NEXT.io Podcast

🎙 Podcast #100 with Pierre Lindh and Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution In this special landmark episode, we decided to shake things up a bit and headed to one of the most exciting bars in Malts - La Luz! The 100th podcast is a bit a different - you get to meet a different side of the two most known names in the industry. Today they sit down as friends just having a conversation as they recall the times where it all began, having their friendship start at the begginning of Pierre’s podcast series. Todd talks about his upcoming as a CPO of one of the biggest companies in the iGaming industry, Evolution as an unbeatable company, and what the future holds. Join in the broad conversation between Pierre and Todd that covers childhood dreams, growth, learning, politics, goals and aspirations. Here they drop their titles and talk about themselves and not just iGaming - exactly what happens in the pulsating atmosphere of La Luz. ABOUT LA LUZ: La Luz is a cozy little cocktail bar in Sliema with a whole lot of spirit. Easily found by the neon praying hands outside, one would be forgiven for thinking it resembled a quaint chapel nestled between houses somewhere amongst the throes of Mexico City, for that is exactly the vibe inside. From the Spanish meaning 'The Light', in their own words, La Luz "stands as a kind of spiritual reminder not to lose hope, and to keep fighting when the going gets tough." Words that hit home for the team at iGaming NEXT over the past couple of years, it was exactly for this reason we felt it was the perfect location for our 100th podcast, and a sanctuary to unwind for our team. You can check them out at https://laluz.bar/ and book for private events. Be sure to tell them iGaming NEXT sent you, they'll make you feel like family. _____ This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, MD/Co-Founder at iGaming NEXT and is brought to you by:  Pragmatic Solutions. – Leading iGaming platform technology. For more info, click here: http://pragmatic.solutions Sponsored by: Pragmatic Play: https://www.pragmaticplay.com Bitcasino: https://bitcasino.io

In this episode, Heidi Lofthus sits down with Thomas Mahoney, Cheif Marketing & Operations Officer at ARize Group. Thomas explains employee branding and why it's important for every business. The concept has evolved and lived through two ‘generations’ of employer branding with a third one on its way. What is certain is that employer branding has become an integral part of company structures, however, we do experience high staff turnover levels due to the mis-aligned implementation of this concept. Whilst we continue to learn and adapt to a fast-moving macro-environment, Thomas is all in for a version 3.0, where employer branding integrates technology as a key framework component to create a futuristic working experience which will change the way employees work and interact with each other. He also discusses how his company, ARize Group, a leading 3D, AR & VR supplier for businesses can provide solutions for employee branding. ABOUT THOMAS MAHONEY  Over 17 years of B2B & B2C experience in iGaming, E-commerce & Blockchain specialising in Employer Branding, Marketing & Brand management, as well as social media platforms and Operations. In parallel to every role and project Thomas has worked on, Employer Branding is a concept he has been evolving and working to educate people on within the digital industry since 2010. Thomas has also worked as an employer branding journalist to stimulate the integration of this concept by industry players and his work has also assisted numerous brands win awards in the Employer Branding space. A demonstrated history of working with high level management executives and building teams of various natures. He holds an M.B.A. focused in Marketing (social media platforms) from Henley Management College, London. _____   This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Heidi Lofthus, Project Director at iGaming NEXT and is brought to you by:   Pragmatic Solutions. – Leading iGaming platform technology.  For more info, visit website: https://pragmatic.solutions/  Sponsored by:  Pragmatic Play- https://www.pragmaticplay.com/  Fast Track- https://www.fasttrack-solutions.com/  Playson- https://playson.com/  Bombay Group

🎙 Podcast #98 with Pierre Lindh and Julian Buhagiar, co-founder of RB Capital Listen in as Julian Buhagiar joins Pierre Lindh once again to dissect quarterly reports. This time we take a look at the Q1 reports of 2022 from some of the biggest names in the industry, Evolution, Kambi, Kindred and Betsson! ABOUT JULIAN: Julian is co-founder of RB Capital. He is an investor & board director to multiple ventures in the gaming, fintech & music industries. He has managed investments, M&As and exits to date in excess of $500m. ______ This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, MD/Co-Founder at iGaming NEXT and is brought to you by: Pragmatic Solutions. – Leading iGaming platform technology. For more info, click here: http://pragmatic.solutions  Sponsored by: Pragmatic Play: https://www.pragmaticplay.com  Fast Track- https://www.fasttrack-solutions.com  Playson: https://playson.com/  Bombay Group: https://yolo.io/companies/bombay-club/

🎙 Podcast #96 with Pierre Lindh and Benjie Cherniak, a private investor within the iGaming industry. In this podcast, Pierre Lindh and Benjie Cherniak dive deep into the vibrant startup landscape of the American online sports betting and iGaming industries. Join them as they discuss what it takes for an entrepreneur to make it and why not everyone is up for the task. ABOUT BENJIE: Benjie Cherniak is currently an investor and advisor to emerging companies in the sports betting space.  Previously, Benjie was Principal & MD at Don Best, the leading provider of in-play pricing services and sports information products relevant to the North American sports betting industry, acquired by Scientific Games in 2018 ______ This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, MD/Co-Founder at iGaming NEXT and is brought to you by: Pragmatic Solutions. – Leading iGaming platform technology. For more info, click here: http://pragmatic.solutions Sponsored by: Pragmatic Play: https://www.pragmaticplay.com Fast Track- https://www.fasttrack-solutions.com Playson: https://playson.com/ Bombay Group: https://yolo.io/companies/bombay-club/

🎙 Podcast #11 with Heidi Lofthus and Mika Peltola, Co-Founder of Siffi Listen as Mika sits down with Heidi to discuss mental wellbeing in the workplace, and how since going remote the need for self reflection has increased. They talk about the need for digital on-demand solutions to aim towards increasing this awareness and removing the stigma of mental illness in a safe environment for the employee and the ease and measurable data to the employer. ABOUT MIKA: Mika Peltola is a Finnish serial entrepreneur.  In 2020 he co-founded Siffi to improve the quality and availability of mental wellbeing services for growth companies. Siffi assists organisations in helping their employees find the right support through human interaction, including coaching, therapy, clinical psychology, as a substitute or to complement their EAP offer.  Mika knows how tough it can be to work in a high-paced, high-growth company. Mika founded and led teams in internet agencies, technology start-ups and medical clinics. He is a father of three children and I’ve been fortunate to live an international life. He loves reading and is fluent in English, Swedish, Finnish, German, Portuguese and a few other European languages. ______ This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Heidi Lofthus, Project Manager for HR Connect, part of iGaming NEXT and is brought to you by:  Pragmatic Solutions. – Leading iGaming platform technology. For more info, click here: http://pragmatic.solutions Sponsored by: Pragmatic Play: https://www.pragmaticplay.com Fast Track- https://www.fasttrack-solutions.com Playson: https://playson.com/ Bombay Group: https://yolo.io/companies/bombay-club/

🎙 Podcast #96 with Pierre Lindh and Magnus Andersson, a private investor within the iGaming industry Pierre Lindh got the opportunity to probe Magnus Andersson on his extensive knowledge in the investment and iGaming sectors, discussing everything from Bull / Bear market strategies, investments and the future.  ABOUT MAGNUS: Magnus Andersson is a private investor and stock writer. He has been an investing for around 40 years, with almost 20 years of investing in iGaming itself.   In his native Sweden, he recently published his book “Investera med rätt fokus.”   You can purchase your very own copy right here: https://www.adlibris.com/se/bok/investera-med-ratt-fokus-15-rad-som-tar-dig-till-nasta-niva-9789188699664?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIru274-eV9gIVgp3VCh2Rdg6yEAQYASABEgKPDPD_BwE  ______  This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, MD/Co-Founder at iGaming NEXT and is brought to you by:  Pragmatic Solutions. – Leading iGaming platform technology. For more info, click here: http://pragmatic.solutions    Sponsored by:  Pragmatic Play: https://www.pragmaticplay.com   Fast Track- https://www.fasttrack-solutions.com   Playson: https://playson.com/   Bombay Group: https://yolo.io/companies/bombay-club/

🎙 Podcast #95 with Pierre Lindh and Edo Haitin, Managing Director of Live Casino at Playtech Edo Haitin once again joins Pierre Lindh for an exciting podcast discussing Live Casino. Listen as they discuss what the future holds, incorpariting future technologies into the player experience, creating bespoke games and creating the 'WOW' factor ABOUT EDO:  With nearly a decade of experience across various gaming technology companies, Edo joined Playtech as the CEO of Euro Live Technologies in 2016 at a transformational time for the live entertainment product. During the last 5 years, Edo has been driving innovation and pioneering the technological changes along side the physical studios expansion to new territories within the Live Casino vertical.   Edo’s vision for Playtech Live is to deliver the best possible entertainment-led experience to leading operators across the world. It is clear from the continued growth and variety of games offered across an ever increasing number of studios worldwide that under Edo’s management, Playtech Live has cemented itself as a global leader of next level entertainment live products and services.   _____   This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, MD/Co-Founder at iGaming NEXT and is brought to you by:   Pragmatic Solutions. – Leading iGaming platform technology. For more info, click here: http://pragmatic.solutions Sponsored by:  Pragmatic Play: https://www.pragmaticplay.com Fast Track- https://www.fasttrack-solutions.com Playson: https://playson.com/ Bombay Group: https://yolo.io/companies/bombay-club/

🎙 Podcast #94 with Pierre Lindh and Lyudmila Milenina, President & CEO at First Sports Media   We have all seen the ongoing invasion of Ukraine across news and social media, and read the stories of people having to evacuate their homes, cities and country to escape. We have heard of colleagues within the industry that are caught in this conflict, and heard from companies that are working on ways to help their staff find safety and supplies.   We spoke with Lyudmila Milenina, CEO at First Sport Media. Lyudmila talks to us after having only left Ukraine 3 days before, recounting the challenges that faced being a citizen, a mother, and a leader through such unprecedented times. In her own words, Lyudmila tells us the brutal honesty of her experience, and her feelings during these times, and we honour that by sharing with you this unedited interview.   ABOUT LYUDMILA: Lyudmila started her career in Gambling sphere in 2015 as the Digital marketing manager in Parimatch Sports betting company. She quickly became the Team Lead and then - the Digital Head of the DC (Digital Chain) agency, which provided worldwide services of Business Intelligence, Strategy, Creative, Digital, Media, Communications, and own global Affiliate Program. This agency provided marketing services for the various number of gambling clients, as well as Parimatch. Under her guidance, Opinion leaders and Video content projects as one of Acquisition channels were developed as well as Mobile App Acquisition was set up from scratch to production.     In 2020 Lyudmila became the CEO of the First Sport Media - an international sports traffic advertising network, part of the First Sport Group. This platform combines the publishers with unique and on-demand sports content. These are live scores, sport news, match reports, stats, predictions, and other engaging content for sport fans. FSM connects brands with the right audience by offering complex advertising solutions.   Lyudmila as the CEO of FSM is responsible for business development and P&L. Key professional strengths: traffic acquisition, affiliate marketing, clients accounting, adtech technologies, digital analytics & tracking.   _____   This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, MD/Co-Founder at iGaming NEXT and is brought to you by:   Pragmatic Solutions. – Leading iGaming platform technology.  For more info, click here: http://pragmatic.solutions  Sponsored by: Pragmatic Play: https://www.pragmaticplay.com Fast Track- https://www.fasttrack-solutions.com Playson: https://playson.com/ Bombay Group: https://yolo.io/companies/bombay-club/

🎙 Podcast #93 with Pierre Lindh and Paul Burns, President & CEO at Canadian Gaming Association   This week on Monday 4th April, we saw the launch of Online Sports Betting and iGaming in the state of Ontario, Canada! President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, Paul Burns, sat down with Pierre Lindh to discuss the launch. This is an exciting time for the future of the Canadian markets that will be wrought with great rises, but also with challenges.   Will we see similar results as earlier in the year with New York? Listen in as Paul tells us what we can expect in the times to come. ABOUT PAUL BURNS:  Paul Burns was instrumental in establishing the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) in 2005, recognizing the need for a unified voice for the gaming industry in Canada. Under his leadership as the CGA’s Vice President, the association grew to include the industry’s leading operators, manufacturers, and supplier’s nation-wide. Mr. Burns was appointed the CGA’s President & CEO in March 2018.   He has been responsible for the development of industry-wide research and programs, including the release of the most comprehensive study on the economic impact of gaming in Canada, and the expansion of the industry’s national annual conference, the Canadian Gaming Summit. _____   This episode of the iGaming NEXT Podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, MD/Co-Founder at iGaming NEXT and is brought to you by:   Pragmatic Solutions. – Leading iGaming platform technology.  For more info, click here: http://pragmatic.solutions  Sponsored by:  Pragmatic Play: https://www.pragmaticplay.com Fast Track- https://www.fasttrack-solutions.com Playson: https://playson.com/ Bombay Group: https://yolo.io/companies/bombay-club/

Morgan Stanley gaming analyst Thomas Allen joins iGaming NEXT co-founder and MD, Pierre Lindh, to discuss the future of iGaming and sports betting investment in the burgeoning United States market.   Managing Director Thomas Allen sets out why he believes that the current share prices of publicly listed gambling firms in the US do not reflect their value in the mid- to long-term, as he expects the market to turn to profit by 2025.  The pair discuss the challenges faced so far by operators in the market – and how they will be mitigated moving forward, allowing the market to turn to profit and investments in the sector to pay off. ABOUT THOMAS ALLEN:  Thomas Allen is a Managing Director and has headed US Gaming, Lodging & Leisure research since 2013. He is a top 3 ranked analyst and has also received 4 or 5 out of 5 stars from Starmine for stock-picking in 3 of the past 4 years. He covered Gaming & Lodging from 2006 to 2009 as part of Celeste Brown's No. 2- ranked team. Thomas then covered Diversified Financials before becoming a lead analyst covering Business Services companies. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2006, he worked in capital markets at Bank of America. Thomas has a BA in Economics from University of Pennsylvania. _____   This episode of the iGaming NEXT podcast is hosted by Pierre Lindh, MD/Co-Founder at iGaming NEXT and is brought to you by:   Pragmatic Solutions. – Leading iGaming platform technology. For more info, click here: http://pragmatic.solutions  Sponsored by:  Pragmatic Play - https://www.pragmaticplay.com   Fast Track: https://www.fasttrack-solutions.com