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Stride launches challenger platform to drive participation in horse racing ownership and wider fan engagement in the sport

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Backed and developed by SportCaller founders, new syndication platform for racing outlines next-gen features and streamlined admin & comms from one responsive digital hub


Stride, the next-generation horse racing platform that truly democratises Flat racehorse syndication and deepens the ownership experience, has been launched to bring new levels in value and engagement for key stakeholders who represent the lifeblood of the sport.

Stride plans to become the premier racing communications platform that both centralises and optimises communications between syndicate owners and their respective horses, trainers, stable support staff, jockeys and racecourses. Its aim is to support, illuminate and enrich the experience of owning a thoroughbred on the journey from the purchase ring to the winner’s enclosure.

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The Stride team brings together a host of familiar faces and heavy hitters from the domains of sport, racing, betting and fan-engagement technology for a clearer take on fractional ownership that delivers increased engagement against the backdrop of a progressively homogenised digital-management landscape for horse racing.

Cillian Barry and Eugene Cosgrove, founders of SportCaller – the market-leading free-to-play sports games supplier whose cornerstone clients and games were horse racing-focussed – take the reins as Chairman and Head of Product respectively, while veteran COO Donal Browne has been recruited to steward day-to-day business operations for a venture whose horses will initially be placed with Group 1-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien, whose talented string is housed at picturesque Piltown in County Kilkenny, Ireland.

However, Stride’s CEO and prime mover is former Munster and Leicester rugby star Johne Murphy, who has proven his equine and syndicate management muscle in recent years with the formation of both Rugby & Racing and Thoroughbred Racing Syndicates, the latter also attached to the O’Brien yard, whose successful track record for buying and selling equine talent and exploiting a primed bloodstock market created a dream foundation on which to build Stride’s subsequent flagship brand.

As an eloquent case in point, the business sold five of the six horses which were bought to race on the Flat in 2021 for close to seven figures, giving backers a 27% return on their investment. Stride is also part of the Techstars Sports Accelerator, a global network that assists entrepreneurial ventures in succeeding over the long-term. Founded in 2006, Techstars has now invested in more than 3,000 companies and today has a market cap of $75 billion.

Murphy continues in his multi-faceted role, also acting as Stride’s spokesperson and a passionate rudder for both thoroughbred and syndicate recruitment.

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Murphy commented: “Stride is more than a responsive platform for buying and selling shares in elite-level racehorses. It’s also a way for racing to reconnect, engage and retain its most vital stakeholders: passionate owners who support the sport through times good and bad. Our fractional ownership model readily articulates the merits over micro-ownership and its associated cautionary tales, and also enables our members to choose a portfolio of racehorses that elevates enjoyment and mitigates downside at a challenging economic time across most sectors. Investors can now research, buy, manage and watch their stable of syndicated thoroughbreds at a fraction traditional ownership spends, with zero hidden costs or clawbacks. The price you pay for your share in the syndicate is the sole fee you’ll ever be asked for.

“But our unique Stride platform and its underpinning technology is also here to help owners seamlessly experience racehorse ownership at the click of a button, wherever their busy lives take them on the map. That can mean anything from what you’d expect in the simple joys of sharing the risk with friends and enjoying the raceday thrills and spills; to what you might not in the form of enhanced stable-engagement tools, or regular re-evaluations for profitable resale opportunities. No-one’s got a keener eye for acquiring and training top-class talent than Joseph, so we can’t wait to see how our first syndicated fare over the 2023 season ahead.”

“Stable visits and racecourse privileges are par for the course, alongside the clubbable craic with your family, mates and members. But it’s a long time between drinks in racing! And in racehorse ownership there should be so much more to enjoy, evaluate and benefit from experientially and analytically. Stride is the fluctuating portfolio you won’t want to put down – and the one your friends and colleagues actually want to hear about!”

Cillian Barry, Stride Chairman, added: “Having seen what Johne and Joseph achieved with their first round of syndicates, it’s a thrill to combine their passion and equine acumen for Stride with our own technical know-how around proprietary technology platforms and improved engagement. Eugene and I are already enjoying getting back to our shared first love of racing – remember, SportCaller was initially named RaceCaller!

“Stride’s next-generation informational and experiential platform already includes an array of management, administration and engagement features whose quality and variety set it apart from its rivals who have to date benefitted from a niche sector which has been slow to adopt transformative technology and the latest techniques in social engagement. We naturally aim to build on that over the coming 12 months, fostering a best-in-breed intuitive digital hub, whose array of audiovisual, editorial and data outputs will take members closer to the action than ever before. Whether your horse is fighting out a high-octane finish at the track or enjoying a well-deserved roll in the hay with the stable cat, we’ll capture and communicate it all.”

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Stride’s unique operating model:

Stride purchases unraced yearlings and two-year-old breeze up horses in a price bracket from €25,000 – €150,000. This means Stride horses cover every maiden option in Ireland, facilitating multiple runners and accompanying racecourse engagements throughout the season, and granting syndicate members multiple selling points over the year. Stride typically sell shares in syndicates of between 2-6 horses. These syndicates are comprised of horses throughout the aforementioned price range. The intention is to sell within 12 months of purchase and profits returned to owners. While there are no fixed amounts for syndicate investment, a 5% investment in one syndicate would usually range from €5,000 to €50,000. The price you pay for your share in the syndicate is the only fee members pay.

 

The Stride platform’s features and tools include but are not limited to:

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  • Website, social media feeds & mobile app-centralised comms (soon to debut in the App Store)
  • Syndicate management & updates (direct from both trainer and work riders)
  • Yard tours and live stable-cams
  • Profile pieces (from top trainers and jockeys to key stable staff)
  • Gallops videos
  • Racecourse workouts
  • Equine interest videos (your horse, its education, its stablemates, unpacking their unique characters and idiosyncrasies)
  • Equine welfare (tracking and ensuring your horse’s wellbeing)
  • Easy-access group chat interaction and networking with other syndicate members
  • Race preview and reviews
  • Ratings, timings, form and results
  • Early entries, declarations and race-shape criteria
  • Up-to-the-second betting data and odds
  • Live low-latency raceday streaming
  • Breeding prospects / resale opportunities

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Cactus Founder Nickolas Ribeiro Defends Industry’s Continued Commitment to Responsible Gaming

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In August, the Brazilian online gaming and sports betting sector will complete eight months of effective regulation. This new phase officially began on January 1, 2025, after a long period of debate and consultation between iGaming market representatives and government authorities.

According to Cactus Gaming founder Nickolas Tadeu Ribeiro de Campos, one of the main issues that has permeated this new era of online gambling is establishing resources and motivating the industry’s commitment to responsible gaming. “The commitment to Responsible Gaming must be ongoing. Here at Cactus, we invest in technological tools, protection policies, and strategic partnerships to ensure that entertainment is always aligned with the safety and well-being of players. We promote transparency, prevent risks, and support practices that strengthen the sector’s sustainability,” adds Nickolas.

It’s worth noting that the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), which regulates gaming and betting activities in Brazil, published Ordinance SPA/MF No. 1,231, dated July 31, 2024, which establishes guidelines and measures to ensure that gaming and betting operations promote the integrity and well-being of bettors. The ordinance provides guidelines on how to manage gambling to prevent harmful behavior.

Awarded Best Platform of the Year for three consecutive years by the BIS Awards and Sigma Awards and expanding internationally, Cactus is a Brazilian company recognized for its innovation and excellence in the iGaming sector, standing out for the development of robust, secure and scalable solutions for operators worldwide.

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All areas of the organization are committed to conscious practices and have leaders who believe this is one of the main pillars for a maturing market, as is the case in Brazil.

In this context, Nickolas Ribeiro emphasizes that consumers must be continually made aware, understanding that this activity needs to be done in a safe, healthy and recreational manner.

“The gaming ecosystem must be committed to raising awareness among its audience, promoting informative and preventive actions. We want gaming to be fun for everyone, while providing tools and support channels for those who need it. Therefore, educational initiatives are the best allies for building a robust, conscious, and transparent market in Brazil,” adds the founder of Cactus.

Welcome to Cactus’ new CFO

At the forefront of the industry, Cactus continues to grow and expand its structure with the acquisition of a new office and the hiring of market leaders. Last month, Thiago Garrides joined the team as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Garrides’ arrival represents a new cycle of financial expansion for the company, aligned with its strengthening in Brazil and growth in regulated international markets. The executive has over two decades of experience in corporate finance, risk management, and treasury. He has also led projects focused on operational efficiency, governance, and the structuring of financial services solutions.

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Cactus Gaming, along with its founder, Nickolas Ribeiro, understands the importance of employing highly qualified professionals to offer partners global standards of innovation, transparency, and security. Since its founding, the brand has established a broad portfolio of products and services geared toward the iGaming market, with the credibility of a company that adheres to international best practices. Garrides’ arrival reinforces this constant pursuit of excellence and responsibility.

“Thiago’s arrival represents a significant step forward in our executive structure. We are currently consolidating and expanding internationally, and having a CFO with his experience and strategic vision reinforces our commitment to solid, responsible management aligned with the challenges of the iGaming sector,” emphasizes Nickolas Ribeiro.

Internationally recognized and awarded brand

Cactus’ pioneering work has been recognized by major national and international industry awards. The company was named Best Platform of the Year for three consecutive years—in 2025, 2024, and 2023—and also won “Best White Label” at the SiGMA Awards and “Best Platform” at the BiS Awards.

With a presence at the main global events in the sector such as ICE, SiGMA Americas, SBC Summit, SiGMA Europe, IGB among others, and in full international expansion, Cactus Gaming reinforces its leadership by expanding its operations in Latin America, Europe and other markets.

 

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From Track to Tech: SOFTSWISS Celebrates Barrichello’s First NASCAR Brasil Triumph

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SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of iGaming expertise, celebrates Rubens Barrichello’s victory in the first NASCAR Brasil Series title in his debut season. As the company’s Non‑Executive Director in Latin America, Barrichello exemplifies the champion’s mindset that underpins SOFTSWISS’ disciplined approach to product delivery in Brazil and worldwide.

The NASCAR Brasil Series crowns its champion over a full season under NASCAR-aligned regulations. The title was sealed at the Match Point finale at Velo Città in São Paulo, where the opening race set the decisive points. Barrichello’s calm, data-driven call at the critical moment mirrors SOFTSWISS’ practice: trust the plan, read the telemetry, execute cleanly. 

Rubens Barrichello, Non‑Executive Director in Latin America at SOFTSWISS, comments: “Everyone knows how much I love this competition and how fierce I am. My heart is in my mouth and I’m very happy.”

Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, adds: “This title is a powerful example of what passion, confidence and disciplined preparation deliver. The champion’s mindset that Rubens demonstrates – clarity of plan, trust in the team and precision under pressure – inspires everyone at SOFTSWISS. We will keep applying the same approach in Brazil first and across all markets, bringing measured execution and data-driven decision-making to every release and every client partnership.”

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In May, SOFTSWISS marked the first anniversary of its collaboration with Barrichello. This success arrives as an energising milestone for teams and partners, reinforcing a working culture built on preparation, clarity of roles, measurable outcomes, and continuous improvement. Earlier this month, the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator was named ‘Best Game Aggregator Platform’ at CGS Recife, adding local recognition to the company’s Brazil roadmap.

SOFTSWISS is fully certified in Brazil across its core products – Casino Platform, Game Aggregator, Sportsbook, and Jackpot Aggregator – enabling licensed operators to access a comprehensive, locally compliant stack with trusted support. The same track-to-tech discipline continues to drive responsible and sustainable growth.

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides certified software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 30,000 casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.

The post From Track to Tech: SOFTSWISS Celebrates Barrichello’s First NASCAR Brasil Triumph appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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The White Label Dilemma: Finding the Right Balance for Your iGaming Business

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It’s not just black and white label

Yoni Sidi, CEO at Wiztech, says white labels are all about striking the balance between pros and cons, but for some, it’s impossible to achieve and that’s why it’s important to consider other options.

 

For most operators, a white label solution seems to offer the best route to market. But is that actually the case?

I’ve been working in the industry for more than two decades now, and over that time, I’ve worked on both sides of the fence – so on the white label operator side and on the white label provider side. This gives me a deep understanding of the pros and cons of white label solutions, and this understanding ultimately led me to launch Wiztech. To answer your question more directly, white labels are always about striking the balance between the pros and cons they present – for some operators, a balance can be found, but for others, it can’t. Ultimately, it comes down to knowing what you want from your platform or technology stack, and whether a white label can meet those requirements with the budget and resources you have available to you.

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So, what are the pros and cons of a white label platform?

There are plenty of upsides to white labels, and that’s why they’re used by so many operators. The main advantages are speed to market and cost effectiveness – you can literally go from first discussions to your online casino being live in a matter of weeks. The upfront fees are relatively small, and, in most cases, you pay a revenue share back to the platform provider. This can tighten margins a little, but it means you don’t have to have a large capital reserve to get going. Another benefit is that you can take on as much or as little of the operation as you like – for some, they will let the platform provider take care of the operational aspect while they focus solely on marketing and customer acquisition. Other upsides include licensing, with the white label partner securing and being responsible for the licences they hold.

Drawbacks. The biggest for me is the lack of differentiation you get with a white label. The many brands that run on the platform often look very much the same, just with different logos and branding. After a few months of operating your online casino, you’ll likely notice friction points that you’ll want to address, but the rigid nature of white-label platforms means it’s incredibly difficult to smooth out even the smallest of bumps in the road. It’s also incredibly difficult to roll out unique features and functionality as the development team is usually working through a backlog of requests – most of which are for the friction bumps that need ironing out. Factor in the frequent regulatory changes that happen, and the need for the development team to respond to them, and it’s easy to see how hard it can be to improve the experience being offered to players.

 

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How can operators strike a balance between the pros and cons of white labels?

It comes down to understanding the capabilities of the platform provider and whether they offer customisation and localisation. If they don’t, the operator needs to determine if this is a price they’re willing to pay in exchange for the speed to market and cost effectiveness that white labels provide. Of course, some white label providers do offer support and are happy to help when it comes to developing and deploying bespoke features and functionality. But in my experience, most don’t have the capacity for this, even if they say they do. For me, the balance is found by accepting the limitations of white labels and working within the (often pretty rigid framework) they provide. There are plenty of examples of operators that have done this and have gone on to run very successful brands in highly competitive markets.

 

Is there an alternative to white labels?

The most obvious alternative is to develop a proprietary technology stack, but this approach comes with just as many, if not more, pitfalls. Building a platform from the ground up is incredibly expensive and tremendously risky, and this is why so few operators outside of the industry power players have been able to pull it off. And even those that do often encounter issues such as ongoing maintenance, tech debt, staffing and compliance. But there is a middle ground between white label and proprietary, and it can be found with smaller platform providers whose technologies offer the agility, flexibility and adaptability required for operators to launch highly customised, almost bespoke, online casinos and sportsbooks.

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How does Wiztech fit into the platform mix, and how do you support your partners in achieving their goals in often highly competitive markets?

At Wiztech, we champion modular tech and the likes of AI and automation. By embracing these, we have been able to build powerful yet highly customisable casino and sportsbook solutions that are also fully compliant in tightly regulated markets. In our experience, being able to quickly respond to regulatory changes provides a competitive advantage to our customers. In Mexico, for example, our client Winpot has been able to deliver a unique player experience while always ensuring compliance. And this is against a backdrop where regulatory changes often come with very little notice. Our technology can adapt quickly while Winpot continues to capitalise on the growing demand for entertaining online casino products and experiences.

But just as important as our technology is our approach to our partners. This sees us undertake a comprehensive onboarding process where we spend a lot of time understanding the client’s “why” before we map out the “what” and the “how”. This has proved to be incredibly effective and ensures that our clients can get the most out of the flexibility of our platform and the high levels of customisation and personalisation it provides.

The post The White Label Dilemma: Finding the Right Balance for Your iGaming Business appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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