Latest News
‘Safe Bet Show’: Former NFL Star Amani Toomer to Speak on Responsible Gambling at SBC Summit North America
Amani Toomer, former NFL wide receiver and punt returner for the New York Giants and winner of Super Bowl XLII, is scheduled to appear on a special live episode of the ‘Safe Bet Show’, a player protection podcast hosted by Entain’s Senior Vice-President of American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling, Martin Lycka.
The ‘Safe Bet Show’ will be featured in the Player Protection Symposium, which will take place on May 9 at the Altman Building in Chelsea, New York City. This symposium is a pre-day conference that’s part of the SBC Summit North America, the premier iGaming and sports betting event in North America. The main conference and exhibition will be held from May 10 to 11 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.
Launched in collaboration with SBC in April 2021, the ‘Safe Bet Show’ is a podcast where Lycka examines how the industry is addressing player protection and social responsibility. Through interviews with leading figures, Lycka delves into various topics that are central to combating problem gambling.
Lycka and Toomer both serve as trustees of the Entain Foundation US, which is a unique non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, sports integrity and corporate compliance in the United States. The foundation has partnered with numerous organizations including the NCAA, NFLPA and NCPG, underscoring Entain’s commitment to comprehensively address and reduce problematic gambling behavior.
Entain, in collaboration with some of the most prominent online gaming operators in the United States, has also taken a proactive role in driving the implementation of industry-endorsed responsible gaming standards, known as the twelve-point pledge.
The company was previously recognized for its initiatives in this area at the 2022 SBC Awards North America, where the company was awarded the Socially Responsible Operator of the Year title. This year, the company is once again a nominee in the same category.
As a committed advocate for responsible gambling, Toomer is an excellent guest for the live ‘Safe Bet Show’. His background as a successful athlete gives him a unique perspective on the risks associated with problem gambling. During the show, Toomer will share insights about his sports career, his current role as a sports pundit and his work with the Entain Foundation US.
“I am thrilled to have Amani as a guest on the live ‘Safe Bet Show’ at the Player Protection Symposium,” Lycka said. “His commitment to promoting responsible gambling is inspiring and shows that it’s not only industry insiders who can make a difference in this cause. Amani’s appeal as a star athlete enables him to raise awareness among people about the risks of problem gambling.
“On a lighter note, I am eager to ask Amani whether he would have liked to play alongside Tom Brady, whose team suffered a defeat to the New York Giants in the 2007 Super Bowl XLII.”
“It’s wonderful to participate in an event that emphasizes the significance of player protection,” Toomer said. “I first heard about the risks of problem gambling back when I was a college player in Michigan and it was a real eye-opener. Now that I’ve retired, I’m trying to be a part of positive change and spread awareness about the dangers of gambling, particularly among athletes and children. Let’s work together to make a difference.”
The pre-day conference program also comprises ‘Compliance’ and ‘Leadership’ tracks, which will offer valuable insights to the industry on navigating regulatory complexities, leveraging technology for compliance-related issues and integrating diversity and inclusion initiatives within their organizations.
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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