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Federal government supports the advancement of the Hazel McCallion LRT Extension in Brampton

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BRAMPTON, ON, March 21, 2025 /CNW/ – Reliable public transit is important to economic growth, reducing air pollution, and building affordable, connected communities.

Today, the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, announced the federal government’s intention to support the Hazel McCallion LRT Extension in Brampton as part of the Metro-Region Agreement (MRA) stream of the Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF).

Brampton is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. For that reason, it is vital that public transit continues to expand to meet the needs of its residents. The Hazel McCallion LRT is an 18-kilometre, 19-stop light rail transit project currently under construction from Port Credit GO station in Mississauga to Brampton’s Gateway Terminal. By extending this LRT by approximately four kilometres, the project aims to provide better transit options to residents and connect more people to downtown Brampton.

Funding will be conditional on meeting the requirements of the MRA stream, including the development of an Integrated Regional Plan and the signing of a Metro Region Agreement for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, meeting all housing conditionality requirements, receiving a completed project business case from the Province of Ontario, and approval by the federal government.

Growing public transit infrastructure across the country is a key priority, notably where it supports key housing targets and encourages the construction of housing near transit.

Quotes

“Our government believes in public transit. We are committed to improving and growing public transit infrastructure all across Canada. Strong collaboration between federal, provincial, and municipal government is essential to achieve this goal.”

The Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities 

“As Brampton grows, Premier Ford and our government have a plan to get residents the world-class transit they deserve, which is why we announced the extension of the Hazel McCallion Line into the downtown with a new tunnel that will benefit tens of thousands of riders every day. We will continue to work with our federal and municipal partners, as we expand public transit and GO service and build generational projects like Highway 413 to get families in Brampton where they need to go.”

The Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation of Ontario

“Today’s announcement is a significant step forward in making the Hazel McCallion LRT Extension a reality for Brampton. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, this transit solution will enable 33,000 housing units and over 17,000 jobs that will help keep pace with our rapid growth. This project will provide reliable, sustainable and efficient transportation for our residents, connecting our downtown core to the rest of the region. Thanks to Minister Erskine-Smith for his second visit to Brampton, and the federal government for helping fund this transformative project for public transit, housing and downtown.” 

His Worship Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

Quick Facts

Announced on January 20, 2025, Brampton Transit has secured federal funding of $106 million over 10 years through the new Canada Public Transit Fund’s (CPTF) Baseline Stream. This funding will upgrade, replace, or modernize the City’s public transit infrastructure, and maintain it in a state of good repair.Since 2015, the federal government has announced over $19 billion for public transit and active transportation projects in Ontario.Starting in 2026-27, the CPTF will provide an average of $3 billion a year in permanent funding that will respond to local needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.The CPTF supports transit and active transportation investments through three streams:Metro-Region Agreements offer a new way for the federal government, provinces and municipalities to collaborate. Through these agreements, the federal government will allocate funding and work with partners to support the planning and construction of public transit.Baseline Funding provides stable, predictable support that communities with existing transit systems across Canada are seeking for routine capital investments, expansion, and state of good repair projects.Targeted Funding allows partners to access direct funding through periodic calls for applications that help address the evolving community priorities.

Associated Links

Canada Public Transit FundEnsuring long-term predictable public transit funding for the City of Brampton with over $106 million through the Canada Public Transit FundHousing and Infrastructure Project Map

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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

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IGT Celebrates World Premiere of RISE55 Cabinet at Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention 2025

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Company to highlight new hardware, core video, premium multi-level progressive and Class II games, IGT ADVANTAGE X advancements, expanded Wheel of Fortune entertainment and more

LONDON, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE: IGT) announced today that it will showcase a compelling portfolio of games and solutions designed to drive tribal casino growth at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention (“IGA”) 2025, April 2-3, in San Diego, Calif.

“IGT’s products and solutions portfolio for IGA 2025 will reflect our commitment to delivering future-forward gaming innovations that can provide growth opportunities for our valued tribal customers,” said Nick Khin, IGT President, Global Gaming. “Building on the success of our high-performing content and hardware, we will feature the world premiere of the RISE55 cabinet, the latest Magic Treasures, Tiger and Dragon and Prosperity Link games, plus new Class II and core video content. Our IGA display will also highlight our exciting expansion of Wheel of Fortune content to multiple product categories.”

IGT will kick off IGA 2025 with a special RISE55™ cabinet unveiling event with Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. on April 2. Under the theme “IGT On The Rise,” IGT’s booth #1641 will feature the following performance-focused products and solutions:

Taking Hardware Performance to New Heights with the RISE55 Cabinet: designed to deliver an immersive experience while optimizing floor space with its sleek design, the RISE55 cabinet features an ultra-high-definition 55-inch screen, state-of-the-art lighting, and advanced ergonomics. Backed by a brand-new lineup of premium multi-level progressive (“MLP”) content, the RISE55 cabinet will house Magic Treasures Gold™, the next evolution of the high-performing Magic Treasures theme.

Building Wide-Area Progressives (“WAP”) Excitement with Next-Generation Games: at IGA, IGT will build on the success of some of its highest-performing premium games. Next-generation WAP titles will include Tiger and Dragon Super Arrow™, which builds upon the functionalities of the original chart-topping Tiger and Dragon theme, and Prosperity Link™ Blessings on the 11-foot tall SkyRise™ cabinet. IGT will also showcase the superstar power of Whitney Houston I Wanna Dance with Somebody Slots on the impressive Peak65™ cabinet.

Introducing New Core Video Games for the PeakCurve™49: IGT will preview a new lineup of action-packed core video games at IGA, including Grand Buddha Link™ and Grand Cat Link™ with repeating win multipliers, and Bring the Boom™ Pirate Bay and Bring the Boom Egypt with an exciting ‘Boom Wheel’ bonus. Additional highlights include Black Widow™ Grand, featuring enhanced free games and a lock and respin bonus.

Fortifying a Compelling Class II Portfolio: IGT Class II highlights at IGA will include the new Stinkin’ Rich™ Tail Wins game on the RISE55 cabinet, plus Moonlight Lanterns™ on the PeakCurve49 cabinet. For Washington CDS, IGT will present Triple Fortune Dragon™ Unleashed Player’s Edition, the latest extension of the high-performing Triple Fortune Dragon theme. IGT’s latest dual-screen hardware evolution, the Sierra27™ cabinet, will also make its Class II debut.

Expanding the Wheel of Fortune Slots Success: IGA attendees can experience the community-style win celebrations of Wheel of Fortune Cash Link™ Big Money™ video slots game on the massive Wheel of Fortune Trio cabinet, which recently made its tribal casino debut. IGT will also display the Wheel of Fortune Cash Link Reels™ Double Diamond® on the DiamondRS™ Premium Wheel mechanical reel cabinet. IGA attendees can also enjoy the legendary Wheel of Fortune theme in its recent expansion to the video poker and electronic table game (“ETG”) categories.

Reimagining CMS Power and Performance with IGT ADVANTAGE™ X: IGT will provide demonstrations of its future-forward IGT ADVANTAGE X casino management system at IGA. Designed for on-premise and cloud-based deployments, the solution includes modern advancements such as service-bus architecture, persona driven UI experiences and actionable event data. The IGT systems team will also showcase advancements to its Resort Wallet™ and IGTPay™ cashless solution by way of enhanced account security, registration and on-machine Slot Marker technology.

Rounding out IGT’s strong IGA games portfolio will be core stepper themes, including Double Chili Mania Extremo!™ and Pinball Grand™ on the dazzling DiamondRS cabinet. In addition, guests at IGT’s booth can preview IGT’s proven video poker performers like All-Star Poker™ III, Super Star Poker™ II, and Game King™X.  

For a full list of games and solutions in IGT’s stand, visit IGT.com/IGA or follow #IGTxIGA25 on social media. For more information, visit IGT.com, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X, or watch IGT videos on YouTube.

About IGT
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is a global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 jurisdictions around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 11,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, products and services, customer relationships, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “shall,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project” or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company’s control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the factors and risks described in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 and other documents led from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.IGT.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contact:
Phil O’Shaughnessy, Global Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada +1 (401) 392-7452
Matteo Selva, Italian media inquiries, +39 366 6803635
James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190

© 2025 IGT

©2025 Califon Productions, Inc.

All Whitney Houston trademark and publicity rights, including the name and trademark Whitney Houston, her image, likeness and signature, are solely owned by Whit Wave IP LLC.

The trademarks and/or service marks used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of IGT, its affiliates or its licensors.

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SOURCE International Game Technology PLC

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David Sidoo Unveils Innovative Due Diligence Program for Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions

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VANCOUVER, BC, March 24, 2025 /CNW/ – David Sidoo is proud to announce the launch of a new lithium exploration and research program, aimed at advancing sustainable energy solutions. With the world’s increasing shift toward cleaner, greener energy, the need for efficient lithium extraction and use has never been more critical. Sidoo’s initiative focuses on innovative methods that can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

David Sidoo’s program is committed to addressing the pressing challenges facing the lithium industry. By advancing cutting-edge extraction technologies, optimizing battery performance, and exploring new applications, Sidoo’s program aims to ensure a sustainable supply of lithium for the future.

Innovating Lithium Extraction for Environmental Sustainability

One of the most significant hurdles in lithium production is the environmental impact of traditional mining practices. Sidoo’s program is dedicated to advancing sustainable technologies like Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), which reduces ecological harm and improves resource efficiency. By tapping into unconventional lithium sources such as geothermal brines and seawater, this approach promises to transform the industry, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

Revolutionizing Lithium Battery Technology

The program also focuses on pushing the boundaries of battery technology. A key area of development is solid-state batteries, which replace liquid electrolytes with solid materials. These batteries offer greater energy density, faster charging times, and enhanced safety. By reducing reliance on controversial materials like cobalt and nickel, Sidoo’s initiative aims to accelerate the development of sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient batteries.

Promoting a Circular Economy for Lithium

Another core objective of the program is to promote a circular economy for lithium. As the global volume of end-of-life batteries rises, recycling technologies that recover valuable lithium will become essential. Sidoo’s initiative focuses on advancing eco-friendly and economically viable recycling processes, ensuring that lithium remains a critical resource in the transition to clean energy.

Expanding Lithium’s Potential Across Industries

David Sidoo’s program explores the diverse applications of lithium across industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and emerging technologies. As Sidoo states, “This program isn’t just about meeting the energy demands of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage; it’s about exploring lithium’s vast potential across diverse sectors, including healthcare and aerospace.”

Shaping the Future of Lithium

David Sidoo’s lithium research program represents a pivotal step toward a sustainable energy future. To learn more about supporting lithium research and contributing to a cleaner future, visit DavidSidoo.co

Contact Information

Organization: Sidoo Family Giving
Website: https://www.sidoofamilygiving.com/

SOURCE Sidoo Family Giving

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East Side Games Group Reports 2024 Financial Results

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Revenue of $20.5M in Q4 2024 and $83M for the full yearA-EBITDA of $2.5M in Q4 2024 and $11.6M for the full year

VANCOUVER, BC, March 24, 2025 /CNW/ – East Side Games Group (TSX: EAGR) (OTC: EAGRF) (“ESGG” or the “Company”), today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, marking another successful period with robust operational performance and continued investment in its portfolio. The Company closed out the quarter with $2.5 million in adjusted EBITDA, representing a 12% margin, ending the year with $11.6M in adjusted EBITDA, at a 14% margin. The Company has reached its stated goal of building up cash in the past 6 quarters and is executing its strategy to pivot into growth for 2025. This focus is further underlined by an 11% increase in ARPDAUs from where we ended in 2023 at $1.01. The Company continues to acquire players that are profitable within aggressive payback windows on its marketing spend.

ESG will release its fourth-quarter 2024 financial results, business outlook, and an earnings call video on its investor relations website https://eastsidegamesgroup.com/investors/financial-information on Monday, March 24th, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

“We’ve doubled down on our fundamentals this year, ensuring we operate with efficiency and sustainable growth in mind,” said Jason Bailey, Chief Executive Officer. “Looking ahead to 2025, we’re confident in the new games that we are launching and the growth they will bring. Our existing library, together with these new titles, clearly reflects our ability to leverage strategic partnerships to drive expansion and stand out in the mobile marketplace.”

The company has significantly diversified its revenue streams through subscriptions, season passes, and new advertising placements, optimizing in-game monetization strategies. This year saw ESG strategically focus on quality over quantity, consolidating best practices across its game portfolio to maximize player engagement and revenue generation.

ESG also made strides in expanding its market presence with a launch on the new Epic Mobile Store, releasing Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money. As one of the few developers on the platform, ESG has already seen 21% of installs come from the store, all through organic, non-paid traffic. With Epic Mobile Store taking a lower platform fee, ESG is positioned to benefit from improved profit margins.

Looking ahead, ESG is poised for an exciting 2025 with the launch of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Match Queen and Squishmallows Match. The soft launch of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Match Queen has already shown remarkable retention, engagement, and monetization metrics. Both titles feature beloved IPs and are expected to perform strongly in the global market.

“We are thrilled to continue building on the success of our game portfolio with the upcoming launch of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Match Queen and Squishmallows Match”, said Jim Wagner, Chief Product Officer at East Side Games. “For RuPaul’s Drag Race: Match Queen, we’ve applied the best lessons learned from RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar and our existing match games to create a hybrid experience that is fun, engaging, and easy to pick up.”

Four Months Ended Dec 31st, 2024 Financial highlights

Total 2024 Revenue: $83 million.Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted for non-recurring project write-offs, operational profitability of $11.6 million with a margin of 14%.DAU (Daily Active Users): 221,000.ARPDAU (Average Revenue Per Daily Active User): $1.01, up 11% from 2023.Cash Balance: $7.5 million, an increase of $2.2 million from the prior year.Share Buybacks: ESG has repurchased 2.7 million shares to date at a cost of $1.9 million, reinforcing its commitment to shareholder value.

Certain information provided in this news release is extracted from the consolidated financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) and Management’s Discussion & Analysis (“MD&A”) of the Company for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and should be read in conjunction with them. It is only in the context of the fulsome information and disclosures contained in the Financial Statements and MD&A that an investor can properly analyze this information. The Financial Statements and MD&A can be found under the Company’s profile on SEDAR and EDGAR.

ABOUT EAST SIDE GAMES GROUP

ESGG is a leader in free-to-play mobile gaming, thrilling players with unforgettable experiences that spark lifelong fandom. Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit, we are driven by creativity, flawless execution, and a laser-focused growth strategy. We develop and publish both original and licensed IP titles, license our cutting-edge GameKit(s) platforms, and strategically acquire studios or games to expand our family.

Headquartered in Vancouver with around 120 talent dense team members, we operate over a dozen titles under East Side Games (“ESG”) and LDRLY (Technologies) Inc. (“LDRLY”). Together, we’re crafting, launching, and publishing mobile games across our own studios and an extended Game Kit partner network—reaching players on iOS and Android worldwide.

We power our success through in-app purchases (“IAP”)—offering exclusive, game-enhancing virtual items—and in-game advertising. To keep growing, we focus on captivating audiences, keeping them engaged, and unlocking exciting new ways to monetize. We’ll drive this momentum by launching bold new titles, enriching our current lineup, innovating discovery, expanding into fresh markets and exploring new distribution platforms.

Additional information about the Company continues to be available under its legal name, East Side Games Group Inc., at www.sedar.com.

Forward-looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the proposed transactions described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including factors beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release.

SOURCE East Side Games Group Inc.

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