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Hawthorne goes live with new concept in pari-mutuel virtual racing products
Hawthorne Race Course in Chicago has created a brand new revenue stream using a world first in regulated virtual racing wagering enabled technology solutions.
The track has partnered with pioneering software developers Virtual Software who used state of the art technology to create the first virtual version of the track ever produced. Marketed as Virtual Live Racing products, the software firm’s CGI experts have won BAFTA and Royal Television Society awards, and received Emmy nominations, for their work in the movie and TV industries before working with VLR. Using their world class special effects skills, and the latest CGI technology, they now create fully rendered replicas of leading US race tracks with stunning graphics, realistic race commentary, and virtual races based on results from race data at each track. While legacy virtual racing products are based on RNG (Random Number Generator), Virtual Live Racing’s products are a huge leap forward and a first in the USA and internationally because races are based on anonymised and encrypted data from real-life thoroughbred, harness and greyhound races.
John Walsh, Assistant General Manager at Hawthorne, said: “We are excited to offer our Hawthorne data and brand to be included with this innovative new pari-mutuel wagering product line. Racing fans across North America will be able to wager Hawthorne Virtual as it is available to all tote systems in the US via distribution through AmTote International’s Spectrum wagering system which enables us to create a brand new risk-free revenue stream.”
VLR’s Chairman is Vincent Caldwell, an online betting pioneer and former licensed ADW operator. He said: “Hawthorne is our fourth product to go live in the US. It follows Derby Lane, Tampa Bay Downs and Palm Beach Kennel Club in Florida, and we have two more tracks that are currently undergoing testing before being launched later this month. Our Virtual Live Racing product offers a no cost, risk free, revenue stream opportunity to racetracks all over the world. Racing is going through a tough time and tracks should embrace new products which can offer them income, and promote their tracks to a global audience.”
Joey D Michaels is VLR’s Business Development Consultant for the US and is responsible for building relationships with track owners and online Account Deposit Wagering (ADW) betting operators to drive expansion into tracks, casinos, and off-track betting outlet. Click here to watch a VLR demo which shows virtual thoroughbred racing at Hawthorne Race Course.
In response to the recent and devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul, which have displaced over 100,000 people and severely affected 70% of the state’s municipalities, Betmotion, through its Corporate Social Responsibility project, BetSocial, is mobilising efforts to assist the victims of this catastrophe.
BetSocial has launched an initiative to support the actions of the NGOs Ação da Cidadania and CUFA, which are leading the charge in providing immediate aid to the impacted communities. At this critical moment, BetSocial is reinforcing the call for everyone to unite in solidarity and make donations that will be crucial for reconstructing affected lives.
“The tragedy that has struck Rio Grande do Sul requires a swift and coordinated response. At Betmotion, we believe in the power of solidarity and in our community’s ability to make a difference in times of need,” states Bianca Passos, founding member of BetSocial. “Every contribution, no matter how small, has a significant impact on the lives of those facing such difficult days.”
To facilitate donations, BetSocial has provided information on how to make contributions via PIX to the two partner organisations:
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Ação da Cidadania: [email protected]
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CUFA: [email protected]
Betmotion and BetSocial thank you in advance for your support and solidarity. They reiterate their commitment to work to alleviate the hardships faced by this catastrophe’s victims and continue promoting significant social impact actions.
NBC Sports will continue to present the Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock through 2032, as Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) and NBC Sports announced a multi-year extension of their partnership.
The extension of the NBC Sports-Churchill Downs relationship – which began with the 2001 “Run for the Roses” – will make NBC the longest running home of the Kentucky Derby, as NBCUniversal will become the first media company to present the most prestigious event in horse racing for three decades (32 editions of the Kentucky Derby from 2001-32).
“As we celebrate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs is proud to extend the relationship with NBC Sports. As our media partner for the last 23 years, NBC has artfully captured the most exciting two minutes in sports and the spectacle of the senses that surrounds it,” said Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen.
“Telling the rich stories surrounding the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May is part of the fabric of NBC Sports, and we are thrilled to continue that tradition with Churchill Downs. We look forward to surrounding the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby with wall-to-wall coverage and extensive promotion on the platforms of NBCUniversal,” said Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports.
The extension includes multiplatform rights to the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Derby and Oaks Day programming, which will be presented on NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and additional NBCU platforms.
SCCG Management announced a strategic partnership with Globe Gaming Limited, aiming to significantly extend its global reach with a focus on the European market. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in SCCG’s efforts to broaden its influence in the gaming and sports entertainment sectors internationally.
Founded in 2022 by industry veteran Wayne Stevenson, Globe Gaming is a consultancy known for its high-caliber partnerships across various sectors including retail gaming, online gaming, racecourses, lotteries, and football clubs. With 35 years of experience, Stevenson has cultivated a valuable network that enhances business relationships and drives value in the European and global markets.
Wayne Stevenson, Founder and CEO of Globe Gaming, said: “I am delighted to be working with Stephen and his SCCG Management team. I consider SCCG to be the leading advisory firm in the world and to be working in partnership with them is incredibly exciting. Combining the expertise of Globe Gaming and SCCG Management creates endless opportunities.”
Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, said: “Our collaboration with Globe Gaming Limited is a strategic step towards enhancing our global presence, particularly in Europe. Wayne’s extensive experience and his network’s strength align perfectly with our mission to innovate and lead in the gaming industry. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership opens up for both companies.”
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