Latest News
OpenBet: Harnessing the power of BetBuilder in LatAm
Marc Crean, VP for LatAm and Canada at OpenBet, outlines how BetBuilder products present a golden growth opportunity for operators in LatAm looking to boost engagement.
Brazil has football running through its veins and sports betting brands currently sponsor 19 out of 20 of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (Brazil Serie A) teams. The LatAm betting boom continues amid an expected market increase to $3.4bn by the end of 2025, and operators are likely to face a battle to attract bettors in the near future as competition within the region intensifies.
The LatAm market is expanding exponentially, and Brazil remains the focal point of discussions for the industry given its recent progress in making regulation a reality. The overall potential of this passionate sports nation is huge, which means having the right product offering is essential.
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A continues to be the main driver of engagement for sportsbooks given its local appeal. This is despite the increased popularity of some of the world’s biggest football leagues, including the Premier League and La Liga, which play host to Brazil’s biggest stars such as Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus.
From a betting perspective, we are finding that BetBuilder products are delivering increased value for sportsbooks and helping them to attract a wider audience. The product itself allows sports fans and bettors to create a single betting slip that incorporates multiple match outcomes, ultimately leading them to build their own narrative during a sporting event. As we have seen across mature European regulated markets, this low stake/high margin product is incredibly valuable to sportsbooks.
OpenBet’s pioneering BetBuilder solution, powered by SportCast, has proven to help local operators create engaging experiences that pique the interest of bettors with revenue-boosting results. The product, connected with the player protection expertise of Neccton, enables operators a way to capture revenue from sports fans.
Since the Brazil Serie A season began in April, approximately 1.9 million bet slips have been processed by the solution in the LatAm region alone, making up 28.3% of all LatAm soccer slips during the last six months. With nearly $3 million (AUD) staked on the league already and the popularity of BetBuilder growing amongst bettors in the market, sportsbooks have an opportunity to expand their revenue streams for this intriguing betting concept.
Furthermore, the product continues to evolve with new markets being added that are already resonating with bettors. Player stat markets were introduced in July, including Shots and Shots on Target, with top scorer Tiquinho Soares of Botafogo receiving the most backing from bettors due to his impressive recent form.
Period markets are also attracting significant activity, with bettors enjoying the ability to wager on outcomes such as the next corners, cards and goals. Ultimately, it provides an alternative to more traditional betting product types and helps to elevate the overall user experience.
What lies ahead?
Looking to the future, BetBuilder products will continue to develop and operators offering more targeted markets to players should enjoy a continued boost in engagement.
LatAm is a diverse market with tastes varying across each country and the key to growth is differentiation and customisation. BetBuilder products, such as SportCast’s, get this right and have the relevant sports that appeal to local sports fans.
This was demonstrated recently when SportCast offered the industry’s first UFC BetBuilder product. Brazil has a particularly rich heritage in the mixed martial arts space, and UFC is estimated to have a fanbase of over 34 million Brazilians. The potential of this sport within the betting market is huge and we believe this product will grow exponentially as sportsbooks utilise it during quieter periods of the sporting calendar.
As the regulatory landscape evolves in LatAm and Brazil prepares to regulate sports betting, operators will understandably be preparing to hit the ground running.
Technology that enables players to personalise their experience will see operators stand out from competitors in a crowded landscape and those who can offer the widest range of markets will remain a cut above the rest.
Gaming
Fourth Star Launches Immersive Media Streaming Platform
Fourth Star, the cutting-edge virtual reality immersive media streaming platform, is officially available to the public. This innovative platform transforms traditional entertainment by enabling users to seamlessly watch standard 2D, 180 and 360 immersive media content and movies. Fourth Star redefines how audiences engage with immersive storytelling, offering an unparalleled first-person centric perspective on entertainment.
“Fourth Star is more than just a platform – it’s a revolution in entertainment,” said Greg Simon, Co-Founder & CEO of Fourth Star. “We’ve created an immersive experience where users can not only consume content but also actively participate in it. Our vision is to transform how people experience media content and movies in a way that has never been done before.”
A New Era of Interactive Entertainment
The largest immersive media streaming platform available on Sidequest, users can explore nearly forty unique environments, interact with AI-driven crew, and experience entertainment in an entirely new way. Fourth Star offers a groundbreaking approach to digital engagement, whether socializing in the Cafe, customizing avatars in private Apartments or Ships, or stepping directly into a movie’s storyline.
“The combination of VR, AI, and blockchain in Fourth Star sets a new standard for immersive entertainment,” said Craig Wiltshire, CTO of Fourth Star. “Our vision is to seamlessly integrate all three technologies into the user experience. We are redefining the entertainment experience from passive observation to active creation.”
Built for Content Partners
Fourth Star is a self-serve platform designed for content partners of all sizes, from individual creators to blockbuster studios. Content partners can set up an account, create content channels, and begin monetizing their work immediately. No integration is required, allowing for seamless onboarding and instant access to a global audience. The Creator Portal empowers partners to distribute and profit from their immersive media with ease, making Fourth Star a truly open and accessible metaverse for digital entertainment.
Key Features of Fourth Star
- VR Streaming Platform – Users can access nearly forty environments and own their own luxury apartments and ships all equipped with an immersive media streaming entertainment hub.
- Social & Customization – Connect with others in dynamic social hubs, personalize your avatar, and invite your friends to your own luxury apartment and ship.
- Player Portal – Users can access the web-based marketplace to explore content, invite friends,
- Creator Portal – Set up an account, create content channels, and begin monetizing your work immediately. No integration is required, allowing for seamless onboarding and instant access to a global audience.
- Blockchain Integration – The FSTR token, built on the Polygon blockchain, powers the ecosystem, providing secure transactions and exclusive rewards.
- AI-Powered Companions – Coming soon
FSTR: The Utility Token Powering Fourth Star
FSTR serves as the primary ecosystem currency within the Fourth Star platform, enabling users to purchase Apartments, Ships, AI Companions, and exclusive content. Token holders benefit from:
- VIP Access – Exclusive events, early screenings, and red carpet experiences.
- Discounts – 25% savings on in-app purchases (IAPs) and entertainment content.
A New Paradigm in Entertainment
Fourth Star is designed to deliver the future of entertainment through merging cinematic storytelling with interactive gaming, offering:
- A seamless transition from passive to interactive experiences.
- A thriving community for players, creators, and investors.
- Advanced AI integration for interactive AI characters.
- Don’t just watch the star in the movie, become the star.
Availability and Access
Fourth Star is now live and available for users worldwide on Sidequest. Whether you’re an explorer, content creator large to small, storyteller, or entertainment enthusiast, Fourth Star provides an immersive space to experience digital entertainment like never before.
Canada
NorthStar Gaming Announces $43.4 Million Long-Term Debt Financing
NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. announced that the company has, subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) in respect of a senior secured first lien term loan facility providing for loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $43.4 million CAD (being the approximate equivalent of $30,000,000 USD) (the “Credit Facility”) to be made available by Beach Point Capital Management LP (“Beach Point”). Playtech plc (“Playtech”) and certain Playtech subsidiaries have agreed to provide credit support for certain obligations under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility represents a significant milestone for NorthStar, strengthening its balance sheet and enabling the Company to continue to accelerate its growth initiatives.
“This is a pivotal moment for NorthStar, marking the largest financing in our history. This Credit Facility strengthens our balance sheet and directly supports our ability to scale operations and drive the business towards profitability with a single-minded focus. We are grateful to Beach Point Capital Management for their trust in our strategy and vision. We are also thankful for Playtech’s steadfast partnership which was instrumental in securing this funding, reinforcing their value both strategically and as a technology provider,” said Michael Moskowitz, Chair and CEO of NorthStar.
“Beach Point has deep experience investing across the gaming sector and is excited to partner with NorthStar to support their strategic initiatives. The online gaming sector has been growing rapidly, and this investment reflects our confidence in the Company’s leadership, market potential, and ability to deliver long-term sustainable growth. Likewise, we value the partnership with Playtech, who are contributing their leading technology, global reach, and strategic vision towards NorthStar’s continued success,” said Gabriel Fineberg, Managing Director at Beach Point.
The purpose of the Credit Facility is to support NorthStar’s continued growth by significantly strengthening the Company’s balance sheet. The Company will use the proceeds of loans made pursuant to the Credit Facility: (i) to repay the aggregate $9.5 million CAD principal amount (plus accrued interest) loaned to the Company by Playtech pursuant to unsecured, interest-bearing promissory notes dated April 25, 2024, September 13, 2024 and December 16, 2024; (ii) to fund an interest reserve account in respect of the Credit Facility in an amount equal to $7,000,000 CAD; (iii) for working capital and general corporate purposes; and (iv) to pay transaction costs in connection with the Credit Facility.
Latest News
HUFF N’ MORE PUFF Slot Arrives Online Exclusively at FanDuel Casino
FanDuel, a premier online gaming company in North America, announced the launch of Light & Wonder’s Huff N’ More Puff slot game, exclusively on FanDuel Casino. Huff N’ More Puff will be available on FanDuel Casino in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Ontario beginning February 4, 2025.
The online launch of Huff N’ More Puff combines one of America’s favorite slot games with the industry’s best promotions, giving online slot lovers a top-tier experience which can only be found on FanDuel Casino. Players join the Big Bad Wolf in a quest for prizes as he huffs and puffs to blow down houses to reveal rewards and prizes for real money.
“The Huff N’ Puff family of slots is one of the most popular slot series on the casino floor, and we are excited to bring it exclusively to FanDuel Casino customers. Offering our players beloved and exclusive games is a top priority for us, and bringing Huff N’ Puff to FanDuel Casino helps us continue to grow our iGaming product while offering our players more ways to win,” said Ian O’Reilly, FanDuel Casino Product Senior Director.
Vegas Matt, FanDuel Casino’s ambassador, is ecstatic that one of the most popular slots in the world, Huff N’ More Puff, is joining FanDuel Casino’s exclusive game roster. “I have been playing the Huff N’ Puff game family on the casino floor for years, and I am so excited I will now be able to play online at FanDuel Casino. The game is virtually identical to the casino floor with one extremely exciting difference, you can buy a bonus! It’s an absolute game changer.”
“We are honored to partner with FanDuel Casino to bring the Huff N’ Puff family of slot games to the iGaming space. Creating immersive content that forges lasting connections with players is core to our DNA. The Huff N’ Puff brand represents one of our top brick-and-mortar game families and we are ecstatic to work with FanDuel Casino to bring this series to life,” said Dana Jackel, VP Commercial & US Managing Director at Light & Wonder.
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