Latest News
Tropicana Las Vegas Implosion Set for Next Week
The iconic Tropicana Las Vegas will take its final bow at 2:30 a.m. PT on Wednesday, 9 October, marking a major turning point for both Las Vegas and Major League Baseball. The highly anticipated implosion of the Tropicana will pave the way for the construction of the A’s state-of-the-art ballpark and a world-class entertainment resort destination created in partnership with Bally’s Corporation, a name synonymous with Vegas hospitality and gaming.
The implosion of the Tropicana will be celebrated with a breathtaking spectacle, featuring 555 drones and a fireworks display by acclaimed visual creator, Fireworks by Grucci. There will be no public viewing areas of the implosion, due to safety restrictions. A live stream of the implosion will be presented by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) on X at x.com/lvcva and by Bally Live at ballylive.com and via the Bally Live app, available for download on all major platforms. The implosion will also be shown on most major networks’ local affiliates.
“The Tropicana Las Vegas was one of the original pioneers of the Strip, setting the stage for the vibrant, larger-than-life entertainment destination we know and love today. It’s fitting that this iconic site now represents the future of Las Vegas as we look forward to welcoming Major League Baseball, the Athletics, and an exciting new entertainment complex. This moment in Las Vegas history represents more than just the next chapter—it’s the evolution of the Strip, where legend meets innovation to create something truly unforgettable,” said Soo Kim, chairman of Bally’s Corporation.
“The demolition of the Tropicana is an important milestone in the process of bringing A’s baseball to the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip and the community of Southern Nevada. We hope that, in time, this site will become a place of unforgettable experiences for fans of the game. We extend our gratitude to Bally’s and GLPI for their partnership as we embark on this project together,” said John Fisher, owner of the A’s.
The Tropicana Las Vegas, often referred to as “The Trop,” has been a cornerstone of the Las Vegas Strip since its opening in 1957. Developed by Miami-based businessman Ben Jaffe, its luxurious South Beach-inspired architecture and tropical theme set a new standard for opulence, quickly earning it the moniker “The Tiffany of the Strip”. The Tropicana boasted the largest casino in Las Vegas at the time of its opening, drawing in an elite crowd of high-rollers and celebrities.
For over six decades, the Tropicana Las Vegas has remained an iconic fixture on the Strip, representing the evolution of entertainment, luxury and gaming in the city. From its Rat Pack-era heyday and the glamorous Folies Bergère to now the future home of the Athletics and a cutting-edge entertainment complex by Bally’s Corporation, the Tropicana’s history reflects the spirit of reinvention and excitement that defines Las Vegas.
The implosion is being facilitated by GGG Demolition in coordination with Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI), which has a rich history of safely demolishing structures in Clark County. CDI will take down the Tropicana’s two towers, with a total of 917,400 square feet being demolished. The steel-framed 23-story Paradise Tower will feature 220 cut-point locations loaded with 490 pounds of explosives, while the concrete-framed 23-story Club Tower will have 1130 boreholes filled with 1700 pounds of explosives. A total of 22,000 lineal feet of detonating cord will be used for implosion initiation in both structures at the end of the fireworks and drone show. The demolition sequence will start with the Paradise Tower, and both structures are expected to collapse within approximately 22 seconds after the implosion button is pressed.
Having felled 35 buildings in Clark County since 1993, CDI’s notable projects include the Dunes North Tower, Frontier, Hacienda, Stardust and Riviera. CDI even partnered with the film industry to explosively fell the Landmark Hotel Tower during the production of Hollywood hit, “Mars Attacks!”
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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