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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].
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Andrew Cardno, Dr. Ralph Thomas and Dr. A.K. Singh Release Their 12th Book: “The Math That Gaming Made, Compendium”

Well-known and accredited gaming and analytics experts Andrew Cardno and Dr. Ralph Thomas of QCI have proudly released their 12th book, “The Math That Gaming Made, Compendium,” a definitive exploration of the mathematical frameworks and strategies that have shaped the modern gaming industry. This latest volume includes brand-new articles, expanded content, and a greatly enhanced gaming glossary, offering readers an even deeper dive into the world of gaming mathematics.
A Comprehensive Exploration of Mathematics and Gaming
“The Math That Gaming Made, Compendium” serves as an essential guide to the intersection of mathematics and gaming. It delves into how advanced analytics, mathematical modeling, and data science have revolutionized the gaming landscape, compiling decades of research and insights. This newly updated edition features fresh discussions, more real-world applications, and a wealth of cutting-edge material that will benefit industry professionals, data enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by gaming mathematics.
A Legacy of Expertise
Authors Andrew Cardno and Dr. Ralph Thomas bring together years of experience and groundbreaking research, offering readers unparalleled insight into the role of math in optimizing player experiences and casino operations.
“This book is a culmination of over 20 years of innovation in the gaming industry,” said Andrew Cardno. “In addition to highlighting how data and analytics have evolved, we’ve packed this edition with new articles, expanded content, and an extensive gaming glossary, providing readers with tools and knowledge for real-world gaming environments.”
A Must-Read for Industry Professionals
Industry expert Buddy Frank shared his praise for the new volume: “One of the things I love about software is when updates are released you gain new features and helpful add-ons. In publishing, once a book is released, that’s about it. Occasionally, there will be a second or maybe even a third edition. So, it is somewhat surprising, but very welcomed, that the authors of “The Math That Gaming Made” will debut Book 12 at the annual Indian Gaming Association’s Conference and Tradeshow held in San Diego. I loved the skinny little Book 1. This new volume seems to be more than an inch thick and has plenty of new content. If you work in Slots, Casino Marketing, Hosting, Operations, Leadership or Analytics, don’t miss this latest version.”
“The Math That Gaming Made, Compendium” is available now through Amazon.
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SOFTSWISS Brings Engineering for Success to SiGMA Americas

SOFTSWISS, an international technology company providing software solutions for iGaming, announces its participation in SiGMA Americas – one of the largest and most influential industry events in the Western Hemisphere. The event will be held in São Paulo, Brazil, from 7 to 10 April.
Participation in the expo highlights SOFTSWISS’ expansion in the Latin American iGaming market. The company recently secured certification in both Brazil and Peru for the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator and obtained Brazilian certification for its Jackpot Aggregator. The company has also strengthened its ties in the region through a partnership with rising motorsport talent Eduardo Barrichello for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Rubens Barrichello, Non-Executive Director in Latin America at SOFTSWISS, will join the team working at the company’s Stand M85. He will also make a special appearance as a keynote speaker at the SiGMA Conference, sharing unique industry insights and perspectives from his legendary racing experience.
Rubens Barrichello, Non-Executive Director in Latin America at SOFTSWISS, comments: “Latin America is a continent of unlimited energy, passion, and creativity. The rapid growth of the iGaming industry reflects this perfectly. I’m eager to share my perspective at SiGMA Americas and excited to talk about how SOFTSWISS’ drive for technology and excellence will contribute to shaping the future of this market.”
SOFTSWISS heads to SiGMA Americas with its new ‘Engineered for Success’ campaign, inspired by Formula 1. The creative concept reveals the company as a technology partner that creates high-performing software solutions, where every detail is as precisely engineered as in an F1 car.
Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS, shares: “We are excited to bring our ‘Engineered for Success’ campaign and our best software solutions to SiGMA Americas, a key gathering place for our industry leaders on this continent. Our team is looking forward to meeting partners and prospective clients and building a thriving business in Latin America together. We can’t wait to reveal more of our technologies and our vision for the future of this market.”
SOFTSWISS invites all attendees to book a meeting at Stand M85 to explore how its technology-driven solutions can help operators engineer successful iGaming projects.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
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Plaza Hotel & Casino hosting WrestleMania 41 viewing parties with WWE special guest hosts Danhausen and Jake “The Snake” Roberts

April 19-20, WrestleMania 41 will take over Las Vegas and fans can watch their favorite WWE superstars battle it out at viewing parties hosted by the Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas.
Both nights, the Plaza’s viewing party held inside the Sand Dollar Downtown will show WrestleMania 41 on an oversized high-definition projector screen, and guests will have the special opportunity to mix and mingle with a fan-favorite WWE star who will attend as a special guest host and hold a live Q&A session.
On Saturday, April 19, Danhausen, “The Very Nice, Very Evil” wrestler, will be the party’s special guest. He is a fan favorite known for his eerie face paint, quirky humor, and signature curses. A rising star in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), he blends horror and comedy, making him one of wrestling’s most unique performers.
The next night, April 20, the legendary Jake “The Snake” Roberts will be the special guest host. Roberts is a legendary wrestler known for his trademark snake, Damien and his psychological mind games, iconic promos, and signature move, the DDT. As a result, he has become one of wrestling’s most compelling and feared figures, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and establishing him as an unforgettable fan favorite.
The viewing parties are open to guests 21 years of age or older and start at 4 p.m. with doors opening at 3 p.m. The parties will also offer drink specials including buckets of beer ($30 for domestic brands, $35 for imported) and cocktails with Deep Eddy vodka for $12.
Tickets for the viewing parties are available for purchase online for $25 per person or guests can reserve a table for four for $150 (prices are plus service fees).
The Plaza is also offering a special hotel room package for the event. Guests who book online can save up to 25% off room rates and get direct access to the WrestleMania 2025 Viewing Party with a 2-night minimum stay.
WWE fans can also enter to win a WrestleMania 41 vacation package at the Plaza. The giveaway includes a free two-night stay at the Plaza (check in on April 19 and check out on April 21), two complimentary tickets to each of the Plaza’s WrestleMania 41 viewing parties, and a $50 food and beverage credit per night.
Entries must be submitted online by March 20 at plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/wrestlemania-viewing-party/giveaway/.
For more details on the WrestleMania 41 viewing parties and hotel package, please visit: plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/wrestlemania-viewing-party/.
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