iGaming Daily

In this episode, we sit down with John Cooney, Group CEO of Forbidden City, to explore the brand’s unique approach to luxury in the iGaming industry. John shares the vision behind positioning Forbidden City as a premium brand that seamlessly blends high-end retail, hospitality, and online gaming. From exclusive design elements to VIP experiences, listeners get an inside look at how Forbidden City is redefining what it means to deliver luxury in a digital entertainment space.John dives into the innovative strategies powering the brand’s success, including a game-changing loyalty program designed to mirror the sophistication of elite lifestyle brands. We also examine the complexities of operating in a highly regulated environment and the balancing act between brand integrity and compliance. With insights into market adaptation and digital transformation, this conversation is a masterclass for anyone looking to elevate their brand within the iGaming world.The episode also explores the brand’s core focus on high net worth individuals and how Forbidden City curates experiences tailored to this niche. John discusses potential pathways for expansion into broader gaming markets, the critical role of strategic partnerships, and the future of luxury in the online gaming space. Host: Joe StreeterGuest: John CooneyProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.iGaming 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.

We turn our attention to the Netherlands on today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, as Ted Orme-Claye of SBC News steps into the host's chair, joined by his namesake, Ted Menmuir, to discuss the Dutch market, a jurisdiction shrouded in political instability that puts the betting market at risk. Later in the episode, Viktor Kayed calls in live from an incredibly well timed Gaming in Holland conference, and gives updates on the discussions from the conference rooms in Amsterdam. Firstly, the two Teds discuss the collapse of the Dutch four-party coalition, the impact of this political instability on the betting market, give some context as to why coalitions across Europe have led to less secure regulatory environments, and highlight existing Dutch gambling regulations, such as age restrictions, advertising bans, and deposit limits.There is also a large focus on the black market, something that poses a serious threat to the regulated market in the Netherlands, and where the Dutch regulators, the KSA, stand on all of this. Check out Viktor's story as mentioned by Ted & Ted https://sbcnews.co.uk/featurednews/2025/06/04/netherlands-dick-schoof/Host: Ted Orme-ClayeGuests: Ted Menmuir, Viktor KayedProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: Scott FultoniGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.iGaming 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. 

Episode #4 of Dear CEO is here! Dear CEO is our limited series, presented in partnership with iGP where a real life industry CEO, Jovana Popovic Canaki of iGP answers your questions, about your business. Our host as always is Charlie Horner, and this time he's got a page full of questions from the audience about the always fun topic of KPIs. Jovana tells Charlie about her numbers background, and why as a CEO she's always paying attention the numbers, giving her some fantastic insight into which KPIs are important, what they mean, and what your businesses should care about. Charlie and Jovana discussHow important KPIs have evolved over the last 3-5 years and how they will continue to evolve over the next 3-5The shift from operators being primarily focused on acquisition to today's focuses of engagement and retentionThe impact of technology on KPIs and how technology has changed what operators focus onHow to spot which KPIs are merely vanity metricsWhich KPIs are most predictive of long term success for new market entrantsPlus, Charlie and Jovana preview her speaking appearance at the upcoming inaugural SBC Summit Malta!

Jessica Welman returns to the host's chair for today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, and she's joined by her SBC Americas colleague Tom Nightingale for a look into handle, headaches and more after a significant change in Illinois sports betting taxation. The Prairie State will introduce a flat fee starting at 25 cents and scaling up to 50 cents for high-volume operators like FanDuel and DraftKings. This new tax, projected to generate £36 million annually, is seen as a second instance of Illinois targeting sportsbooks for budget shortfalls. But who does this impact the most? How will the operators respond? And what are the broader implications for a move like this? Jess and Tom discuss the nature of the new tax, its structure and targets, the implementation, its impact on state revenue, who is likely to be hit worse, operator strategies and responses, lobbying efforts, and add some historical context on contentious regulatory decisions in Illinois. Host: Jessica WelmanGuests: Tom NightingaleProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.iGaming 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. 

In this episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, we explore the dynamic shifts taking place in Brazil’s gambling market, spotlighting the latest advertising laws and the proactive steps taken by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA). Joining Ted Menmuir, SBC Noticias Brasil's Editor, Ricardo Assis, and Business Journalist, Elisa Marcante, unpack how these new regulatory developments are reshaping the landscape for both operators and advertisers, offering key insights into what these changes mean for stakeholders across the industry.The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities facing gambling operators in Brazil, from navigating compliance risks to identifying growth strategies in an evolving legal environment. With Brazil poised to become one of the largest regulated betting markets in the world, our speakers stress the importance of a regulatory framework that both safeguards consumers and fosters healthy market competition.Despite the current uncertainty and transitional chaos, the tone remains optimistic. The discussion emphasizes the long-term potential of Brazil’s gambling sector and highlights why now is a pivotal moment for investors, operators, and regulators alike. Host: Ted MenmuirGuests: Ricardo Assis & Elisa MarcanteProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.iGaming 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, host Viktor Kayed sits down with editor Ted Menmuir to explore the recent postponement of Romania’s long-anticipated gambling reforms. They dissect the political climate that has stalled progress, including the influence of the Save Romania Union and its push for tougher regulatory oversight. The discussion provides valuable context on how shifting political priorities are shaping the future of the country’s gambling legislation.The episode dives deep into the aftermath of regulatory failures that have plagued Romania’s gambling sector for years. Viktor and Ted examine long-standing structural issues, from enforcement gaps to transparency concerns, and discuss how these weaknesses have hindered meaningful reform. They also evaluate the role of the ONJN, Romania’s gambling authority, and its response to the mounting challenges it faces.Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to Romania’s evolving gambling market and its potential for future growth despite ongoing scrutiny. With increased political attention and public pressure, the sector stands at a crossroads. If you want to read more on the topic discussed in today's episode, click on the following link:-Host: Viktor KayedGuest: Ted MenmuirProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.iGaming 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.

Monday's episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, is a must-listen keynote conversation, Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer at Fanatics Betting and Gaming. Sitting down with SBC Media's Jessica Welman, the two takes a look into one of the fastest-growing companies in the sports betting and iGaming industry. Drawing from his prior leadership roles at FanDuel and Action Network, Borod discusses how he helped build Fanatics Betting and Gaming from the ground up in July 2021. Borod breaks down Fanatics’ unique second-mover strategy, explaining why they chose product quality over ad spend to differentiate from giants like DraftKings and FanDuel. Leveraging the larger Fanatics commerce ecosystem, the company used its extensive database, brand loyalty, and smart cross-marketing strategies to drive growth without sacrificing profitability. He also unpacks the importance of customer-first features like prolonged beta testing, integration of FanCash loyalty rewards, and the acquisition of PointsBet’s Banic trading platform to improve competitiveness and retention.The episode also explores how Fanatics is innovating beyond sports betting with the expansion of its casino app and the introduction of the “Fair Play” initiative, which refunds users for unlucky outcomes like injuries. Borod shares insight into future growth areas, including upcoming Fanatics Fest events, and how Fanatics plans to continue redefining the online gaming experience through data, loyalty, and customer trust. Host: Jessica WelmanGuest: Ari BorodProducer: James RossEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.iGaming 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 Jessica Welman and Charlie Horner dive into the dynamic world of sweepstakes gaming, spotlighting a pivotal industry development: VGW's decision to wind down its sweepstakes operations in New York. This major move has sparked conversations across the iGaming sector, raising questions about the regulatory environment and the viability of sweepstakes-based business models in high-stakes markets.The discussion expands to cover emerging legislative changes in multiple states, examining how lawmakers and regulators are approaching the increasingly blurred lines between sweepstakes gaming and traditional gambling. Jessica and Charlie analyse the core challenges companies face in complying with diverse state-level frameworks while staying competitive and legally sound in an evolving landscape.As the episode progresses, the hosts delve into the formation of new trade groups and what these alliances mean for the future of the sweepstakes industry. With insights on advocacy, compliance, and innovation, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the trends shaping the next chapter of sweepstakes gaming in the United StatesTo read more on what was discussed in the episode, click on the links below:- https://sbcamericas.com/2025/05/27/vgw-shutters-sweepstakes-in-new-york/- https://sbcamericas.com/2025/05/27/connecticut-senate-sweeps-couriers-ban/- https://sbcamericas.com/2025/05/27/louisiana-sweepstakes-ban-moving-house/Hosts: Jessica Welman & Charlie HornerProducer: James RossEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.iGaming 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, supported by Optimove, Ted Menmuir is joined by SBC Leaders Magazine and Player Protection Hub Editor, Steve Hoare, as well as DealMeOut's Co-Founder, Jordan Lea, to look into the recent Health and Social Care Select Committee hearing on problem gambling in the UK, The trio unpack the strong reactions and frustrations voiced by key stakeholders. The conversation dissects the statements made by the expert panel, offering critical insights into why many feel the current narrative misses the mark when it comes to understanding the real impact of gambling harm and the lived experiences of affected individuals.A spotlight is also shined on the proposed statutory levy framework and its wide-reaching implications for gambling operators, support services, and public health initiatives. We also challenge the common misconceptions about gambling education and explore why many believe current strategies fall short in truly protecting vulnerable populations. With a call for greater collaboration, accountability, and transparency, the speakers reflect on what’s needed to build a more responsible and effective gambling policy landscape in the UK.To read more on what was discussed in today's episode, click on the following link:- https://playerprotectionhub.com/2025/05/treatment-prevention-and-education-leaders-team-up-to-challenge-select-committee-fantasy/Host: Ted MenmuirGuests: Steve Hoare & Jordan LeaProducer: James RossEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.iGaming 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 special episode of iGaming Daily, recorded from the show floor at the recent SBC Summit Americas 2025, the now Media Manager at SBC Media, Fernando Noodt sits down with Jeff Laniado, Director of Sales at Optimove, to delve into one of the hottest topics sweeping the United States online gaming landscape—sweepstakes in iGaming. As regulatory constraints continue to shape the real money gaming market, sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks have rapidly emerged as a dynamic alternative, leveraging innovative models to engage players legally and effectively.Jeff breaks down the rapid rise of sweepstakes gaming, revealing it as Optimove’s fastest-growing vertical over the past 18 months. With roots in familiar promotions like McDonald’s Monopoly or bottle-cap contests, the sweepstakes model provides a legal workaround for US operators by using a dual-currency system—gold coins for gameplay and sweeps coins for redeemable rewards. This episode explores how the model not only helps operators navigate regulations but also serves as a strategic lever for player retention, personalisation, and data-driven decision-making.Host: Fernando NoodtGuest: Jeff LaniadoProducer: James Ross & Taylor BuckleyEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.iGaming 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.