YOUR TRUSTED GLOBAL SPORTS DATA PARTNER

Podium, a leading global provider of trusted sports content and data solutions, has today announced an international deal with Woodbine Racetrack; one of North America’s top racing venues. The agreement marks the first time Podium’s services will be used to enrich the betting experience of North American audiences and represents a broadening collaboration with global racecourse rights owners.

Under the expansive new deal, Woodbine Racetrack will integrate Podium’s Edge Form content to bolster the digital experience it delivers to passionate racing fans, providing a more consistent experience across international racing.

Edge features comprehensive pre-race insights, including expert comments, selections and runner verdicts. Woodbine will also have access to Podium’s enhanced data services, such as past performance indicators, placement history and silks.

The deal with Woodbine Racetrack builds on Podium’s existing partnerships in North America and reinforces its role as a trusted provider to the global racing landscape.

Josh Sparke, Managing Director at Podium, says:

 “I’m proud of Podium’s reputation for fast, engaging data that elevates the racing experience for fans. Woodbine is one of North America’s leading racetracks and the premier location in Canada. This new partnership reflects our commitment to supplying high-quality data that deepens our expanding global network. As we move into new markets, integrity, reliability and quality will remain at the core of our business and the innovative data products we offer partners.”

Klaus Ebner, Director at Woodbine, says:

“Woodbine is committed to delivering a best-in-class digital racing experience for our fans, and partnering with Podium allows us to further enhance the depth and consistency of our racing content. Podium’s Edge will bring high-quality insights and data that align with our standards and supports our ambition to connect Canadian racing with a truly global audience. We’re excited to work with Podium as we continue to evolve how fans engage with our product.”

In our latest staff Q&A, we find out about Colin Armitage, Head of Sport & Print

Which team do you support, and how did that connection start?

Hull City. 21^st March 1987, my first game (they were my hometown club). At home to Derby County. A good friend of my mum’s took me to our old ground, Boothferry Park, a proper traditional football ground. Four free-standing floodlights with several dilapidated standing areas that wouldn’t get past the HSE nowadays. I was hooked from the word go. Andy Payton was my first favourite player.

What’s the most emotional match or moment you’ve experienced as a fan?

Unsurprisingly, following Hull. As a young lad I always said it was one of my dreams to see Hull play in the Premier League. In 2007/8, we played in the Championship Play-Off Final (and, I think I’m right in saying, first ever appearance at Wembley) which was an incredibly nerve-wracking day which we won 1-0, beating Bristol City thanks to a Dean Windass goal.

What’s a childhood sporting memory that sparked your love for sport?

The FIFA Would Cup 1986. It’s my first clear memory of a sporting event that really captured me – I was 8 years old. I remember it as it was the first time I’d been introduced to Panini football stickers, and I was on holiday in Scarborough at the time! Maradona’s Hand of God still bugs me now.

What’s a sporting mindset or mantra you try to bring into your workday?

In football terms, I guess it would be a pragmatic approach to playing, perhaps like Mourinho’s mantra. Be organised, be tough, be reliable and honest, take your opportunities when they come, work well in a team, and you’ll see the rewards.

What’s one challenge in your job that feels like being “in the final minutes of a close game”?

I guess you could say being heavily involved in contract negotiations and renewals with customers and suppliers. There’s a deadline fast approaching, and you know that every move will be critical for you to get the outcome you want. Tactics are critical to a positive outcome, and sometimes you might need to be more direct, as the clock ticks away.

Have you ever played sport competitively? If so, what did it teach you about performance, pressure, or teamwork?

I’ve played quite a few sports competitively over the years, football being the most predominant. I’m a player-coach for a men’s veterans football team so my leadership skills are really tested outside of work too. I find at amateur level, being successful it’s often more about togetherness, commitment, organisation and communication. We are good solid team without any “star” players. Just a good honest set of lads, and we’ve had success that way, achieving a cup and promotion (to the top division) double recently. We don’t score too many, but we certainly don’t concede too many either. The mantra “Strikers win you games, but defences win you championships” springs to mind!

What type of sporting bet do you think brings the most excitement — a last-minute winner, a long-shot outsider, or a perfectly predicted accumulator?

That’s a tough one….they’re all enjoyable! But probably an accumulator in the shape of a Bet builder. I’d consider myself a fair-weather gambler. So, if there’s a game on TV that I want to watch but have little to no allegiance to either of the teams, I’ll place a Bet Builder to make it that little more engaging. And I think that’s what sensible gambling can do – I see it more as a hobby than a way to make money. My misses looks at me funny, though, when I’m overtly celebrating 93^rd minute fouls in a game!

Are there lessons from your favourite sport or athlete that influence how you approach work?

Absolutely. I’m a fan of team sports, specifically football, but also rugby union. There are many aspects of the characteristics within those two sports that apply to my role and the successes we experience at Podium. Teamwork is the key one that I would highlight.

I consider myself lucky to be part of a passionate team who love sport, and care deeply about our customers. Just like the best teams, we know that how we work together matters as much as what we deliver.

Connect with Colin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-armitage-988107a0/

Podium, a leading global provider of trusted sports content and data solutions, is working with Dabble to help bring its socially driven betting experience to UK audiences.

Dabble combines traditional betting functionality with a social media-style interface to offer the next generation of racing fans a more interactive way to connect and share. The app-based platform is integrated with Betmakers technology, with all UK horse and greyhound racing data delivered by Podium.

Ian Houghton, Commercial Director at Podium says:  

“At Podium, we are always excited when we see innovation in the industry, so we are delighted to play a part of Dabble’s expansion into the UK market, particularly at a time when the racing industry needs to retain a younger audience. We look forward to exploring how Podium’s services can continue to support Dabble’s global ambitions.”

The collaboration, which has been in place since the summer, marks an evolution in how racing data is used and experienced, with Podium delivering UK racing content via Betmakers technology to help power Dabble’s social platform.

Tom Rundle, CEO of Dabble, says:

“Dabble’s move into the UK is a natural fit. We’re a challenger brand with an exciting product that we built ourselves from scratch. We’re already seeing that resonate with the UK audience. Yes, you can get a bet on, but essentially, we are placing ourselves as being community driven. We’re creating a richer experience at every touch point.”

The UK is Dabble’s third international market, following rapid growth after launching in its native Australia.