The Gambling Files – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 186), Leo Judkins, a performance coach and iGaming leader, joins Fintan and Jon to discuss self-care and sustainable performance in iGaming. He also shares practical tips on how to manage distractions, prioritize tasks, and build healthy habits to achieve both personal and professional success. 

Shoutout to EveryMatrix for sponsoring this episode! Check out their OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions! Their accurate and real-time data truly sets them apart in the industry. Whether you’re a business or a bettor, their solutions can elevate your game!

With Optimove’s CRM software, managing customers feels as exciting as a free spin on slot machines! No more pulling the lever and hoping for the best—we’re on a winning streak, and it's all thanks to Optimove. Cheers to keeping things as fun as the games we manage!

Ready for ICE Barcelona 2025? Clarion Gaming certainly are, and our podcast is eternally grateful to them! I mean, who else can keep an industry connected every single day of the year? It’s like having the cheat code to infinite support. You guys are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly, including our ramblings!

In a nutshell:

* Taking breaks and prioritizing your mental and physical health. 

* The impact of distractions on productivity and focus. 

* How to manage your environment to promote better habits. 

* The benefits of setting realistic goals and making small, incremental changes. 

* The power of mindset and self-talk. 

* The role of leadership in promoting a healthy and productive work environment. 

Choice quotes:

* Leo Judkins: “Identifying your biggest roadblocks, then making small changes to them is usually more effective rather than trying to do a full 180.” 

* Fintan Costello: “My rule of thumb is everyone should do therapy and everyone should have a coach. Otherwise, we get too caught up in our own heads.”

* Jon Bruford: “In the middle of things, it's easy to lose perspective. And shit doesn't stop raining down on you, does it? And sometimes, you need outside forces—like a therapist or a coach—to help you restore perspective.”

* Jon Bruford: “I wanted to do some photo stories of a badger living his life as a human. But I couldn’t find a human-sized badger outfit. Weirdest thing.” 

Thanks to Leo Judkins for being on the show! 

Join Leo’s iGaming Leader Mastermind and listen to The iGaming Leader Podcast: https://www.igamingleader.com/ 

Learn more about Leo at https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/ 

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:

Join us in this episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 185) for a fascinating conversation with Duncan Garvie, a true pioneer in the online gambling industry. From his early days with ThePOGG.com to his current work with Bet Blocker, Duncan talks about the evolving landscape of online gambling, and how we can create a safer and more responsible industry for all.

 A huge thank you to our sponsor, EveryMatrix! They offer a sportsbook platform—OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions—that covers sports and esports, paired with real-time data and unmatched accuracy. Whether you're looking for complete solutions or specific features, EveryMatrix has your back. Thanks for powering our podcast!

Optimove is the ace up your sleeve! When it comes to keeping track of players, promotions, and everything else in iGaming, you couldn’t have better CRM software than Optimove. Thanks for helping us stay ahead of the game! 

Clarion Gaming is like that rare power-up in a game that boosts everything! They fuel businesses, connect the industry, and somehow keep our podcast running like a well-oiled machine. It’s a mystery to us how they do it all—but we’re just here to say a huge thank you! Clarion Gaming makes it all look easy—see you at ICE Barcelona 2025!

In a nutshell:

* The challenges of regulating the black market and the need for a multi-faceted approach.

* The need for greater transparency and accountability from operators and software providers.

* The importance of empowering consumers with the knowledge and tools to make responsible gambling choices.

* The impact of cryptocurrencies and the rise of unregulated online casinos.

* The effectiveness of responsible gambling tools, such as blocking software and deposit limits.

* Addressing the root causes of gambling harm, such as financial distress and social isolation.

Choice quotes:

* Duncan Garvie: “Sometimes, problem gamblers who are vulnerable and most desperately need the support—they’re the least able to access it.” 

* Duncan Garvie: “If a problem gambler has to pay for blocking software, they’ll sometimes gamble that money to try to win back what they've lost.” 

* Fintan Costello: “I love entrepreneurs. I love people who go out and build stuff.” 

* Jon Bruford: “If grey market operators are doing any kind of banking services, then there's leverage. Pressure can be applied. You can say to them either behave or f**k off.” 

* Jon Bruford: “I like to not shit my pants, but it just takes a sneeze at the wrong time.” 

* Jon Bruford: “I don't like admitting that I don't know as

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:

It's a bonanza this episode! Fintan and Jon discuss the hilarious and sadly oh-so-predictable news out of the UK government regarding less-than-stellar corruption, plus Jon is relieved to learn that hypnotists are sometimes faking and he can go to shows in much greater comfort now [0:00 - 37:17].

Then the chaps are joined by Corporate Overlord Paul Sculpher of Gaming Recruitment Solutions (www.grs-recruit.com, yes it is a hyphen) who, in a wide-ranging conversation, sets Jon straight on the rules in the UK, talks about the perils of an increased number of slots, the benefits of ETGs, and how Waterworld is in fact not a terrible film despite everyone else thinking it is [37:18 - 1:42:13]. Enjoy a very wide-ranging episode!

The new episode – sponsored by Corporate Overlords Gaming Recruitment Solutions (www.grs-recruit.com), and published by Publishing Overlords +More Media – starts with Fintan and Jon talking about stuff, some of which may or may not be gambling related [0:00 - 19:00]. 

Then, thankfully, they're joined by Ros Wade who discusses Asia, with some Philippines specifics, the UAE and its potential impact on Asian revenues, and cake [19:01 - 1:05:46]. 

Fintan and Jon do, sadly, get up to some waffling in this intro; it encompasses the previous episode and how Jon's hair plugs are doing, what happened to Dakky after his op, Joe's birthday, and Heathers: The Musical [0:00 - 30:56].

Then the Very Reverend Melanie Ellis, partner at Northridge Law joins the chaps to discuss both the language of a recent release by the UK Gambling Commission, and the huge fine levied against William Hill this week [30:58 - 1:37:22]. Mel also reveals she bakes her own favourite pastry, which blows Fintan and Jon's minds.

Also, the URL Jon couldn't remember is: https://thegamingboardroom.com/rg-mastermind/

So Jon is off doing some medical tourism stuff in Manila and Fintan is left to press the buttons AND ask questions at the same time.

Kim Lund CEO & Founder of Aftermath Interactive joins fintan to discuss, debate and chat about his thoughts on affiliate marketing and how he thinks things should be done.

Big thank you to Paul and Steven at Gaming Recruitment Solutions for their on-going support of the podcast, check them out for your gambling industry recrutiment needs!

The Gambling Files podcast is part of +More.Media 

It's been a big week. First, Fintan and Jon have agreed a deal to become part of the excellent AndMore Media stable of studs, which is nice. Check out their newsletters if you haven't already - Earnings + More, Compliance + More, and Sharpr. They're all bloody great and that's not bias for our new publishing overlords.

This episode fintan and Jon discuss stuff, including a motoring fine and the merits of Robin Hood; Prince of Thieves [0:00 - 27:05]. THey are then joined by the fascinating David Spragg, of the Casino Collectibles Association, who talks about... well, collectible casino stuff. We learn the scarce, super-valuable chips from the past, what makes a good collectible, and so much more. It's a proper nerd-out, and we also learn a bit about the CCA's forthcoming event in Vegas [27:06 - 1:10:24]. Enjoy the episode!

It's a glorious second episode for the week, with Jon and Fintan on intro duties which take in - somehow - parenting, therapy, and executive recruitment [0:00 - 28:56]. Then they welcome top guest Sebastian Paris, COO of Bwise Media who comes to discuss his recent thought provoking LinkedIn post about ICE and the issues he had there. But as ever, the conversation takes many, many turns [28:57 - 1:32:35]…

This week's first episode sees Fintan and Jon tee off talking about all kinds of stuff, including the recent bonkers Videoslots issue in Netherlands [0:00 - 23:53] before they are joined by the most excellent - nay, venerable - Katherine Sayre of the Wall Street Journal. Katherine talks about the burgeoning not-a-slot-but-looks-a-lot-like-a-slot industry that has sprung up in many US states, issues with sportsbook expansion and tribal gaming, and more. She also explains that her version of coconut cake is probably more coconut than cake [23:54 - 1:16:00].

Also - check out a slot in action, like the ones Katherine describes, here.