Ian Bradley joins FIRST.bet as co-CEO to drive global growth

FIRST.bet has announced the appointment of Ian Bradley as its new co-Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership development for the sportsbook technology provider. The company stated that Bradley will work alongside founder Tom Light as a partner in the business, helping guide its strategic direction while supporting continued expansion across Latin America, Europe and other international markets.

The appointment represents an important milestone for FIRST.bet as it continues to strengthen its position in the business-to-business sportsbook technology sector. According to the company, Bradley's extensive background in sportsbook operations, trading and commercial leadership is expected to complement the existing executive team during the next phase of corporate growth.

Ian Bradley returns to his B2B roots

Ian Bradley brings more than two decades of experience in sportsbook trading and B2B technology. His career began within the betting industry through trading and spread betting roles at Sporting Index and Sporting Solutions before he joined SBTech.

During his time at SBTech, Bradley became part of a business that established itself as one of the leading suppliers of sportsbook technology to regulated operators around the world. Following the merger between SBTech and DraftKings in 2020, the sportsbook technology platform became part of DraftKings' wider business.

Bradley most recently served as Senior Vice President at DraftKings, where he held responsibility for consumer sportsbook revenue. His experience spans sportsbook trading, commercial strategy, product development and operational leadership across highly competitive regulated markets.

FIRST.bet noted that Bradley's appointment represents a return to the B2B sportsbook environment where much of his professional career was established.

Leadership partnership with Tom Light

Unlike many executive appointments, Bradley is joining FIRST.bet not only as a senior executive but also as a partner in the business.

The company explained that Bradley and founder Tom Light will jointly oversee corporate strategy and long-term direction as co-CEOs. Their previous professional relationship dates back to their time working together at SBTech, where they collaborated on sportsbook technology initiatives.

FIRST.bet believes this existing working relationship provides a strong foundation as both executives combine their respective strengths.

According to the company, Tom Light will continue contributing his product vision and entrepreneurial leadership while Ian Bradley brings extensive experience in scaling sportsbook operations across international markets.

Together they are expected to focus on further strengthening the company's technology platform, trading capabilities and commercial expansion.

FIRST.bet continues international expansion

FIRST.bet has positioned itself as a Tier-1 B2B sportsbook technology provider serving operators in regulated markets.

The company stated that its strategic priorities include continued growth throughout Latin America, Europe and additional international jurisdictions where demand for advanced sportsbook technology continues to increase.

As competition within the regulated betting industry continues to evolve, many operators are seeking technology partners capable of delivering scalable sportsbook platforms, trading expertise and flexible integration capabilities.

FIRST.bet believes its leadership structure and technology offering position the business to pursue additional commercial opportunities within these markets.

Industry experience supports future ambitions

Bradley's career has covered multiple stages of the sportsbook industry's technological evolution.

Beginning with trading operations before moving into large-scale sportsbook platform development, he has accumulated experience across both operational and commercial functions.

His time at DraftKings also provided exposure to one of the largest regulated online sportsbook operations in North America.

FIRST.bet indicated that this combination of operational knowledge, commercial leadership and technology expertise aligns with its long-term ambitions as it continues investing in product development and customer partnerships.

Tom Light comments on the appointment

Commenting on the announcement, Tom Light highlighted both Bradley's industry reputation and their previous experience working together.

Tom Light, founder and co-CEO of FIRST.bet, said:

“Ian is one of the most respected leaders in our industry and I worked alongside him at SBTech, so I’ve seen first-hand what he builds. I’ve wanted him alongside me at FIRST.bet for some time – that he’s only now free to join tells you how highly DraftKings valued him.

“Asking Ian to run the business with me as co-CEO is the clearest statement of intent we could make: FIRST.bet is building the platform serious operators choose and together we’ll get there faster.”

Ian Bradley outlines his new role

Bradley also shared his enthusiasm for joining FIRST.bet and becoming part of its next stage of development.

Ian Bradley, co-CEO of FIRST.bet, said:

“FIRST.bet has built something rare – a world-class team and genuinely Tier-1 technology, with the trading depth and product to back it. I wanted to work alongside a team like this and help build on the success they’ve already created.

“Running the company alongside Tom as co-CEO is exactly the challenge I wanted next and the opportunity in B2B right now – across LatAm, Europe and beyond – is enormous.”

A strategic appointment for future growth

Leadership appointments often reflect broader strategic objectives and FIRST.bet's latest announcement appears to underline its ambition to strengthen its presence within the competitive sportsbook technology market.

Bradley's appointment combines extensive sportsbook operating experience with an existing relationship between the company's two co-CEOs. FIRST.bet has indicated that this structure is intended to support continued innovation while expanding commercial opportunities across multiple regulated jurisdictions.

As operators increasingly seek reliable technology partners capable of delivering scalable sportsbook solutions, experienced leadership remains an important factor in supporting long-term business development.

While future commercial results will depend on market conditions, customer demand and continued execution of the company's strategy, FIRST.bet's decision to appoint Ian Bradley as co-CEO demonstrates its intention to invest in executive leadership as it pursues its next phase of international growth.

Conclusion

The appointment of Ian Bradley as co-CEO marks a notable development for FIRST.bet as the company continues building its position within the global B2B sportsbook technology sector. Bradley's extensive experience across sportsbook trading, technology and commercial leadership complements founder Tom Light's product expertise and entrepreneurial vision. By sharing leadership responsibilities, the company aims to strengthen its strategic direction while supporting expansion across Latin America, Europe and other regulated markets. As FIRST.bet continues investing in technology and customer partnerships, this leadership structure is expected to provide additional experience and continuity for its long-term growth plans.

FAQs

Who is Ian Bradley?
Ian Bradley is a sportsbook industry executive with more than 20 years of experience in sportsbook trading, technology and commercial leadership.

What position has Ian Bradley accepted?
He has joined FIRST.bet as co-Chief Executive Officer alongside founder Tom Light.

What is FIRST.bet?
FIRST.bet is a B2B sportsbook technology provider that develops sportsbook platforms and related solutions for betting operators.

Where did Ian Bradley work before joining FIRST.bet?
Before joining FIRST.bet, he served as Senior Vice President at DraftKings.

Did Ian Bradley previously work with Tom Light?
Yes. The two previously worked together at SBTech before joining forces again at FIRST.bet.

What markets is FIRST.bet targeting for expansion?
The company has identified Latin America, Europe and other international regulated markets as key areas for future growth.

What experience does Ian Bradley bring to FIRST.bet?
He brings experience in sportsbook trading, commercial strategy, revenue management and technology leadership.

Will Ian Bradley share leadership responsibilities?
Yes. He will jointly lead the company with founder Tom Light as co-CEO.

Why is this appointment significant?
The appointment adds experienced executive leadership as FIRST.bet continues pursuing international growth opportunities.

Is FIRST.bet changing its business focus?
Based on the announcement, the company remains focused on providing Tier-1 B2B sportsbook technology while expanding into additional regulated markets.