Star Blast

What is Star Blast?

Cirsa CEO Antonio Hostench echoed Angelozzi’s confidence, adding: “On our side, we see this as a great opportunity because as Guglielmo said, there is no overlap between the companies, almost no overlap.

“So we just see creating one of the biggest groups in the world in gaming terms. And we’ll be sharing the long-term plan that Lottomatica has, which is very attractive. So I mean, the risk is minor, and we feel very well protected and joining this long-term plan will be a plus to our people.”

Lottomatica will absorb Cirsa through an EU cross-border merger, with Lottomatica as the surviving entity.

About Star Blast

While traditional advantage play—a strategy-driven niche where gamblers use math and timing to tilt the odds—has long fascinated casinos, Hollywood is expanding its lens to include the modern world of slot influencers and casino content creators.

The upcoming indie biopic, titled The Chop, is being written and produced by filmmaker, writer, and stand-up comedian Mike Young through Red Leaf Entertainment. Production is targeted for 2027, though no director, cast, or financing details have been announced.

According to the film’s synopsis, the story traces Morrow as he connects with a group of gamblers whose high-stakes approach to risk begins attracting serious attention on casino floors across Las Vegas. As their reputation grows, Morrow is pushed further into the spotlight, confronting new pressures involving ambition, family, and fame.

What is Star Blast?

The regulator of gambling in New Zealand announced on Friday that the funds returned by operators will be directed towards community organisations.

Under Section 106 of New Zealand’s Gambling Act 2003, a class 4 licence holder, also known as a “corporate society” by the regulator, “must apply or distribute the net proceeds from class 4 gambling only to or for an authorised purpose specified in the corporate society’s licence”.

The DIA worked directly with class 4 gambling operators (commonly known as pokies trusts), and discovered ‘widespread issues’ such as cases where money that should have been available for community grants was instead spent on society expenses, such as the purchase of additional gaming machines.