NEXT.io Podcast

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #257 with Sargis Poghosyan, CPO at CreedRoomzIn this episode, Sargis Poghosyan, CPO at CreedRoomz, joins Pierre Lindh to unpack how one of the industry’s most ambitious live studios is pushing innovation through show games, in-house R&D, and flagship productions like Road to El Dorado.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro: Meet Sargis Poghosyan from CreedRoomz00:22 - Sponsors01:41 - Global studio expansion: Armenia to Brazil03:58 - Why CreedRoomz is betting big on show games05:14 - Road to El Dorado: The flagship title08:24 - Boom Blast: Volatility, risk & strategy12:00 - Marble Race: Physical tracks meet gamification14:14 - 100+ people for one game? Behind the scenes17:05 - Dice Fight: RNG, multipliers & hardware20:00 - Bonus feature: Pyramid pick game21:44 - What’s next: Lucky Colours, Rock Paper Scissors24:13 - Crash mechanics in live casino: AVA & crypto26:21 - The Choice: Turning childhood games into iGaming27:44 - Why instant games are exploding in popularity28:43 - New twists on blackjack and classics31:51 - Future plans: Studios, mechanics & markets33:23 - Blending live casino with sportsbook and slots35:06 - CreedRoomz’s advantage: R&D and experimentation36:31 - Final thoughts ahead of ICE Barcelona28:43 - New features in classic titles: Gambling side bets in blackjack31:51 - Vision: Expanding to new studios, markets, and mechanics33:23 - Merging live casino with sportsbook and slots35:06 - CreedRoomz’s edge: R&D culture and relentless experimentation36:31 - Final thoughts and looking ahead to ICE Barcelona🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bcApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO✩ Website - https://next.io/This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.https://pragmatic.solutions/Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/NOWPayments: https://nowpayments.io/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #257 with James Curwen, CEO of Yggdrasil.The slot industry is producing more games than ever yet standing out has never been harder.In this episode, James Curwen joins Pierre Lindh to explain why the era of reskinned slots is coming to an end and what will replace it. From rising production costs and algorithm-driven distribution to player fatigue and creative stagnation, James breaks down why the traditional slot development model no longer works.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:43 - Sponsors message02:08 - The 3-part journey of transforming Yggdrasil05:03 - Rebuilding tech: Platform, back office, AWS, scalability06:59 - The cost of game production and the reskin problem09:08 - Game in a Box: From 10-month dev cycles to 1 month12:03 - How the business model is shifting14:55 - €22K Game in a Box offer16:04 - Studio in a Box: The €60K turnkey solution18:06 - Target customers: studios, streamers, affiliates, operators20:33 - Why this isn’t AI gimmickry24:22 - Building and refining games faster with full creator control27:00 - Lower costs, faster ROI, and a new model for suppliers29:08 - AWS collaboration and scaling without service sacrifice31:59 - Commercial growth expectations34:52 - Tool capacity vs. support limits37:19 - Flooding the market vs. empowering operators39:59 - Is this killing small studios or saving them?42:02 - Unity, player data, and creative freedom43:28 - Going niche46:40 - Game in a Box available launch48:02 - Become the world’s biggest game producer50:01 - Competing with Pragmatic, Play’n GO, and levelling the field51:21 - Getting visibility and operator positioning53:44 - New service: Dedicated sales support for small studios54:36 - Final thoughts🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bcApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO✩ Website - https://next.io/This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.https://pragmatic.solutions/Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #256 with Phil Pearson, iGaming Consultant. Another year. Another cycle of hype, pressure, pivots, and hard lessons.In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast, Phil Pearson joins Pierre Lindh to unpack what really happened across iGaming in the past 12 months beyond the headlines.Together, they explore the widening gap between innovation headlines and real progress, the pressure leaders are facing behind the scenes, the growing importance of focus over scale, and why many companies are quietly reassessing their priorities.It’s a grounded conversation about what moved the needle, what didn’t, and what lessons are worth carrying into the year ahead.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:41 - Sponsor messages02:04 - Welcome Phil Pearson04:06 – Yolo’s move into regulation: why it matters06:38 - Personal reset: health, sabbatical & perspective11:55 - Biggest industry stories of the year14:19 - Charity, Dar Bjorn & responsibility in iGaming16:17 - Investigative journalism33:27 - Game Studio Awards: overview33:33 - Best studio of the year39:29 - Best newcomer studio40:39 - Worst studio of the year44:01 - Most underwhelming game releases49:56 - Live game of the year51:21 - RNG game of the year52:36 - Best industry freebies & swag57:23 - Grey products explained58:12 - Sweepstakes, prediction markets & loopholes01:12:56 - The defining trend of 2026: grey products01:30:02 - Events review: what worked, what didn’t01:49:00 - Final outlook: where the industry is heading🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bcApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO✩ Website - https://next.io/This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.https://pragmatic.solutions/Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #255 with Valentina Diaco, Founder at Profit Matches. AI has officially moved beyond hype. In 2025, it’s reshaping iGaming in real, tangible ways — from CRM and engagement to compliance, marketing, content creation, safe gambling, and game development.In this episode, Valentina Diaco, one of the industry's most respected marketing and AI strategists, breaks down 10 AI companies that are already transforming iGaming today.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:23 - Sponsors message02:09 - Welcoming Valentina & Profit Matches04:52 - What AI Match is and why she built it06:00 - Where AI in iGaming stands today09:12 - AI: the real value is what you do with it11:17 - Why AI fails in companies12:30 - AI-to-AI economy & the future of data infrastructure15:14 - AI agents & conversational interfaces18:10 - The 10 AI companies reshaping iGaming19:09 - Golden Whale: AI for UA, retention & bonus orchestration23:40 - Field Stream AI: profitability engine for marketers27:51 - Text.com AI: customer support & proactive assistance33:15 - Let’s .IO: regulatory intelligence for compliance38:11 - Gamblitude: AI-powered BI & data warehouse41:58 - MaxFusion: AI content & UGC generation46:47 - Mindway AI: responsible gambling detection51:00 - insightplay.ai: conversational betting assistant53:37 - Xenia AI: game development & personalisation56:28 - Bettor Faster AI: development & automation agency58:20 - Why companies resist AI adoption01:00:16 - Biggest blockers: lack of capacity & too many tools01:07:01 - The real cultural barrier01:10:16 - The future: smaller, smarter, AI-native companies🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYoutube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE&si=R7VbrUspVkL1JyoxCONNECT WITH NEXT.IO✩ Website - https://next.io/This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.https://pragmatic.solutions/Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #254 with Emilie Jirsch, CMO at Dabble. Dabble has become one of the fastest-growing betting brands on the planet — not by outspending competitors, but by out-innovating them with community, culture, and entertainment-first marketing.In this episode, Emilie Jirsch, CMO at Dabble, reveals how the purple brand went from a small NSW startup to 1 million+ active customers, explosive US growth, and global expansion across Australia, the US, and the UK.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:29 - Sponsor message01:50 - Welcoming Emilie Jirsch, CMO at Dabble02:21 - How Dabble started 04:45 - Launching in Australia & hitting 1M active customers06:03 - Product differentiation & brand awareness07:09 - The “purple cow theory” explained 08:32 - Dabble’s growth strategy11:23 - Creating talkable moments that build brand memory13:22 - Moderators, culture, and self-policing communities15:10 - $1M Hole-in-One PGA activation: the story behind it17:00 - The true definition of disruptive brand marketing20:49 - The “cool sh*t budget” explained24:01 - Launching in the US through DFS 29:08 - Why the US embraced Dabble instantly33:00 - Competitors 36:25 - Inside Dabble’s internal culture40:06 - What’s next: UK launch, Ireland license, expansion41:54 - Final thoughts 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYoutube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE&si=jDpUksylKP-4_8T0CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO✩ Website - https://next.io/This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.https://pragmatic.solutions/Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

Tom Wood, CEO of RAW iGaming, sheds light on the innovative drive behind his studio, known for unique gaming products like Yahtzee. He discusses the challenges of standing out in a flooded market with 600 new games monthly. Tom emphasizes the importance of genuine innovation over copying, and shares insights into how AI could reshape game production. He explores the balance between game quality and market positioning, and predicts upcoming trends, including the rise of simple but unexpected hits in the iGaming landscape.

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #252 with Tim Heath, CEO and Founder at Yolo Group.Yolo Group has made one of the boldest moves in iGaming history — exiting grey markets entirely to pursue a regulated future.In this episode, Tim Heath joins Pierre Lindh to reveal the inside story behind Yolo’s transformation: why the company walked away from massive revenue, what the new UAE gaming license means, and how Yolo plans to bridge the gap between crypto, regulation, and entertainment.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:23 - Sponsors message01:39 - Welcoming Tim Heath02:03 - Why Yolo decided to exit grey markets07:36 - The tightening of global enforcement and regulation10:56 - Yolo’s new B2B licenses in the UAE explained16:05 - Restarting Yolo: redefining focus and efficiency22:04 - Building a 360° player experience and hybrid casino model24:49 - Facing financial risk and the courage to rebuild27:34 - “Spring cleaning” the business and cutting organizational fat31:17 - Leading regulators toward crypto innovation33:41 - Why regulation must evolve with technology35:31 - Why the UAE is a perfect testbed for regulated crypto gaming41:06 - How the UAE licensing model may work (one per Emirate)48:08 - Yolo’s five-year vision: becoming the “Blackstone of iGaming”51:33 - The courage to pivot and restart55:55 - The future of wallets, payments, and hybrid player experience58:21 - Yolo’s new AI-driven social sports betting concept01:01:35 - Tim on Yolo’s next chapter and future in regulation🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE&si=0vgjHyIuWQbblEY4 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO✩ Website - https://next.io/This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.https://pragmatic.solutions/Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

Join analyst Paul Leyland from Regulus Partners, a gambling sector expert, as he unpacks the shocking revelation that Playtech orchestrated a takedown of Evolution. The conversation dives into the immediate market backlash, legal ramifications, and how trust within the iGaming industry might be forever altered. Leyland explores Playtech's precarious position, the implications for customer confidence, and the complex dynamics of potential shareholder lawsuits. This in-depth analysis highlights the unfolding drama and its lasting impact on the sector.

Leah Neutel, Head of Studio at Relax Gaming, brings a wealth of experience from social work and international development to game design. In this engaging talk, she delves into the essence of leadership in creative industries. Leah shares her insights on motivating teams without authority and transforming failure into learning opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, trust, and psychological safety, while also discussing the role of diversity and healthy conflict in fostering innovation. Can anyone be a great leader? Leah believes yes, with the right qualities.

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #250 with Vid Daolio, CEO at TokacityTokacity is reimagining online casinos by creating immersive, social gaming environments that merge gambling with modern gaming culture and younger generation of players. Using Unreal Engine and Pixel Streaming technology, they provide a seamless, no-download virtual world accessible across devices. Their mission is to engage digital natives who value community, self-expression, and fun by turning the casino into a social, customizable, and safe experience rather than a solitary game lobby.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - What’s missing in online casinos00:42 - Sponsors: Pragmatic Solutions & Pragmatic Play02:04 - Welcome: Vid Daolio, CEO of TokaCity03:46 - Introducing TokaCity and its vision06:33 - The technology behind immersive casinos (Pixel Streaming)09:07 - Are players ready for immersive gaming?10:06 - Generational shifts and new player behavior13:03 - Why innovation comes from new generations15:10 - Building safe and expressive digital spaces17:06 - Merging gaming and gambling worlds19:44 - How TokaCity’s product actually works22:42 - Gamification, digital assets & player identity25:10 - Blockchain integration and the Saatchi MVP28:15 - From startup to live product launch29:26 - Partnership with Roshtein and community engagement33:05 - PvP games and social casino experiences35:32 - Player identity, self-expression & streaming culture36:29 - The future of live gaming with AI dealers37:43 - The cultural shift in gaming audiences42:21 - Can the metaverse make a comeback?44:37 - Lessons from crypto and decentralization48:32 - Combining innovation with trusted content50:25 - The future vision for TokaCity🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcastsCONNECT WITH NEXT.IO✩ Website - https://next.io/This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.https://pragmatic.solutions/Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/