Jun 10, 2025

Affinity Interactive Announces Sale of DRF Bets to 1/ST TECHNOLOGY

DRF Bets Becomes 1/ST BET PRO Following Strategic Transaction to Refocus on Data, Content, and Affiliate Growth

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Affinity Interactive (the “Company”), the parent company of Daily Racing Form (DRF) announced today the successful sale of its advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platform, DRF Bets, to 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, a division of 1/ST, and the parent company of online betting brands 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. Effective Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Xpressbet will assume full ownership and operational control of the platform, rebranding the product as 1/ST BET PRO.

Affinity Interactive and 1/ST TECHNOLOGY have partnered since 2011 to bring DRF Bets to market, with Xpressbet providing back-end technology, wagering, pathways, customer service, and data security. The acquisition marks the next phase in a longstanding relationship between the two organizations.

Customers of DRF will experience a seamless and secure transition to 1/ST BET PRO, with no changes to their user credentials, wagering interface, promotions, or key benefits. Beginning June 10, existing DRF Bets users can log in at 1stbetpro.com or via the new 1/ST BET PRO app on iOS devices using their current DRF Bets credentials.

“This is a pivotal moment for Affinity Interactive and DRF,” said Scott Butera, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Interactive, the publisher of DRF. “This strategic transaction allows us to sharpen our focus on DRF’s core strengths—premium racing data, expert handicapping, and compelling content. We are now better positioned to collaborate with a broader array of racetracks, wagering platforms, and sportsbook operators as an independent and innovative media and data company.”

As a part of Affinity Interactive’s growth strategy, DRF will accelerate its expansion into affiliate partnerships, e-commerce, and data-driven product lines. By shifting away from direct account wagering operations, DRF will deepen its commitment to providing industry-leading insights and digital tools to horseplayers and fans across the globe.

“This move enhances our ability to serve the broader horse racing and gaming ecosystems, supporting innovation, integrity, and new fan engagement,” added Butera. “We are proud of what we built with DRF Bets and are excited about this next chapter.”

For 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, the acquisition further strengthens its market position as a leader in B2C and B2B wagering technology. Each year, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY services hundreds of thousands of bettors and is responsible for the transmission of billions of dollars in wagers.

“1/ST TECHNOLOGY is committed to continuing to provide the consistent superior service and user experience DRF Bets customers have come to expect—now under the 1/ST BET PRO brand,” said 1/ST TECHNOLOGY President, Keith Johnson. “We look forward to welcoming DRF Bets customers and expanding our product offerings to horseplayers across the country and around the globe.”

Affinity Interactive and DRF remain dedicated to service the horse racing and sports betting communities through trusted journalism, digital innovation, and industry collaboration.

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About

Affinity Interactive

Affinity Interactive is an omni-channel media, online, and gaming industry leader with an expanded suite of casino and online gaming offerings. Combining leading regional casinos in Nevada, Missouri and Iowa with advanced technology, digital and media platforms, and an online betting presence, Affinity Interactive has nearly 1 million combined customers and is positioned to capitalize on the continued momentum in sports betting and iGaming globally. Affinity Interactive companies also include: the iconic Daily Racing Form, “America's Turf Authority since 1894” for horse racing and sports enthusiasts throughout North America, one of America’s fastest-growing online and mobile wagering platforms; and DRF Sports, which provides fans with exclusive up-to-date sports betting stats, insights and analysis on all major U.S. sports and leagues. For more information, please visit affinityinteractive.com and DRF.com.

Affinity Interactive is a portfolio company of ZCG Private Equity, the private equity fund management platform of ZCG (www.zcg.com), a leading, privately held global firm comprised of private markets asset management, business consulting services, and technology development and solutions.

About Daily Racing Form

Founded in 1894, Daily Racing Form (DRF) is the most trusted source for premium horse racing data, news, and analysis. For over 130 years, DRF has provided horseplayers and industry professionals with exclusive past performances, expert handicapping insights, and real-time coverage of the sport. Today, DRF continues to evolve, delivering innovative digital products and AI-powered tools that enhance the horse racing experience for bettors of all levels.

As part of its expansion, DRF has entered the sports affiliate business, leveraging its multi-channel platform to connect sports bettors with leading sportsbook operators. By combining its deep expertise in horse racing analytics with a growing presence in the broader sports betting market, DRF remains at the forefront of the gaming industry. For more information, visit www.DRF.com.

About

ZCG

 is a leading, privately held merchant bank comprised of three dynamic, cross-disciplinary platforms: private markets asset management, business consulting services, and technology development and solutions.

’s investors are some of the largest and most sophisticated global institutional investors including pension funds, endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds, central banks, and insurance companies.

For almost 30 years,  Principals have invested tens of billions of dollars of capital.

 has a global team comprised of approximately 400 professionals. The company is headquartered in New York, with affiliate offices located in Pune and Mumbai, India, and Riyadh, KSA. For more information on , please visit www.zcg.com.

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