Affinity Interactive announced the sale of its advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platform DRF Bets to 1/ST Technology, the company that operates Xpressbet and 1/ST Bet.
Post-acquisition, the platform is now called 1/ST BET PRO and will be fully managed by Xpressbet. Affinity Interactive and 1/ST have collaborated since 2011. Since then, Xpressbet has handled backend tech, wagering pathways, customer service, and data security for DRF Bets.
Starting June 10, DRF Bets users can use their account credentials to log in via 1stbetpro. The horse racing betting platform offers parimutuel wagering nationally, offering access to 300+ racetracks across North America.
The company has also expanded its reach in sports betting. In March 2024, bet365 chose 1/ST TECHNOLOGY to power its U.S. horse racing offerings, using the 1/ST BET platform. The company also partnered with NASCAR in February to offer pari‑mutuel betting on stock-car events.
DRF to focus on providing horse racing data
“This is a pivotal moment for Affinity Interactive and DRF,” said Scott Butera, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Interactive, the publisher of Daily Racing Form (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.”
By shifting away from direct account wagering operations, DRF will focus on providing horse racing bettors with data to aid their wagers. DRF Bets handled over $5 billion in horse racing wagers annually.
Butera added, “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.”
1/ST Technology expanding reach in betting
“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.”
The company also offers sports betting in Australia through a partnership with PointsBet. Other recent partnerships include a deal with Goodwood racecourse in the UK and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. In addition, the company offers its services in Europe, South Africa, and parts of the Middle East as well as Canada and the US.
Adam is an experienced writer with years of experience in the gambling industry. He has worked as a content writer and editor for five years on sites such as Oddschecker, CoinTelegraph and Gambling Industry News, bringing excellent knowledge of the world of sports betting and online gambling. Adam focuses on emerging stories in the ever changing landscape of betting in the US. Read the latest on prediction markets, changing legislation, and sweepstakes.
