NEXT.io Podcast

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #173 with Mark Taffler. Mark is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. His story is one of hope and inspiration, proving that overcoming addiction and achieving personal and professional success is possible with the right mindset and support. 🚀 In this episode, we explore Mark's battle with addiction, delving into the depths of his struggle and the steps he took towards recovery. We discuss the nuances of acknowledging alcoholism, the turning point of hitting rock bottom, and the vulnerabilities in the gaming industry that contribute to addictive behaviours. ⏰ Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 00:55 - Pierre Meets Mark at the Yolo Retreat 2021 03:27 - Mark's Battle: Overcoming Substance Abuse 15:34 - Acknowledging Alcoholism 18:08 - Hitting Rock Bottom: The Turning Moment 22:54 - Negative Outcomes of Addiction 28:57 - Embarking on the 12-Step Recovery Program 32:53 - Desperation Gift as a Motivation for Recovery 37:37 - Alternative Paths to Overcoming Addiction 39:29 - Faces of Addiction and Their Manifestations 41:45 - Alcohol Culture and Its Normalisation in Society 45:34 - Vulnerabilities in the Industry 53:47 - Key Life Lessons from the 12-Step Program 01:02:40 - Spirituality and Ego: Tools for Defense in Recovery 01:05:25 - Self-Reflection for Archiving Confidence and Inner Peace 01:06:27 - Gambling Industry Risks 01:09:06 - Mark's Ability to Identify Others Struggling with Addiction 01:10:59 - Public Misconceptions About Addiction 01:12:01 - Life Lessons from Overcoming Addiction 01:14:05 - Mark’s Role in Assisting Others with Recovery 01:15:36 - Self-Awareness Amongst Addicts 🔔 Stay tuned for our next episode and don't forget to follow us on: Website: https://next.io/ LinkedIn: / posts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextdotio/?... _____ 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.

The Next.io Weekly News is a weekly livestream held every Thursday at 3 PM CET across all of our social media platforms. These sessions, hosted by Conor Mulheir and Nico Jansen with special guests present the latest news in iGaming along with a deep dive into each topic. 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!

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #172 with James Curwen, CEO at Yggdrasil. 🚀From his early days as a croupier in London to leading one of the iGaming industry's most innovative companies, James brings a wealth of experience and insights. In this episode, James shares his journey and discusses the highs and lows, the innovative strategies, and what lies ahead for Yggdrasil.  ⏰Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:04 - James's Return to Malta and Reflections on his Journey 01:43 - Exploring James's Experience in the iGaming Industry 05:06 - Challenges and Turning Points at Yggdrasil 06:59 - The Strategic Revival and New Direction of Yggdrasil 09:55 - Upcoming Projects and Innovations 13:23 - What's Next for Yggdrasil Games in 2024? 16:09 - Increasing Game Visibility and market strategies 18:11 - Discussing Industry Dynamics  23:27 - The Role of Disruptive Innovation in iGaming 25:55 - Generative AI's Impact in the Industry  31:25 - Focusing on Quality over Quantity in Game Development 34:25 - Enhancing Yggdrasil's Brand Presence 36:23 - Exciting Plans for the Upcoming ICE 38:54 - Yggdrasil's Approach to Short-Term Improvements 💼About James Curwen:  James Curwen's illustrious career began in 1988 as a croupier in London's prestigious casinos. Climbing swiftly up the ranks, he managed renowned establishments like The Ritz Casino and held a directorial role with Ladbrokes. Transitioning to the online realm in 2011, James significantly contributed to William Hill's growth, helping the company earn accolades for innovation. He then played pivotal roles in Superbet and Golden Rock Studios before joining OPAP, where he significantly expanded their online operations. Today, as the CEO of Yggdrasil, James continues to redefine the gaming landscape with his leadership and vision. 👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more exclusive insights into the gaming industry. 🔔 Stay tuned for our next episode and don't forget to follow us on: Website: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... LinkedIn:  / posts   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextdotio/?... Youtube:   / @nextdotio   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE... _____ 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.

The iGaming NEXT Weekly News is a weekly live stream held every Thursday at 3 PM CET across all of our social media platforms. These sessions, hosted by Conor Mulheir and Nico Jansen with special guests present the latest news in iGaming along with a deep dive into each topic. 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 to not miss out!

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #171 with Tim Heath, CEO and Founder at Yolo Group. Join us in an enlightening conversation with Tim Heath, General Partner of Yolo Investments and a visionary in the iGaming and emerging technology sectors. With a rich background as the founder and former CEO of Yolo Group, operating leading crypto-gaming brands like Bitcasino.io and Sportsbet.io, Tim is a forerunner in the industry.  🚀In this episode, we delve into the transformative impact of cryptocurrency and blockchain on iGaming, Yolo Group’s investment strategies, some guidance for entrepreneurs, organizations and start-ups and last but not least, some insights about Tim Heath’s Industry leadership.  ⏰Timestamps  00 - Introduction 00:56 - Welcoming Tim Heath: The Alpha of the IGaming Industry  4:14 - Overview of Yolo Group’s First Fund 12:21 - Key Trends in the iGaming Industry by Tim Heath 14:59 -Crypto Ecosystem's Impact on iGaming Product Development 19:15 - Removing friction and coming to simplicity when it comes to money movement / Streamlining Money Movement in iGaming 21:00 - Generative AI within the iGaming ecosystem 27:25 - Prospects of Legalizing Gambling in the Middle East 32:12 - Insights into Yolo Group's Second Fund Launch 36:36 - Criteria for Yolo Group's Investment Selection 41:57 - Process for Attracting External Investment  47:46 - Benefit of the Networking Dinners  49:49 - Tim Heath's Approach to Identifying Investment Opportunities  52:23 - Tips for Entrepreneurs Seeking Yolo Group's Investment 58:55 - Essential Attributes for Successful Startup Founders  1:04:34 - Tim Heath: Motivations and Aspirations 1:13:43 - Future Vision for Yolo Group  💼About Tim Heath Tim specialises in transforming ideas into successful business. Since founding Yolo Investments, the venture capital firm has rapidly grown. It now holds assets in more than 80 businesses, with an AUM in excess of €620 million. A strong believer in the power of crypto to improve the lives of people around the world, he is now increasingly focused on the fintech and blockchain spaces, and where emerging technology can disrupt the traditional banking industry. 🔔Subscribe for more insightful episodes! 🔗 Connect with Us: Website: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... LinkedIn:  / posts   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextdotio/?... Youtube:   / @nextdotio   _____ 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.

🎙️ Welcome to episode #08 of Vested Interest, hosted by Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig & Benjie Cherniak and special guest Charles Gillespie.  🚀 In this episode, the speakers explore startups and investment strategies for 2024, including exit planning and long-term vision. They discuss venture capital decisions, leverage pitch sessions for investor insights, and analyze common startup failures. The episode highlights 2024's investment opportunities, and current U.S. market trends, and profiles Charles Gillespie's journey with Gambling.com.  ⏰ Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction   01:02 - New Year Greetings  01:51 - Exit Strategies Plan for Startups  04:38 - The Importance of Long-Term Vision in Early Stages  11:54 - Founders’ Decisions on Venture Capital 13:09 - Leveraging Pitch Sessions to Prospect Investors  17:25 - Common Causes of Startup Failures  22:20 - Discipline in Business: Avoiding Premature Expansion Book reference: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make The Leap and Others Don't - James Collins 28:06 - Lloyd's Expectations for Startup Updates 29:48 - Investment opportunities in 2024  36:07 - Current Focus of US Market Operators 39:39 - Emerging Startups: Promising Opportunities 42:32 - Introducing Charles Gillespie: Background Overview 46:29 - Establishing Gamgling.com in China  48:48 - Transitioning the Business to Europe 52:47 - Leadership Evolution: A Personal Journey 55:42 - The story behind the Galmbing.com domain  58:43 - Guidance for Selecting the Right Domains 01:01:15 - Acquisitions: Identifying Suitable Company Fits 01:04:49 - The Future of SEO and Affiliate Marketing within Generative AI 💼 ABOUT Charles Gillespie Charles Gillespie is the Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder and Director at Gambling.com, a position he has held since the Company’s inception in 2006. Through his tenure, Mr. Gillespie has overseen the Company’s operations across multiple jurisdictions including Europe and the United States. Under his leadership, the Company has prioritized technological investments and has completed four acquisitions to expand the breadth of the Company’s portfolio. He has built a reputation as a recognized leader and was named Sports Betting Community Leader of the Year in 2019. Mr. Gillespie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Entrepreneurship from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. _____ 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.

Morgan Stanley forecasts rapid growth for US online gaming sector. Hang out with Jake Evans, Nico Jansen and Conor Mulheir 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. This is your chance to join the conversation, share your thoughts, and connect with a community of iGaming enthusiasts. Tune in to the NEXT.io Weekly News Roundup for a real-time, unfiltered take on the industry's hottest developments. Be cool, be curious, be in the know!

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #169 with Phil Pearson,CEO and Co-Founder at White Label Casinos.  🚀Explore the dynamic world of iGaming in our latest episode, where we delve into the high-stakes legal battles of Swedish companies, review Evolution's adventurous leap into slot games, and celebrate the groundbreaking Phil Pearson Awards. We also weigh the value of in-person versus online networking in the industry and share insights on the future of legacy operators. Concluding with a special segment on the MSPCA Charity Drive made by Phil Pearson, this video is a treasure trove of information for enthusiasts and professionals keen on the latest trends and shifts in iGaming. ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:57 - Betsson and Swedish iGaming: The Court Battle Unfolds 6:00 - Navigating Legalities in Gambling Cases 11:53 - Legacy Operators: The Changing Impact 14:28 - The Phil Pearson Awards 17:07 - Game-Changing Innovations in iGaming 34:25 - Networking Value at ICE  40:12 - In-Person vs. Online Meetings 42:44 - Spotlight Story: Denise Coates from BET365 45:06 - Unveiling the Best Christmas Hampers 51:54 - 2023's Missed Marks 59:22 - Evolution's Growth Predictions 1:04:37 - A Fresh Start for Evolution: Necessity or Choice? 1:07:58 - "Evolution’s Slot Games: Triumph or Trial?" 1:09:53 - Play'n GO and Haas Formula 1 Partnership 1:13:48 - Taylor Swift and the iGaming Boys Band 1:20:26 - Kick vs Twitch Predictions 1:23:46 - Online Poker Players Controversies 1:34:32 - Psychedelics in Gambling Addiction Treatment 1:38:20 - Deutsche Regulatory Landscape 1:46:55 - General Predictions for 2024 2:07:27 - The Charity Drive for MSPCA 💼 ABOUT Phil Pearson Phil is the CEO and co-founder of White Label Casinos, the world's only independent casino White Label Company. WLC offers clients the freedom of choice in casino back office, games, and payments, and can handle as much or as little of the day-to-day casino management as the client requires. Not one to shy away from controversy, Phil is outspoken on LinkedIn and other platforms, pushing for a fairer and more transparent iGaming community. Outside of work, Phil enjoys NFL, visiting as many random and remote holiday destinations as possible, and now has 39 rubber ducks in a pool for some tranquillity. 🔔Subscribe for more insightful episodes! 🔗 Connect with Us: Website: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nextdotio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/14068596/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextdotio/?hl=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333?l=en-GB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=2dac04ba77a34bb0

🎙 Podcast with Michael Pedersen and Jon Bowden, CMO at PlayStar. How does an online casino with no brick-and-mortar presence and no sports betting product succeed when going up against the US giants in a sports-dominated market? Apart from courage, CMO Jon Bowden takes us through the marketing strategy and product philosophy they have deployed when dealing with Uncle Sam. 00:00 - Introduction 00:50 - Jon’s Background at PlayStar 3:10 - US Market vs. European Market 8:00 - The US Online Casino Market 11:53 - Reeducating New Casino Players 15:00 - Building Trust in Online Casinos 18:35 - Possibilities for Smaller Casinos Entering the US market  22:35 - Funnel Marketing Strategies 26:12 - Reverse Funnel Marketing Technique 28:18 - Jon's Approach to Budget Management 32:27 - Traffic Leads from Mobile Apps 34:06 - Product Philosophy at PlayStar 37:20 - Strong Loyalty and VIP Systems in the US 40:19 - The Importance of Personalization 43:03 - New Tools for Better Personalization 46:10 - Organization and Related Teams 51:16 - Predictions for the Future of the US Online Casino Market 💼 About Jon Bowden: Jon Bowden is CMO at PlayStar. Jon has amassed over a decade’s worth of experience managing and developing iGaming brands. He has a proven track record of launching and reinventing brands in the sector and overseeing aggressive market share and revenue growth. Before joining PlayStar, Jon was with Entain where he was responsible for the Gala and Foxy suite of brands, delivering record revenues, leading to the brands becoming some of the fastest-growing in the sector. _____ This episode of the NEXT.io Podcast is hosted by Michael Pedersen, CCO at Livespins and is brought to you by: Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #168 with Megan Easey, Director of Operations at Wizard Games.  🚀 In this insightful episode, you’ll uncover Megan's inspirational books, her effective performance management strategies, the harmony between personal authenticity and professional roles in the iGaming industry, and delve into the ups and downs of remote work and AI." Join Pierre Lindh as he engages in a captivating conversation with Megan Easey, Director of Operations at Wizard Games.  ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - Influential Books: "Little Prince" & "Seagull" 05:07 - Megan’s Industry Background 08:54 - Inspired by Nelson Mandela 11:09 - Megan’s Leadership Philosophy 13:50 - Leadership Feedback Methods 19:05 - Balancing Feedback Types 21:15 - Successful Leadership Traits 26:00 - Friendships vs. Professional Bonds 30:03 - Personal vs. Professional Persona 37:13 - Authenticity in Leadership 41:40 - Performance Management Insights 44:10 - Importance of Strong KPIs 49:10 - Measuring Team Success 57:02 - Dealing with Toxic Leadership 1:02:31 - Megan's Inspirational Leaders 1:04:59 - Remote Work Pros & Cons 💼 About the Guest: Megan Easey, with her extensive background in performance management, brings a unique perspective on leadership, team dynamics, and operational excellence. Her experiences growing up during the Nelson Mandela era have influenced her professional ethos and leadership style. 🔔 Subscribe for more insightful episodes! 🔗 Connect with Us: Website: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nextdotio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/14068596/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextdotio/?hl=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio _____ 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 Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.