Press Releases
Return of Sports Brings a Resurgence of Online Betting

As the legal infrastructure becomes more friendly towards sports betting, specifically in the online space, many companies in the gambling industry are beginning to offer more sports betting options. According to a report by the Associated Press, companies like DraftKings are making serious strides in developing easy to use systems available to the public through partnerships with sports leagues. Now, as the restrictions of social distancing are slowly being scaled back in numerous states, new numbers on gambling and sports betting are being reported. For example, a report by the Chicago Sun-Times indicates that New Jersey gamblers set a nationwide record for the most money bet on sports in a single month, spending almost USD 668 Million in August on events including resurgent baseball, basketball and hockey seasons that had been interrupted by the outbreak. FansUnite Entertainment Inc. (OTC: FUNFF) (CSE: FANS), DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG), International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT), Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD), Penn National Gaming, Inc. (NASDAQ: PENN)
New Jersey has been the first state to make sports betting legal back in 2018. In total, sports betting is legal in some form in 24 states, according to date provided by ESPN. Of course, sports betting legalization in the United States is a complex issue. Nevertheless, despite the legal challenges, interest in the industry is high. According to a report by MarketWatch, many have invested money into a new exchange-traded fund that tracks the sports betting and online gambling industries. This represents a “remarkable vote of confidence for a fund that’s only a few days old,” said Dave Nadig, a longtime industry veteran now at ETF Database. “I am a fan of this fund. If you believe online sports betting is the next big thing, this fund will capture everything from back-office infrastructure to front-facing retail plays.”
FansUnite Entertainment Inc. (OTC: FUNFF) (CSE: FANS) announced earlier last week that,
“McBookie Ltd (“McBookie”) has continued its impressive performance since becoming part of FansUnite.
The Scottish based operator increased its overall year-over-year (“YOY”) turnover for the months of July and August by 108% – from $3M CAD to $6.3M CAD, with 78% of the turnover growth led by the return of sport.
The increase resulted in a YOY increase in Gross Gaming Revenue over the same period of 412%, resulting in gross gaming revenue of $371K for July and August 2020 and a gross margin of $161K. During the same period last year the platform generated $72K in gross gaming revenue resulting in a gross margin loss of $66K.
With the strong results over the last two months, McBookie is preparing to continue the positive trend with the return of the English Premier League and the other major European leagues in the coming weeks.
‘We are very pleased that McBookie has been able to continue its strong 2020 performance despite the slowdown in sports betting from the global pandemic,’ said Scott Burton, CEO of FansUnite. ‘The figures for the past 60 days have been exceptional and continue to validate our belief in this leading B2C betting brand and the management team behind it. For the duration of 2020, major European leagues are set to begin again and present a great opportunity for McBookie to capture the attention of new and existing customers. We will work directly with McBookie in ensuring their presence in the U.K. expands and they are in a position to service this growing user base of bettors.’
‘The team at FansUnite has worked very hard to improve all aspects of our business since joining FansUnite and it is great to see that replicated in the numbers,’ said Paul Petrie, founder and Director of McBookie. ‘With just one month to wait until the whole of Scottish football is back, having the resources and expertise of FansUnite helps puts us in an excellent position to continue building on our recent success.’
While the return of sport has provided an uptick in betting volume, casino turnover during the two-month period was strong as well with $3.1M wagered. McBookie will be looking to build on these numbers with the recent launch of a Live Casino product earlier this month.
‘After launching a successful Virtual Sports betting offering in March, we decided to expand our platform with the addition of a Live Casino,’ continued Paul Petrie. ‘It represents another betting alternative for our loyal customers and helps us diversify our revenue stream.’”
For our latest “Buzz on the Street” Show featuring FansUnite Entertainment Inc. recent corporate news, please head over to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkSk3GQD6GI
DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG) announced yesterday a multi-year agreement with ESPN to become a co-exclusive sportsbook link-out provider and exclusive daily fantasy sports provider of the media giant. Links across ESPN digital platforms will connect fans to DraftKings’ products and services. “ESPN helped revolutionize the 24/7 sports news cycle and continues to be the go-to source for many fans today on the latest and largest sports stories,” said Jason Robins, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DraftKings. “We look forward to this collaboration to exclusively showcase DraftKings’ daily fantasy content and offerings while also advancing further visibility and mainstream adoption of our regulated sports betting products.” Under the agreement, DraftKings will now be able to integrate its products and offerings across ESPN’s digital platforms. DraftKings will also power existing and future ESPN studio shows with dedicated segments for promotion, beginning with daily fantasy sports.
International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT) announced last month that it has expanded its PlaySports offering for the U.S. sports betting market with the formation of its own full-service Trading Team based in Las Vegas, Nev. The diverse and talented team adds another dimension of service to the most widely deployed B2B sports betting solution in the U.S. market and further cements IGT’s market leadership. “IGT’s in-house, U.S.-based Trading Team enhances the appeal of the entire PlaySports offering and enables us to deliver an ‘all-indone’ solution for operators seeking a single sports betting service provider,” said Enrico Drago, IGT PlayDigital Senior Vice President. “IGT PlaySports’ pure B2B focus, the Trading Team’s in-depth knowledge of regional and local betting preferences and trends, and the Company’s favorable regulatory standings in tribal and state-governed jurisdictions across the U.S. continue to create opportunities for our customers and drive our nationwide sports betting leadership.”
Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) and FanDuel Group just announced the debut of the FanDuel Par-A-Dice Sportsbook in the state of Illinois. Sports bettors across the state of Illinois now have access to FanDuel’s industry-leading online and mobile sports-betting platform, with wagering options available in professional football, basketball, baseball, hockey and more. Additionally, FanDuel will operate a retail sportsbook located at Boyd Gaming’s Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, Illinois, pending regulatory approval. Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming, said: “Given the tremendous success of our existing FanDuel Sportsbooks, we are confident that the FanDuel Par-A-Dice Sportsbook will quickly become Illinois sports bettors’ mobile app of choice. We are excited for the opportunity to offer both mobile and retail sports betting in one of the most populous states in the country, as we continue to expand our strategic partnership with FanDuel Group.”
Penn National Gaming, Inc. (NASDAQ: PENN) announced on July 1st, that it had entered into a partnership with Sportradar, the global provider of sports data and content, to use official National Football League (“NFL”) data on the Company’s sports betting platforms. As part of the partnership, Penn National has the ability to offer a wide array of live, in-game wagering options on NFL games at its retail sports betting locations and on its Barstool Sportsbook app, which is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2020. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Sportradar for NFL data in advance of the upcoming football season,” said Jon Kaplowitz, Senior Vice President of Penn National’s interactive gaming division. “Delivering official NFL data to our growing, loyal audience, including over 66 million Barstool fans and our 20 million casino customers, will provide tremendous wagering opportunities where we operate sports books across the country.”
SOURCE FinancialBuzz.com
Latest News
Tachi Palace Casino trusts Continent 8 to bolster its cybersecurity through advanced managed SOC and SIEM solutions

Tachi-Yokut Tribe of Santa Rosa Rancheria-owned and operated casino now equipped with world-leading 24/7/365 monitoring, proactive threat prevention and rapid response capabilities to safeguard its tribal gaming operations
Continent 8 Technologies, the leading provider of managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions for the tribal gaming industry, is pleased to announce a new cybersecurity agreement with Tachi Palace Casino Resort to oversee and optimize their Security Operations Center (SOC) and Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) cybersecurity operations.
In collaboration with Continent 8 and its cybersecurity division, C8 Secure, Tachi Palace Casino Resort will implement their managed SOC and SIEM services. The customer will gain instant access to a comprehensive SOC and SIEM solution featuring round-the-clock monitoring, sophisticated threat detection to pinpoint anomalies and potential risks, integrated threat intelligence to anticipate evolving threats and an advanced SIEM architecture designed for high-performance analytics and streamlined incident management.
Patrick Gardner, Chief Security Officer at Continent 8 said: “We are honored that Tachi Palace Casino Resort selected Continent 8 through a rigorous selection process as their trusted Managed Security Operations Center partner. As a leading Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) specializing in the gaming industry, we have deep insight into the unique cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities facing our customers today. Tachi Palace Casino Resort’s proactive commitment to safeguarding their infrastructure demonstrates exceptional leadership and a clear understanding that robust, continuous security is vital for protecting their customers, data and gaming operations.â€
Jerad Swimmer, Regional Sales Director at Continent 8 added: “It’s inspiring to see an increasing number of tribal gaming and casino organizations such as Tachi Palace Casino Resort making cybersecurity a core component of their strategic initiatives and organizational culture.
“We are delighted to support Tachi Palace Casino Resort as their trusted MSSP, ensuring a secure and strategic cybersecurity journey.”
David Clark, Information System Director at Tachi Palace Casino Resort said: “I am looking forward to our new partnership with Continent 8 and what the future brings for us.â€
Latest News
Churchill Downs Incorporated Reports 2025 First Quarter Results

Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) (the “Company”, “CDI”, “we”) today reported business results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.
Company Highlights
- First quarter 2025 financial results, as compared to the prior year quarter:
- Record net revenue of $642.6 million, up $51.7 million or 9%
- Net income attributable to CDI of $76.7 million, down $3.7 million or 5%
- Record Adjusted EBITDA of $245.1 million, up $2.6 million or 1%
- We opened Owensboro Racing and Gaming in Western Kentucky in February 2025, with 600 historical racing machines, a retail sportsbook, simulcast wagering, and food and beverage offerings.
- We announced two new projects at Churchill Downs Racetrack that will enhance the 152nd Kentucky Derby experience for our guests in the Finish Line Suites and The Mansion. We also announced that we are pausing The Skye, Conservatory, and Infield General Admission capital projects due to the current economic environment.
- In February 2025, we closed the seventh amendment of the Credit Agreement, which reduced the interest rate for Term Loan B-1 and eliminated the 0.10% credit spread adjustment.
- In March 2025, the Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase program.
- We ended the first quarter of 2025 with net bank leverage of 4.0x and returned $119.5 million of capital to our shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
- We repurchased $89.4 million of shares in the first quarter of 2025.
- On January 3, 2025, we paid a $0.409 per share dividend to shareholders of record as of December 6, 2024, which represents the fourteenth consecutive year of an increased dividend per share.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS |
First Quarter | |||||||
(in millions, except per share data) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
Net revenue | $ | 642.6 | $ | 590.9 | |||
Net income attributable to CDI | $ | 76.7 | $ | 80.4 | |||
Diluted EPS attributable to CDI | $ | 1.02 | $ | 1.08 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA(a) | $ | 245.1 | $ | 242.5 | |||
(a) This is a non-GAAP measure. See explanation of non-GAAP measures below. |
SEGMENT RESULTS |
The summaries below present revenue from external customers and intercompany revenue from each of our reportable segments. All comparisons are against the applicable prior year period unless otherwise noted.
Live and Historical Racing
First Quarter | |||||||
(in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 276.4 | $ | 248.9 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | 102.0 | 100.8 | |||||
First Quarter 2025
First quarter 2025 revenue increased $27.5 million due to an $18.2 million increase at our Virginia HRM venues, an $8.9 million increase from our Kentucky HRM venues, and a $0.4 million increase from our other Live and Historical Racing properties. The Virginia HRM increase of $18.2 million was primarily due to the November 2024 opening of The Rose Gaming Resort in Northern Virginia, partially offset by a decrease from our other Virginia HRM venues primarily due to lower unrated play from consumer softness and competition, the impact of weather, and one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year. The Kentucky HRM increase of $8.9 million was primarily due to the February 2025 opening of Owensboro Racing and Gaming in Western Kentucky and growth from our Northern and Southwestern Kentucky properties, partially offset by a decrease at our Louisville properties due to the impact of weather and one less day in the quarter due to 2024 leap year.
First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA increased $1.2 million due to a $3.1 million increase at our Kentucky HRM venues, partially offset by a $1.9 million decrease primarily from our Virginia HRM venues. Our Kentucky HRM venues increase was primarily due to the February 2025 opening of Owensboro Racing and Gaming in Western Kentucky and growth at our Northern and Southwestern Kentucky properties, partially offset by a decrease from our Louisville properties due to the impact of weather and one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year. Our Virginia HRM venues decreased $2.0 million primarily due to lower unrated play from consumer softness and competition, the impact of weather, increased handle tax and racing-related expenses, and one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year, partially offset by the November 2024 opening of The Rose Gaming Resort.
Wagering Services and Solutions
First Quarter | |||||||
(in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 115.8 | $ | 114.1 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | 41.3 | 39.6 | |||||
First Quarter 2025
First quarter 2025 revenue increased $1.7 million due to a $3.1 million increase from Exacta due to incremental HRMs in Virginia and New Hampshire and a $0.8 million increase in TwinSpires Horse Racing. These increases were partially offset by a $2.2 million decrease from our sports betting business.
First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA increased $1.7 million due to a $3.8 million increase from Exacta due to a $2.7 million increase primarily from incremental HRMs in Virginia and New Hampshire and a $1.1 million decrease from lower compensation expense. These increases were partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease from our sports betting business and a $1.0 million decrease from TwinSpires Horse Racing due to increased legal expenses.
Gaming
First Quarter | |||||||
(in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 267.2 | $ | 243.2 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | 123.5 | 122.8 | |||||
First Quarter 2025
First quarter 2025 revenue increased $24.0 million due to a $31.6 million increase from the April 2024 opening of the Terre Haute Casino Resort, partially offset by a $7.6 million decrease primarily due to regional gaming softness, increased competition, one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year, and the impact of weather at certain properties.
First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA increased $0.7 million due to an $11.5 million increase attributable to the opening of the Terre Haute Casino Resort in April 2024, partially offset by a $6.6 million decrease from our wholly owned gaming properties and a $4.2 million decrease from our equity investments primarily due to regional gaming softness, increased competition, higher labor and benefit expense, one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year, and the impact of weather at certain properties.
All Other
First Quarter | |||||||
(in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 2.0 | $ | — | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | (21.7 | ) | (20.7 | ) | |||
First Quarter 2025
First quarter 2025 revenue increased $2.0 million increased due to intercompany revenue related to the captive insurance company that was established in April 2024. All captive revenue is eliminated in consolidation.
First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA decreased $1.0 million driven primarily by increased corporate compensation-related expenses and other corporate administrative expenses as a result of enterprise growth.
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT |
Share Repurchase Program
On March 12, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a common stock repurchase program of up to $500 million (“2025 Stock Repurchase Program”). The 2025 Stock Repurchase Program includes and is not in addition to the $125.6 million remaining under the prior 2021 Stock Repurchase Program authorization.
The Company repurchased 798,250 shares of its common stock at a total cost of $89.4 million in the first quarter of 2025. We had approximately $434.6 million of repurchase authority remaining under the 2025 Stock Repurchase Program as of March 31, 2025.
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CDI |
First Quarter 2025 Results
The Company’s first quarter 2025 net income attributable to CDI was $76.7 million compared to $80.4 million in the prior year quarter.
The following factors impacted the comparability of the Company’s first quarter 2025 net income to the prior year quarter:
- a $6.7 million after-tax decrease in other recoveries, net primarily driven by insurance claim proceeds recorded in the prior year quarter.
This was partially offset by:
- a $5.6 million after-tax decrease in transaction, pre-opening, and other expenses.
Excluding the items above, first quarter 2025 adjusted net income attributable to CDI decreased $4.8 million primarily due to the following:
- a $3.0 million after-tax decrease in equity income from our unconsolidated affiliates;
- a $2.0 million after-tax increase in interest expense associated with lower capitalization of interest related to capital projects in the current year, partially offset by lower interest rates; and
- a $0.5 million after-tax decrease due a portion of United Tote’s income being recognized as noncontrolling interest.
This was partially offset by:
- a $0.7 million after-tax increase primarily driven by the results of our operations.
Conference Call
A conference call regarding this news release is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 9 a.m. ET. Investors and other interested parties may listen to the teleconference by accessing the online, real-time webcast and broadcast of the call at http://ir.churchilldownsincorporated.com/events.cfm, or by registering in advance via teleconference here. Once registration is completed, participants will be provided with a dial-in number containing a personalized conference code to access the call. All participants are encouraged to dial-in 15 minutes prior to the start time. An online replay will be available by noon ET on Thursday, April 24, 2025. A copy of the Company’s news release announcing quarterly results and relevant financial and statistical information about the period will be accessible at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to the results provided in accordance with GAAP, the Company also uses non-GAAP measures, including adjusted net income, adjusted diluted EPS, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), and Adjusted EBITDA.
The Company uses non-GAAP measures as a key performance measure of the results of operations for purposes of evaluating performance internally. These measures facilitate comparison of operating performance between periods and help investors to better understand the operating results of the Company by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of the Company’s core business or operating results. The Company believes the use of these measures enables management and investors to evaluate and compare, from period to period, the Company’s operating performance in a meaningful and consistent manner. The non-GAAP measures are a supplemental measure of our performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or diluted EPS (as determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our operating results.
We use Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate segment performance, develop strategy, and allocate resources. We utilize the Adjusted EBITDA metric to provide a more accurate measure of our core operating results and enable management and investors to evaluate and compare from period to period our operating performance in a meaningful and consistent manner. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to operating income as an indicator of performance, as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity, or as an alternative to any other measure provided in accordance with GAAP. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may be different from the calculation used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited.
Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS exclude discontinued operations net income or loss; net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest; transaction expense, which includes acquisition and disposition related charges, as well as legal, accounting, and other deal-related expense; pre-opening expense; and certain other gains, charges, recoveries, and expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA includes our portion of EBITDA from our equity investments and the portion of EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interest.
Adjusted EBITDA excludes, as applicable in each period:
- Transaction expense, net which includes:
- Acquisition, disposition, and property sale related charges;
- Other transaction expense, including legal, accounting, and other deal-related expense;
- Stock-based compensation expense;
- Rivers Des Plaines’ impact on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates from legal reserves and transaction costs;
- Asset impairments;
- Gain on property sales;
- Legal reserves;
- Pre-opening expense; and
- Other charges, recoveries, and expenses.
For segment reporting, Adjusted EBITDA includes intercompany revenue and expense totals that are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. See the Reconciliation of Comprehensive Income to Adjusted EBITDA included herewith for additional information.
Conferences
R. Franco Digital is getting ready to shine at GAT Expo Cartagena 2025 with its most comprehensive offering of land-based and digital gaming

Franco Digital has confirmed its participation in GAT Expo Cartagena 2025, one of the most iconic gaming industry events in Latin America, which will take place from April 28 to 30 in the walled city.
The Spanish company will bring to the trade show its latest lineup of products for the retail, platform, and online gaming segments, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, technology, and the development of the industry in the region.
The event, renowned for bringing together the industry’s key players, will feature an outstanding agenda including international-level conferences, product exhibitions, and much more. Attendees will take part in panels and roundtable discussions focused on regulations, market trends, and innovation.
In this context, R. Franco will showcase its solid portfolio of land-based products, highlighting successful titles such as Rocket Link, Ice & Fire, and Boom Balink, along with its On Mix solution designed for route operations. Additionally, the digital division will present its advanced online gaming platform, and a portfolio of titles created to maximize both player experience and operator profitability.
Javier Sacristán, director of R. Franco International, said: “GAT Expo is a must-attend event for us. Colombia is a key and constantly evolving market. That’s why we are fully committed to delivering solutions that meet the needs of both operators and their customers, combining innovation, design, and profitability.
“Our presence at this trade show reflects the Group’s commitment to Latin America. We are presenting a comprehensive offering that meets the new demands of the market—from next-generation land-based games to a powerful digital proposition that reinforces our position as a global provider.â€
GAT Expo Cartagena represents a valuable opportunity to continue building alliances with new strategic partners in the region and to strengthen existing business relationships, all within a setting that blends a high level of professionalism with the cultural, culinary, and natural charm of Cartagena de Indias.
With this comprehensive presence, R. Franco and R. Franco Digital reaffirm their commitment to the Latin American market and to a gaming industry that is safe, sustainable, and innovative.
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