Tom Light, CEO of FIRST, is part of a new generation of founders building technology companies designed for scale from day one.
FIRST is a B2B sports betting provider focused entirely on operators. It does not position itself as a consumer brand. Instead, it builds the underlying technology that powers sportsbooks in regulated markets.
This is a deliberate choice.
A Technology Company, Not a Front-End Product
FIRST operates as a sports betting technology company. Its role is to provide the core infrastructure that operators rely on.
The company’s platform is built around a proprietary sportsbook engine designed to handle real-time data, high transaction volumes, and continuous uptime. It integrates directly into operator systems and supports complex, multi-market deployments.
As a sportsbook platform B2B, the focus is on performance, reliability, and speed.
From Launch to Tier 1 Position
In a short period of time, FIRST has established itself as a tier 1 sportsbook provider across multiple regulated markets.
The platform today supports:
- Over 1,000 operator integrations and deployments
- Millions of daily users across partner systems
- Operations across Latin America and Europe
In Brazil, one of the most competitive regulated markets globally, FIRST has become one of the most widely adopted sportsbook providers, powering a large number of operator brands. This level of adoption is typically achieved over many years. FIRST reached it in a fraction of that time.
Built for Regulated Environments
FIRST is designed as a regulated sportsbook provider.
Its technology is built to meet strict compliance requirements across jurisdictions, supporting secure transactions, reporting standards, and local regulatory frameworks. This allows operators to deploy in regulated markets with confidence, knowing the core system is aligned with required standards.
Compliance is not layered on top. It is embedded into the architecture.
The Core: Sportsbook Engine and Real-Time Systems
At the center of the platform is FIRST’s sportsbook engine.
This system processes real-time inputs, user behavior, and market data to deliver continuous pricing and execution. It operates under high load conditions while maintaining stability and speed.
Machine learning models are integrated directly into the system, enabling:
- Dynamic adjustments based on live conditions
- Automated decision-making
- Continuous optimisation of performance
This positions FIRST not just as a sportsbook solution provider, but as a technology company with a fully integrated data-driven system.
A Pure B2B Model
FIRST operates exclusively as a sportsbook provider for operators.
It does not compete with its clients. It enables them.
Operators maintain full ownership of their brand, customer base, and front-end experience, while FIRST provides the underlying system.
This clear separation has made it a preferred B2B sports betting provider for operators looking to scale without compromising control.
Strong Presence in Latin America
FIRST has built significant momentum in Latin America, becoming a leading sportsbook provider in Brazil and expanding across the region.
It powers dozens of operator brands and continues to grow its footprint in regulated markets.
This expansion has positioned the company as a key sportsbook provider in Latin America, supporting operators in some of the fastest-growing markets globally.
Leadership and Execution
Tom Light’s leadership is grounded in execution.
Before founding FIRST, he played a role in scaling major sportsbook technology businesses and contributing to high-profile industry outcomes.
At FIRST, his focus has been consistent:
- Build systems that scale
- Deliver performance under pressure
- Prioritise long-term infrastructure over short-term features
Under his leadership, FIRST has evolved into one of the fastest-growing sports betting technology companies in the market.
Positioning
FIRST is focused on one role.
To be a reliable, high-performing sportsbook provider that operators can build on.
Not through marketing claims, but through technology, scale, and execution.That is how it has grown.
And that is how it continues to position itself globally.