Industry leaders agree new extension to data and streaming partnership that will see FIRST – Best in Sports turbo-charge global growth and boost annual revenues for Genius Sports

 FIRST – Best in Sports, the Tier 1 provider of sports betting solutions, and Genius Sports, the leading sports data and technology company, today announce that they have extended their landmark partnership that will see Genius Sports continue to deliver its industry-leading betting data and streaming technology to FIRST – Best in Sports.

As part of the new agreement, FIRST – Best in Sports will distribute Genius Sports data and streaming content to its expanded B2B network and grow the data company’s volume, reach and annual revenues in a major way as it brings partners onstream in Latin America, with Brazil as a major focus.

• FIRST’s growth in Brazil and leading position as a LATAM-focused sportsbook solution will be further enhanced by Genius’s focus in South America.
• This includes coverage of Brazil’s Serie A, Serie B, Campeonato Paulista, Mexico’s Liga MX and the Primera Ligas in Uruguay, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Paraguay.

The deal extension is part of a comprehensive agreement between two companies that are setting industry standards for the speed, accuracy and depth of their online sports betting offerings. The new partnership also sees FIRST become the official betting partner of Genius Sports, with the group set to recommend FIRST – Best in Sports to operators seeking fully-managed sports betting solutions.

Tom Light, CEO of FIRST – Best in Sports, commented: “We have been working with Genius Sports for many years, and I am delighted to be extending and deepening our relationship with such an industry leader. FIRST – Best in Sports and Genius Sports represent the gold standard in their respective fields and the new agreement will enable us to continue growing revenues for Genius Sports as we launch new partners and expand our network. We look forward to providing the most complete and data-rich solution to sports betting operators in the world’s fastest-growing markets.”

International Game Technology PLC, doing business as Brightstar Lottery (Brightstar), announced that Michelle Carney, Brightstar’s Vice President of Global Lottery Marketing, will be inducted into the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2025. The induction ceremony will take place this September at an industry event in Ontario, Canada hosted by the Public Gaming Research Institute (PGRI) in conjunction with the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).

“Michelle is an incredible asset to Brightstar, its partners and customers, and the entire lottery industry. Over the course of her highly accomplished 25-year career, she has successfully cultivated strategic partnerships, contributed to Brightstar’s global lottery leadership, and championed innovation to drive the evolution of lottery forward. Michelle is a shining reflection of what our new brand represents: an optimistic source of inspiration and innovation for lottery. All of us at Brightstar congratulate Michelle on her well-deserved induction into the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame,” said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Brightstar.

“It is a great honor to be inducted to Lottery Industry Hall of Fame and stand alongside all of the lottery professionals who contributed so much to our industry, many of whom inspired and supported me over the years. I am grateful for the privilege to collaborate with my colleagues at Brightstar and in the industry around the globe and look forward to continue working together to drive the success of lottery and contributions to good causes,” said Carney.

In her current role, Carney is responsible for the development of marketing and communications strategies that support growth for Brightstar’s Global Lottery business, including lottery product marketing, trade shows and events, thought leadership communications, and B2C marketing campaign materials to support customer launches of new game content. She also manages Brightstar’s relationships with industry associations such as the World Lottery Association (WLA), European Lotteries (EL) and NASPL. Under Carney’s strategic planning and guidance, Brightstar is positioned as the industry leader at all trade shows, conferences and events, including customer visits and RFI/RFP presentations.

A recent industry highlight was Carney’s leadership of the development and implementation plan to deliver a $5 Mega Millions game in April 2025, on behalf of the Mega Millions Consortium. She developed an inclusive technical, operational, and retail execution strategy that provided the framework for a successful project delivery of all key milestones across 11 subcommittees comprising lottery and vendor employees. Her comprehensive oversight and leadership ensured that 47 U.S. lotteries and all vendor partners experienced a successful game launch. In earlier years, Michelle collaborated with MUSL and Mega Millions working groups on other multi-jurisdictional game rollouts including Cross-Sell, $2 Powerball, and Cash 4 Life.

The Lottery Industry Hall of Fame was founded by PGRI in 2005 as a means of honoring those who have done the most to make the lottery industry the great success that it is today. Membership is reserved for lottery professionals who have promoted excellence and integrity throughout their careers.

EDGE Boost by EDGE Markets, a financial platform for smart bettors and gamblers, has partnered with World Series of Poker, the premier series of worldwide poker tournaments. The EDGE Boost debit card is now the preferred payment method for WSOP, offering ease of payment, safety, and several exclusive on-site perks for tournament players.

In past tournaments, WSOP players were limited to $10,000 per transaction and had to complete a lengthy approval process, often resulting in frequent cash deposits. Now, those using the EDGE Boost card through PayPal checkout can bypass traditional credit card verification. They can also make entries up to $250,000, which eliminates the need to carry large sums of cash at the event and increases security measures.

“Poker players competing at WSOP events typically face many roadblocks funding their entry at the casino and managing any payout. In the past, players had to bring multiple checks from different accounts which complicated the deposit process and led to security issues of players walking around with large cash rewards. EDGE Boost simplifies this entire process and makes it entirely digital. Now these players can focus on their game without worrying about these extra factors. This partnership lays the groundwork for the future of gaming,” said Seni Thomas, CEO and Founder of EDGE Markets.

This focus complements player safety and strengthens WSOP’s appeal as an attractive event for poker players globally.

“EDGE Boost is going to completely transform the WSOP experience. This partnership immediately enhances our brand and player experience through tangible benefits that make them feel safe and supported. Together, we are setting a new standard for how the rest of the gambling industry should operate. We also hope this improvement attracts more players to our events because of the frictionless financial process made possible by EDGE Boost, leading to a safer and easier-to-use system for all involved,” said Greg Chochon, Chief Operating Officer at WSOP.

“EDGE Boost gives players what we’ve needed for years – seamless access to our money, without hassle or judgment,” said Lexy Gavin-Mather, Professional Poker Player and Coach.

EDGE Boost is also sponsoring an exclusive lounge at the WSOP in Las Vegas through July 11. It offers EDGE Boost cardholders a private space with refreshments, Wi-Fi, and autograph sessions from poker champions like 17-time WSOP Bracelet Winner Phil Hellmuth and WSOP Main Event Champion Jamie Gold.

“EDGE Boost is more than a card; it’s a tech revolution for gaming. Instant access, ironclad security, and flawless control – all designed to let you play your game,” Hellmuth said.

“If you’re still traveling with cash, wiring money, or dealing with silly limits you’re way behind. EDGE Boost is a literal game changer! It’s a Visa debit card built for serious players who want control over their bankrolls. It saves me so much time and keeps me safe! No brainer to sign up ASAP,” Gold said.

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