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

Affinity Interactive, the parent company of Daily Racing Form (DRF), announced 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 assumed 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. 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. 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,” said Scott Butera, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Interactive.
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. We are proud of what we built with DRF Bets and are excited about this next chapter,” Butera said.
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. We look forward to welcoming DRF Bets customers and expanding our product offerings to horseplayers across the country and around the globe,” said 1/ST TECHNOLOGY President, Keith Johnson.
The post Affinity Interactive Announces Sale of DRF Bets to 1/ST TECHNOLOGY appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Affinity Interactive
Affinity Interactive Appoints Scott Butera as President & Chief Executive Officer

Affinity Interactive has announced the appointment of Scott Butera as President & Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Mr. Butera, who most recently led AI’s Sports Information Group (SIG) business, brings over 30 years of experience in gaming, hospitality, media, entertainment, and sports to the pivotal role. In his new capacity, Mr. Butera will set strategy and oversee operations of the Company’s diversified portfolio of casinos resorts across Nevada, Missouri, and Iowa. He will also continue to oversee all print and online media platforms, including Daily Racing Form.
Mr. Butera is an industry veteran who has a history of leading growth and innovation at numerous companies. As CEO of SIG, he led initiatives to develop retail and business products and optimize ecommerce sales for the Daily Racing Form. Under his leadership, SIG experienced significant growth in market share and revenue. Previously, Mr. Butera served as President of Fubo Gaming at Fubo TV Inc. He has also held CEO and President positions at MGM Resorts International, the Arena Football League, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Tropicana Entertainment, and Trump Entertainment, among others. Earlier in his career, he worked as an investment banker for more than a decade, gaining valuable financial expertise that he later applied to strategic decision-making in the gaming industry. Mr. Butera has a B.A. from Trinity College, where he served as a Trustee, and an MBA from New York University.
“Scott’s operating acumen and deep knowledge of the gaming and entertainment industries have helped AI and Sports Information Group expand product offerings and improve the sports and gaming experience for consumers around the world. I am confident Scott will integrate seamlessly into this expanded role, and under his leadership, Affinity will achieve greater success, continuing to deliver world-class experiences to nearly 1 million users and guests across platforms,” James J. Zenni Jr., Chairman of Affinity Interactive, said.
“Affinity’s mission to elevate the gaming industry through advanced technology and unparalleled customer offerings – both across digital media platforms as well as in-person gaming – remains a driving force behind the business’ success. I am eager to collaborate with Jim and leverage my familiarity with the business as well as my passion for driving innovative change to execute on AI’s long-term strategic priorities,” Mr. Butera said.
Affinity Interactive
Affinity Interactive Appoints Halise Ekmen Uysal as CFO
Affinity Interactive (AI), an omni-channel gaming industry leader and ZCG portfolio company, announced the appointment of Halise Ekmen Uysal as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Ms. Ekmen Uysal will oversee AI’s talented finance organization in planning for and executing on AI’s growth initiatives across its casinos and digital and media platforms, including Daily Racing Form, DRF Bets, and DRF Sports.
Ms. Ekmen Uysal has more than 20 years of finance and accounting leadership experience in roles of increasing responsibility, from property-level management to the C-suite. Most recently, she served as Chief Finance, Strategy and Transformation Officer for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, which included the Chumash Casino Resort and its other diverse investments. Earlier in her career, she worked at Caesars Entertainment Corporation for 12 years in various finance roles.
“Halise is an accomplished finance executive across the gaming and hospitality industries, and we are excited to welcome her to AI as our new CFO. Her track record of driving sustainable financial results while building high-performing, diverse teams will benefit all of AI’s businesses and help us execute on our strategic priorities,” Andrei Scrivens, CEO of Affinity Interactive, said.
“The addition of Halise to the management team further strengthens AI’s leadership across its entire platform of premier casinos, online gaming offerings and digital media. I’m confident her two decades of diverse finance experience and extensive business acumen will be valuable across the organization as AI builds on its positive momentum, delivers world-class customer experiences and drives continued growth,” James J. Zenni Jr., Chairman of Affinity Interactive, said.
“Affinity Interactive is at the forefront of gaming innovation with a unique portfolio of technology, digital and media assets, and I look forward to joining the talented and hard-working team. Together with Andrei, Jim and the rest of the leadership team, I’m excited to execute on the Company’s compelling growth opportunities and contribute to its continued success as a gaming leader,” Ms. Ekmen Uysal said.
Powered by WPeMatico
Affinity Interactive
Affinity Interactive Expands its Leadership Team

Affinity Interactive (AI), an omni-channel gaming industry leader and ZCG portfolio company, announced it has appointed two industry veterans to its executive leadership team, effective April 1, 2023. The new additions include Scott Butera as Chief Executive Officer of Sports Information Group (SIG), AI’s New York-based B2B and B2C global omnichannel sports, technology, digital, media and wagering business, and Brad Egnor as Chief Marketing Officer of AI.
“Affinity Interactive is thrilled to welcome Scott and Brad to our leadership team, and we are certain that they will be valuable additions in helping us create deeper customer engagement and further captivate diverse audiences. As AI continues to lead the way in meeting the growing demand for online gaming products and omni-channel casinos, Scott and Brad bring relevant skills, networks and experiences that will inform our business strategy. We look forward to taking AI’s digital marketing performance to the next level and providing customers with a truly exceptional gaming experience,” Andrei Scrivens, CEO of Affinity Interactive, said.
“These exciting leadership appointments further position AI to harness the power of the company’s leading technology and proprietary sports data and intelligence for the benefit of each platform, users and guests everywhere. Scott and Brad both add distinct expertise and share our unwavering commitment to excellence, which will help pave the way for continued success and bold innovation as we further establish AI as the premier, industry-leading gaming platform,” James J. Zenni Jr., Chairman of Affinity Interactive, said.
Mr. Butera, an entertainment and hospitality executive with more than two decades of executive gaming experience, will be responsible for forming key partnerships and ventures that leverage SIG’s iconic Daily Racing Form content and brand, as well as overseeing the expansion of AI’s advance-deposit and sports wagering capabilities.
“I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic, well-respected company and look forward to working closely with Andrei, Jim, Brad and the entire Affinity Interactive team to continue building on Sports Information Group’s world class digital offering. The industry is at a turning point, and AI is at the forefront of the next frontier where media, technology and gaming come together to deliver exciting new experiences for consumers globally. DRF’s content and brand is unparalleled, and I could not be more excited to bring to life their potential in new ways for the entire AI platform,” said Mr. Butera.
In his new role as Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Egnor will be responsible for enhancing AI’s digital performance marketing capabilities across its business units, including casino, Daily Racing Form, and DRF Bets, to provide customers with a cohesive digital journey and a comprehensive relationship with AI.
“Affinity Interactive is a clear leader in today’s gaming ecosystem and I am excited to join the AI team as we build on the company’s continued momentum. Together, we will continue to grow each platform’s dedicated following and foster even stronger customer relationships across the AI network to drive the company to new heights,” said Mr. Egnor.
Powered by WPeMatico
-
Africa3 days ago
Accelerating Ambitions in Africa: SYNOT Games Teams Up with Codium
-
Canada3 days ago
Tsleil-Waututh Nation Signs MoU to Acquire Casino Business at Hastings Racecourse & Casino
-
Balkans4 days ago
Merkur Showcased its Latest Product Portfolio at Belgrade Future Gaming
-
Australia4 days ago
ACMA: Four Betting Services Breach Gambling Self-Exclusion Rules
-
Andreas Rentner4 days ago
Zimpler Becomes Certified Payment Institution in Brazil, Strengthens Local Open Finance Ecosystem
-
Latest News4 days ago
That was unforgettable! – The Boomerang Bet “AC Milan vs. Bologna Trip” Instagram Giveaway winner shared his emotions
-
Australia4 days ago
Regulating the Game 2026 Announces CherryHub and Ebet as RegTech Sponsors
-
Conferences3 days ago
Win Systems will showcase its new range of Gold Club Colors electronic roulettes at PGS.