iGaming Daily

In this episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, host Jessica Welman, Managing Editor at SBC, alongside Media Manager, Charlie Horner, as they explore DraftKings' turbulent July, highlighted by a $450,000 fine from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) for credit card deposit violations. Listeners will get a front-row seat to the 10-hour MGC hearing that exposed critical regulatory concerns in Massachusetts’ sports betting ecosystem. Discover the legal nuances behind DraftKings' promotional practices, including their recent courtroom victories and costly setbacks in states like Connecticut and New York. Commissioner Eileen O’Brien's sharp prosecutorial style also takes centre stage, raising important questions about compliance, enforcement, and the evolving standards for sportsbook operators nationwide.The two then pivot to a broader industry trend: the steady retreat of European iGaming operators from the American market. Betfred’s quiet departure from Nevada and Pennsylvania is just the latest signal of trouble for international brands facing fierce competition and high barriers to entry. Host: Jessica WelmanGuest: Charlie HornerProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In today's episode of iGaming Daily, SBC's Managing Editor, Jessica Welman, is joined by Motti Colman, VP of Revenue at Optimove, the podcast's main sponsor, for an analysis of player behaviour in the sweepstakes versus real money online casino sectors. With a focus on practical outcomes over legal definitions, the duo explores how each gaming model attracts and retains players, using exclusive Optimove data and a detailed case study that spans global iGaming markets.Motti highlights how Optimove’s advanced benchmarking and predictive modelling shed light on key differences in player value, onboarding success, and behavioural trends. Listeners will learn how the regulated online casino market sets the gold standard, while the sweepstakes model, despite its clever “scratch card” style redemption mechanics, faces significant hurdles in conversion rates due to complex onboarding and player skepticism. A critical takeaway? The importance of Day One. As the hosts reveal, player actions in the first 24 hours are often the most predictive of long-term engagement and lifetime value. While sweepstakes players may start slow, Optimove’s research shows that by Day 28, they can match or even exceed online casino players in loyalty and activity, provided CRM strategies focus on guiding players through an intensive 'incubation' period. Host: Jessica WelmanGuest: Motti ColmanProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In this episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, hosts Ted Menmuir and Ted Orme-Claye, dissect the decision by GambleAware’s board of trustees to wind down operations, signaling a complete closure by March 2026. As a long-standing pillar in the UK’s gambling harm prevention ecosystem, GambleAware’s exit marks a transformative shift in how gambling treatment and education will be handled moving forward. With the charity stepping away from roles in strategic planning, fundraising, and commissioning, the episode examines how this development reshapes the landscape of gambling harm mitigation in the UK, especially in the context of the upcoming statutory levy and NHS-led treatment models.The discussion provides crucial insights into GambleAware’s historical role as the UK’s leading commissioner of gambling harm funding, primarily supported by voluntary one per cent contributions from major operators like Flutter, Entain, William Hill, bet365, and GAN. The hosts explore the possible reasons behind the trustees' decision to fully exit, rather than accept a diminished position under the NHS's control. They also assess how this move may reflect broader political and institutional goals, particularly the NHS’s long-standing ambition to establish a fully independent public health response, free from industry ties.Looking to the future, the episode raises pressing concerns about the NHS’s readiness to assume full responsibility for gambling treatment, research, and support services. With mounting structural pressures, ongoing resource constraints, and a lack of clear leadership communication, questions loom over how this transition will unfold. Host: Ted Orme-ClayeGuest: Ted MenmuirProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In this episode of iGaming Daily’s Road to Lisbon series, host Charlie Horner sits down with Christopher Coyne, Co-Founder and CEO of 888Africa, for a discussion about the continent's iGaming landscape. Drawing from his global experience in the European and Australian iGaming sectors, Christopher highlights how Africa’s unique challenges, such as outdated mobile devices, limited bandwidth, and a multitude of languages, create both obstacles and extraordinary opportunities. He points out that Africa's rapidly growing population and increasing government openness to regulated gaming as a source of tax revenue are driving a new era of professional iGaming expansion.The conversation moves deeper into 888Africa’s strategic roadmap, shedding light on how the company chooses its markets and builds its footprint. Out of the 54 African nations, roughly 30 have regulated iGaming sectors, but entering each requires careful analysis. Christopher outlines a clear checklist: political stability, population size (preferably over 20 million), economic strength, and growing mobile penetration. Licensing frameworks and market competition are also major considerations. To illustrate the continent's varied regulatory and market environments, the episode contrasts two specific countries: Kenya and Malawi. Kenya, once a promising iGaming hub, is now riddled with regulatory reversals, including sudden tax hikes and a sweeping ban on advertising and CRM tools, measures that have created friction between operators and policymakers. Meanwhile, Malawi is emerging as an exciting new frontier, attracting serious attention due to its open regulatory stance and competitive yet fertile landscape. Christopher is optimistic that Malawi’s approach, if mirrored across the region, could compress 10 to 15 years of market maturity into just a few. Host: Charlie HornerGuest: Christopher CoyneProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James Ross

In this episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, Jessica Welman and Charlie Horner, delve into the legal battle surrounding the National US Gambling Support Hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER. At stake is the continued operation of a lifeline for countless Americans struggling with gambling addiction. Managed by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the hotline plays a critical national role by connecting individuals to localised support. However, a contract dispute with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), which owns the number, has triggered a lawsuit. NCPG argues the agreement included an auto-renewal clause, while CCGNJ appears unwilling to renew. With millions invested in promoting the hotline and its irreplaceable role in national problem gambling prevention, industry leaders are urging swift resolution.California’s gaming landscape is also heating up, with legal friction erupting across Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), sweepstakes, and prediction markets. A recent opinion from the California Attorney General states that most DFS formats, including peer-to-peer and house-based games, likely violate state law. This development could affect even traditional fantasy leagues and has triggered pushback from major operators. FanDuel seems inclined toward negotiation, potentially aiming to strengthen tribal partnerships, while DraftKings, PrizePicks, and Underdog are pushing back aggressively.We also cover breaking updates on California's sweepstakes legislation and a groundbreaking federal lawsuit involving prediction markets. New amendments clarify that the sweepstakes bill targets suppliers, including affiliates, rather than end users. Meanwhile, three tribal nations have filed a federal lawsuit against Kalahi and Robinhood, arguing that prediction markets constitute Class 3 gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). Hosts: Jessica Welman & Charlie HornerProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

Welcome back to iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimov, your trusted CRM marketing solution tailored for the iGaming industry. In today’s episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, host and SEO-expert, Ivana Flynn, dives into the murky world of AI manipulation with SOS reputation, Founder and CEO special guest Alan Cladx.From gaming AI outputs to altering public perception, Alan’s insights reveal the raw vulnerabilities that lie beneath the surface of today’s most powerful AI tools.Learn how Alan famously created a fictional sport, "Aqua Pony," and tricked AI models and media outlets, including Olympic websites, into believing it was real. He shares a range of black hat SEO techniques now being exploited against AI, including link schemes, cloaked content, and robots.txt hacks that give bots exclusive access to keyword-stuffed pages.Listeners will also hear details about prompt injection tactics, used to silently guide AI-generated answers toward biased or commercial outcomes, often excluding competitors entirely.Alan explains how these techniques can be weaponised for real-world impact, from manipulating Siri and Apple Intelligence to recommending fake businesses, to effectively deleting individuals from AI models like Gemini using DMCA-style takedowns. Host: Ivana FlynnGuest: Alan CladxProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In this episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, SBC's Martyn Elliott, Ted Menmuir and Ted Orme-Claye, explore a pivotal moment for UK gambling regulation as the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gambling Reform reconvenes to launch a new inquiry into the sector’s future. Chaired by Conservative Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the inquiry revisits the Gambling Act review white paper to assess whether proposed reforms still meet the evolving demands of public policy and industry accountability.Key topics at the heart of the inquiry include gambling advertising, stake limits, and the role of local authorities in regulating high-street betting. Reform advocates are calling for stricter controls on TV ads, sports sponsorships, and social media promotions, especially to protect younger audiences. Other areas under review may include the statutory levy, financial risk checks, and the creation of a gambling ombudsman to oversee consumer protections.This episode also examines the growing tension between reformist momentum and the gambling industry's lack of a unified political voice. As the UK government faces competing priorities, this inquiry could act as a catalyst for significant change, particularly in high-visibility areas like advertising, where public sentiment may sway policy decisions quickly.Host: Martyn ElliottGuests: Ted Menmuir & Ted Orme-ClayeProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In this episode of iGaming Daily, hosts Fernando Noodt is joined by Elisa Marcante, Ana Maria Menezes & Damian Martinez, dive deep into the evolving iGaming landscape in Latin America, with a sharp focus on Brazil’s regulatory developments. Sponsored by Optimove, the conversation opens with an analysis of the proposed increase in Brazil’s Gross Gaming Revenue tax rate from 12% to 18%, a change that has triggered widespread concern across the industry. The team unpack how these proposed tax hikes could threaten the stability of Brazil’s newly regulated market, just six months after its launch, and potentially cost the government billions in lost revenues and licensing fees, according to projections from the National Association of Games and Lotteries.Additionally, listeners will learn about the Brazilian government’s broader regulatory efforts, which aims to introduce the National Betting System to standardise operations, protect consumers, and promote responsible gaming practices nationwide.Beyond Brazil, the podcast offers a regional roundup of key iGaming updates across Latin America. In Uruguay, lawmakers are pushing to restrict casino operations to mitigate gambling addiction, while in Peru, President Dina Boluarte’s recent veto of a bill altering the tax regime for online sportsbooks has sparked fresh debate. The hosts explain how this decision preserves the current Selective Consumption Tax framework and reinforces regulatory authority over foreign operators.Host: Fernando NoodtGuests: Elisa Marcante, Ana Maria Menezes & Damian Martinez Producer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James Ross

In this episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, hosts Ted Orme-Claye and Ted Menmuir dive into Betsson Group’s Q2 and H1 2025 financial results, released on Friday. In a climate marked by rising gambling taxes and global regulatory upheaval, Betsson continues to outperform the industry, notching its 18th consecutive quarter of growth since 2021. The conversation explores Betsson’s winning strategy in key markets, including their rising dominance in Italy through a strong casino offering and sportsbook sponsorships. Despite upcoming regulatory shifts and intensifying competition in the region, Betsson remains confident in its robust infrastructure. The episode also highlights the company’s calculated expansion across Latin America, focusing on Peru, Colombia, and Argentina, while taking a cautious, low-risk entry into Brazil amid its uncertain regulatory environment. Additional insights cover Betsson’s resilience in Eastern and Central Europe, where they continue to operate effectively despite increased tax burdens and shifting compliance standards.Then, in the second half of the show, listeners will hear from Betsson AB CEO Pontus Lindwall in an exclusive interview, where he breaks down the strategic choices behind the company’s long-term success. From smart market positioning to global sponsorship deals, including involvement in the Club World Cup and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Lindwall shares how Betsson’s forward-thinking marketing and regulatory navigation have secured its place as a top-tier international operator. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of iGaming’s most resilient and adaptive players.Host: Ted Orme-ClayeGuests: Pontus Lindwall & Ted MenmuirProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James Ross

It's an episode of big names and exclusive name drops as iGaming Daily, supported by Optimove, welcomes SBC's CEO and Founder, Rasmus Sojmark, to dig deeper into the Legends Charity Game in Lisbon this September.  Rasmus delves deeper into, what will be, an unforgettable night of football as SBC proudly presents the Legends Charity Game, a historic showdown between the World Legends and Portugal Legends, taking place on Monday, September 15th in Lisbon. The event aims to raise over €1 million for global communities affected by conflict and war, blending the magic of the beautiful game with a powerful humanitarian mission. The pitch will be graced by football royalty. The Portugal Legends, led by Luís Figo, will reunite stars from the iconic Euro 2004 squad, including Deco, Quaresma, Victor Baía, and more. On the other side, the World Legends, managed by Peter Schmeichel and Diego Lugano, will feature Ronaldinho, Cafu, Zanetti, Hagi, Van der Sar, and Henrik Larsson, just to name a few. One of the most anticipated storylines? Greece's Georgios Karagounis faces the very players he defeated in the Euro 2004 final. The Legends Charity Game also kicks off the SBC Summit Lisbon (Sept 16–18), the biggest B2B iGaming event of the year. The summit will host 700 exhibitors, eight conference stages, and 30,000+ attendees. Highlights include a Super Stage press event with the football legends, live music, free food, and headline performances from Joel Corry, Timmy Trumpet, Imanbek, Alok, and The Blackouts.Click here to purchase tickets for the Legends Charity Game To read more on the Legends Charity Game click on the following link:- https://sbcnews.co.uk/europe/2025/07/17/legends-charity-game-lisbon/Host: Joe StreeterGuest: Rasmus Sojmark Producer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James Ross