SXSW GAMING AWARDS TO BE HOSTED BY NEWCOMERS JANA MORRISON & SAMANTHA AUCOIN , STARS OF SYFY'S NEW, CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED SERIES "ASTRID & LILLY SAVE THE WORLD" ON MARCH 12, 7 P.M. CT

The South by Southwest® Gaming Awards (SXSW ® ), celebrating the wide reach of gaming across areas such as art, design, narrative, gameplay, cultural innovation, and more, has today announced that this year's virtual Ceremony will be co-hosted by two of TV's freshest faces — Jana Morrison ("Astrid"; Dragalia Lost video game, voice talent, English version) and Samantha Aucoin ("Lilly"), the heroic leads of Astrid & Lilly Save the World SyFy network's new, critically acclaimed series hailed as a "charming" and "refreshing" modern take on Buffy The Vampire Slayer. In addition, a diverse roster of presenters from entertainment and sports has been assembled (see below), as well as some special partnerships and premiere content set to shape this ninth annual gaming industry celebration into a distinct, must-stream awards season event, Produced by Georgia -based Peach Maria Productions (pronounced muh-RY-uh), executive produced by Laurie Lockliear (upcoming esports reality competition series GameMaster ), the Awards will stream for free as part of SXSW Online on March 12, 2022 at 7 p.m. CT .

Several platforms will be integrated to create the SXSW 2022 experience across web, mobile and TV. A dedicated SXSW TV app can be accessed via Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and Android TV. In addition, SXSW TV is now available on iOS and Android. Additional live content, including Keynotes, Featured Sessions and Music Showcases, can be found in each of the 24-hour channels, during the SXSW 2022 event dates ( March 11-20, 2022 )..

In terms of content, this year's Ceremony will feature a first-ever integrated animated narrative, produced by Web3 animation studio, Toonstar ( The Gimmick s , the first community-driven animated NFT series), in partnership with 6th Wall , the Web3 arm of Mila Kunis' Orchard Farm Productions ( Stoner Cats ),  Featuring a signature quirky, expressive and fast-paced animation style, these NFT animated characters and their friends set on a misguided adventure to this year's SXSW Gaming Awards and beyond. See " The Gimmicks Road to SXSW" teaser clip HERE . In addition, viewers of this year's Ceremony on March 12 will have special access to an exclusive offer from The Gimmicks .

Plus, TIk Tok sensation, pop punk band Punk Rock Factory ( YouTube ; Disney's "We Don't Talk About Bruno" cover) has written a new song, with its energetic video making its world premiere during the show. According to the South Wales -based band, they "rehearse, write, record, mix, master and film everything themselves in one dedicated space affectionately called The Sausage Factory and frequently bring friends along to enjoy the fun."

The presenters reflect the most dynamic talent, executives and storytellers across the film/TV/music/gaming industry and sports, and represent some of the most distinctive and acclaimed projects in entertainment.

Presenters and talent appearing include (in alphabetical order):

  • Michael Anthony , ( Raising Dion , upcoming Paramount family action film Secret Headquarters )
  • Kadeem Hardison , (upcoming AMC's Moonhaven , A Different World )
  • Ramon Hermann , SVP Americas, ESL Gaming
  • Maria Ho (Women in Poker HALL OF FAME 2018 inductee, The Amazing Race )
  • Cast members from G4TV's Attack of the Show, Invitation to Party and XPlay
  • Ryan Johnson , CEO, Cxmmunity
  • Doug Jones ( Star Trek: Discovery , upcoming Hocus Pocus 2 )
  • Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports Team
  • Ivan Mbakop ( Hawkeye )
  • Taybor Pepper (NFL/ San Francisco 49er's long snapper, former Michigan State Spartan)
  • Corey Reynolds ( Resident Alien)
  • Cory Strassburger (a.k.a. "Blu," visual effects artist and one-man-band creator of YouTube show Xanadu )
  • Stephanie Sheh ( Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir , voice actress, ADR director, writer and producer)
  • Alan Tudyk ( Resident Alien , upcoming Disney's Peter Pan & Wendy)
  • World Boxing's Eric "Butterbean" Esch (3x Super Heavyweight Champion) & Larry Holmes (Hall of Fame Boxer & Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World)
  • WrestleQuest's Jeff Jarrett ( My World with Jeff Jarrett )

"We're so excited…NO… ECSTATIC to be your hosts for the 2022 SXSW Gaming Awards!," said first-time co-hosts, Astrid & Lilly Save The World co-stars and on/off-set best friends Jana Morrison ("Astrid") and Samantha Aucoin ("Lilly"). "As gamers and award show season stans, we promise an all-out good time with plenty of fun surprises."

For more of the ladies' reaction, watch HERE . Catch all-new episodes of Astrid & Lilly Save The World on Wednesdays at 10 P.M. ET /PT on SYFY.

As previously announced live on G4TV's XPlay , leading nominees include: "Kena: Bridge of Spirits," from developer and publisher Ember Lab, scored four nominations. Five titles – "Deathloop," "Inscryption," "Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker," "Forza Horizon 5" and "Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart" – each took three nominations.

Additionally, 12 titles received two nominations each, including "Before Your Eyes," "Chicory: A Colorful Tale," "Hell Let Loose," "It Takes Two," "Loop Hero,'' "Lost Words: Beyond the Page," "Resident Evil Village," "Returnal," "The Medium," "The Wild At Heart," "Unpacking" and "Valheim."

Each year the SXSW Gaming Awards honor excellence throughout the industry, celebrating the talent that influences the medium and culture of gaming. The annual Gaming Awards celebrate the technical, artistic and design achievements of each year's best titles and their creators. Following a rigorous process of nominee selections, this year's Awards will feature 40 unique games contending for honors in 12 categories (see list of nominees below).

As with each year, the SXSW community voted between February 1-8, 2022 . Final winners will be determined through a weighted total of public voting, advisory board and SXSW staff input. More information about the entry and judging process is available here .

2022 FINAL NOMINEES
  (Listed by Game, Developer and Publisher)

SXSW GAME OF THE YEAR

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

SQUARE ENIX®

SQUARE ENIX®

It Takes Two

Hazelight

Electronic Arts

Psychonauts 2

Double Fine Productions

Xbox Game Studios

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Insomniac Games

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Resident Evil Village

Capcom

Capcom

INDIE GAME OF THE YEAR

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Greg Lobanov

Finji

Death's Door

Acid Nerve

Devolver Digital

Inscryption

Daniel Mullins Games

Devolver Digital

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Ember Lab

Ember Lab

Loop Hero

Four Quarters

Devolver Digital

Lost Words: Beyond the Page

Sketchbook Games

Modus Games

The Medium

Bloober Team

Bloober Team

The Wild At Heart

Moonlight Kids

Humble Games

Unpacking

Witch Beam

Humble Games

Valheim

Iron Gate Studio

Coffee Stain Publishing

TABLETOP GAME OF THE YEAR

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

Cascadia

Randy Flyn, Beth Sobel, Dylan
Mangini, Molly Johnson, Robert
Melvin, Kevin Russ, and Shawn
Stankewich

Flatout Games

Dune: Imperium

Dire Wolf Digital

Dire Wolf Digital

Oath: Chronicles of   Empire & Exile

Cole Wehrle

Leder Games

Roll Camera! The Filmmaking   Board Game

Malachi Ray Rempen

Keen Bean Studio

That Time You Killed Me

Peter C. Hayward, Jeff Fraser,
and Alex Cutler

Pandasaurus Games

VR GAME OF THE YEAR

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

After The Fall

Vertigo Games

Vertigo Games

Demeo

Resolution Games

Resolution Games

Lone Echo II

Ready at Dawn

Oculus Studios

Resident Evil 4 VR

Armature Studio

Oculus Studios

Song in the Smoke

17-BIT

17-BIT

MATTHEW CRUMP CULTURAL INNOVATION AWARD
Awarded to the game that best challenges the "norm" of everyday gaming and offers a culturally innovative view of a game world, character, or gameplay.

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

Before Your Eyes

GoodbyeWorld Games

Skybound Games

Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Greg Lobanov

Finji

Life is Strange: True Colors

Deck Nine Games

SQUARE ENIX®

Lost Words: Beyond the Page

Sketchbook Games

Modus Games

Unpacking

Witch Beam

Humble Games

EXCELLENCE IN ANIMATION, ART & VISUAL ACHIEVEMENT

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

Deathloop

Arkane Lyon

Bethesda Softworks

Exo One

Exbleative

Future Friends Games

Forza Horizon 5

Playground Games

Xbox Game Studios

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Ember Lab

Ember Lab

The Wild At Heart

Moonlight Kids

Humble Games

EXCELLENCE IN GAME DESIGN

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

Deathloop

Arkane Lyon

Bethesda Softworks

Inscryption

Daniel Mullins Games

Devolver Digital

Loop Hero

Four Quarters

Bethesda Softworks

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Insomniac Games

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Returnal

Housemarque

Sony Interactive Entertainment

EXCELLENCE IN ORIGINAL SCORE

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

The Artful Escape

Beethoven & Dinosaur

Annapurna Interactive

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

SQUARE ENIX®

SQUARE ENIX®

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Ember Lab

Ember Lab

The Medium

Bloober Team

Bloober Team

Wytchwood

Alientrap Games

Whitethorn Games

EXCELLENCE IN MULTIPLAYER

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

Back 4 Blood

Turtle Rock Studios

Warner Bros. Games

Halo Infinite

343 Industries

Xbox Game Studios

It Takes Two

Hazelight

Electronic Arts

Riders Republic

Ubisoft Annecy

Ubisoft

Valheim

Iron Gate Studio

Coffee Stain Publishing

EXCELLENCE IN NARRATIVE

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

Deathloop

Arkane Lyon

Bethesda Softworks

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

SQUARE ENIX®

SQUARE ENIX®

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

Eidos-Montréal

SQUARE ENIX®

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Ember Lab

Ember Lab

Lost in Random

Zoink Games

Electronic Arts

EXCELLENCE IN AUDIO DESIGN

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

Forza Horizon 5

Playground Games

Xbox Game Studios

Hell Let Loose

Black Matter

Team17

Inscryption

Daniel Mullins Games

Devolver Digital

Resident Evil Village

Capcom

Capcom

Twelve Minutes

Luis Antonio

Annapurna Interactive

EXCELLENCE IN TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

GAME

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

Before Your Eyes

GoodbyeWorld Games

Skybound Games

Hell Let Loose

Black Matter

Team17

Forza Horizon 5

Playground Games

Xbox Game Studios

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Insomniac Games

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Returnal

Housemarque

Sony Interactive Entertainment

This year, SXSW will offer a hybrid event (in-person with online viewing and participation options). Recognizing that the Covid-19 landscape is changing rapidly, SXSW has updated its Covid-19 guidelines and will continue to coordinate with both the City of Austin and Austin Public Health on further guidance. More details on SXSW's Covid protocols are available at sxsw.com/covid19-guidelines

The online SXSW Schedule provides a complete rundown of 2022 programming, broken down by time and event category, with the ability to build a customized schedule. To get started, please visit schedule.sxsw.com .

SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas , SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, professional development and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2022 will take place March 11–20, 2022. For more information, please visit sxsw.com . To register for the event, please visit sxsw.com/attend .

SXSW 2022 is sponsored by White Claw, Blockchain Creative Labs, Porsche, and The Austin Chronicle.

ABOUT SYFY'S ASTRID & LILLY SAVE THE WORLD
High school is hard enough when you're different, but when outcast BFFs Astrid ( Jana Morrison ) and Lilly ( Samantha Aucoin ) accidentally crack open a portal to a terrifyingly quirky monster dimension, it gets a lot more complicated. It's up to them to vanquish the creepy creatures and save the world, becoming the badass heroes they were meant to be. That is, if they can survive the horrors of high school. Astrid & Lilly Save The World was written by Noelle Stehman and Betsy Van Stone , who executive produce along with Lance Samuels , Daniel Iron and Samantha Levine . Blue Ice Pictures produces.

ABOUT TOONSTAR / THE GIMMICKS
Toonstar is a Web3 animation studio forging the future of community-driven entertainment. Toonstar's proprietary technology gives creative people with great stories to tell an easy path to animation that is 50x faster than industry standard. A uniquely scalable model allows Toonstar to open the doors to diverse content creators and characters. Toonstar currently has the #1 animated series on Snap Discover with over 300m monthly views and was the one of the initial studios to pioneer community-driven animated personas. Founded by industry veterans, John Attanasio and Luisa Huang , Toonstar is the first animation studio embracing NFT technology to give fans a chance to participate in storyline development and ownership.Toonstar's premiere NFT release, The Gimmicks , is a collaboration with 6th Wall, the Web3 arm of Mila Kunis' Orchard Farm Productions. The Gimmicks is a first-of-its-kind Web3 enabled, community-driven animated NFT series about three washed-up wrestlers from the regional Wrestling Wrestling Wrestling League who bring in a controversial rookie in a desperate attempt to regain relevance and make it back to the main event.

ABOUT PUNK ROCK FACTORY
High-energy, punk rock powerhouse Punk Rock Factory (PRF) hail from South Wales . Formed by life-long friends, Peej (vocals, guitar), Benj (bass, vocals), Ryan (guitar) and Kob (drums, vocals), they were drawn together for their love of great music and punk covers. With a  heavy focus on digital content and an ever-growing worldwide fanbase (over half a million fans on TikTok & Instagram; and upwards of 1.9 million likes), PRF has arrived and shows no signs of slowing down.

ABOUT PEACH MARIA PRODUCTIONS
Peach Maria Productions (pronounced muh-RY-uh) is an Atlanta based production company founded by Laurie Lockliear and John Colp . Their esports reality competition series GameMaster , featuring Wil Wheaton as the Commissioner/Host, is currently in pre-production.

LAURIE LOCKLIEAR | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Laurie's entertainment career began in the 90's working with radio stations, record labels and as a production manager for national tours. After years at Radio Disney & Disney Events she transitioned to marketing and audience engagement consulting for major brands, entertainment companies and political campaigns. Since 2017, she has been focused exclusively on film, television and video game production and brand integration.

Peach Maria Productions media contact :
David Gardner
david@tadpolecomm.net
310.291.1156

SXSW media contact:
Brett Cannon
press@sxsw.com
512.467.7979

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SOURCE South by Southwest

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NorthStar Gaming Announces Revocation of Management Cease Trade Order

NorthStar Gaming Announces Revocation of Management Cease Trade Order

NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: BET) (OTCQB: NSBBF) ("NorthStar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that effective May 16, 2025, the Ontario Securities Commission has revoked the temporary management cease trade order ("MCTO") it had previously granted to the Company on May 8, 2025 under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders, as the Company successfully completed the filing of its annual audited financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, and related certifications for the year ended December 31, 2024 (collectively, the "Annual Filings") on May 14, 2025.

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NorthStar Gaming Reports Year-End 2024 Results

NorthStar Gaming Reports Year-End 2024 Results

Annual Revenue Growth of 57%, Gross Margin up 91%

NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: BET) (OTCQB: NSBBF) ("NorthStar" or the "Company") today announced its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024. The Company also announced that it will discuss the results on an investor webinar to be held Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11:00am (please see below for details). All dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars.

"We delivered strong financial results in 2024, highlighted by 57% growth in revenue and a 91% increase in gross margin. At the same time, we held marketing expense to a 10% increase and reduced G&A expense, demonstrating the continually improving operating leverage built into our business model," said Michael Moskowitz, Chair and CEO of NorthStar. "Equally important, our team rolled out innovations in both our sportsbook and casino that have further differentiated NorthStar Bets as a premium offering and helped drive the retention of, and engagement with, our loyal customers."

Restatement of Results

The comparative results for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 have been restated in the financial statements and management's discussion & analysis ("FY2024 MD&A") for the year ended December 31, 2024 to include additional merchant fees and player bonus expenses which were not captured in the previously published financial statements (note 2 of the Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024). The Company's payment processor deducted the additional merchant fee from the daily remittances to the Company, and the deductions were not accounted for by the Company. These additional fees were identified as part of the year-end reconciliation of the amount due from the payment processor, and the financial statements and FY2024 MD&A have been adjusted accordingly. These restatements did not impact the cash balances reported for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023, or 2024. However, they did result in adjustments to the reported current asset balances for those periods.

Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2024 ("Q4 2024"):

  • Total Wagers1 at Northstarbets.ca were $303.0 million in Q4 2024, a 42% increase compared to $213.3 million in Q4 2023.
  • Gross Gaming Revenue2 at Northstarbets.ca was $10.0 million in Q4 2024, a 31.6% increase from $7.6 million in Q4 2023.
  • Revenue2 was $9.5 million in Q4 2024, a 51% increase from $6.3 million in Q4 2023. Revenue in Q4 2024 includes $1.5 million of managed services revenue, which compares to $0.2 million in Q4 2023.
  • Gross Margin was $3.6 million, a 71% increase from $2.1 million in Q4 2023, while the Gross Margin percentage increased to 38.1%, up from 33.6% in Q4 2023.
  • Profit/(loss) before marketing and other expenses1 was $0.6 million in Q4 2024 compared to a loss of $2.5 million in Q4 2023, indicating that gross margin is now sufficient to cover the Company's overhead expenses.

Financial Highlights for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 ("FY 2024"):

  • Total Wagers2 at Northstarbets.ca were $980.0 million in FY 2024, a 51% increase compared to $648.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2023.
  • Gross Gaming Revenue2 at Northstarbets.ca was $34.0 million in FY 2024, a 51% increase from $22.5 million in FY 2023.
  • Revenue2 was $29.6 million in FY 2024, a 57% increase from $18.8 million in FY 2023. Revenue in FY 2024 includes $2.3 million of managed services revenue, which compares to $0.5 million in FY 2023.3
  • Gross Margin was $10.5 million, marking a 91% increase from $5.5 million in FY 2023, with the Gross Margin increasing to 35.7%, up from 29.3% in FY 2023.
  • Profit/(loss) before marketing and other expenses1 was $0.1 million in FY 2024 compared to a loss of $6.7 million in YTD 2023, an improvement of $6.8 million.

"Early in 2025, we completed our most significant fund-raising to date, with a $43.4 million debt financing. This capital gives us a long runway on which to continue our trajectory of growth in wagering, gross margins and improving operating leverage. This was a milestone event for our business," added Mr. Moskowitz.

2024 Operating Highlights:

  • Completed the inaugural Blackjack Championship tournament, an innovative online competition that helped drive the acquisition of new high-value players and engagement for existing customers while increasing Blackjack wagering activity.
  • Implemented a series of enhancements to the NorthStar Bets platform, highlighted by streamlined navigation in both the Casino and Sportsbook sections, a doubling of Casino game selection since the start of 2024, personalized prop bets and intelligent parlay suggestions.
  • Introduced the "NorthStar Elite" program and branded tables to help secure the loyalty and satisfaction of our most active players and reinforcing the Company's positioning as a premium offering.
  • Launched "Sports Insights 2.0," a robust suite of enhancements to our content vertical that includes a redesigned home page, comprehensive team and player statistics, injury and player news feeds, added coverage of popular sports and strengthened casino content.
  • Gained significant traction outside the Ontario market with managed services revenue from Northstarbets.com site, owned by the Abenaki Council of Wolinak, increasing from $0.5 million in FY 2023 to $2.3 million in FY 2024.
  • Outpaced the industry growth rates reported by iGaming Ontario in 2024 in both Total Wagers (51% for NorthStar vs. 33% for the industry) and Gross Gaming Revenue (51% for NorthStar vs. 31.5% for the industry).

Outlook

"We expect our consistent pattern of year-over-year revenue increases to continue throughout 2025, based on our ongoing success in attracting and engaging high-value players," said Mr. Moskowitz. "We will maintain disciplined control over costs so that incremental gross margin falls primarily to the bottom line. As we continue to focus on operational excellence, we remain confident that we have the capital necessary to reach profitability based on our current business platform."

FY 2024 Corporate Update Webinar

On May 15, 2025, Michael Moskowitz will present an in-depth Corporate Update, including a discussion of the Company's FY 2024 Earnings, current operations and strategic priorities. All investors and other interested parties are invited to register for the webinar at the link below.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 11:00 am EDT
Register: Webinar Registration

Management will be available to answer your questions following the presentation on the webinar platform. You may also submit your question(s) beforehand in the registration form linked above.

Extension of Strategic Marketing Agreement

The Company also announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, NorthStar Gaming (Ontario) Inc. ("NorthStar Ontario"), has extended its strategic partnership with Playtech Software Limited ("Playtech Software") through the renewal of their previously announced strategic marketing agreement. Under the agreement, Playtech Software contributes services designed to accelerate NorthStar Ontario's player acquisition strategy in the province. The agreement was first implemented in June 2023 and has since been renewed several times. Pursuant to the latest renewal, Playtech Software will reimburse marketing expenses valued at a total of up to $1.5 million over a 3-month period through to March 31, 2025. Playtech Software will be compensated through a share of revenue from the income generated in connection with the marketing initiatives to which it contributes. The Transaction between Playtech and NorthStar Ontario is exempted from Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions.

"We are very pleased to renew the marketing services agreement with Playtech Software," said Michael Moskowitz, Chair and CEO of NorthStar. "The agreement serves to extend our marketing budget and has contributed to our tremendous growth in Ontario. Playtech plc continues to be a valuable strategic partner and we look forward to further collaboration."

Continuous Disclosure

Further to a review by the staff of the Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC") of the Company's continuous disclosure, the FY2024 MD&A includes enhanced disclosures with respect to:

  • the Company's regulatory framework, licensing regimes applicable to its business operations and the legal authorizations necessary to conduct its business operations;
  • specific risk factors relating to the Company's business operations which include risks relating to operating in a heavily regulated industry, cyber security risks and risks relating to conflicts of interest with respect to directors and officers of the Company; and
  • the relationship between the Abenaki Council of Wolinak and the Company as well as its subsidiary, Slapshot Media Inc.

Such amended disclosure is being included in the FY2024 MD&A to address comments received from the OSC on its management's discussion & analysis, for the period ended September 30, 2024, and to improve the Company's disclosure.

As a result of having to include such enhanced disclosure after the OSC review, the Company will be placed on the public list of Refilings and Errors in accordance with OSC Staff Notice 51-711 (Revised) - Refilings and Corrections of Errors for a period of three (3) years.

Additional Information

For additional information, please refer to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the corresponding FY2024 MD&A. These documents are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on the Company's corporate website at www.northstargaming.ca.

About NorthStar

NorthStar proudly owns and operates NorthStar Bets, a Canadian-born casino and sportsbook platform that delivers a premium, distinctly local gaming experience. Designed with high-stakes players in mind, NorthStar Bets Casino offers a curated selection of the most popular games, ensuring an elevated user experience. Our sportsbook stands out with its exclusive Sports Insights feature, seamlessly integrating betting guidance, stats, and scores, all tailored to meet the expectations of a premium audience.

As a Canadian company, NorthStar is uniquely positioned to cater to customers who seek a high-quality product and an exceptional level of personalized service, setting a new standard in the industry. NorthStar is committed to operating at the highest level of responsible gaming standards.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures [/ Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures to IFRS Measures]

Throughout this document, management uses certain non-IFRS financial measures and supplementary financial measures to evaluate the performance of the Company. The terms "Gross Gaming Revenue" "Total Wagers" and "Profit/(Loss) before marketing and other expenses" are non-IFRS financial measures. These measures are not recognized measures under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are, therefore, not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of our results of operations from management's perspective and to discuss NorthStar's financial outlook. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company's financial information reported under IFRS. We believe that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS measures, including industry metrics, in the evaluation of companies in our industry. Management also uses non-IFRS measures and industry metrics in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, the preparation of annual operating budgets and forecasts and to determine components of executive compensation.

Total Wagers

Total Wagers are calculated as the total amount of money bet by customers in respect of bets that have settled in the applicable period. Total Wagers does not include free bets or other promotional incentives, nor money bet by customers in respect of bets that are open at period end. Total Wagers is used to provide investors with supplemental measures of our operating performance and thus highlight trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures.

Gross Gaming Revenue

Gross Gaming Revenue is calculated as dollar amounts bet by customers less the dollar amounts paid out to the customers in respect of such bets which have settled in the applicable period.

Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures to IFRS Measures

In Q4 2024, the Company reported $10.0 million of Gross Gaming Revenue ($34.0 million in FY 2024) and has provided a reconciliation to the most comparable IFRS financial measure (Revenue) as follows:
$ Millions (unaudited)
Unaudited Three
months ended
Year ended
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Gross gaming revenue from wagered games$10.0$ 7.6$ 34.0$22.5
Bonuses, promotional costs and free bets(2.0)(1.5)(6.7)(4.2)
Sub-total Gaming revenue8.06.127.318.3
Other revenue from managed services1.50.22.30.5
Revenue$ 9.5$ 6.3$ 29.6$ 18.8

 

Operating Results

Marketing expenses are a key driver of the business but are completely discretionary. Management considers "Profit/(Loss) before marketing and other expenses" to be a good indication of the extent to which the business' Gross Margin is in excess of its overhead costs, and therefore offsetting some portion of marketing expenses, reflecting improving economies of scale.

$ Millions (unaudited)Unaudited Three 
months ended
Year ended
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Revenue$ 9,478$ 6,275$ 29,556$ 18,845
Cost of Revenues5,8684,16719,01313,317
Gross Margin3,6102,10810,5435,528
General and administrative expenses3,0334,45210,45312,277
Profit/(Loss) before marketing and other expenses (1)577(2,344)90(6,749)
Marketing5,2495,47215,45614,094
Loss before other expenses (1)(4,672)(7,816)(15,366)(20,843)
Other expenses(1,070)1493,6456,547
Net loss$ (3,602)$ (7,965)$ (19,011)$ (27,390)

 

(1) These measures are not defined by IFRS, do not have standard meanings and may not be comparable with other industries or companies.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada ("forward-looking statements"), including without limitation, statements with respect to the following: expected performance of the Company's business, the Company's growth plans being fully funded, expansion into new markets and future growth opportunities, and expected benefits of transactions. The foregoing are provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's anticipated financial position, results of operations, and operating environment. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. This forward-looking information is based on management's opinions, estimates and assumptions that, while considered by NorthStar to be appropriate and reasonable as of the date of this press release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the following: risks related to the Company's business and financial position; risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry risks; future legislative and regulatory developments; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; and those factors discussed in greater detail under the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent annual information form, which is available under NorthStar's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Many of these risks are beyond the Company's control.

If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents NorthStar's expectations as of the date specified herein, and are subject to change after such date. However, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

For further information:

Company Contact:

Corey Goodman
Chief Development Officer 647-530-2387
investorrelations@northstargaming.ca

Investor Relations:
RB Milestone Group LLC (RBMG)
Northstar@rbmilestone.com

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