

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

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!
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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.

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

Sep 28, 2023 • 32min
Olga Resiga, Carla Dualib: Understanding the Brazilian player
🎙 iGaming NEXT Podcast #155 | 'Understanding the Brazilian Player' with Pierre Lindh and Olga Resiga & Carla Dualib
🚨 Dive into the vibrant world of Brazilian gaming in this latest episode of the iGaming NEXT podcast! Pierre Lindh sits down with Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer, and Carla Dualib, Regional Business Development Manager (Latin America) from SOFTSWISS, to uncover the intricacies of the Brazilian market. 🎧
Join us in this enlightening conversation as our guests shed light on what makes the Brazilian player unique and how the culture, especially football, benefits sports betting in Brazil. Want insights on the upcoming regulations or the role of women in Brazilian gambling? We've got you covered! 🔥
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
02:05 - What Makes Brazilian Players Special
04:39 - Acclimation to the Brazilian Market
06:58 - Current Status of Upcoming Regulations in Brazil
10:05 - Women in Gambling in Brazil
15:36 - How Brazil's Football Culture Benefits Sports Betting
20:20 - Crypto Gambling in Brazil
21:55 - Entering the Brazilian Market as an Operator
26:05 - How SOFTSWISS Can Assist Operators in Entering the Brazilian Market
🔔 Embark on this exploration and stay ahead in iGaming! Don't forget to hit the like button, share your insights in the comments, and subscribe to the iGaming NEXT channel for an immersive adventure with the industry's pioneers!
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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 Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

Sep 26, 2023 • 1h 8min
Vested Interest Ep. #04: G2E, Fantasy outlook, Traps start-up founders should avoid & Pinnacle deep dive.
🎙️ Welcome to episode #04 of Vested Interest, the go-to podcast for iGaming and sports betting aficionados, steered by the astute Pierre Lindh. In this episode, we're elated to present a captivating dialogue with three of the industry experts - Lloyd Danzig from Sharp Alpha Advisors, Benjie Cherniak of Avenue H Capital, and Paris Smith, Advisor & Gaming Industry Expert.
▶️ WATCH NOW: Vested Interest Podcast Ep. #04 🎧
Join Pierre as he delves deep into the dynamic world of iGaming, extracting invaluable insights and perspectives from our distinguished guests. This episode spans a range of pivotal topics, from the G2E Expectations to a deep dive into Pinnacle.
🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
05:54 - G2E Expectations. Will online eat into land-based?
10:00 - How do you get the most out of G2E and similar conferences?
13:57 - Fantasy Sports Outlook
25:00 - How to succeed as a new entry in the industry
28:18 - Traps start-up founders should avoid when seeking investment
45:15 - How much you want to dilute yourself as a founder
54:33 - DEEP DIVE: Pinnacle
Episode #04 of Vested Interest offers a potent mix of industry predictions, firsthand experiences, and an in-depth analysis of the iGaming and sports betting sectors. Stay ahead of the curve by immersing yourself in this enlightening conversation.
For unmatched iGaming insights, don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE.
Join us every month for more revelations, expert discussions, and the freshest updates in iGaming. Embark on a journey into the epicenter of the iGaming universe right here. 🎲🎰🎧
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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 Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

Sep 22, 2023 • 44min
Matevž Mazij: Bragg Gaming Deep Dive
🎙 iGaming NEXT Podcast #152 | 'Bragg Gaming Deep' with Pierre Lindh and Matevž Mazij, Chair of the Board & CEO - Bragg Gaming Group
🚨 Delve deep into the iGaming cosmos with this latest episode! Host Pierre Lindh engages in a riveting conversation with Matevz Maize, the mastermind behind Bragg Gaming Group's success. Together, they uncover the secrets, challenges, and future of Bragg in the ever-evolving iGaming landscape. 🎧
In this exclusive chat, Matevž provides a sneak peek into the gears turning behind Bragg's business model, their aggressive entry into the US market, and their strategies to stand out in a saturated arena teeming with game studios. The discussion further expands on the role of aggregators, the promising horizons in emerging markets, and Matevz's predictions for the next half-decade. 🔥
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction of Matevž
04:15 - Business Model of Bragg
10:11 - Growth of Bragg
14:24 - Future of US Market and Sports Betting
18:41 - Establishing Yourself in the US
21:05 - Challenges in the US Market
27:25 - Opportunities in Emerging Markets
32:28 - Sustainability of the Market with Hundreds of Game Studios
35:45 - Importance of Aggregators for the Industry
38:13 - Staying Motivated
42:42 - Predictions for the Next 5 Years
Dive in with Pierre and Matevž for an in-depth exploration into the iGaming universe. Their frank and enlightening dialogue guarantees to arm listeners with unparalleled knowledge about the game's nuances and Bragg's exciting journey.
💼 ABOUT Matevž Mazij:
Matevž Mazij founded Oryx Gaming in Slovenia in 2010, building the company into a leading full turnkey iGaming technology provider which was acquired by Bragg Gaming Group in 2018. Matevz continued to serve as CEO of Oryx Gaming throughout the post-acquisition integration period until 2021, when he moved on to join the Bragg Board of Directors. He was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors in June 2023, and Chief Executive Officer in August 2023.
🔔 Engage with the conversation! Hit the like, pen down your thoughts, and don't forget to subscribe to iGaming NEXT for unparalleled insights and face-to-face chats 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 Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

Sep 21, 2023 • 28min
Weekly News: Analysing an eventful week for the UKGC
This week's topic: Lindar Media, the force behind the MrQ brand, faces a hefty £691 regulatory settlement from the UKGC. Multiple social responsibility and anti-money laundering lapses have come to light.
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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 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

Sep 19, 2023 • 39min
Bill Miller: American Gaming Association Update
🎙 iGaming NEXT Podcast #153 | 'American Gaming Association Update' with Pierre Lindh and Bill Miller
🚨 We're back with another unmissable episode of the iGaming NEXT podcast! Join host Pierre Lindh as he engages with Bill Miller, the President & CEO of the American Gaming Association, for an in-depth analysis of the present and future state of gaming in the US. 🎧
In this enlightening conversation, Bill sheds light on the burgeoning success of both retail and online gambling avenues in the US. Will online gaming outshine its retail counterpart in the coming years? What strategies can small operators leverage? Get answers to these pertinent questions and much more! 🔥
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Warm Welcome & Introduction
00:51 - Retail vs. Online Gambling: Breaking Down the US Success Story
02:48 - Future Outlook: The Rise of Online Gaming
04:26 - Winning Strategies for Small Operators in the Dynamic US Market
08:32 - How the US Media Views the iGaming Industry: A Deep Dive
13:19 - Regulatory Showdown: EU vs US
16:46 - The Black Market in the US: Facts, Myths & Realities
27:20 - A Sneak Peek into G2E's Exciting Line-up
32:06 - The Spotlight on Online Casinos at G2E 2023
36:57 - Forward Momentum: American Gaming Association's Roadmap
Embark on this journey with Pierre and Bill as they navigate the rich tapestry of iGaming in the US. Their candid dialogue promises to offer unique insights, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and evolution of the industry.
💼 ABOUT Bill Miller:
Bill Miller is the President and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA), which represents the $261 billion U.S. casino industry. Since joining the AGA in 2019, Miller has elevated the association’s influence in Washington, advanced key industry priorities, and deepened member engagement.
https://www.americangaming.org/staff/bill-miller/
🔔 Dive in, immerse yourself, and stay updated! Hit the like button, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to the iGaming NEXT channel for an unparalleled journey into the world of iGaming with the industry's trailblazers!
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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 Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

Sep 15, 2023 • 50min
Weekly News: iGaming cybersecurity concerns and DraftKings' disastrous decision
- With special guest Stefan Thelberg, CEO & Co-Founder of Holm Security
- Cybersecurity incident triggers major outages at MGM hotels and casinos
- DraftKings slammed for “reprehensible” 9/11-themed parlay promo
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


