Press Releases
XB Net pens multi-year global distribution deal with Hawthorne Race Course in Chicago
XB Net, the leading provider of premium content for North American horse racing, has agreed to a new distribution deal and a multi-year contract renewal option with Hawthorne Race Course in Chicago, Illinois.
The agreement heralds another milestone partnership in XB Net’s progressive portfolio of content rights, data, odds and signals around one of the United States’ most historic racetracks, particularly as it embarks on a $400 million redevelopment to add sports betting, casino-style gaming and other entertainment amenities to the new Hawthorne Casino & Race Course.
Accordingly, Hawthorne Race Course forms part of a wider network of over 60 North American tracks whose steady stream of rapid-cycling content is proven to increase digital dwell-time for XB Net’s clients and their customers. Moreover, the deal helps to immediately leverage the 50 thoroughbred race-days that comprise Hawthorne’s traditional fall/winter meetings and will build momentum for further fan engagement in 2022 when Hawthorne is the only race track in the Chicago area, which is the third-largest media market in the US.
Elsewhere, Hawthorne’s CDT time zone naturally clocks on for core UK and European racing audiences, generating increased fan engagement at peak leisure times. Its daily schedule of compelling coverage, which neatly complements Europe’s domestic racing action, provides operators with a trustworthy source of rapid-settling betting content from 18:00 CET. This engaging action, which also features regular Harness racing meetings, is proven to retain eyeballs and promote betting activity during competitive digital-entertainment cycles, driving new revenue streams for a wide range of international clients.
XB Net’s definitive end-to-end solution, corralling wide-ranging content that covers approximately 75% of all U.S. racing, opens the door to many of the world’s best-quality courses and most prestigious horse races. Other notable highlights include the Pegasus World Cup, two legs of this summer’s recent Triple Crown (comprising the Preakness and Belmont Stakes) and the season’s flagship finale at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar (5-6 November).
John Walsh, Assistant General Manager at Hawthorne Race Course, said: “This close collaboration with XB Net will expand the international reach and appeal of Illinois thoroughbred racing. The distribution of our content to both mature and emerging markets requires strong partnerships that will showcase the very exciting future of Hawthorne and racing at Chicago’s hometown track.”
Simon Fraser, Senior Vice President of International at XB Net, added: “Securing this long-term partnership with Hawthorne emphasizes XB Net’s dedication to racing and our broader status as the leading international provider of North American racing. This deal is another strong endorsement of our business model and the collective power of our multi-faceted betting services.
“As ever, betting increases the entertainment value from the consumer perspective. However, with XB Net’s fair allocation of capital to where the entertainment value is, we’re seeing the whole Illinois ecosystem improve, returning the value to racing stakeholders, the owners and the racetracks themselves. It’s great to see during a very challenging economic period.
“Our underlying resolve is to support Hawthorne Race Course’s efforts to distribute its horse racing content and wagering on a global scale, now encompassing both fixed-odds (in approved markets) and pari-mutuel betting opportunities. We’re confident these milestone developments can further benefit horse racing’s consumer economy, both at home and abroad.”
XB Net remains the pacesetter for live North American horse racing content, providing rights, betting data, live broadcast and video streaming on behalf of its growing global portfolio of partners. Harnessing low-latency feeds from more than 2,500 meetings, showcasing over 25,000 races per year, North American racing is helping global operators seamlessly adapt to a demanding schedule for live sports.
NetGaming, a fast-growing online casino content supplier, is proud to announce its launch in Ontario with Rush Street Interactive, Inc., a leading online casino and sports betting company in the United States, Canada and Latin America. This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for NetGaming as it continues to expand its footprint across regulated North American markets.
As part of the launch, Ontario players on BetRivers can now enjoy a diverse portfolio of NetGaming titles, known for their high-quality graphics, immersive gameplay, and unique themes. Standout games such as Zeus’s Thunderbolt, Bison Gold, and Fireball Inferno are among the first to go live, with additional titles set to follow soon.
This partnership is just the beginning. NetGaming plans to extend its collaboration with Rush Street Interactive into Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Mexico over the coming months.
Pallavi Deshmukh, CEO of NetGaming, commented: “We are thrilled to go live with Rush Street Interactive, a powerhouse operator with a strong presence and loyal player base. This launch marks a significant milestone in our
North American expansion strategy and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences tailored to local player preferences across the region.”
Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive, commented: “We are pleased to partner with NetGaming to bring innovative, premium games to our players in Ontario. This collaboration aligns with our strategy to offer world-class
entertainment through engaging, action-packed online casino games. We look forward to expanding this partnership into additional regulated markets in the months ahead.”
This strategic partnership highlights both companies’ dedication to providing high- quality, innovative, and responsible entertainment to players in regulated markets.
Canada
Vancouver Resident Purchased Winning $40 Million Lotto Max Ticket While Quenching Sparkling Water Craving
Phuc Duc (Daniel) Chau loves the Bubly brand of sparkling water and stopped in a convenience store to purchase a can. Chau likes to buy lottery tickets based on a gut feeling, and due to the employee’s bubbly nature while he purchased his Bubly, Chau also purchased a Lotto Max ticket for the May 23, 2025 draw.
It was this ticket that ended up scoring Chau a whopping $40-million jackpot.
“I was at work when I found out,” recalled Chau of the moment he realized he won. “I was going through my bag to find a cough drop, but I saw that I had two lottery tickets in my bag and decided to scan the tickets, but I needed to update the [BCLC Lotto!] app first. The first ticket I didn’t win anything, but the second said $40 million. I have never seen that many zeroes in my life, ever. I dropped my phone and then called BCLC right away!”
At the time of the prize claim, the Vancouver resident hadn’t yet shared the news of his win.
“My partner doesn’t know yet! I want to share the news with them in a special way.”
Chau shared that his dream has always been to travel the world. “There are so many places I want to go to, so I haven’t fully decided!”
When asked if he will quit his job, he said, “I haven’t decided, but I want to continue to support my community in a different way.”
On how it feels to be a multimillionaire?
“It means a lot to me. It opens up an opportunity for me to give back to my family, community and the world all around me. It’s not meaningful unless you can share this with those who need it.”
Chau purchased the winning ticket at the 7-Eleven on Imperial Street and Boundary Road in Burnaby.
So far in 2025, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $146 million from Lotto Max. Lotto Max is a nationwide lottery game drawn on Tuesdays and Fridays after 7:30 p.m. (PST).
Players can purchase tickets at lottery retailers or at PlayNow.com. Winning numbers and group release forms can be found online at www.bclc.com. Players can check their lottery tickets anytime, anywhere on iOS and Android devices.
BCLC offers socially responsible gambling entertainment while generating income to benefit all British Columbians. Players can visit PlayNow.com to learn how to set time and money limits.
Latest News
ACR POKER AND CHRIS MONEYMAKER TO SEND PLAYERS TO $300,000 GTD MONEYMAKER TOUR MAIN EVENT THIS SEPTEMBER
Play in the Beast Mega Satellite this Sunday for a chance to win a share of over $44,000 in Moneymaker Tour packages to Aruba
Players now have an opportunity to win an unforgettable poker vacation to one of the hottest live events in Aruba this fall. ACR Poker and poker legend Chris Moneymaker are guaranteeing a host of exclusive packages to the $300,000 GTD Moneymaker Tour Aruba Main Event in September.
ACR Poker’s online Beast Mega Satellite, on Sunday, June 22nd at 5:05pm ET, will guarantee 12 Moneymaker Tour packages worth $3,700 each, totaling $44,400 in value. Players can buy-in for just $95 or qualify for free by placing on the Beast weekly leaderboard.
Each package includes the $1,700 Main Event buy-in, a four-night hotel stay (September 25th to 29th), and $1,000 in airfare. Players will then compete for a share of the $300,000 GTD prize pool, all while enjoying epic poker and off-the-felt experiences set against the stunning backdrop of Aruba.
“We’re all about making poker fun and accessible, and this Aruba stop is the perfect mix of serious competition and a great vacation,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “Whether you’re chasing the title or just chasing the sun, this satellite gives players a chance to play poker in an incredible location and hang out with fellow poker fans—all for a small buy-in. Can’t wait to see who wins their way there this fall.”
This exclusive opportunity is part of Chris Moneymaker’s popular land-based poker tour, which includes stops in Las Vegas, Florida, and Canada. From September 26th to 28th, the $300,000 GTD Main Event in Aruba offers players the very best of live poker in a stunning paradise setting. Beyond the poker tables, players can enjoy pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the vibrant island culture of this Caribbean gem.
Also this Sunday, players can join the penultimate Vegas Main Event Satellite at 2:05pm ET, where 10 packages (worth $12,500 each) to the $10,000 buy-in Main Event in Las Vegas will be awarded. In addition, the Sunday Moneymaker Tournament will take place at 1:05pm ET with a $109 buy-in and a guaranteed prize pool of $300,000.
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