Latest News
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and 1/ST Unveil Partnership to Elevate Global Thoroughbred Racing

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is excited to announce a transformative partnership with 1/ST, the premier North American Thoroughbred racing, gaming and entertainment company. Known for its iconic venues, including Santa Anita Park (California) and Gulfstream Park (Florida), 1/ST is a leader in modernizing horse racing by blending live racing with innovative gaming, hospitality and lifestyle experiences.
As leaders of world-class racing, hospitality and entertainment events, 1/ST is also committed to advancing racing’s global profile through cutting-edge technology and international collaboration. This partnership brings a unique opportunity to connect three prestigious racedays: Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day (March 8 – featuring The G1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, named after legendary 1987 Australian Horse of The Year Champion and NZ Hall of Famer, Bonecrusher) alongside 1/ST’s Pegasus World Cup (January 25) and California Crown (September 27).
This collaboration will introduce “Golden Ticket” pathways, offering the winning horses direct entry into marquee races including:
From the Pegasus World Cup (25 January 2025) to Champions Day (8 March 2025):
- The US$500,000 Group 2 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (1600m) winner earns entry to the NZ$600,000 Group 1 World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).
- The US$1,000,000 Group 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf (1800m) winner gains entry to the NZ$1,000,000 Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m).
From Champions Day (8 March 2025) to California Crown (27 September 2025):
- The NZ$500,000 Rich Hill Stud Champion Middle Distance Series winner secures a Golden Ticket to the US$750,000 Group 1 California Crown John Henry Turf (2000m).
- The NZ$500,000 Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series winner earns entry to the US$750,000 Group 2 California Crown US$750,000 Eddie D Turf Sprint (1300m).
To further enhance the partnership, NZTR and 1/ST will cover travel and freight costs for Golden Ticket-winning horses travelling internationally to compete in the respective countries.
“This partnership marks an exciting milestone in showcasing New Zealand racing on the world stage,” commented Chief Operating Officer of NZTR, Darin Balcombe. “The Golden Ticket concept creates a unique pathway for international competition, enriching the experience for racing participants and fans alike.”
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, added: “This partnership with NZTR exemplifies our commitment to elevating Thoroughbred racing globally. By linking these iconic racedays and supporting international competition, we’re looking to drive innovation, collaboration and global excitement in the sport.”
Lachlan Fitt, Deputy CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, operators of the NZ TAB, also welcomed the announcement:
“Congratulations to NZTR and 1/ST on reaching this exciting outcome. The partnership will continue the opportunity for NZ racing to be showcased to racing fans globally and is another new pathway for NZ racing participants to consider. And through our Trackside and Sport Nation media brands, we look forward to bringing the best of US racing to our wagering customers in NZ.”
This partnership paves the way for significant growth in Thoroughbred racing across both regions, with both NZTR and 1/ST excited to build on this promising foundation moving forward.
For more information about the partnership and Golden Ticket races, contact NZTR’s Head Handicapper Bruce Sherwin by emailing [email protected].
Latest News
SEGA SAMMY Completes Acquisition of GAN Limited

GAN Limited announced that it has completed its merger with an affiliate of SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS INC.
SEGA SAMMY through its affiliated entity SEGA SAMMY CREATION INC. acquired all of the outstanding securities of GAN for $1.97 per share in cash, which represents a premium of over 121% to GAN’s closing stock price on November 7, 2023 (the trading day prior to the announcement that GAN entered into a merger agreement with SSC).
Seamus McGill, GAN’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our acquisition by SSC is an exciting next step for GAN and the culmination of many years of hard work to deliver an unparalleled and unique gaming experience for our clients and players. GAN’s board of directors carefully evaluated a range of options to maximize shareholder value, and SSC’s recognition of the value of our assets and people leaves us confident that this transaction is in the best interest of our shareholders and provides a home for our assets to flourish. We look forward to seeing the company continuing to grow with the guidance of a global gaming and entertainment leader.”
Koichi Fukazawa, Senior Executive Vice President and Group CFO of SEGA SAMMY, said: “We are excited to be bringing the GAN team onboard. The team brings significant experience in the U.S. market, along with significant technical and development resources. This marks a new chapter in SEGA SAMMY’s operations, and we look forward to serving our customers with increased product offerings and resources.”
B. Riley Securities Inc. served as financial advisor to GAN’s Special Committee and Board of Directors and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP is served as legal counsel to GAN. SMBC Nikko Securities served as SEGA SAMMY’s financial advisor and Greenberg Traurig acted as SEGA SAMMY’s legal counsel.
Latest News
Century Casinos Announces Sports Betting Partnership with BetMGM in Missouri

Century Casinos Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Century Casino & Hotel Cape Girardeau (Century), has entered into a long-term agreement with BetMGM to bring BetMGM’s sports betting platform to the Missouri market.
Under the terms of the agreement, BetMGM will operate an online and mobile sports betting application under Century’s license in Missouri. The agreement includes a percentage of net gaming revenue payable to Century, with a guaranteed minimum, as well as retail sportsbook options to be exercised at Century’s discretion.
“We are excited to partner with BetMGM, a leading online sports betting and gaming entertainment company with a dynamic and innovative brand. This partnership is another step forward in leveraging our Missouri licenses and delivering premium entertainment experiences for our customers,” said Erwin Haitzmann and Peter Hoetzinger, Co-Chief Executive Officers of Century Casinos.
Industry News
SharpLink Gaming Announces $425,000,000 Private Placement to Initiate Ethereum Treasury Strategy

SharpLink Gaming Inc. announced that it has entered into securities purchase agreements for a private investment in public equity (PIPE) for the purchase and sale of 69,100,313 shares of common stock (or common stock equivalents in lieu thereof) at a price of $6.15 per share ($6.72 per share for certain members of the Company’s management team), for expected aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $425,000,000, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses.
Consensys Software Inc. acted as the lead investor, and the offering included participation by prominent crypto venture capital firms and infrastructure providers such as ParaFi Capital, Electric Capital, Pantera Capital, Arrington Capital, Galaxy Digital, Ondo, White Star Capital, GSR, Hivemind Capital, Hypersphere, Primitive Ventures, and Republic Digital among others including Rob Phythian, SharpLink’s CEO, and Robert DeLucia, SharpLink’s CFO.
The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about May 29, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company intends to use the funds to acquire the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain commonly referred to as “ETH” pending identification of working capital needs and other general corporate purposes. ETH will serve as the Company’s primary treasury reserve asset.
A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners is acting as the sole placement agent in connection with the offering.
“This is a significant milestone in SharpLink’s journey and marks an expansion beyond our core business. On closing, we look forward to working with Consensys and welcoming Joseph to the Board,” said Rob Phythian, Founder and CEO of SharpLink.
“On close, Consensys looks forward to partnering with SharpLink to explore and develop an Ethereum Treasury Strategy and to work with them in their core business as a strategic advisor. This is an exciting time for the Ethereum community, and I am delighted to work with Rob and the team to bring the Ethereum opportunity to public markets,” said Joseph Lubin, Founder and CEO of Consensys and Co-Founder of Ethereum.
-
Daily Fantasy Sports6 days ago
PrizePicks Named Official Daily Fantasy Partner of The Houston Astros
-
Latest News6 days ago
Las Vegas’ only all-inclusive hotel room package is back for summer at the Plaza Hotel & Casino
-
Latest News6 days ago
Fanatics Sportsbook Partners with New York Racing Team
-
Latest News6 days ago
Evolution Debuts US Launch of Red Door Roulette
-
Latest News6 days ago
UNLV International Gaming Institute Launches AI Research Hub
-
Latest News6 days ago
BMM INNOVATION GROUP NAMES JOHN HELDERMAN AS CHIEF FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
-
Latest News3 days ago
Playson eyes extended Brazil reach through Cactus Gaming integration
-
eSports3 days ago
TEAM VITALITY WINS INTEL EXTREME MASTERS DALLAS 2025