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does this feel like a real newsletter now or is it me?

testing out a new feng shui email format

Author

Dillon Borgida
April 03, 2025

new format alert! lemme know your thoughts. this version will be sent out every Thursday 💪 

this week’s starting 5 @ betonu:

🗣️ Dillon debrief: VIP programs have everyone’s eyes 👀
 🎤 sharp business talk: Underdog is a 🦄
 🧠 insightful insights: tips from the 🚽 - how to thrive in a remote work environment
 💼 dope jobs: climb the 🪜 plus a Mr. Beast sighting
 🐇 rabbit holes: Acquille Carr, cease & desist, Moneymaker, creator economy

👉 was this one forwarded to you from a good-lookin friend? join betonu so you don’t miss the next.

🗣️ Dillon debrief

(one weekly topic that i feel like writing a few sentences about)

this first topic is right in my wheelhouse - VIP programs.

if you’re looking for a deeper understanding of the chatter around VIP, i highly recommend reading this thorough breakdown by industry writer and analyst, Jeff Edelstein: https://www.casinoreports.com/vip-programs-other-side/

i’ve been working directly in the VIP space for over a decade. i’ve also written and spoken a lot on the subject. this is one of the first pieces on VIP programs that takes a super balanced and informative approach. great insight for anyone interested in the gambling industry.

here’s my shortened take ⬇️

  • VIP programs are not inherently predatory. most VIP’s enjoy the benefits and elevated service that they receive.

  • problem gambling is a very real issue that those working in the industry need to take very seriously.

  • i believe over regulation in this area will simply push the most at-risk individuals into the grey and black market, which is worse for those customers.

  • when it comes to discussing VIP - i do not see myself as a voice for the operators, my intention is never to “defend the books”. i see myself as a voice of truth, reason, and common sense, based on my experience both as a gambler and working in the industry.

🎤 sharp business talk

(this section will usually be a conversation with an industry professional but…)

🦄 Underdog, the company i work for, was just valued at 1.25Billy after closing a 9-figure Series C raise, so that makes the cut this week.

this is my 3rd go round working for a private Unicorn company and some experts my mommy is saying i am the good luck charm.

Underdog valued at $1.2B in first close of Series C

Spark Capital is leading Underdog’s Series C funding round, which the company says will eventually exceed $100M.

www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/03/26/underdog-valued-at-12b-in-first-close-of-series-c

🧠 insightful insights 

(sometimes these will be sports gambling industry insights, sometimes just business thoughts that pop into my brain like this one…)

here are some ways to stand out in a remote corporate environment in 2025:

  • when there’s a leaderboard, be first 🏆

  • create artifacts and document your work, or you’re invisible 📓

  • show some personality on Slack, when in doubt press send 😎

  • when writing emails or longer DM’s, spacing is your friend ⬜

  • give credit to your co-workers and shout out your team members 🗣️

💼 dope jobs

(sports gambling industry jobs or jobs that i think you the reader would find awesome)

🐾 foot-in-the-door roles

👴 cool unique roles for grizzled vets

🐇 rabbit holes

(fascinating articles and videos - some industry specific, some not)

🏀 reply if there’s a topic you’d like to see covered or just want to chop it up

we appreciate you letting us swish into your inbox today like Anthony Morrow…

- Dillon & Jeremy (Team betonu)