

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

Nov 9, 2023 • 35min
Weekly News: BC & GiG get stronger through M&A
- Better Collective to acquire Playmaker Capital in €176m deal
- GiG to buy KaFe Rocks for €37.5m amid record Q3 revenue
Hang out with Jake Evans & Conor Mulheir with an expert panel of special guests on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3PM 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

Oct 26, 2023 • 60min
Weekly News: Is German iGaming destined to fail amid black market growth?
After the head of Germany’s gambling regulator suggested this week that “there is no evidence of a decrease in sales in the licensed gaming market in Germany,” Weekly News invites a panel of expert guest speakers to inspect this claim.Join Conor Mulheir, Nico Jansen and an esteemed panel of guests including Melchers Law Firm senior partner Dr. Joerg Hofmann, president of DSWV Mathias Dahms, Merkur Sports and Gaming MD Dirk Quermann, Hybrid Interaction CEO Shahar Attias and VP of global gaming at IDnow, Roger Redfearn-Tyrzyk, for this fascinating discussion on the past, present and future of Germany’s online gambling market

Oct 19, 2023 • 38min
Weekly News: DraftKings overtakes FanDuel as US online gambling market leader
- DraftKings overtakes FanDuel as US online gambling market leader
...and much more!
Hang out with Jake Evans, Conor Mulheir & Nico Jansen with an expert panel of special guests on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3PM 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 iGaming NEXT Weekly News Roundup for a real-time, unfiltered take on the industry's hottest developments. Be cool, be curious, be in the know

Oct 12, 2023 • 39min
Weekly News: Have operators given up on esports betting?
- Shares tank as Luckbox fails to secure investment and shuts B2C arm
... and much more!
Hang out with Jake Evans & Nico Jansen with an expert panel of special guests on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3PM 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 iGaming NEXT Weekly News Roundup for a real-time, unfiltered take on the industry's hottest developments. Be cool, be curious, be in the know

Oct 12, 2023 • 1h 6min
Eman Pulis: SiGMA Group deep dive
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #159 with Pierre Lindh and Eman Pulis Founder of SIGMA Group🎰
🚨 Are you ready to unlock the mysteries of the SIGMA Group? Dive into another enthralling episode of the NEXT.io podcast as our host, Pierre Lindh, engages in a discussion with Eman Pulis, the pioneering force behind SIGMA Group and Ikigai Ventures. They embark on a journey revealing the unseen facets of the iGaming world. 🎧
Eman Pulis offers unparalleled insights into SIGMA's heartbeat. This conversation promises revelations about acquisitions, event planning, affiliations, and so much more. Together, they tackle questions on the SIGMA acquisition rumor, the essence behind the numerous events, and the vision for SIGMA in the coming years. 🔥
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:35 - SIGMA acquisition rumor & outcome
06:22 - The future for Eman
08:49 - Ikigai Ventures overview
17:20 - Reasons for numerous events
29:30 - SIGMA Europe & New 2024 Venue
37:26 - SIGMA affiliate vertical Insights
46:26 - Rationale behind affiliate world acquisition
49:12 - The role of a strong team
52:22 - Lessons from past mistakes
55:55 - Show Competitions & Comparisons
01:02:55 - Predictions for SIGMA in 3 Years
📘 ABOUT Eman Pulis:
Eman Pulis, founder of the internationally acclaimed SiGMA Group, launched the brand from the comfort of his bedroom and propelled it to global recognition. Under his stewardship, SiGMA and the subsequent AIBC brand have become marquee events in the gaming and emerging tech sectors. Despite the global health crisis, Eman showcased his adaptability by launching a 4-show-event in 2021, which included SiGMA, AGS, Med-Tech World, and AIBC.
Pulis firmly believes in cross-pollination and the potential of diverging verticals to learn and do business together. He established the SiGMA Fund and Accelerator to merge emerging tech and gaming. His dedication to holistic growth and mutual success is evident in his endeavors, such as the launch of SiGMA College in 2021 through the SiGMA Foundation. This initiative offers free interactive eLearning courses, emphasizing the gaming, blockchain, and emerging tech sectors.
Beginning his career by hosting parties and concerts in Malta, Pulis leveraged insights from the gaming demographic to pivot into a new industry. Today, his company boasts 60+ employees with offices in multiple global locations. Beyond being an "events guy", Pulis has developed SiGMA's online presence in ten languages and expanded into media and affiliation.
Eman, who holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Diplomatic Studies, also has a track record as an athlete, breaking a national record for the triple jump in 2003. He serves as a senior advisor on several boards.
In his latest venture, Pulis launched Ikigai Ventures, a €20m Luxembourg-based VC firm focusing on frontier technologies. This initiative is backed by a global network of investors, entrepreneurs, and legal minds. The fund primarily targets sectors like gaming, betting, esports, blockchain, fintech, and AI, with over half of its capital already committed. The Ikigai Collective, a team of industry leaders, will support this network-driven approach to investment.
Pulis resides in Malta with his family and continues to make significant strides in the tech and gaming sectors, always striving to uplift the industries he engages with.
🔔 Engage with the pulse of the iGaming world! Hit that like button, share your thoughts, and ensure you're subscribed to NEXT.io to stay ahead with unmatched insights and exclusive interactions with the industry's luminaries!
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This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder/MD at iGaming NEXT, and is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

Oct 10, 2023 • 36min
David Yatom Hay: Thriving in a difficult industry climate & Soft2Bet deep dive
🎙 iGaming NEXT Podcast #158 with Pierre Lindh and David Yatom Hay, General Counsel at Soft2Bet 🎰
🚨 Prepare for an insightful dive into the iGaming universe! Our host, Pierre Lindh welcomes David Yatom Hay, the formidable mind behind Soft2Bet's legal strategies, for an engaging tete-a-tete. Together, they pull back the curtain on the evolving industry landscape and delve deep into Soft2Bet's pivotal decisions. 🎧
David Yatom Hay offers a front-row seat to the core strategies, challenges, and triumphs at Soft2Bet. This episode is a goldmine of knowledge, from regulatory shifts and emerging markets to Soft2Bet's progressive approach in the U.S. and the EU. Listen in as they navigate the current industry hurdles, future predictions, and Soft2Bet's visionary roadmap for the years ahead. 🔥
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction of David Yatom Hay
03:05 - What changed in the industry in the past 10 years
08:46 - Why there's a focus on the regulatory market and emerging markets
15:20 - Balancing between BTC and BTB at Soft2Bet
19:20 - Soft2Bet's approach in the U.S.
21:55 - EU countries with proper regulations
25:31 - Biggest challenges currently faced by Soft2Bet
27:44 - Predictions about the industry
30:47 - LATAM and expectations from that region
34:10 - Soft2Bet's vision for the next 5 years
📘 ABOUT David Yatom Hay:
David Yatom is the General Counsel at Soft2Bet. His experience extends over a decade, involving the representation of gambling companies in complex deals, acquisitions, and mergers. His focus areas include sports betting platforms, B2B operations, and his experience with B2C companies. David has managed successful licensing processes in major European countries and the United States. His proficiency extends to AML regulations and GDPR compliance, ensuring the lawful operation of his client's businesses.
🔔 Engage with the pulse of the iGaming world! Hit that like button, share your thoughts, and ensure you're subscribed to iGaming NEXT to stay ahead with unmatched insights and exclusive interactions with the industry's luminaries!
_____
This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder/MD at iGaming NEXT, and is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

Oct 6, 2023 • 1h 9min
Vested Interest #5 Interest Rates & Start-ups, Big-4 Disruption, Pitch Deck Tips & Jackpot.com deep dive
🎙️ Welcome to episode #05 of Vested Interest, the podcast for iGaming and sports betting enthusiasts, navigated by Pierre Lindh. This episode promises an enthralling conversation with three formidable figures in the iGaming universe - Lloyd, the Managing Partner at Sharp Alpha Advisors, Benjie Cherniak, the Principal at Avenue H Capital, and Akshay Khanna, the dynamic Co-founder & CEO of Jackpot.com.
▶️ WATCH NOW: Vested Interest Podcast Ep. #05 🎧
Journey with Pierre as he dives into the intricate maze of iGaming, gleaning game-changing insights. From contrasting the startup scene of two different decades to understanding how to make a powerful impact when you aren't the market's pioneer, this episode touches upon pressing concerns and evolving strategies in iGaming.
🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
02:05 - Comparing the Startup Landscape: 2010's vs. 2020's
14:03 - Raising Funds In a High Interest, High Inflation Environment
21:32 - Fanatics, ESPN Bet or Bet365. Who will disrupt The "Big 4"?
33:22 - How To Craft The Perfect Pitch Deck
49:20 - DEEP DIVE: Jackpot.com with Akshay Khanna
51:36 - Strategies for Growth When You're Not the Market's First Mover
54:48 - Understanding Jackpot.com's Cap Table
58:12 - Akshay's Recipe for Startup Success
01:02:58 - Leveraging Jackpot.com's Database for Sports Betting
Episode #05 of Vested Interest unfurls a rich tapestry of industry foresight, hands-on experiences, and meticulous dissection of the iGaming and sports betting sectors. Enhance your industry acumen by indulging in this rich discourse.
For unparalleled iGaming revelations, like, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE.
Tune in every month for more illuminating tales, expert dialogues, and the most recent buzz in iGaming. Step into the pulsating heart of the iGaming cosmos right here. 🎲🎰🎧
💼 ABOUT Akshay Khanna:
Co-Founder/CEO, Jackpot.com
Akshay joined Jackpot.com in May 2022 as a co-founder and as CEO of the North America business. Shortly thereafter, the company raised $36.5M in a Series A round co-led by Accomplice and Courtside VC, with participation from renown investors and operators including: Sapphire Sport, Elysian Park Ventures, Arctos Sports Partners, Haslam Sports Group, Michael Rubin, The Kraft Group, Jason Robins, among others. Jackpot is a third-party digital experience that is attempting to become the leader in facilitating the sale of official state lottery tickets online.
Prior to Jackpot, Akshay was the GM of North America at StubHub. He joined StubHub in January 2018 as Head of Partnerships – NFL, NBA, and NHL, and was promoted twice within a year to take over the North America General Manager role, overseeing almost the entire StubHub business. In that role, Akshay oversaw and/or was directly responsible for every major lever of growth that drove the company’s business, including – supply, marketing, seller tools and product management & engineering, data & analytics, partnerships, strategy, pricing, and inventory management.
Prior to his time at StubHub, Akshay was the Vice President of Strategy for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), overseeing the business strategy group and involved in all revenue-generating functions of the organization’s teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, Crystal Palace, eSports property Team Dignitas, and the Sixers Innovation Lab.
Before joining HBSE, Akshay served as an Associate at Sycamore Partners, a consumer retail-focused private equity firm in New York City. Prior to Sycamore Partners, Akshay was an Analyst at Audax Group, a middle-market private equity firm in Boston.
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This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder/MD at iGaming NEXT, and is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

Oct 5, 2023 • 31min
Weekly News: Are gamblers overwhelmed with marketing fatigue?
- Optimove survey reveals tightrope walk between player engagement and marketing fatigue
... and much more!
Hang out with Jake Evans & Nico Jansen with an expert panel of special guests on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3PM 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 iGaming NEXT Weekly News Roundup for a real-time, unfiltered take on the industry's hottest developments. Be cool, be curious, be in the know

Oct 3, 2023 • 49min
David Flynn: The epic 33 day Stockholm-Malta journey by bicycle
🎙 iGaming NEXT Podcast #156 with Pierre Lindh and David Flynn, Investor, Board Advisor, Non-Executive Director 🚴♂️
🚨 Gear up for an electrifying episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast! Pierre Lindh, our esteemed host, sits down with David Flynn, to dissect his breathtaking 30-day bicycle journey from Stockholm to Malta. Together, they navigate the challenges, memories, and profound insights gained on this monumental ride. 🎧
David Flynn gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the planning and determination required for this feat. They discuss the intertwined narratives of charity goals and the essentials one must consider for such ambitious adventures. The episode interweaves personal growth, industry perspectives, and Flynn's unwavering commitment to his craft. 🔥
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction of David Flynn
04:08 - Planning the Epic Journey
05:25 - Summaries of the Journey
17:44 - The Charity Goal and Industry Challenges
29:23 - What’s NEXT for David Flynn
32:47 - Necessities for a Grand Bicycle Journey
37:10 - David Flynn’s Professional Vision
44:07 - The Coaching Process and the CEO Lifestyle
Charity Link:
https://gofund.me/b42e4238
💼 ABOUT David Flynn:
With over 20 years in C-level roles within the iGaming Industry, David Flynn is an angel investor of numerous startups within iGaming, Payments and Med Tech Industries. He also works as a strategic advisor and is a Non-Executive Director for Glitnor Group Plc.
🔔 Engage with our podcast's essence! Smash that like button, share your reflections, and remember to subscribe to iGaming NEXT for unmatched insights and direct encounters with the legends of the industry!
_____
This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder/MD at iGaming NEXT, and is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

Sep 28, 2023 • 35min
Weekly News: Is Serbia Europe's hottest market?
- Flutter acquires majority stake in Serbian operator MaxBet for €141m
- 888 shares slide as operator warns of 10% revenue decline
- Entain shares tumble after Q3 2023 earnings warning
- Betsson continues Central and Eastern Europe expansion with Serbia launch
Hang out with Jake Evans & Nico Jansen with an expert panel of special guests on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3PM 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 iGaming NEXT Weekly News Roundup for a real-time, unfiltered take on the industry's hottest developments. Be cool, be curious, be in the know