why we started sportsbook academy
Real-World Knowledge
Most people working in sportsbook operations don’t learn through structured education. They learn on the job, through experience, fragmented knowledge, and internal processes that vary from one company to another.
Over time, this creates gaps. Teams operate with different assumptions, knowledge is unevenly distributed, and understanding often stays limited to specific roles.
Sportsbook Academy was created to solve that.
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To bring structure where there is none
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To create a shared understanding of how sportsbooks actually function
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To make real operational knowledge accessible in a way that is consistent, practical, and scalable
Tom Light
Tom Light is a leading figure in global sports betting, known for building and scaling Tier-1 sportsbook platforms. After playing a key role in SBTech’s growth and its $3.3bn merger with DraftKings, he founded FIRST – Best in Sports, now one of the fastest-scaling sportsbook suppliers globally. With a strong focus on performance, localization, and product innovation, Tom continues to shape how modern sportsbooks are built and operated.
Under his leadership, FIRST has expanded rapidly across regulated markets, supporting operators with high-performance technology and locally tailored solutions. His work reflects a clear focus on practical execution, innovation, and setting new standards for how sportsbook platforms perform at scale.
Beyond Standard Education
What Makes It Different
Not Just Theory
Everything is based on how sportsbooks actually run, from daily workflows to decision-making under pressure.
Structured, Not Fragmented
The academy connects concepts into a clear system, instead of isolated topics learned over time.
Built for the Industry
Created specifically for sportsbook professionals, not adapted from generic education models.
Team Training and Corporate Packages
Looking to enroll your entire team? We offer discounted rates for bulk seat purchases and flexible onboarding for companies of any size.
Structured Learning Experience
Included with All Courses
Each course combines structured learning with practical tools designed to support real understanding and long-term retention. From hands-on exposure to formal assessment, every element is built to reinforce how sportsbook operations work in practice.
Access to a Real Sportsbook Environment
Explore concepts within a real sportsbook environment to better understand how operations function in practice.
Dedicated Handbooks for Every Module
Each module includes a structured handbook that reinforces key concepts and supports deeper understanding.
Final Assessment for Each Course
Complete a final exam designed to validate understanding across the full scope of each course.
Certificate of Completion
Receive a certificate that confirms successful completion and recognition of your learning progress.