

NEXT.io Podcast
NEXT.io
The primary podcast of the iGaming industry. Hosted by Pierre Lindh, it brings you episodes that are packed with expert insights, dynamic discussions, and inspiring stories from industry leaders. Whether you're seeking leadership tips, energy management strategies, or insider knowledge, NEXT.io podcasts are your go-to resource for staying ahead in the industry.
Check out our YouTube channel for more content:
https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio
Dive into our website to explore more:
https://next.io/
Check out our YouTube channel for more content:
https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio
Dive into our website to explore more:
https://next.io/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 21, 2024 • 38min
📺Weekly News: Evolution accuser could be unmasked in major US court case
This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we explore a critical legal case involving Evolution, a key player in the iGaming industry, where a court decision might reveal an accuser's identity, potentially setting a privacy and legal precedent. We'll examine the reasons behind this potential unmasking and its implications for both the accuser and the company, considering the wider legal and ethical impacts.
Additionally, we will briefly review the acquisition of XL Media Assets by Gambling.com Group, highlighting strategic movements within the industry during these dynamic times.
🗞 Read the full story here:
https://next.io/news/evolution-accuser-could-be-unmasked/
https://next.io/news/evolution-law-firm-misuse-attorney-client-privilege/
https://next.io/news/gambling-com-group-acquires-xlmedia-assets/
Hang out with Conor Mulheir and Nico Jansen on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3 PM CET across all our social media channels. We’ll dive into the freshest iGaming news and explore the most captivating stories of the week.
Be cool, be curious, be in the know!

Mar 14, 2024 • 30min
📺 Weekly News: Is Entain up for sale?
On this week's episode of NEXT.io Weekly News, we delve into a buzzing topic in the iGaming industry: the possibility of Entain putting up its non-integrated brands for sale, a detailed examination of Entain's current position in the market and the reasons behind contemplating such a decision.
This development raises intriguing questions about the future direction of Entain and how it plans to streamline its operations for greater efficiency and market focus. We will explore the factors that might influence Entain's decision and what this could mean for competitors and investors in the space.
🗞 Read the full story here:
- Report suggests Entain considering sale of non-integrated brands
https://next.io/news/entain-consideri...
Hang out with Conor Mulheir and Nico Jansen on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3 PM CET across all our social media channels. We'll dive into the freshest iGaming news and explore the most captivating stories of the week.
Be cool, be curious, be in the know!

5 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 1h 10min
James King: Flows DEEP DIVE
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #180 with James King, CEO of Flows
Join our enlightening chat with James, exploring his journey from founding his company to its current success. We revisit our first podcast, delve into Flows' vision, mission and products, and dive into discussing market competition. James, shares also some thoughts on a crucial moment in the company's history, and how strategic partnerships and the careful selection of shareholders have been pivotal in the company's growth.
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome
01:13 - Reflecting on Our First Podcast Together
02:08 - James’ Journey Building Flows
05:32 - Exploring Flows: Vision & Products
09:06 - A Turning Point At Initial Funding
13:15 - The Light & Wonder Partnership Story
17:44 - Choosing Shareholders Wisely: Synergy & Strategy
25:50 - Key Advice for First-Time Capital Raising
32:35 - The Long-Term Vision of Flows
39:13 - Navigating Industry Competitors
40:26 - Self-Learning Flows Products
42:08 - Strategies for Scalable Growth
44:29 - Securing Sustained Funding
54:03 - Keeping Motivation and Drive High
59:37 - Overcoming Obstacles: Resilience in Business
01:02:20 - James’ 3-Year Vision for the Company
01:04:27 - What's Next for James? Future Endeavors Revealed
💼About James King:
Experience Over 10 years experience in the iGaming space. Track record Served as the director of sales at leading industry tech and media powerhouse Gaming Innovation Group. Group Sales Director at Clarion responsible for delivering all revenue across the portfolio following the successful sales of iGaming Business (in which he served as part of the mgt team) to Clarion in late 2015.
🔔Subscribe for more insightful episodes!
🔗 Connect with Us:
Website: www.next.io
_____
This episode of the NEXT.io is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

Mar 7, 2024 • 34min
📺 Weekly News: Entain reports 2023 loss as 888 confirms US exit
In this episode of NEXT.io Weekly News, we focus on two significant developments in the iGaming industry: Entain's financial results for 2023 revealing a loss, and 888 Holdings confirming its strategic exit from the US market.
First, we dissect Entain's fiscal year 2023 performance. We'll explore the challenges and external factors that influenced Entain's financial outcomes, discussing what this means for the company's future strategies and its position in the global iGaming landscape.
Then, we turn our attention to 888 Holdings and their decision to exit the US B2C operations, as detailed in "888 Strategic Review: US B2C Operations." This segment will delve into the reasons behind 888's significant decision to withdraw from the US market, examining the strategic implications for the company and the potential impact on the US iGaming sector.
🗞 Read the full story here:
FY 2023: Entain reports loss and warns of £40m 2024 regulatory impact
https://next.io/news/fy-2023-entain/
888 to explore US exit amid $50m split from Sports Illustrated
https://next.io/news/888-strategic-review-us-b2c-operations/
Hang out with Conor Mulheir and Nico Jansen on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3 PM CET across all our social media channels. We'll dive into the freshest iGaming news and explore the most captivating stories of the week.
Be cool, be curious, be in the know!

Mar 4, 2024 • 57min
Jesse Learmonth: Real Money Gaming Start-Up Report Analysis
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #179 with Jesse Learmonth, Founder of Bettingstartups
This episode provides a blend of personal stories, expert analysis, and insights into the future of gaming start-ups, making it a compelling listen for professionals and enthusiasts alike. As we delve into the professional realm, Jesse presents a comprehensive analysis of the start-up landscape in North America, drawing from his extensive report on the subject.
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:30 - Sponsors
01:26 - Jesse's First-Time Fatherhood
04:08 - Jesse's Start-up Report for North America
07:09 - Report Summary
10:27 - Investment Landscape Overview
13:58 - Survival Mode at All Costs
19:22 - Jesse's View on Start-ups Now
25:19 - Survey Insights: Conference Scene"
34:04 - Jesse’s Organic Network with Investors and Start-ups
44:00 - North American Industry Trends
47:58 - High Margin Products and Games
53:18 - Jesse's Alternative Career Path
💼 About Jesse Learmonth
Jesse Learmonth has worked at the top levels of the global betting industry since 2010 as founder, supplier, and operator. Currently he hosts The Betting Startups Podcast, operates the industry's largest job board, and advises several promising industry startups. Prior to this, he spent six years with Pinnacle.com as Director of Product Management and member of the executive leadership team. He also co-founded Bet Smart Media, which he led for five years as CEO until it was acquired by Pinnacle in 2015.
🔔Subscribe for more insightful episodes!
🔗 Connect with Us:
Website: www.next.io
_____
This episode of the NEXT.io Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder/MD at NEXT.io, and is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

8 snips
Mar 1, 2024 • 1h 27min
Todd Haushalter: Evolution DEEP DIVE
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #178 withTodd Haushalter, CPO at Evolution Gaming.
In this insightful episode, Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution Gaming, shares his expertise in online gaming innovation. We revisit Evolution's key strategies and achievements in 2023, including the development of RNG products and new gaming tools. Todd discusses the company's growth in the North American market and reflects on the competitive dynamics in the industry.
The conversation also explores Evolution's approach to game creation, highlighting the use of AI and the impact of new technologies. Todd addresses challenges and shares his vision for the future, offering a unique glimpse into the trends shaping the online gaming world.
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:27 - Sponsors
01:20 - Recapping Previous Episodes and Welcoming Todd Back
02:54 - Evolution 2023: Year in Review
05:38 - Evolution's "One-Stop Shop" Concept and Tools
08:42 - RNG Products: 2023 Performance and Future Prospects
12:38 - Classic Titles and RNG Reliability
15:27 - Todd's Exciting Games and Tools for 2024
18:02 - Using AI in Game and Content Creation
29:39 - Todd's Strategies for Growing the North American Market
33:56 - Evolution vs. Competition
46:13 - Acquiring Livespins and Insights into the M&A Process
54:34 - Innovations in the Gaming Industry
01:00:24 - The Key to Successful Gaming
01:05:34 - B2B Marketing and Branding Strategies
01:12:22 - Todd on Building and Sustaining Success
01:16:07 - Strategies for Attracting New Players to New Games
01:18:10 - The Impact of Addressing Accusations Against Evolution
01:21:05 - Predicting Evolution's Future in Three Years
💼vAbout Todd Haushalter:
Todd Haushalter is Chief Product Officer at Evolution Gaming. Todd is responsible for all aspects of Evolution’s game innovation and new product development, including the creation of award-winning titles such as MONOPOLY Live and Lightning Roulette. Prior to this, he was Corporate Vice President of Gaming Operations at MGM and Vice President of Business Strategy at Shuffle Master. He has a wide and varied knowledge of the casino industry.
🔔 Subscribe for more insightful episodes!
🔗 Connect with Us:
Website: www.next.io
_____
This episode of the NEXT.io Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder/MD at NEXT.io, and is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

Feb 29, 2024 • 37min
📺 Weekly News: How much will online slot stake limits cost the UK?
This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we delve into a pressing issue in the UK iGaming industry: the potential impact of online slot stake limits.This segment will explore the reasoning behind these proposed limits, their projected impact on industry revenues, and how operators might adapt to these changes.
We start with an in-depth look at the proposed stake limits for online slots, as detailed in the article "Stake Limits on Online Slots: Industry Costs” to discuss right after the broader implications for player behavior and market dynamics in the UK.
Additionally, the episode covers a major shift in leadership with the resignation of Catena Media's CEO, Michael Daly. This news piece sheds light on the circumstances surrounding Daly's departure and the potential future direction of Catena Media under new leadership.
🗞 Read the full story here:
How much will stake limits for online slots cost the UK gambling industry?https://next.io/news/stake-limits-online-slots-industry-costs/
Catena Media CEO Michael Daly resigns amid performance struggleshttps://next.io/news/catena-media-ceo-michael-daly-resigns/
Hang out with Conor Mulheir and Nico Jansen on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3 PM CET across all our social media channels. We’ll dive into the freshest iGaming news and explore the most captivating stories of the week.
Be cool, be curious, be in the know!

4 snips
Feb 27, 2024 • 47min
Martin Collins: Redefining the North American Online Gambling Experience
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #177 with Martin Collins, Chief Business Development Officer at Soft2Bet
Join Martin Collins and Pierre Lindh in a captivating discussion on Redefining the North American Online Gambling Experience.
🚀 This episode delves into the pivotal role of gamification in product appeal, Soft2Bet's strategic approach to conquering North American market challenges, and their ambitious B2C plans. Additionally, gain invaluable insights and advice on driving successful growth in this competitive industry. A must-watch for anyone keen on the future dynamics of online gambling in North America!
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:39 - North America's Online Gambling Landscape: Current Challenges
07:24 - Soft2Bet's Strategy for Entering the North American Market
10:28 - Gamification in Online Gambling
16:31 - Emerging Trends in Gamification
20:03 - Social Gaming: The Transformation in iGaming
22:42 - New Entrants Targeting Disruptive Brands
25:46 - Strategies for Introducing Soft2Bet in North America
28:14 - B2C Ambitions Operation Plans
30:15 - What's Next for North America's Market?
37:29 - Two-Year Growth Analysis and Keys to Success
44:46 - Case Study Insight: Nintendo's Financial Turnaround
💼 About Martin Collins:
With over 2 decades of experience in digital markets, Martin has a passion and drive to help organizations flourish and grow. Through both internal and external strategic analysis, he can drive positive improvement in performance, as well as help identify new business opportunities. Always remaining one step ahead, Martin empowers organizations to truly perform and drive revenue and growth.
Most recently, Martin was the Director of Sales & Business Development at Gaming Innovation Group (GiG), working to drive the growth of the. The Platform side of their business. Working with all major stakeholders in a constant state of collaboration, Collins and his team, managed to secure 21 Platform deals in 2022.
🔔Subscribe for more insightful episodes!
🔗 Connect with Us:
Website: www.next.io
_____
This episode of the NEXT.io Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder/MD at NEXT.io, and is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

Feb 22, 2024 • 26min
📺 Weekly News: FanDuel acquires BeyondPlay with special guest Karolina Pelc
Join Conor Mulheir, Nico Jansen and special guest Karolina Pelc to talk about the latest hashtag#iGaming sector acquisition.
Established by Pelc in 2021, BeyondPlay announced yesterday it had been acquired by Flutter Entertainment-owned US sports betting market leader, FanDuel. Tune in to find out more about how the deal came about, and what BeyondPlay has planned for the future.
These sessions present the latest news in hashtag#iGaming along with a deep dive into each topic and are brought you by Playson!
All listeners are invited to share their opinions and ask questions, making this a great way to catch up and dig deeper into the latest iGaming news.
🔔 Make sure not to miss out!

Feb 21, 2024 • 1h 11min
Vested Interest #9: DKNG x Jackpocket, Investor favours, launching fund & when to sell
🎙️ Welcome to episode #09 of Vested Interest, where hosts Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig, and Benjie Cherniak offer insights into the world of investments and entrepreneurship. This episode is a goldmine for entrepreneurs and investors seeking guidance on effective strategies and timing in the ever-changing tech landscape.
🌟 Focusing on the art of engaging with investors, this episode provides entrepreneurs with crucial advice on how to approach and be helpful to investors by Lloyd Danzing, a key aspect of securing funding and support in the tech industry. Benjie Cherniak shares his perspectives on potentially starting his own fund and leads an informative session on the critical decision-making involved in selling a business. The episode wraps up with Pierre's showcase of NEXT.io's latest rebranding.
⏰Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction00:58 - Insights into Benjie’s Recent Business Travels
02:17 - DraftKings Acquires Jackpocket for $750m
08:10 - Analyzing Business Threats and Risk
10:51 - Approaching Investors for Favors and Introductions
21:54 - Essential Advice for Entrepreneurs: How to Be a Valuable Partner for Investors
23:54 - Launching a Successful Fund: Key Skills and Requirements
37:00 - Benjie Discusses the Prospects of Initiating His Own Fund
40:17 - Deciding the Right Time to Sell Your Business
54:45 - Maintaining Founder’s Spirit in Business
01:00:52 - NEXT.io Deep Dive
🔔Subscribe for more insightful episodes!
🔗 Connect with Us:
Website: www.next.io
_____
This episode of the NEXT.io Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder/MD at NEXT.io, and is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.