Press Releases
1/ST TECHNOLOGY & AMTOTE AGREE MILESTONE MULTI-YEAR WAGERING DEAL TERMS WITH BIRMINGHAM RACE COURSE & VICTORYLAND

Birmingham Race Course in Birmingham, Alabama and VictoryLand in Shorter, Alabama have signed a long-term totalisator services agreement for pari-mutuel wagering with AmTote International, a product of 1/ST TECHNOLOGY – horse racing’s largest and most innovative racing and gaming company, and the leading wagering technology company in the U.S.
This multi-year, totalisator services agreement sees Birmingham and VictoryLand migrate from their current totalisator provider to AmTote in April 2022, with the provisioning of 1/ST TECHNOLOGY AmTote products and services to these popular Alabama facilities.
The deal arms Birmingham and VictoryLand with a host of best-of-breed technologies and services, designed to enhance the betting experience for its customers. These include the underlying totalisator platform and accompanying race-day control services, retail POS betting terminals, self-service betting kiosks and mobile betting applications.
The wider initiative to continue improving existing products and develop new technologies aimed at digitizing the retail space is a key component of 1/ST TECHNOLOGY’s modus operandi. While a linked-up, customizable approach is now available for its partnering racetracks, thanks to services which also add the ability to leverage mobile betting via AmTote’s robust platform. Ultimately, through astute management and fast deployment, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY intends to secure the sustainability of high-class horse racing, breathing new life into a popular legacy sport for a sophisticated modern-day audience.
1/ST TECHNOLOGY’s world-class products – AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix – are among the most trusted names in gaming, technology, and horse racing. AmTote technology and services host the majority of racetrack operators in North America and are currently in operation at Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park, Aqueduct, and Woodbine, among many others, and process more than $18 billion in pari-mutuel and fixed-odds wagering around the world each year.
Keith Johnson, Chief Revenue Officer at 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, commented: “We are thrilled to earn the business of Birmingham Race Course and VictoryLand as new AmTote totalisator customers, and are excited to work with their teams as they evolve their wagering paradigm and technology with us. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Dr. Benefield and his team in Alabama for years to come.
“Our next-generation AmTote wagering platform will play a key role as 1/ST TECHNOLOGY continues to deliver against its mission to expand opportunities for innovation, new revenue opportunities, and diversification across 1/ST Group’s racing and gaming verticals.”
Dr. Lewis Benefield, CEO at Jefferson County Racing Association, Inc. and Macon County Greyhound Park, Inc., added: “We are excited to begin this new relationship with 1/ST TECHNOLOGY and AmTote as we partner to modernize our operations at Birmingham Race Course and VictoryLand. Partnering with the leading wagering technology provider in racing and gaming will give our customer base a new exciting experience.”
Gambling in the USA
Chris Barranco Joins Quick Custom Intelligence as Director of Business Development

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading provider of AI-driven analytics and enterprise solutions for the gaming and hospitality industry, today announced the addition of Chris Barranco as Director of Business Development.
Barranco brings 25 years of experience leading high-performing teams, driving revenue, and building durable client relationships. He is adept at solution-selling methodology and full sales-cycle management, with a proven track record of mentoring top-tier account executives, delivering high-impact presentations, and retaining key accounts. Known for a tenacious approach to new-business development and customer loyalty, Barranco will focus on expanding QCI’s market footprint, strengthening the partner ecosystem, and advancing go-to-market execution across QCI’s product portfolio.
“I’m excited to join the clear market leader and work with the exceptional team at QCI,” said Chris Barranco, Director of Business Development at QCI. “QCI’s commitment to turning data into action aligns perfectly with my approach to helping customers achieve measurable revenue impact. I look forward to working closely with our clients and partners to accelerate growth and deliver exceptional outcomes.”
“We’re delighted to welcome an industry veteran of Chris’s caliber to the QCI team,” said Andrew Cardno, CTO and Co-Founder of QCI. “His leadership, mastery of solution selling, and passion for customer success will further strengthen our ability to scale, deepen client relationships, and deliver the operational results our customers expect.”
As Director of Business Development, Barranco will lead initiatives to expand QCI’s presence across key markets, refine sales enablement programs, and collaborate with product and customer success teams to ensure a seamless path from discovery to measurable value realization.
Latest News
WSOP® PARADISE 2025 REVEALS FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE WITH NEW EARLY-BIRD PACKAGES

The record-breaking poker festival in the Bahamas adds fresh events and exclusive perks for players booking early
The World Series of Poker (WSOP®) today unveiled the complete schedule for the highly anticipated WSOP Paradise 2025, which will take place at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas from Dec. 4 through Dec. 18. This announcement also introduces two new, limited-availability early-bird packages, designed to provide players with unmatched value and exclusive benefits.
This year’s festival expands on its commitment to high-stakes action with a full slate of 15 WSOP gold bracelet events:
Event |
Date |
Buy-In |
#1 Circuit Championship Mystery Bounty NLH – $5M GTD |
Dec. 4 |
$2.5K |
#2 Triton PLO 6-Handed |
Dec. 4 |
$75K |
#3 Triton PLO Main Event |
Dec. 5 |
$100K |
#4 High Roller Turbo NLH |
Dec. 6 |
$50K |
#5 Triton Invitational – NLH |
Dec. 7 |
$250K |
#6 Super COLOSSUS NLH |
Dec. 7 |
$5K |
#7 Super PLOSSUS PLO |
Dec. 8 |
$10K |
#8 Triton NLH 7-Handed |
Dec. 8 |
$125K |
#9 Triton NLH Main Event |
Dec. 9 |
$100K |
#10 Triton NLH 8-Handed |
Dec. 10 |
$150K |
#11 Super Main Event NLH – $60M GTD |
Dec. 10 |
$25K |
#12 8-Game Mix 6-Handed |
Dec. 11 |
$10K |
#13 High Roller PLO |
Dec. 13 |
$50K |
#14 GGMillion$ NLH – $10M GTD |
Dec. 15 |
$25K |
#15 The Closer NLH Turbo Bounty |
Dec. 16 |
$10K |
This year’s WSOP Paradise features an expanded partnership with Triton Poker, the leading high-stakes tournament operator. In 2024, two gold bracelet events were curated by Triton; the number increases to six in 2025, with WSOP bracelets going to the winners of Event #2 Triton PLO, Event #3 Triton PLO Main Event, Event #5 Triton NLH Invitational, Event #8 Triton NLH 7-Handed, Event #9 Triton NLH Main Event and Event #10 Triton NLH 8-Handed.
To reward early registrants, WSOP is introducing two new early-bird packages for players looking to secure their seats, with both offering massive added value:
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The $100K Paradise Package – limited to just 500 packages, includes a 13-night stay (Dec. 5 to Dec. 18), complimentary access to the WSOP buffet and a $500 food & beverage room credit. The deposit to secure is $10,000.
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The $300K VIP Package – includes a 15 night stay (Dec. 3 to Dec. 18), complimentary access to the WSOP buffet, a $1,000 food & beverage room credit plus one á la carte meal from the Triton menu per day. The deposit to secure is $15,000.
For the first time at WSOP Paradise, resort fees are included in the package price, and the room credit is also provided for use throughout the resort. The full package amount must be played in WSOP Paradise events.
GGPoker will once again serve as the exclusive international satellite partner, aiming to send more than 1,000 players to the Super Main Event. WSOP Express and Road to Paradise qualifier tournaments are already underway in the GGPoker tournament lobby. Additionally, over 500 players are expected to qualify for the Circuit Championship through WSOP Circuit gold ring events (running from Jul. 1 through Dec. 2, 2025, both live and online), and ClubGG plans to send more than 400 players to the same event.
In an exciting new partnership, PokerStake will cover up to 50% of the unsold action for Circuit Package winners who choose to list their Super Main Event action on the platform.
“I said last year that a $50M guarantee was crazy, but adding another $10,000,000 on top is absolutely insane! The WSOP is bringing the biggest high rollers and the best poker experience possible back to paradise,” said Daniel Negreanu, GGPoker Global Ambassador. “With the new Super Mystery Bounty event and the expanded partnership with Triton, this is a can’t-miss festival for players of all levels. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
“With the WSOP Paradise at Atlantis Paradise Island tournament schedule now set, the countdown to The Bahamas IS ON! This year’s lineup delivers an unbeatable mix of world-class events, record-breaking guarantees, and unforgettable poker moments in one of the most iconic destinations on the planet. From seasoned pros to newcomers, players from around the globe will find their place in paradise, and their shot at history,” added Joe Brunini, Chief Gaming & Customer Development Officer, Atlantis Paradise Island.
WSOP Paradise 2025 will feature a daily live stream from Dec. 12 through Dec. 18 on the WSOP YouTube channel, with CBS Sports Network television coverage planned for distribution in early 2026.
Further details on event structures and schedules will be available on the WSOP+ app. The WSOP reserves the right to cancel, change, or modify the tournament or any tournament event, in part or in whole, without notice. Entry fees will be added to all events, and up to 3% of tournament buy-ins will be withheld for staff and operational costs. Guaranteed events are paid out after deducting the percentage for costs from the total prize pool.
Please follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram or check WSOP.com for more event news and updates: wsop.com/news/2025-wsop-paradise.
For more information on WSOP Express, please visit: ggpoker.com/tournaments/wsop-express/.
To book your Atlantis stay at exclusive WSOP rates starting from $199 per night, please visit: atlantisbahamas.com/wsop-in-paradise
eSports
Fighting Game GOAT Justin Wong Joins BASILISK, Science’s Esports Team

Nine-time Evo Champion and Guinness World Record Holder Brings Legendary Status to Captain New Team, Recruit Talent, and Advance Science’s Role in Competitive Gaming
BASILISK, the global esports organization built to champion science, today announced the signing of legendary fighting game competitor Justin ‘JWong’ Wong as captain of its newly formed Fighting Game Community (FGC) Division. Wong will lead BASILISK’s entry into the FGC by recruiting players, developing community events, and creating FGC – science crossover content.
“Justin isn’t just a competitive genius – he is a cultural icon and humble leader within the FGC,” said BASILISK co-founder Christopher Bothur. “We are incredibly proud to have him leading our FGC division and support the amazing work he already does for the community.”
A nine-time Evolution Championship Series (Evo) Champion and Guinness World Record holder, Wong brings unparalleled FGC credibility and expertise to BASILISK. His reach extends across the entire FGC fandom of millions, and he was immortalized in Evo Moment #37 which has over 100 million views.
As Captain of BASILISK FGC, Wong will leverage BASILISK’s data analytics to scout and train the next generation of FGC pros.
“Math is super important to fighting games. I’m excited to join science’s esports team,” said Wong upon joining BASILISK. “I’m passionate about finding promising players with a positive mentality and shaping them into the next big thing. I want to see somebody else in the spotlight after me and help them reach their potential. If we can discover the next world champion, that would be fantastic.”
The signing comes on the heels of BASILISK’s new partnerships with The Planetary Society and Caltech’s Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM), announced in July. These collaborations create a powerful bridge between renowned scientific institutions and gamers, which Wong will amplify to his millions of followers and fans.
“Justin is a dream addition to our organization,” added BASILISK co-founder Hans Kassier. “He exemplifies the dedication and analytical capacity required to be an esports champion or great scientist.”
Wong becomes the second “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) to join BASILISK, alongside Finnish StarCraft 2 legend Joona ‘Serral’ Sotala, who just captured the SC2 Esports World Cup Championship in July 2025. The signing also creates opportunities for cross-over content with BASILISK’s diverse roster, including chess Grandmaster Vincent Keymer and award-winning science communicator Kyle Hill, who brings over 2.5 million followers and a vast network of science enthusiasts to the organization.
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