Sports streaming service DAZN is seeking ways to raise fresh funding, reports say. According to Bloomberg, the sports streaming giant wants to raise as much as $1 billion through various initiatives.

The reports claim that DAZN Bet has been discussing the matter with potential advisers and eyeing a range of capital-raising strategies. Bloomberg also implied that DAZN might come up with a definitive plan within a few months.

This news comes a few months after DAZN put its initial public offering plans on hold amid devastating losses and because of heavy market headwinds. The company reported a loss of £2.3 billion in 2021, causing it to rethink its strategy and postpone its IPO ambitions.

While an IPO is not yet out of the question, DAZN seems to be exploring alternative ways to generate funding. However, the company has yet to confirm whether this report is correct.

DAZN Wants to Be Self-Sufficient

DAZN’s goal is to become an independent streaming company that doesn’t have to rely on its sports betting business to be sustainable. According to Shay Segev, DAZN’s chief executive officer, DAZN should remain independent of its betting arm, leaving betting as an additional revenue stream.

In earlier interviews, Segev said that he isn’t necessarily hellbent on making DAZN go public but believes that the move would “make sense” as he hopes to follow the success stories of Amazon and Netflix.

DAZN has already secured sports media rights for a number of influential sports leagues, cementing itself as the biggest sports broadcaster in Europe.

Speaking of DAZN Bet, the company’s betting division secured access to the German market a few months ago, solidifying its European reach.

In November, DAZN Bet also formed a partnership with Pragmatic Play, which powered the operator’s business in Spain.

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Amid campaign finance disclosures, a donation of $500 from NOVABizPAC to Delegate Wren Williams (R-Stuart), a staunch advocate of January’s casino bill, has brought attention to potential links between the political arena and casino development. These revelations have prompted significant public scrutiny as industry stakeholders employ all possible measures to secure an advantage in the competitive gambling landscape.

A Successful Casino Bill Can Be a Goldmine for Developers

The contribution from NOVABizPAC, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s political action committee, to Williams’ campaign surfaced in finance reports filed with the State Board of Elections. Nick Clemente, the lobbyist who authorized the donation, has ties to Christopher Clemente, CEO of Comstock Companies. This connection raises eyebrows as Comstock Companies expressed interest in erecting a casino near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station.

For Comstock to proceed with their plans, the Virginia General Assembly needed to approve legislation enabling the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to initiate a referendum for voters to decide on the casino’s fate. In January, Delegate Williams and State Senator Dave Marsden (D-Burke) introduced almost identical bills (HB 2499/SB 1523) to grant the Board of Supervisors extended authority.

Campaign finance records also revealed that Williams received $500 from the chamber and a $2,500 contribution from Christopher Clemente, with the total sum from Clemente’s donations amounting to $12,500 for Williams’ 2023 campaign. Furthermore, former and current Comstock employees contributed $29,525 to Williams between 1 January and 30 May.

Lobbying Efforts Remain a Staple Industry Tool

Questions persist regarding Williams’ motivations for introducing the casino-related legislation. Marsden had earlier mentioned being approached by developers with relevant properties, although he later claimed ignorance about the specific referendum bill presented by Williams. However, piling coincidences cast doubt on these statements, especially given Williams’ proactive approach.

The politician has been a vocal supporter of Nick Clemente, urging voters to rally behind his lobbying efforts. A video on Williams’ Facebook page shows the delegate position Williams as an advocate for critical issues within the community, emphasizing the other man’s dedication to safety and protection. Williams also praised Clemente on X (formerly Twitter), dispelling doubts about their affiliation.

It was fun knocking on doors yesterday in the beautiful fall weather for Nick Clemente in Northern Virginia.

Delegate Wren Williams on X

The interconnectedness between campaign donations, lobbying, and legislative actions concerning casino-related bills has raised concerns regarding the integrity and transparency of political processes surrounding large-scale development projects. The implications of these financial connections have raised substantial public scrutiny, particularly concerning their influence on legislative decisions and the interests they represent.

The post Virginia Lawmaker’s Campaign Donations Raise Questions on Casino Bill Support appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Resorts World Las Vegas, an integrated casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip, announced a new initiative aimed at raising awareness about cyberbullying during this year’s March Madness.

Fan Engagement Event

Resorts World Las Vegas teamed with non-profit Buckets Over Bullying to host “Full Court March” and raise cyberbullying awareness during the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)’s college basketball tournament this month. For that purpose, Resorts World will set up an indoor basketball court at the resort’s retail center, The District.

At Resorts World Las Vegas, we believe in the power of sports to bring people together and promote positive change.

Lori Flahive-Caldero, executive director of Community Engagement of Resorts World Las Vegas

Flahive-Caldero is proud to partner with Buckets Over Bullying for “Full Court March” and stand against cyberbullying.

For three weeks starting March 14, the Full Court March fan experience at Resorts World Las Vegas will allow the casino resort and the non-profit to bring attention to the growing crisis of youth cyberbullying that is spreading like wildfire nationwide, with more than a third of all students reported as being victims of it before finishing high school.

“We hope this event will inspire our community to come together and promote kindness, respect, and inclusion both on and off the court,” Flahive-Caldero concluded.

Sports Personalities at the Center

The initiative will feature basketball trick shot expert and current Buckets Over Bullying board member, Tristan Jass, “TJass,” and the one-time tallest basketball player at the NCAA Division I level, hoopster Mamadou N’Diaye. TJass and N’Diaye will showcase their talents and engage with the fans through drill sessions and basketball challenges.

“I deeply believe in the work that Buckets Over Bullying is doing and I am confident that we can make a real difference,” commented TJass, eager to get on the court and engage with the fans.

He also paid tribute to Nate Bronstein, a 15-year Chicago sophomore and TJass fan who lost his life to suicide in 2022 after being cyberbullied on social media by classmates at the Latin School of Chicago.

Another Buckets Over Bullying board member, Pauly Urdan, a.k.a. chi.town.pauly, will be the event’s MC, upping the energy levels, while throughout the event fans will be presented with T-shirts and other prizes.

Cyberbullying Awareness Messaging

During the event, cyberbullying awareness messages will be displayed on the West Tower screen, the LED globe in The District, and at various locations at Resorts World. The messages will include a QR code to take the pledge: “I Will Never Use My Device as a Weapon!”

The co-founder of Buckets Over Bullying, Rose Bronstein, was “extremely grateful to Resorts World Las Vegas, Tristan and Mamadou” for their contribution to help “educate and compel action by both youth and adults to combat this scourge.”

“No one should have to endure the grief and suffering cyberbullying has forever inflicted upon our family,” she added, urging for better cyberbullying abuse protections from the dangers of the digital world that is now part of a child’s life.

According to multiple clinical studies, adolescents and teens are up to four times more likely to inflict self-harm, attempt or commit suicide if cyberbullied.

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