Just when Jon and Fintan thought they had run out of brilliant yet awkward banter, Optimove and Clarion Gaming swooped in and saved the day! Faster than a speeding bullet, more reliable than a Wi-Fi connection, they’re the hero sponsors we all need! 

Rosalind Wade is today’s guest. Roz is the CEO of Winna Media, which creates small, intimate, bespoke events that promote relationship building and networking (as compared to ginormous expos that often fail at actually building meaningful relationships between people).

In a nutshell:

* After talking about dehydrating beef in air fryers, various humorous anecdotes about using knives and spoons in various contexts, and a Simpsons joke, Jon and Fintan get down to business by discussing two epic war films: "The Longest Day" (1962) and "A Bridge Too Far" (1977). 

* When their guest comes on, Roz provides details on Thailand's decision to legalize casinos, the potential revenue it could bring to the tourism industry, and the goal of addressing the issue of illegal gambling.

* The upcoming Thai Entertainment Complex Summit, which is being held in December, in Bangkok, Thailand. You can register via: https://winnamedia.com/thai-entertainment-complex-summit/ 

* Roz discusses the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) situation in the Philippines, including the potential inquiry into the links between POGOs, drugs, and extrajudicial killings.

* The political and regulatory landscape in the Philippines, including the recent scandals and investigations.

* The potential for other Asian countries might follow similar regulatory changes, such as Cambodia's shutdown of gambling establishments.

Choice quotes:

* Rosalind Wade: “[Thailand] had a sort of lesson in international entertainment when Taylor Swift was recently in Singapore. And I think Thailand is now very determined to step up onto the global entertainment stage.” (Editor’s note: Singapore provided Taylor Swift a financial incentive to make the country the only stop in south-east Asia on her world tour.)

* Jon Bruford: “Malta is still a very popular tourist destination, but tourism tends to be a seasonal thing, whereas Malta has high gaming revenue all year round. And I'm pretty sure I know which one the Maltese government prefers.”  

* Rosalind Wade: “The Philippines is very resilient. Also, in terms of revenue, PAGCOR is actually the second biggest provider to the government tax coffers.” (Editor’s note: PAGCOR stands for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.)

Thanks to Rosalind Wade for being on the show! 

Connect with Roz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalind-wade-6376684/ 

Register for Roz’s Thai Entertainment Complex Summit in Bangkok: https://winnamedia.com/thai-entertainment-complex-summit/ 

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s astonishing.

The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.

Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkR

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast 

Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ 

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ 

Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ 

Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ 

Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.SuccessWithStories.com 

Three cheers to the peeps at Optimove and Clarion Gaming for helping The Gambling Files Podcast share our wisdom directly into your earbuds or onto your screens. 

Today’s guest is Malcolm Wilkinson, the founder of We The Bookie, a socially responsible bookmaker. You might ask: How responsible are they? Well, at the end of each month, We The Bookie returns 50% of all gross revenue back to customers. 

In a nutshell:

* Jon learns that he’s got an avoidant attachment type of personality (whatever that is). 

* How Clayton Christensen’s book, The Innovator's Dilemma, relates to the gambling industry and today’s guest’s business, We The Bookie. 

* Launching We The Bookie in Ireland, with the intention of launching in a country that has an established betting market, including Paddy Power, the Irish gambling behemoth. 

* Malcolm explains how incumbent bookmakers may struggle to switch to a new model due to their cost structure and affiliate agreements.

* The challenges of raising funds for a startup in the gaming industry.

Choice quotes:

* Malcolm Wilkinson: “At the end of each month, We The Bookie gives half of the accumulated gross gaming revenue (GGR) back to our losing customers in direct proportion to their loss that month.” 

* Malcolm Wilkinson: “There's nothing really to stop a new company coming in and doing what We The Booking is doing. But incumbents would have a really hard time switching into this model because they weren't designed that way.” 

* Fintan Costello: “With punters, there's a point where odds aren't the most important thing. Convenience, service, and things like that can actually be way more important.” 

* Jon Bruford: “I'm generally optimistic. Otherwise, why would I get out of bed? But I do set the bar quite low.”

* Fintan said to Jon, “I wouldn't call you emotionally distant or unavailable.” And Jon replied, “I don't care.” 

Thanks to Malcolm Wilkinson for being on the show! 

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s astonishing.

The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.

Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast 

Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ 

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ 

Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ 

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.SuccessWithStories.com 

As ever we begin by thanking our benevolent sponsors, who are not only more handsome than their competitors, they also spend more time with elderly relatives, and petting animals. We are talking about the legendary Optimove and Clarion Gaming, and their loveliness and fluffiness is what makes podcasts like ours possible. Oh, and of course iGB Live! is right on the doorstep. Get on it!

This episode, we have Fintan and Jon talking a bit before the guests arrive [0:00 – 24:27], then they’re joined by the excellent Angel Espino and Colin Feindt from Casino Gaming Development (CGD). The chaps discuss the process of developing new table games for the casino industry, the importance of clear communication and quick training on new games for both players and dealers. They also talk about the role of mathematics in game development and the need for games to hit certain key performance indicators (KPIs) to be successful in casinos. The conversation touches on the challenges of monetizing new game ideas and the potential for adjusting pay tables based on different market conditions. They also mention their success in winning the Best Game of the Year award at the Table Game Protection event. Casino Gaming Development has created a new game called Three Shot Poker, which combines elements of different games to create a unique and exciting experience. The game involves players trying to make three independent three-card poker hands using their two hole cards and three community cards. The game has been well-received and is currently being trialed in several properties, including the Flamingo and Harrah’s properties in Las Vegas. The company is also planning to launch the game online, as well as explore opportunities in the Asian and cruise ship markets. The game's simplicity, high hit frequency, and potential for longer player engagement make it a promising addition to the casino industry [24:28 – 1:34:58].

In the shell of a nut:

• Clear communication and quick training are crucial for the success of new table games in casinos.
• Mathematics plays a significant role in game development, and games must hit certain KPIs to be successful.
• Adjusting pay tables based on market conditions can be beneficial, but frequent changes can lead to confusion and mistakes.
• Developers should build relationships with dealers and involve them in the game development process.
• Winning awards and receiving positive feedback from industry professionals can boost the reputation and success of a game.

 Choice quotes:

"Dealers are the deal breakers when it comes to a game."

"If a dealer can't communicate how to play a game in about 30 seconds or less, they're on to the next."

"The math has to dictate everything because we could have a great idea, but if the math doesn't work, it's not a viable game."

"Our first game we just signed with Oddsworks and we're about to launch; we're in the final phases of launching Three Shot Poker, we think this is our strongest game so far."

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

Special thanks as always to the two Euro 2024 finalists, Optimove and Clarion Gaming. It’s fair to say that no matter what the outcome, football is the only true winner today.

We kick off with Fintan and Jon doing that thing they do [0:00 – 10:48], then we’re joined by two guests: Herd Capital’s Jason Ziernicki and Kyle Scott, to talk turkey. Well, affiliates. And other stuff.

The conversation covers the recent changes in Google's newspaper partnerships and the impact on media publishers and affiliates in the gambling industry, the impact of Google and SEO on affiliates and gambling operators, the challenges faced by traditional newspapers and the rise of sports blogs. The conversation also delves into the future of search and the potential fragmentation of Google's dominance.

We get into the role of influencers in the gambling industry, highlighting the value they bring in driving top-of-funnel awareness and building brand loyalty. The conversation concludes with advice for college students starting an affiliate business, emphasizing the importance of building an audience on platforms like TikTok and Instagram and leveraging first-party data through newsletters and messaging platforms. The conversation explores the evolution of platforms and the role of influencers in capturing niche audiences. It discusses how platforms like TikTok and Facebook have expanded beyond their initial target demographics and how influencers can leverage algorithms to reach specific niche markets. The conversation also touches on the potential of Twitter as a platform for live content and affiliate marketing.

Our esteemed guests share their experiences with investments and their plans for Herd Capital, a business focused on sports media, sports gambling, and affiliate marketing. 

In a nutshell:

• Jason and Kyle share their backgrounds in the gambling industry and their experiences as partners of Herd Capital.
• The conversation highlights the need for media companies to adapt and invest in their own content creation to maintain visibility in search results. Google's dominance in search and SEO has a significant impact on affiliates and gambling operators.
• Sports blogs and influencers play a crucial role in driving top-of-funnel awareness and building brand loyalty in the gambling industry.
• The future of search is uncertain, and there is a potential for the fragmentation of Google's dominance.
• College students starting an affiliate business should focus on building an audience on platforms like TikTok and Instagram and leverage first-party data through newsletters and messaging platforms.
• Twitter has the potential to become a platform for live content and affiliate marketing.
• The top of the funnel for casinos is more fragmented compared to sports, making it challenging to capture and retain audiences.
• The importance of having opinions and being brave enough to express them, even if they are occasionally wrong.

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

Special thanks as always to our two top of the league sponsors, Optimove and Clarion Gaming. Both utter legends and, funnily enough – total coincidence, too – Optimove’s CEO and founder is on this episode!

First up there is a short intro, in which both Jon and Fintan completely lose it because of some inappropriate comments [0:00 – 6:05]. And they’re comments for which Fintan certainly apologises.

Then we meet Pini Yakuel, of Optimove CEO fame. Our conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the OptiMove Connect event, the concept of the positionless marketer, the impact of AI and no-code solutions, and the evolution of skills in sports and marketing. The discussion also delves into the benefits of a positionless approach and the challenges faced by traditional marketing departments, the democratization of decision-making, the art of boxing, and hunger for success. We also discuss the challenges of maintaining hunger and motivation after achieving success. I say ‘we’, but Jon can clearly not contribute to that discussion [6:06 – 1:06:26].

In a nutshell:

• The concept of the positionless marketer is a key focus, emphasizing the impact of AI and no-code solutions on marketing roles and processes.
• The conversation explores the evolution of skills in sports and marketing, highlighting the benefits of a positionless approach and the challenges faced by traditional marketing departments.
• The conversation provides insights into the changing landscape of marketing, the role of technology, and the potential for greater efficiency and innovation in marketing processes. The impact of self-service capabilities on democratization and decision-making
• The challenges of maintaining hunger and motivation after achieving success
• The impact of democratization on growth and scale in organizations

Choice quotes:

"The game of basketball has become positionless, emphasizing versatility of play and velocity, which wasn't the case in the past."

"The future of marketing is positionless, steering towards greater efficiency and innovation, leveraging AI and no-code solutions."

"Good communication solves most problems."

"I'm still waiting for mine."

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

Fintan and Jon take to the stage in Amsterdam to interview Frank Kastelijns of Circus.nl, an online and land-based operator, to discuss the doom and gloom surrounding the country's industry following several knee-jerk decisions from those in power. Frank doesn't hold back… And this is our first-ever live performance with the podcast, so it was interesting. 

Feedback always appreciated. Enjoy the episode. 

"We're making licenses and regulations worthless."

So says Washington Post journalist Gus Garcia-Roberts. And you know what, he may have a point.

In conversation with Jon, Gus delves into the scandal involving baseball player Shohei Otani, his interpreter, and a bookie named Matt Boyer. The conversation explores the role of casinos in money laundering and the lack of regulation and enforcement in the gambling industry. They also touch on the cultural impact of sports betting and the interconnectedness of the legal and illegal gambling sectors. The conversation explores the changing landscape of sports fandom and the impact of sports betting. It discusses the broadening desire for content related to sports betting and the integration of gambling into sports culture. The conversation also touches on the challenges of regulating sports betting and the need for education and responsible gambling practices. The power dynamics between sports leagues, casinos, and tribes are examined, highlighting the influence of money and the complexities of the industry. 

In a nutshell:

• The journalism industry has undergone significant changes, with many news organizations struggling and smaller newspapers dying off.
• Casinos have a responsibility to monitor their customers and prevent money laundering, but there are concerns about their complicity in illegal activities.
• The rise of sports betting has led to cultural changes and increased interest in sports among the general public.
• There is a need for stronger regulation and enforcement in the gambling industry to prevent illegal activities and protect consumers.
• The legal and illegal gambling sectors are interconnected, raising questions about the integrity of the industry as a whole. The rise of sports betting has broadened the desire for sports-related content.
• Sports fandom has changed, with fans now engaging in betting and considering odds.
• The integration of gambling into sports culture raises integrity and addiction concerns.
• Regulating sports betting requires educating players and establishing responsible gambling practices.
• Power dynamics between sports leagues, casinos, and tribes impact the industry.
• The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about personal appearances.

Choice quotes:

"How complicit were the casinos in money laundering?"

"We've all become little bookies."

"The mistake that they made was going in swinging their dicks."

"The tribes gave those tribes a common enemy."

We don’t know which is Cagney and which is Lacey, but we know that in the hands of top crime-fighting duo Optimove and Clarion Gaming, the city of Gaming is in the safest possible hands. Oh, and they are our eminent sponsors, and we love them bigly. Note: neither entity fights crime. One has industry-leading CRM software, the other organises industry-leading gambling events. But we believe they could fight crime, if they chose to.

Apologies for the delay in a new episode, all Jon’s fault. He’s old, so he is breaking earlier than Fintan.

We are joined by the magnificently-named Max Tesla, CEO and co-founder of Blask.com, a new B2B gaming analytics platform. Blask provides a one-stop shop for operators looking to launch brands in new countries by offering insights into the total available market, competitive landscape, and trends driving the market. The platform uses the BLASK index, which measures the share of search for individual brands within a country, to track user interest and online visibility. Blask also utilizes AI and deep learning models to predict brand performance and emerging trends, as well as automate the discovery of new brands and games in the iGaming industry. Max says the platform can predict similarities in game providers and time series data, allowing users to compare brands and identify trends. It also offers sports data analysis, helping marketers understand the impact, importance, and interest of specific sports events.

Useful info links from Blask so you can check it out:

https://blask.com/blog/ 

https://blask.com/faq/blask-index/

https://blask.com/blog/share-of-search-a-new-metric-for-understanding-market-volume/

In a nutshell:

• Blask is a B2B gaming analytics platform that provides insights into the total available market, competitive landscape, and trends driving the market for operators looking to launch their brands in new countries.
• The BLASK index measures the share of search for individual brands within a country, reflecting online visibility and customer interest.
• Blask utilizes AI and deep learning models to predict brand performance and emerging trends, as well as automate the discovery of new brands and games in the iGaming industry.
• The platform collects data from multiple sources, including Google APIs, to provide accurate and up-to-date information for decision-making.
• Blask's goal is to scale up to tracking 50 countries by midsummer and 100 countries by the end of the year, with plans to expand to the US market in the future.
• The platform can predict similarities in game providers and time series data, allowing users to compare brands and identify trends.
• Blask offers sports data analysis, helping marketers understand the impact, importance, and interest of specific sports events.

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

We don’t know which is Starsky and which is Hutch, to be honest, but our glorious sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming are the crime-fighting duo we would all like to be when we grow up.

After a brief introduction with Jon and Fintan [0:00 – 9:44], they’re joined by a genuine superstar guest: former PaddyPower Head of Mischief Ken Robertson (now founder and CEO of The Tenth Man), who regales the pair with tales of derring-do and madness from a time of huge creativity and (relative) freedom in gambling marketing. This is genuinely one of our favourite episodes ever, give it a listen and see if you disagree.

We discuss the creative and innovative marketing strategies employed by Paddy Power, including controversial campaigns and memorable stunts, such as parachuting a jockey into a racecourse and the North Korean ‘basketball diplomacy’. They also touch on the importance of having a founder-mandated North Star and the ability to push boundaries while staying true to the brand's values. Ken discusses the power of generating controversy in marketing, his decision to leave Paddy Power and start his own thriving agency, The Tenth Man. Ken shares some of the successful marketing stunts he has worked on, including the promotion of the film 'Kneecap' at Sundance. He also mentions the expansion of The 10th Man to London and their plans for future growth. [9:45 – 1:13:34]

In a nutshell:

• Paddy Power's marketing success was driven by a combination of creativity, risk-taking, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Generating controversy can be a powerful marketing strategy, but it must be carefully executed to avoid negative backlash.
• Paddy Power is known for its creative and innovative marketing strategies, often pushing boundaries and courting controversy.
• Paddy Power's campaigns aimed to provoke and generate earned media coverage, keeping the brand top of mind.
• Success was measured by the number of complaints received and the level of earned media coverage generated.
• The company's campaigns often tackled social issues, such as homophobia in football, and aimed to make a positive impact.
• The concept of the 10th man, or having a contrarian voice, can help avoid groupthink and lead to more innovative ideas.
• Successful marketing stunts can generate significant publicity and attention for brands and projects.

Choice quotes:

"What I'm thinking is kind of, shove a horse out of an airplane with a parachute and we land the horse in the middle of Aintree."

"…it remains the most complained about ad in British advertising history, by a multiple of three. And that was due to its headline, Money Back If He Walks."

"…the ad was purely a vehicle to promote the fact that, you know, we were betting on a guilty or not guilty verdict."

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

The Dom Toretto and Brian O’Conner of this podcast are our glorious sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming. We won’t ruin your work by introducing The Rock (or even Jason Statham. Don’t get me started on Momoa) any time soon, we promise!

After a brief introduction [0:00 – 10:47], Fintan and Jon are joined by journalist David Danzis to talk about his specialism, Atlantic City. David recently wrote a column explaining what needs to be done to save AC in the face of NY casinos and more; you can read that here: https://www.playnj.com/news/fixing-atlantic-city-not-difficult-heres-how-to-do-it-today/80035/

David explains how an arcane old law can be utilised today to save the future of the city and its casinos, how a simple reallocation of police resources could have a profound impact, and much more. And you know what? It all makes sense [10:48 – 1:12:06].

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

The Luke Skywalker and Frodo Baggins of this podcast are our magnificent sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming. We love you in the way that some people love Star Wars and LOTR.

No Fintan!

This episode’s guest is Dr. Sally Gainsbury, Director at Gambling Treatment & Research Clinic and Professor of Psychology, University of Sydney. Dr Gainsbury discusses the importance of language in gambling research and the need for more responsible terminology. Sally and Jon also touch on the flaws of the peer review system in academia, and the unique gambling landscape in Australia. The conversation explores the need for a commercial approach to problem gambling and the importance of effective communication to prevent gambling harm. It discusses the metrics for success in addressing problem gambling and the role of marketing in shaping consumer behaviour. The conversation also touches on the challenges of understanding gambling costs, the impact of lottery advertising, and the need for transparency in gambling inducements. The role of regulators in addressing deceptive practices and the potential for gambling to be a gateway activity are also discussed.

Also worth noting: Sally does not disclose the identity of Australia’s greatest music act, but there is bonding over the genius of Bluey, and a bit of Strictly Ballroom. Oh, and Democracy Sausages get in the conversation. If you don’t know what they are, press play…

In a nutshell:

• Language is important in shaping perceptions and behaviors related to gambling.
• The peer review system in academia has its flaws and requires checks and balances.
• Australia has a high rate of gambling participation, particularly in pokies (electronic gaming machines).
• Advertising for online wagering has increased, targeting younger men.
• There is a need for a shift in the responsibility of operators and players in promoting responsible gambling.
• The gambling industry needs to adapt and change, as seen with previous bans on tobacco advertising. Problem gambling should be approached as a commercial problem, with metrics for success that focus on marketing effectiveness.
• Effective communication is crucial in preventing gambling harm, including providing information on the costs of play and the chances of winning.
• Transparency is needed in gambling inducements, such as bonusing, to ensure consumers are fully aware of the terms and conditions.
• Regulators play a vital role in addressing deceptive practices and promoting responsible gambling.
• While gambling can provide hope and entertainment, it is important for individuals to have a critical appraisal of their gambling behavior and make informed choices.

Choice quotes from the episode:

"Language is at the bottom of everything we do."

"The way we talk about something, even casually, has a strong impact on individual behaviour."

"Problem gambling terminology implies something inherent about the person that can't be changed."

"If you look at it as a commercial problem, then the metrics for success change completely. If you look at it as a marketing issue, because it's getting the right words to the right person at the right time in the right way. And that is marketing, pretty much."

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

The true heroes of our story are the magnificent sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming. We love you in a fraternal but very real and very lovely way.

In this episode, Jon and Fintan have a casual conversation about various topics, including books, unions, and the challenges faced by Atlantic City. These challenges include the potential impact of a New York City casino, which is a biggie. Oh, and Jon’s therapist has retired, so there is a decent chance the podcast might be his new therapist.

In a nutshell:

• Atlantic City is facing challenges due to competition from neighboring states and the potential opening of a casino in New York.
• The role of unions in the gaming industry is complex, with both positive and negative aspects.
• Personalization and exclusivity in online gaming offerings can help differentiate operators in a crowded market.
• The conversation highlights the importance of context and perspective in understanding and evaluating situations.

Choice quotes from the episode:

"Unions are essential, but they can be too influential and too powerful."

"What if Atlantic City casinos could stay smoking spaces? What if that's their niche?"

"We don't deserve dogs."

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

Behind the scenes with gambling, what happened with the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship and England’s loss to Spain?

One of our wonderful sponsors—Optimove—provided us with this episode’s guest. But that doesn’t mean that we’re any less grateful to Clarion Gaming for also helping us bring you The Gambling Files Podcast. 

Optimove’s Jonathan Collins joins Fintan in the Gambling Files studio today. Our guest is a Strategic Services Team Leader at Optimove, a leading customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation platform that we unabashedly recommend to everyone, but especially you. 

(Co-host Jon Bruford missed this episode, but he’ll be back, don’t worry!) 

This episode in a nutshell:

* Yes, England’s heart is broken. Yes, Gareth Southgate, England’s manager, has stepped down. But what happened behind the scenes at Euro 2024 with gambling? 

* Query trends for big football tournaments are generally predictable

* Sports betting trends during the tournament, including deposits and bet amounts, and how the Italians generally don't like to bet on non-Italian teams at tournaments. 

* The popularity of weird Olympic sports like kayaking and canoeing.

* NFL betting trends. 

* HBO's Hard Knocks series and Netflix's Receiver documentary, and how they link with the NFL's popularity in America.

* How there is no clear second sport in America, with multiple sports having significant betting activity, including baseball, basketball, and soccer.

* There is some movement in women's basketball betting, driven by personalities like Caitlin Clark.

* The shift towards mobile-first betting platforms. 

Choice quotes by our guest:

* “We just saw a huge upswell of interest on the final [of Euro 2024]. For example, in Italy, there were 20% more betters on the final than any other day.”

* “Excluding England, we saw a decrease in terms of the average deposit amount and the number of depositors through the [2023 Euro] tournament after group stage games.” 

Choice quotes by Fintan: 

* “Bookies who aren’t official sponsors of the Olympics aren’t allowed to say the word ‘Olympics’ [in marketing and advertisements]. They’ve got to talk about, for instance, sport in Paris. So it’s tricky from a marketing perspective.” 

* “I always like to call the start of the NFL season, the start of gambling season. Everyone’s fired up. They're salivating. The numbers go up. Everything just gets more gambling—I just invented that word.” 

* “I was joking with a friend that I'm going to be watching the Olympics, sitting on my sofa, eating chocolate, and critiquing somebody's gymnastics routine.” 

Thanks to Jon Collins for being on the show! 

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s remarkable.

The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.

Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkR 

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast 

Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ 

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ 

Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ 

Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ 

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.SuccessWithStories.com

As ever, the accolades go to our benevolent sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming. We love you in a big, real kinda way.

Thankfully this episode’s intro is considerably less fanciful than last; Jon has new neighbours, and some hedgehogs have had a dodgy meal in his back garden [0:00 – 14:07].

Then our hosts are joined by Brett Smiley, Chief Content Officer of CasinoReports.com, a publication focused on comprehensively covering the US iGaming industry. They aim to offer quality journalism and unique perspectives in a crowded marketplace. Brett brings us up to date on some of what’s going on in the US right now, including the current legislative season, with Maryland and Maine failing to legalize casinos. How the industry is facing negative blowback from scandals and oversaturation of advertising is discussed too, then tangents might be gone off on, including Jon’s experiences working at QVC in the early 2000s. Online drunk shopping mishaps also come up [14:08 – 1:10:03].

In a nutshell:

• CasinoReports.com aims to provide quality journalism and unique perspectives in the crowded US iGaming and online casino industry.
• The current legislative season has not resulted in any wins for the industry, with Maryland and Maine failing to legalize casinos.
• The industry is facing negative blowback from scandals and oversaturation of advertisements.
• There is still potential for growth and opportunities for independent media outlets to provide in-depth reporting and differentiate themselves.
• Online shopping can lead to unexpected purchases and regrets.

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

As ever, huge thanks and big love to our benevolent sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming. We love you bigly.

Ok, the intro to this one is maybe a bit weird – it spans a lot of things, but begins with a Google search for ‘whale sputum’ and pretty much goes downhill from there [0:00 – 25:27].

Then we welcome guest Martin Calladine, a football writer and author who does not shy away from the less salubrious side of the industry. We explore the involvement of football clubs in cryptocurrency scams and tokenized fan engagement, highlighting the lack of due diligence by world-famous football clubs in partnering with fraudulent crypto companies, resulting in financial losses for fans. The discussion covers examples such as Manchester City's sponsorship deal with a non-existent company and Fulham's partnership with a pyramid scheme. The conversation also delves into the pitfalls of tokenized fan engagement, where schemes exploit fans' desire for involvement while prioritizing trading volume and profit. We also explore the lack of regard for fans and the failure of football clubs to protect themselves and their supporters from fraudulent schemes, highlight the need for better governance and cost control in football, as well as the prevalence of corruption and gambling sponsorships. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the unsustainable nature of the current football model and the potential for future scandals [25:28 – 1:39:32].

Martin's new book is called No Questions Asked and is available from all good book outlets, and Amazon.

In a nutshell:

• Football clubs have shown a lack of due diligence in partnering with fraudulent cryptocurrency companies, resulting in financial losses for fans.
• Tokenized fan engagement schemes that prioritize trading volume and profit over meaningful fan involvement.
• The promise of fan participation in club decision-making often falls short, with voting on trivial matters and limited impact on club operations.
• The crypto market's volatility and the lack of regulation make it susceptible to scams and manipulation. Football clubs have shown a lack of regard for fans and have failed to protect them from fraudulent schemes.
• The proposed football regulator is a step towards better governance, but it may not address the underlying issues in the industry.
• There is a need for better cost control and sustainability in football to prevent financial instability.
• Corruption and gambling sponsorships are prevalent in the industry, and there is a lack of action to address these issues.
• The current football model is unsustainable and may lead to future scandals.

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

As ever, huge thanks, virility and blessings bestowed on our benevolent sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming. We love you bigly.

In a side-step from the norm, Fintan and Jon discuss the news among themselves, focussing mainly on recent events around Bally’s, the Chicago casino plan, and a potential takeover, and also a lawsuit being brought against AC gambling resorts for alleged price collusion. We also discuss various topics including Easter celebrations, the challenges of being a parent, the high severance packages of top executives, and more. We also explore the idea of joint ventures between online operators and land-based casinos, why they might or might not work, Bally’s high debt and what it means going forward; the potential sale of GameSys, and sport stadiums in Chicago. We also touch on the role of algorithms in AI and the gambling industry, and the marketing strategies of gambling companies, the importance of transparency and accountability in algorithmic decision-making, car bumper stickers and niche clothing. It’s everything you could want and more.

Some choice quotes from the episode:

• "I paid a fortune in therapy to learn what you've just done automatically as a nine-year-old."
• "For that kind of money, you could give me whatever nickname you wanted. Who's the real winner here?"
• "This must be what it's like to be one of your nipples. I feel so dirty."
• "Cash is king. You can't be bleeding cash if you've got a ton of debt."
• "If they're not having those conversations already, they are mental."
• "The problem with AI is even the AI companies don't really understand how the algorithm works."

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

As ever, huge thanks to our benevolent sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming. WE LOVE YOU.

It’s a step into the Twilight Zone this week – Fintan hosts without Jon! He is here for the intro, though, sadly, in which he explains apropos of very little to Fintan about how some movies were blockbusters on video after doing nothing in cinemas [0:00 – 22:03].

Fintan is joined by guest Michael Schaus of Schaus Creative to discuss the impact of Formula 1 (F1) in Las Vegas, following Michael’s recent op-ed piece in The Nevada Independent. They explore the evolution of Las Vegas as a destination beyond the casino floor, the negative consequences of F1 on small businesses, and the financial losses incurred by the county. They also discuss the future of F1 in Las Vegas and potential remedies for the challenges faced by small resorts. Additionally, they touch on the possibility of a baseball team coming to Vegas and the challenges of highly paid athletes in the city. The episode concludes with a discussion on cigars and whiskey in Las Vegas, including recommendations for cigar bars, and how beginners should choose their smoke.

And as promised, Michael’s Substack is here: https://creativediscourse.substack.com/

So, in summary:

• Las Vegas has great cigar bars, such as Davidoff of Geneva and a cigar bar in Caesars with a Cuban-inspired bar.
• When choosing cigars, consider factors like smoking time, flavour profile, and the expertise of the staff at the cigar shop.
• Nicaraguan cigars are a good choice for beginners, as they tend to be smoother and have a milder flavour.
• Rye whiskey, such as Whistle Pig, is a favourite of Michael’s, and he recommends enjoying it with a little ice and water.
• The Cromwell and Davidoff of Geneva are recommended places for old fashioned cocktails in Las Vegas
• Michael's creative agency focuses on helping brands tell their stories through digital art, graphic design, photography, videography, and coaching.

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

We kick off, as ever, with some chit-chat between Jon and Fintan [0:00 – 9:23] about stuff, and things. They definitely mention our excellent sponsor overlords though, Optimove and Clarion Gaming.

Then they are joined by the most excellent Alan Hardacre, a public affairs consultant with extensive experience in the gambling and tobacco industries. Alan explains the role of public affairs in the gambling industry and how it shapes government relations pro- and reactively. It’s Alan’s opinion that organisations should seriously consider investing in public affairs as part of their team. We also get in to lobbying and the importance of engaging politicians, the challenges of regulation on marketing and advertising, the impact of marketing strategies, the concept of denormalization, the black market and much, much, much more. [9:24 – 1:15:21]

For people that like lists better, the episode includes how…:

• Public affairs involves shaping and organizing relationships with governments, both proactively and reactively.
• Investing in public affairs can be beneficial for organizations in the gambling industry, especially those with long-term goals.
• Determining the legitimacy of a lobbyist requires evaluating their approach, experience, and references from policymakers.
• Proactive lobbying for regulatory change is relatively rare, with most lobbying being reactive to events and crises. Regulating the online gambling industry is challenging, with marketing and advertising practices being a major focus.
• Engagement with politicians is crucial, but the approach may vary depending on the country and the industry's reputation.
• Denormalization of the gambling industry can occur when there is a perception that the activity is undesirable.
• Lessons can be learned from other regulated industries, such as alcohol and tobacco, in terms of responsible marketing and addressing public concerns.
• The presence of illegal operators poses risks to the industry and can undermine regulatory efforts. Quantifying the black market in gambling is challenging and requires a better methodology.
• Humanizing the impact of the black market can help in raising awareness and addressing the issue.
• The industry needs to take bold action and engage in self-regulation to stay ahead of legislation.
• The transition from a gray to a black or white market is happening, and market consolidation is expected.
• Further education and qualifications can provide valuable insights and expertise in the gambling industry.

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

A teeny tiny intro as it’s just Bruford this episode [0:00 – 2:38]. Pretty sure he mentions our excellent sponsor overlords though, Optimove and Clarion Gaming. WE LOVE THEM.

Jon is then joined by Jon Bourke, CEO of Encompass Digital and Value Privacy, here to discuss the monetization of first-party data and the power of personalization in the iGaming industry. The Bourkemeister also introduces a brand-new buzzword to the podcast: psychographics! Jon explains the concept of psychographics and how it can be used to influence behaviour and encourage brand engagement. Bourke emphasizes the importance of creative messaging in attracting and retaining customers, and the need for granular data analysis to effectively target audiences. He also discusses the limitations of personalization and the importance of surprise and chemistry in customer interactions. Bourke highlights the potential for expanding the addressable audience and acquiring new players through data-driven marketing strategies [2:39 – 59:48].

There’s a lot to unpick here… But fundamentally, data-driven businesses can acquire entirely new players quickly and elegantly, and it will leave you wondering just how much autonomy we have as humans when it really boils down to it.

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

We begin with idle chit-chat between Jon and Fintan [0:00 – 7:43] some of which may involve beautiful sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming. They’re just so wholesome and virile!

Then the chaps are joined by Alex Pratt, MD of Clarion Gaming, to discuss various topics related to the gaming industry. The conversation covers the genius business decision to sponsor the Gambling Files podcast, the subsequent success of ICE London, the impact of the event on the city, the importance of event staff, the plans for moving ICE to Barcelona, the acquisition of Global Gaming Business, and future plans for ICE. We also touch on sand theft, Married at First Sight Australia and a tattooed watch, among other things.

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

There’s the usual nonsense to kick off, Jon apologising for not doing an episode last week, that kind of thing [0:00 – 20:30], then the chaps meet their latest guest, the excellent Antti Koivula, legal advisor for Legal Gaming, of Finland.

Antti covers the surprising news about Betsson in Finland and the subsequent blacklisting; we delve into the background of the Betsson case, the legislative reform for gambling advertisement, and the administrative proceedings against the company. Antti explains the advertising restrictions in Finland and some of the nuances around affiliate marketing. The conversation also explores PSP blocking and its potential impact on Betsson. Finally, the timelines and licensing process in Finland are discussed, and Antti is surprisingly optimistic about the future of the country’s legal gambling market [20:31 – 1:07:18].

We begin with more small talk between Jon and Fintan [0:00 – 14:00] some of which may involve premier sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming. They’re just so hot right now!

Another returning guest this episode, it’s the brilliant Charles Cohen of Department of Trust fame. We do start this one – and it’s on Charles – talking about Ludlow and its influence on video games despite being in the arse-end of nowhere. But then we get into it: frictionless affordability checks. Charles explains that these checks are aimed at identifying financial vulnerability rather than determining what individuals can afford, and we discuss the upcoming changes to UK legislation and the potential impact on operators and consumers. The conversation explores the identification of financially vulnerable customers and the need for resilience in the gambling industry. It also discusses adverse life events and long-term health as factors that contribute to financial vulnerability. The focus is on identifying financially vulnerable customers rather than setting levels of affordability. We highlight the importance of risk-based approaches and the need for operators to develop policies and criteria for identifying and supporting financially vulnerable customers. The standardization of assessments and the potential for innovation in the industry are also discussed [14:01 – 1:07:35].

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

First up, Fintan and Jon talk about some stuff or other, a bit of this and that, plus their benevolent sponsor overlords Optimove and Clarion Gaming [0:00 – 22:44].

Then star guest and UK gambling law scion Melanie Ellis, of Northridge Law fame, joins the chat. We discuss the newly-minted online slot stake limits, debate the effectiveness of stake limits, the lack of evidence for the impact of same, and have a brief look at the recent WSJ article about a psychiatrist's gambling addiction. This leads to discussing where the responsibility of player and operator overlap, the responsibility of gambling companies and the government, the debate on financial risk checks, the illegal bookie story, the impact of stake limits on customers, the debate on affordability checks in horse racing, and more.

The challenges in measuring the impact of stake limits are highlighted, along with the opportunity for intervention and checks with lower stake limits. The introduction of new affordability and financial risk checks is also discussed. The conversation concludes with a timeline for implementing stake limits and financial risk checks, as well as a brief off-topic discussion on pastries, baking, fire alarms, and Amsterdam architecture [22:45 – 58:16].

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

Have you clicked on our sponsors yet? Don’t do it. Optimove is here, and Clarion Gaming is here. Whatever you do, don’t click on ’em, thanks. (Please let us know if our reverse psychology worked on you ... or didn’t!) 

The UK’s Gambling Commission recently released some statistics on the prevalence of problem and at-risk gambling. What do these stats mean? And how are these stats different from the results of previous studies? 

Returning to the show to discuss these messy numbers is Melanie Ellis, numbers whiz and gambling regulatory lawyer for Northridge Law. 

In a nutshell:

* Melanie shares insights on UK gambling industry's "sh!tty mess" of statistics and implications for casino operators.

* The Gambling Commission has switched from a phone survey to an online survey to measure problem gambling rates, with the new methodology yielding a rate of 2.5%.

* The Commission has cautioned against comparing the new rate with previous figures, citing risks of inaccuracy.

* The Gambling Commission's survey methodology is flawed and not representative of the gambling industry.

* Melanie expresses caution about new survey results, suggesting they may not accurately represent problem gambling rates.

* Problem gambling is a significant issue and needs actionable insights rather than perfect surveys.

* Will policymakers take action based on these survey results? 

* The gambling industry and the tobacco industry both cause harm and should both be restricted.

Choice quotes:

* “I think the NHS survey gives us a more representative result [on problem gamblers in the UK]. Whereas the Gambling Commission's survey has some self-selection bias, which is an issue.” — Melanie Ellis.

* “I think that policymakers will take the [Gambling Commission's] survey results with a grain of salt.” — Melanie Ellis.

* “The UK Gambling Commission is damned if they do and damned if they don’t. Whenever they release a survey, people always complain that they got it wrong and that it’s flawed.” — Fintan Costello.

* “One of the issues that both the UK Government and the Gambling Commission have had is that, because of bureaucracy, it takes so long for things to happen [to address problem gambling].”  — Jon Bruford.  

* “[The facial recognition tech on my phone] doesn't recognize me if I'm smiling. That tells you about my life, doesn't it?” — Jon Bruford

Thanks to Melanie Ellis for being on the show! 

Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-ellis/

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s outstanding.

The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.

Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkR

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast 

Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ 

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ 

The podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ 

Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ 

Chapters in this episode: 

8:45 UK casino industry, slot machines, and the upcoming ICE Barcelona 2015 event. 

15:17 Gambling industry statistics and technology. 

22:40 Gambling statistics and methodology changes. 

32:07 Gambling survey potential biases. 

36:47 Problem gambling rates. 

41:24 Gambling harm. 

53:10 Gambling industry's short-term focus. 

58:36 Gambling industry regulation. 

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.SuccessWithStories.com

OK, joking aside – this episode, it’s well worth skipping the intro, even though we discuss our benevolent and beloved sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming. Jon talks absolute waffle, even going into a race he once organised, and a wedding fayre (that’s how they spell it, really), and bigging up his own credentials to run ICE as a result. Fintan is not convinced [0:00 – 37:37].

Then they’re joined by the lovely and knowledgable Frank Op de Woerd of www.CasinoNieuws.nl – basically if Frank doesn’t know it about the Netherlands industry, it’s not worth knowing. The conversation covers various gambling industry topics in the Netherlands, kicking off with the return of Betsson to the Dutch market and the history of their involvement. The discussion then moves on to the court case involving Entain and BetCity, where undisclosed investigations and fines are causing legal issues. The conversation also touches on the advertising restrictions for individuals under 24 and the challenges faced by affiliates. Finally, there is a discussion on societal polarity and the role of faith in shaping people's beliefs and ideologies. The conversation explores the demonization of others, negative prospects for the future, the importance of faith, creating a cause for the disenfranchised, the appeal of Trump, the role of dark money, dysfunctional government and corporate influence, the historical angle of voting, and the choice between Biden and Trump. Yeah, we go all over the place. We finish up with a discussion about the upcoming Dutch Online Casino Awards [37:38 – 1:26:51].

It's another winner! Except for Jon droning on in the intro.

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

First post-ICE edition and it’s a doozy. Thanks, Ned*! First up, Fintan and Jon talk about their very different experiences of ICE. Clue: one included golf, socialising and nice dinners and lunches, and one included recording the podcast, editing it, staying in a shitty hotel and almost no socialising [0:00 – 20:10].

Then we’re joined by top guest and newly-minted CEO of OddsJam.com, Matt Restivo.

He discusses his passion for running marathons and participating in endurance races (mostly with Fintan; Jon’s glory days are long gone, and were not very glorious anyway). He shares his journey from running to triathlon and the challenges and rewards of training for these events. Matt also talks about his personal health and fitness regimen and the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. He then introduces OddsJam, a data-driven platform that provides tools and educational content for sports bettors. Matt explains how OddsJam helps users identify value in the betting market and make informed decisions, and discusses the target audience and customer success stories of OddsJam. Finally, Matt shares the future plans for OddsJam and his participation in the ICE conference (yes, we recorded this just before ICE). In this conversation, the hosts and guest discuss various topics related to attending conferences and customer retention. They start by joking about swag and conference preparations, including laptop stickers and jam. But we left all this stuff in anyway because it’s GOLD [20:12 – 1:03:09].

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

*Ryerson, not Flanders

Jon flies solo in the week's third outing, as Fintan responds to Chairman emergencies around the globe in his role as some kind of chair-superhero. I guess his name would be simply, Chair Man. That works.

Anyway, first guest on Thursday was the lovely Chief Vision Officer from Xprizo, Richard Mifsud, with their genius product which not only helps businesses wanting to enter potentially difficult markets with transaction handling, it also helps people without access to traditional banking. It's proper genius [0:00 - 17:25].

Second up, the excellent and virile Kyle Wiltshire, CEO of Testa. It's a brilliant business idea and honestly, I have no idea why it's not been done before. Also, Terry Fox gets mentioned again because any excuse for Jon and he's right there [17:26 - 39:39].

And finally, drum roll please… Optimove CEO Pini Yakuel chats to Jon about how the business started, why Israel is so good at tech innovation, and more. We will be having Pini on again for sure, as this just scratches the surface [39:41 – 1:05:38].

Coincidentally, this podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

Well, Jon messed up and left his car keys at the hotel, which would have been fine but his mic was locked in the car, which is at ExCeL. So a slightly more rustic feel to today's episode, not least because Fintan is busy doing chairman things. It also means no intro, so we go straight into the action with Better Change's Rob Mabbett. Rob joins Jon to talk about the team's tie-up with RG24/7, as they now offer the latter's training free of charge. How to spell Leeds also comes up, along with tales of Deb The Greek and Mick The Coin off Ludlow market, and even Terry Fox. But mainly, it's about the training stuff and why it's valuable [0:00 - 25:05].

Then the Mighty Mel Ellis joins Jon as he eulogises about the excellent Optimove software, and the pair get into how the consultation on the UK white paper is going. Norwegian pastries make an appearance, and of course, ICE is discussed. Just what does a top gambling industry lawyer do at a top gambling industry trade event, exactly? Find out here! [25:06 - 53:20]

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

More tomorrow!

It's been a banging first day at ICE 2024; the place is absolutely heaving, ExCeL is buzzing and if you're not here, why not?

We're doing an episode a day in theory, as our benevolent wonders Clarion Gaming kindly found us a room to record in. So, the intro is Fintan and Jon talking about stuff including Optimove, the other wonder sponsor, as the room is very close to their stand (which is at the entrance to N5, you can't miss it, go and mention the podcast for an amazon voucher. But also, get a demo. You will not regret it.) [0:00 - 11:17].

First guest is Jon's friend Reda Seiliute, to talk about how people use ICE in different ways; Reda is looking for her next project in gaming, so is here for the networking and is pounding the floor in sensible shoes [11:18 - 23:11].

Next up is Stuart Simms of Fair Play Sports Media, talking about their growing presence in the gambling industry and the world of Oddschecker, among their many brands. It's a many-tailed conversation that occasionally rambles, in a good way [23:12 - 51:19].

Finally, we are graced by the magnificent combination of Mark Flores-Martin and Adam Davis of XGENIA. These guys are part of a team creating AI software so that the end user can customise their own slots for the ultimate in personalisation. The conversation takes in the need for AI regulation, and what the gambling industry should bear in mind on this path. It brings up some hard subjects (that's what she said). Also, is the CMO role really dying out? [51:20 - 1:25:07]

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

More tomorrow!

Helloooooo!

First up, Jon shares some of what he’s learned using dating apps, which is useful for all mankind. Then Fintan shushes him before it goes entirely off the rails [0:00 – 14:05].

The guest this episode is the returning Paul Sculpher of Gaming Recruitment Solutions, with his varied observations on all things industry and recruitment. We discuss career aspirations, recruitment trends, and challenges in the gaming industry. We also explore the importance of networking, making connections, and leveraging LinkedIn for job opportunities. The conversation also touches on the difficulties and sacrifices of senior roles, the value of character in hiring decisions, and the support available for employees in casino closures. The hosts share their favourite and least-favourite casinos, and the episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about strip clubs and the Hippodrome’s Magic Mike show. Oh, and Las Vegas; we talk Vegas too [14:06 – 1:21:19].

Jon and Fintan are joined in a star-studded intro this episode – it’s a bit like guest stars coming on Kojak, I suppose, or one of those Agatha Christie movies from the 1970s where it’s got all the big names in – as they’re joined by two of podcast sponsor Clarion’s top cheeses. Sadie Walters is the genius behind ICE Vox, and Andy Ventris is ICE Event Director. They discuss whether books are available outside London, how keeping a good work-life balance results in a healthy head of hair, and more! Not least the highlights you can expect to see in London next week at ICE [0:00 – 28:31].

Then Jon is joined by the brilliant Howard Stutz, a long-time reporter covering the Las Vegas beat, Now with The Nevada Independent, who comes to discuss the evolution of gambling in the US and the transformation of Las Vegas. He shares his background in reporting and covers the expansion of gambling beyond Nevada, including the growth of tribal casinos and the legalization of sports betting. The conversation also explores the changing perception of gambling and the challenges faced by the industry. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of Las Vegas and the potential for new developments and events [28:32 – 1:26: 00].

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

To kick off, Fintan and Jon discuss salt in food. Yeah, we don’t know why either. Then they talk a bit about Optimove, which segues nicely into Clarion Gaming, because they organise ICE and Optimove are at ICE. I know right! And then they talk about listener messages; and the possibility of Gambling Files merch appearing, because it’s a thing now [0:00 – 22:01].

Then David Williams, Director of Public Affairs at the Rank Group, joins the hosts. They discuss David's appearance in a book and the excitement of being a character, something David and Fintan have both experienced, while Jon is merely a psychic dugong. The conversation then shifts to the need for gambling reforms in the UK and the urgency to implement them. They also explore the potential of sports betting in UK casinos and the role of the Betting and Gaming Council. The episode concludes with a discussion on the potential of event sports venues in the UK. The conversation covers various topics including paninis and sticker collections, favourite films and actors, arts and Bluey, neighbourhood connections, and a hypothetical question about Justin Fletcher and Jamiroquai [22:02 – 1:14:05].

This podcast is presented by Optimove which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours.

Links: 

You can read David's excellent article here: https://bettingandgamingcouncil.com/news/the-clock-is-ticking-for-casino-reforms

and connect with David on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-williams-b6276112/

If you want the inside track on Curacao, you’ve come to the right place.

This episode, the chaps have big news, something different to show you, and much more. 
Jon’s big news is that he went to see the new Godzilla film, and it was apparently really good. Fintan’s news is bigger though: a new sponsor has joined the podcast family in the shape of Optimove, and after an in-depth product demo the chaps are bedazzled. Bedazzled! 
The gents discuss the product, and Optimove’s presence at ICE, and Amazon gift vouchers, and more [0:00 - 20:14].
Oh, and our something different is, we’ve done video this time. It might not be live when this goes live, but you can see the channel here.

Then the week’s very special guest is the wonderful Aideen Shortt, advisor to Curacao’s Minister of Finance and who has been at the heart of the island’s regulatory overhaul. Aideen has had a long and impressive career in gambling, with many big-name companies and quality job titles on her resumé.
Aideen discusses the changes to Curacao's gambling licensing regime, clarifying that the LOK has not been rejected and explains the parliamentary process it is going through. She emphasises the need for modernization and the economic, social, and reputational benefits it will bring to Curacao, discusses the timeline and process for existing and new licensees, and explains the flexibility and transparency of the GCB portal.
Rather excitingly, we talk about the draft crypto legislation and the involvement of experts in shaping it, the game-changing potential of Curacao and the importance of forward-looking legislation. 

At ICE, Curacao’s Gaming Control Board will be at N9-260 so stop by and say hello, tell them we sent you. No reason though, it’s just nice to be mentioned, so thanks in advance for that.
And you can find the gaming control portal here.

This podcast is presented by Optimove. 56% of the EGR Power 50 Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. Visit Optimove here, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours.

Our other key sponsor is the excellent Clarion Gaming, organisers of the legendary ICE event. Registration for the final London event is now open!

In this episode, Fintan and Jon discuss the concept of taking a sabbatical (which Fintan is doing) and the challenges of burnout in the workplace (which Jon has done), and getting bad references. They also share personal stories of job difficulties and the importance of prioritizing social connections. The conversation then shifts to the upcoming ICE conference and our plans for the event [0:00 – 28:54].

Then we meet the fabulously bearded Lorand Minyo, founder and chairman of the Neveli Foundation, which aims to make a positive impact in the world by focusing on philanthropy, advisory services, and impact investing. Laurent explains the three tracks of the foundation and how they work together to achieve their goals. He also emphasizes the importance of teaching children about AI and the need to address biases in AI systems. Laurent shares the foundation's goals for 2024 and encourages listeners to spread the message and do good in their own lives [28:55 – 1:14:29].

Thanks to our awesome sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming for helping us bring The Gambling Files Podcast to you. 

In this episode, Jon, Fintan, and their guest Björn Nilsson explore options for companies that have no operations or legal footprint in particular regions of the world, yet can still earn revenue related to traffic exchanges between brands in different markets.

With over 20 years in the online gaming industry, Björn is the CEO of FTDx, a platform that converts visits from regions outside your business scope into revenue.

In a nutshell:

* Björn’s background and involvement in currency trading and gambling ventures, including smaller casinos and poker sites. 

* The challenges of normalizing data and using AI tools. 

* Björn's work at Triggy, a hub for development for the interactive betting industry. 

* What is Grace Jones' song "Pull Up to the Bumper" actually about?! 

* Björn's difficulty in getting clients onboarded to FTDx, a company that wants to help businesses earn revenue from regions of the world that are outside their normal operations. 

* Watching “Cobra Kai”! 

* FTDx’s technology and solutions that address unutilized traffic from non-legal jurisdictions. 

* Potential benefits of sending traffic to competitors and learning from their data. 

* The practical aspect of traffic exchange and revenue generation. 

Choice banter #1 between your hosts: Jon started saying, “There was a documentary on Fox where a simple, working-class family in America got their hands on an autodialer. Somebody—” At that point Fintan interrupted and said, “That was an episode of The Simpsons.” 

Choice banter #2 between your hosts: “All songs are about sex,” Fintan said. “No, some songs are about sex and money,” Jon said. 

Choice quotes by our guest:

* “If you send traffic to 4 or 5 different brands [that aren't in your market], and one of them converts much better than the others, then you can dig down into why it converts much better.” — Björn Nilsson. 

* “We've done a proof of concept [of FTDx] in Finland and Brazil, and we converted about 2% of all the visitors. That was much higher than expected. I expected it to be sub 1% or around 1%.” — Björn Nilsson.

Thanks to Björn Nilsson for being on the show! 

Unlocking new revenue streams with FTDx: https://www.ftdx.io/ 

Connect with Björn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bj%C3%B6rn-nilsson-2a98789/ 

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.

Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast 

Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ 

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ 

Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ 

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.SuccessWithStories.com 

In the year’s final episode, Fintan and Jon reflect on the highlights of the gambling industry in 2023 and discuss the controversy surrounding Entain. We also talk about the divisive announcement of Clarion's move and the upcoming ICE London 2024, plus the TV series After Life, and some personal stuff from the year [0:00 – 38:52].

Then the chaps are joined by former professional footballer Tony Kelly, who shares his journey from a promising career to the depths of gambling addiction. He discusses the challenges of the football environment, the void after retirement, and the role of faith in his recovery. Tony emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in gambling and highlights the need for operators to show social responsibility. He also reflects on the changes in gambling culture in football and shares his experiences playing against top players.

Tony has pioneered The Red Card Gambling Support Project as a response to the lack of education and awareness about gambling-related harm in the game. The funding landscape and the role of gambling operators in supporting initiatives is also discussed. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by professional football clubs in addressing gambling addiction and the potential impact on young athletes [38:53 – 1:57:07].

As ever, huge thanks to our sponsors, BWise Media and Clarion Gaming, without which none of this would be possible. So you can blame them if you want to blame anybody.

We kick off with Fintan and Jon talking about stuff, with some things thrown in there too; Chairman School probably gets a mention, it's hard to say for sure [0:00 - 12:53].

Then the chaps are joined by Robert Lenzhofer co-founder and CEO of Hölle Games, to talk about the company's rapid rise and genuinely novel take on things. Hölle Games focuses on two main areas: Slot Studio, which creates games specifically for the German market, and Hinterzimmer, a back-end platform for game development. The company has taken a bootstrapped approach and has grown steadily, with plans to expand into the UK and US markets. 

The conversation explores the role of machine learning and AI in game development and the potential for fully automated game development in the future. The importance of a platform for game development and the power of AI in optimizing games are also discussed. The limitations of AI in creative fields and the potential of AI in artwork and design are explored. The rapid pace of AI development and the impact of AI on affiliates and SEO are also considered [12:54 - 1:24:27].

God bless AI.

First up, it's Fintan and Jon, with Fintan scaring the jeepers out of Jon with some of the ghostly experiences from his life. WOOOOOOOOOOOO. Then Jon tries to tell the Mayfair Sex Bus story AGAIN, but luckily Fintan stops him in time [0:00 - 22:31]. Then there's some other talk about stuff and things.

Then we meet guest John Wright, CEO and co-founder of StatsDrone. John discusses the challenges and opportunities in affiliate marketing reporting, highlighting the lack of API and real-time reporting in affiliate software, which hinders affiliates' ability to optimize their campaigns effectively. John emphasizes the importance of data optimization and conversion rate optimization in the industry. He also discusses the potential for AI and CRM tools to enhance player value and improve affiliate-operator relationships, and touches on what the future might hold for it to be shiny and bright for everyone [22:32 - 1:11:12].

Oh, and his favourite Canadian things are also discussed. Obv.

First up there's some chit-chat between Jon and Fintan, discussing the Sands/Mavericks deal and the comedy ruin that is Jon's personal life. Jon has also recorded – in the style of a professional agency – some new ads for BWise Media and Clarion Gaming, our benevolent and virile sponsors [0:00 – 21:16].

Then we're joined by returning guest Michelle Hembury, a lawyer at Melchers Law Firm in Germany, to discuss the ongoing debate about the size of the black market in the German gambling industry. She also talks about the Lottoland case currently before the European Court of Justice and the potential for advertising restrictions on sports betting in Germany [21:17 – 01:01:00]. There's some other stuff too, of course, including an argument about Christmas Markets on dating apps. It's a thing, apparently.

Fintan and Jon talk first off, with Jon realising why dating apps just aren't working for him [0:00 - 16:01] and with some kind words about the podcast's benevolent sponsors, BWise Media and Clarion Gaming. Which reminds me, ICE registration is now open!

Then the chaps are joined by the excellent Kirsty Caldwell, CEO and founder of Betsmart Consulting. Kirsty discusses the challenges and complexities of compliance in the gambling industry. She shares her insights on the UK regulatory environment, the importance of a risk-based approach, and the need for operators to have a holistic view of customer management. Kirsty also highlights the key issues in the recent white paper, including financial risk checks and greater financial penalties for operators. She emphasizes the need for more constructive conversations and discussions among industry stakeholders to drive progress in safer gambling practices [16:02 - 1:14:51].

Kirsty also reveals a disturbing lack of TV watching habits, preferring something she calls 'books'. Huh. 

First off, Fintan and Jon talk [0:00 - 19:47]. Some of it may even make sense. ICE definitely gets a mention, and not just because of corporate overlords Clarion Gaming and BWise Media, oh no!

Then they're joined by Las Vegas royalty in the form of Seth Schorr, who discusses the recent amendment of Regulation 22 in Nevada, which allows sportsbook operators to accept wagers on esports. He explains the process of getting the regulation approved and the impact it will have on the industry. Seth also talks about his experience serving the Latino community in Las Vegas and developing a Latino-focused casino. He also reveals his favourite Kevin Costner movie, and a damning Cobra Kai fact [19:49 - 1:09:07].

First up, Fintan and Jon talk nonsense, then pure unadulterated sense [0:00 - 11:57]. Then the chaps are joined by guest Scott Longley of publishing overlords +More Media. Scott joins the podcast to discuss the recent Reputation Matters event, which focused on the UK Gambling Commission's white paper and the issue of frictionless checks. He highlights the discrepancy between the government's desire for frictionless checks and the reality of what is feasible. Scott also emphasizes the importance of trust and transparency in the industry and the need for clear communication between regulators, operators, and the betting public. The conversation touches on the role of media in shaping public perception and the lack of representation for punters in decision-making processes [11:59 - 1:10:24].

Truth be told, Scott's a bit of a legend, and we at the podcast would like to express our thanks to his parents for their creation.

The intro on today's episode is, to quote Ned Ryerson, "a doozy". Jon and Fintan talk about running a bit, as Fintan has a race this weekend; they also get into the socialist tendencies of orca pods, and... well, it just goes everywhere. Jon also shares one of his favourite-ever stories [0:00 - 42:36].

Then the chaps are joined by Armalytix' Jeremy Lever; Jon also incorrectly states that he's the only guest this week, sorry Layla. He got confused! Jeremy talks about a really hot topic – open banking, frictionless checks, and what we could and perhaps should be doing. What are the issues, and why? We do it all on this episode [42:37 - 1:37:46].

Thanks as ever to our wonderful sponsors, the virile and alluring BWise Media and the nubile but coquettish Clarion Gaming. Slainte! 

First up, Jon and Fintan talk about some things, and some other things, while thanking our corporate overlords at Clarion Gaming and BWise Media [0:00 - 7:56], then they're joined by the immensely excellent Layla O'Hara of SkyBet fame.

You go along thinking some things can't change, they are already optimised, and then BAM – Acca Freeze pops up and changes the landscape. Layla was the creative brain behind their recent Acca Freeze initiative, and she tells us how she got to where she is, how developing new ideas within a gambling giant works, and much, much more [7:57 - 51:26]. We also discuss how vets get placed in abattoirs, which is a pretty freaky place for a gambling-based podcast to go. 

Jon and Fintan talk a little bit in the intro. Not too much, though [0:00 - 4:21], but they do shoehorn in mentions of podcast sponsors BWise Media and Clarion Gaming, of course.

Then it's Jon flying solo in the company of the excellent Rebbecca Scales and KerryJane Craigie. Rebbecca has been a part of the Women's Poker Association's growth for some time, while Kerry Jane has recently been voted on to the organisation's board, while also serbving as Director of Poker Operations at London's much-loved Hippodrome Casino. They discuss issues with getting womeon in the door for poker, and then getting them to return a second time and beyond; what dirves female players away from poker rooms? And what can be done about it? We also talk about the WPA's Raise It Up campaign, so poker rooms around the world can establish a baseline for players to feel protected and for standards to be maintained [4:22 - 42:01]. 

Thanks to our awesome sponsors Optimove and Clarion Gaming for helping us bring The Gambling Files Podcast to you. 

In this episode, we chat about important stuff, like Dutch clogs, James Bond, secret super yachts, and knitting. Occasionally, we even talk about gambling. Oh, and we’ve also got two guests on today’s show—Paul Sculpher and Harry Lang. 

Paul is a consultant who works on existing and proposed casino projects all around the world. 

Harry is a marketing guru who transforms digital B2C, D2C, and B2B brands. 

In a nutshell: 

* Discussion on layoffs in the gambling industry's marketing sector and their revenue impact.

* Challenges of short CMO tenures and job changes, with advice for job interviews.

* The rise of so-called fractional CMOs and consultancy roles.

* Discussion on ageism in marketing and the need for older professionals to stay updated.

* Lessons for the gambling industry in influencer marketing and in-app advertising.

* Miss Shilling's orifice

* Paul's roles at Gaming Recruitment Solutions (GRS) 

* Harry's positive approach to unemployment.

Choice quotes:

“In offline gaming, there's something yet to be achieved, from the influencer side of things. Somewhere, there's a way of making it work, but  no one's found it yet.” — Paul Sculpher.  

“With sports betting apps and casino apps, there's a huge opportunity for advertising within those kinds of apps.” — Harry Lang.  

“For a marketing leader, you're never the expert. Your team are the experts. You know the benefits, opportunities, costs, and KPIs. But the people [on your team who] execute it are the subject-matter experts.” — Harry Lang. 

“I read David Ogilvy’s book [Ogilvy On Advertising], and he was doing A/B testing with print catalogs. And I'm like, there's nothing new here. I can just do it faster.” — Fintan Costello. 

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

Thanks to our guests for being on our show! 

Paul Sculpher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sculpher-4054436/ 

Paul’s website: https://www.paulsculpher.com/ 

Gaming Recruitment Solutions (GRS; where Paul works): https://www.grs-recruit.com/ 

Harry Lang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrharrylang/ 

Harry’s website: https://www.marketingbook.co.uk/ 

Get Harry Lang’s book, Brands, Bandwagons & Bullshit: How marketing, advertising, media and PR work - the essential guide for career planning and professional understanding. 

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/4cD3q52 

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3S6yDoU 

The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.

Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast  

Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ 

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ 

Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ 

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.SuccessWithStories.com 

First up, Jon and Fintan discuss their recent elevation to the upper echelons of the podcast charts in various countries [0:00 - 15:07]. Madness, I know, but they say it's good for such excellent sponsors as BWise Media, and Clarion Gaming - both giants in their respective fields.

Then the gents are joined by David King, Chief Product Officer at Rivalry, who Fintan goes full fanboy over. David discusses the innovative approach that Rivalry takes to esports betting and casino gaming, how Rivalry has been able to appeal to the millennial and Gen Z audience by understanding the esports community and creating a unique and entertaining user experience. David also highlights some of Rivalry's standout features, such as the "Chicken Out" cash out feature and the "Casino Exe" concept, which brings a nostalgic gaming experience to the online casino. The conversation also touches on the potential for esports to drive growth in the US market, the importance of engaging with the audience, and the long-term strategy of building brand loyalty with a younger demographic [15:08 - 1:15:02].

https://youtu.be/XVEVZUSZxK8

https://www.rivalry.com/casino

The intro sees Jon joined by Stephen Carter, of benevolent sponsorship overlords Clarion Gaming, to discuss the really-very-close-now iGaming Affiliate Awards [0:00 - 16:56], how you can nominate entries and all that jazz – go to https://www.igbaffiliate.com/igba-awards/ to cast yours. NOW.

This week’s guest is Brad Allen, senior analyst at Eilers and Krejcik, who joins Jon on TGF’s casting couch to discuss the state of modern business-to-business publishing, the importance of data in the gambling industry, and Brad's role in the Zero Latency podcast. The quality of casino apps in the US is a hot topic, with many apps having broken journeys and glitches – Brad unveils the surprising top-rated casino app in a recent test, and much more [16:57 - 1:18:32]!

Thank to our benevolent sponsors BWise Media – for all your sports media buying needs – and Clarion Gaming. Both legends.

"We're not here to try and thwart the industry. We're trying to make sure the industry can succeed and exist in an entirely compliant way."

We left the first episode on such a cliffhanger, you will be champing at the bit – no pun intended – to get at part two... Fintan and Jon keep the intro short and sweet [0:00 - 5:39], though they do of course mention graceful champion sponsors Clarion Gaming, the elegant sports media buying specialists BWise Media, and returning for one week only, the dynamic pirouetters Gaming Recruitment Solutions.

Then it's on to round two, where we discuss – with Andrew Rhodes, no less!: the implementation of the White Paper and the ongoing consultation process, how the Gambling Commission reviews and responds to the feedback received, concerns about the impact of affordability checks on the high-end casino industry, cashless technology, and the potential for the illegitimate market to thrive if regulations become too strict [5:40 - 1:17:50]. We also learn Andrew's spiritual dojo, and I think this is the episode where Jon warns everyone off vegan lager.

First up, Fintan and Jon discuss the potential for hypnotising listeners; it's possible, in fact, they may already have hypnotised you [0:00 - 9:34]. They also mention their wonderful sponsors, the virile Clarion Gaming, the ultra-potent BWise Media, and returning for one week only, the ever-fertile Gaming Recruitment Solutions. Then the chaps are joined by superstar guest Andrew Rhodes who discusses the changing approach of the Gambling Commission towards the industry, emphasizing the importance of open engagement and dialogue. He highlights the need for evidence-based decision-making and the challenges of navigating social media in the context of the gambling industry. Rhodes addresses the complexity of gambling addiction, the responsibility of operators to prevent excessive gambling, and the ongoing trials of data sharing for public protection purposes. He also crucially reveals which dinosaur he would be, and why [9:35 - 1:19:27].