkedIn that he has taken up the role of VP of Government Affairs & Partnerships at daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator Underdog Fantasy. 

Pauley joins Underdog from fellow DFS operator PrizePicks, where he was the VP of Government Affairs for about one year and six months. 

Highlighting his recent experience in the industry, prior to his time at PrizePicks, Pauley was the Government Affairs Manager at Sportradar. 

Underdog’s latest appointment emphasized that, by starting this new role, he will be able to continue working with the Coalition for Fantasy Sports, which is made up of members from DFS companies working to support the industry and encourage best practices. 

Pauley said in his post: “The Underdog brand has become synonymous with modern-day fantasy sports and the new generation of fans. That’s why I’m incredibly excited to share that my next professional chapter will be with the Underdog Fantasy community as VP of Government Affairs & Partnerships. 

“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity I had to work with the PrizePicks team, including the visionaries behind their products Jay Deuskar and Dylan Cooper. And I have no doubt that PrizePicks is in great hands with its government affairs leaders Shane R. Saum, Ron Heart, and Stuart Wilkinson. Keep your foot on the gas, fellas. 

“Finally, joining Underdog allows me to continue working with the Coalition for Fantasy Sports. The US gaming industry is rapidly evolving and has a long list of policy initiatives that must be addressed. Paving the way for increasing competition, growth, and responsible gaming in the DFS sector is more important than ever. Let’s get to work!” 

In related news, PrizePicks has secured a marketing partnership with State Farm Arena to “expand the presence of PrizePick’s commitment to its hometown.”

Earlier this month, Underdog secured a deal with the United Football League (UFL) to represent the league as its fantasy sports partner beginning with the UFL Championship on June 16. 

State-by-State

Company Spotlight

Bragg Gaming

Bragg Gaming Group is a global content-driven iGaming technology provider, serving online and land-based gaming operators with its proprietary and exclusive content and cutting-edge technology.
Virtual Showroom

Supplier

Supplier

Supplier

Supplier

Land-Based

Supplier

Industry Awards

Supplier

Supplier

Supplier

GA Newsletter

Exclusive news, analysis, insights, and interviews delivered straight to your inbox

Kiko Augusto - From fantasy sports to sports betting in Brazil

Rei do Pitaco CEO Kiko Augusto joins the (on-this-occasion-injured) Gaming America Editor, Tim Poole, for a Huddle to talk all things Brazil!

Rickard Vikström: How 2025 is shaping up for US iGaming

Internet Vikings CEO & Founder Rickard Vikström joins Gaming America to discuss the US online landscape in 2025.


Another year approaches its end, as 2024 slowly becomes our past, 2025 the present and a wave of opportunity defines gaming's future. There is an air of change as the regulated gaming world looks to welcome a new entra...

8-10-From-the-top
From the top: Reflecting on the past and looking to the future of land-based casinos
Gaming America reviews the closures of the Mirage Hotel and Casino, as well as the Tropicana, but also keeps an eye on the future with Durango Casino and Resort GM David Horn.
36-41-Oliver-Lovat
Cover Feature: Exploring what might be next for land-based casinos
Nothing is new. Everything is new. Oliver Lovat, regular Gaming America columnist and resident Las Vegas expert, discusses what the next generation of casinos need to succeed, while also reflecting on Vegas' generational shift away from the Tropicana and Mirage.
42-43-Lefosse---Brazilian-Sports-Betting
Steadying the ship in LatAm's largest market
After regulatory limbo, sports betting in Brazil is moving towards legal certainty – by Eduardo Carvalhaes, partner in Public Law and Regulation at Lefosse, and Karen Coutinho, counsel in Public Law and Regulation at Lefosse.
44-45-Lazarus-Legal
Brazilian opportunity: The future of LatAm
Edwin Monzon, Managing Partner of Lazarus Legal, speaks to Gaming America about Brazil's upcoming iGaming and online sports betting regulation, assessing both the prospects and challenges involved.

Sweepstakes were the talk of G2E 2024 and are generating plenty of headlines as we enter 2025. It is a fascinating vertical – and indeed whether it should even be seen as a legal vertical at all is in question. The Am...

8-10-From-the-Top
Countdown to launch: Just in time
In this edition of From The Top, Caesars New Orleans SVP and GM Samir Mowad speaks with Kirk Geller to detail what the future holds after the property finally completed its $435m transformation.
14-15-GGA-Americas
The industry's best getting their deserved recognition
The 11th annual Global Gaming Awards Americas once again honored and rewarded the gaming industry's strongest performers throughout the prior 12 months during G2E in Las Vegas.
16-18-G2E-Review
G2E 2024: Discussing the future of US iGaming
A deep dive into the lively debate: Gaming America's Laura Mack examines the objections to US iGaming expansion and the mythbusters offered as a rebuttal at G2E. Surely, it is inevitable in the long run?
20-21-year-review
G2E 2024: A year in review
Gaming America sits down with Pro League Network's (PLN) Mike Salvaris at The Venetian during G2E, to sum up the year and give us the inside scoop of what sports betting has in store for 2025.