15 Minute Mastery

The gaming industry has long focused on short-term promotions and quick wins, but what if the real key to retention lies in wellness apps? In this episode of 15M Mastery, product executive advisor Serhiy Berezhnyy (ex-CPO at Parimatch) explains how iGaming companies can borrow principles from wellness and fitness apps to improve user engagement, retention, and responsible play.Serhiy highlights how goal setting, progression, and emotional connection create stickier experiences in wellness apps like Duolingo, and why poker retains players better than traditional casino games. He argues that iGaming is in danger of becoming commoditised, just like smartphones, and that differentiation will only come from brand storytelling and emotional resonance with players.This conversation explores how iGaming operators can build stronger brand narratives, transform emotional triggers into conscious rituals, and create healthier, more sustainable user experiences. It is a call for the industry to rethink retention, loyalty, and long-term value.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why iGaming struggles with long-term retention compared to wellness appsHow goal setting and progression drive stronger user engagementWhy poker achieves better retention than casino gamesThe risk of commoditisation in iGaming and how to differentiateHow emotional storytelling builds loyalty and sustainable growthPractical lessons iGaming can take from wellness and entertainment apps

Strong communities drive retention and long-term growth in sports betting. Reid Rooney, CEO and Co-founder of Betsperts Media & Technology Group, reveals why small, loyal audiences outperform massive but disengaged ones. With retention rates as high as 85%, Betsperts shows the power of authentic communication, creator-driven engagement, and community-first business models.In this episode, Reid explains how creators, not brands, keep users loyal, why transparency and authenticity are non-negotiable in today’s media landscape, and how diversification through subscriptions, direct ads, and fantasy games creates sustainable revenue. He also shares strategies for keeping communities relevant, even as user behaviour shifts and AI transforms content consumption.If you’re building a sports betting brand, media company, or community-driven platform, this conversation is packed with actionable lessons on trust, retention, and growth.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why small, loyal communities often outperform large audiences in sports bettingHow creators drive audience retention more effectively than brandsThe importance of authenticity and transparency in community communicationStrategies for diversifying revenue through subscriptions, ads, and fantasy gamesHow to keep community-led products relevant and engaging over time

What separates product teams that just deliver tasks from those that drive real business growth?In this episode of 15M Mastery, product executive advisor and former CPO at Parimatch, Serhiy Berezhnyy, breaks down the ownership crisis facing product teams and shares how to transform distributed organisations into high-performance engines of growth. From cultural differences in product management between the US and Europe, to the hidden challenges of managing remote teams across time zones, Serhiy reveals why communication discipline, sharper KPIs and hands-on leadership are the keys to scaling fast without losing focus. He explains how to foster a culture of testing that actually delivers results rather than endless backlogs, and why true fast growth depends on leadership focus and strategic clarity, not just moving quickly.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why many product teams suffer from an ownership crisisThe cultural differences between US and European product managementHow to manage distributed teams across time zones effectivelyThe right way to set KPIs that drive outcomes, not just activityHow to build a culture of testing and learning without falling into the “cargo cult” trapThe critical differences between moving fast and growing fast

Acquisitions can supercharge growth in fragmented digital markets, but they often fail when culture, timing and community loyalty are overlooked. Reid Rooney, CEO and co-founder of Betsperts Media & Technology Group, shares the hard lessons from building and scaling a portfolio of digital brands across betting, fantasy and sports media.In this episode, Reid explains how to spot an acquisition worth pursuing, why cultural fit is as important as profitability, and how to retain community loyalty while scaling. He also highlights common mistakes companies make when rushing acquisitions, from overestimating immediate profitability to underestimating the power of localisation. This conversation is packed with practical insights for gaming executives, media entrepreneurs and investors looking to build sustainable value.You’ll hear why profitability often matters more than revenue, why transparency with users prevents backlash, and how localisation strategies can make or break international roll-outs. Whether you are considering your first acquisition or refining your portfolio strategy, this episode gives you a clear playbook for growth that lasts.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to evaluate acquisitions beyond just revenueWhy cultural fit and community loyalty determine long-term successThe most common mistakes in digital media acquisitionsStrategies to keep momentum post-acquisitionHow localisation and local knowledge prevent costly failures

Most iGaming companies want to innovate but get stuck in service delivery mode. Shifting to a product-led model is not about adding more features, it is about changing mindset, culture and leadership focus.In this episode of 15M Mastery, Serhiy Berezhnyy, product executive advisor and former CPO at Parimatch, to explore why so many iGaming firms struggle to transition from service-driven execution to product-led growth. Serhiy explains why leadership decisions are the catalyst for this change, how companies can create a culture of experimentation, and why ownership and problem-solving matter more than strict timelines.Using a weight-loss analogy, Serhiy highlights the need for companies to adopt new habits, bring in fresh expertise, and accept that mistakes are part of growth. He stresses that product-led thinking is actually more structured and disciplined than service delivery because it focuses on outcomes, values, and continuous improvement rather than ticking off tasks.If you are a gaming leader or operator facing the challenge of scaling beyond project delivery into true product innovation, this episode gives you a framework to rethink leadership, culture and processes.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why iGaming companies fail when shifting from service to product-led modelsThe leadership mindset shift needed to build product-driven growthHow to foster ownership, experimentation and a culture of initiativeThe balance between fixed timelines and problem-based experimentationWhy product-led thinking is more disciplined and structured than service delivery

Launching in newly regulated iGaming markets like Brazil is full of challenges. From shifting regulations to scaling sportsbook traffic, technical compliance can make or break success.In this episode of 15M Mastery, we sit down with Michael Jack, CTO of Sportingtech, to explore the real-world technical challenges of expanding into fast-moving regulated markets. Michael explains how his team navigated Brazil’s aggressive timelines and last-minute regulatory changes, while ensuring platform stability and scalability for some of the largest operators in the region.He breaks down why scaling sportsbooks is far more complex than casinos, and why maintaining a single codebase with configurable functionality is critical for meeting both global standards and local market requirements. Michael also shares insights into catering for varying device capabilities and bandwidth constraints, using content delivery networks (CDNs) and low-bandwidth solutions to optimise performance in emerging markets.The conversation also highlights the vital role of compliance and security. Michael discusses the importance of ISO 27001 certification, the internal responsibilities operators often overlook, and how robust security practices protect both player data and operator trust.Whether you are an operator eyeing Brazil, an iGaming professional working in compliance, or a tech leader building scalable platforms, this episode delivers practical strategies for balancing global ambition with local execution.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to manage technical compliance in newly regulated markets like BrazilWhy scaling sportsbooks presents unique challenges compared to casinosThe importance of a single codebase with configurable functionality for global and local needsHow to optimise platforms for varying device capabilities and bandwidth conditionsThe value of ISO 27001 certification for operators and players alike

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the iGaming industry, but not every solution adds real value. In this episode of 15M Mastery, Tom Ustunel, CEO of Sportingtech, explores the opportunities and pitfalls of using AI in gaming platforms. He explains how AI can drive personalisation, improve marketing strategies, and streamline processes—but also why operators must avoid over-investing in tools that don’t deliver tangible returns.Tom highlights the future potential of AI to transform customer service, player interfaces and real-time personalisation by analysing user behaviour alongside external data sources. At the same time, he stresses the importance of keeping user experiences simple, authentic and grounded in human connection. The platforms that thrive will be those that deploy AI where it adds the most value, while staying agile and culturally relevant in rapidly changing markets.Whether you’re an operator, product manager, or technologist, this conversation breaks down what AI means for retention, monetisation and long-term strategy in iGaming.What you’ll learn in this episode:How Sportingtech evaluates where AI delivers real value in iGamingWhy AI-driven personalisation will reshape user experiences and marketing strategiesThe risks of over-complicating customer interfaces with AIHow to balance automation with authenticity and human touchWhat the next 5–10 years of AI adoption could look like for operators

How do you prepare iGaming platforms for the traffic spikes of major sports events without sacrificing stability or innovation? In this episode of 15M Mastery, Michael Jack, CTO of Sportingtech, breaks down the strategies that keep systems reliable under pressure while scaling globally.Michael explains why careful planning, performance testing, and infrastructure scaling are crucial for handling tens of thousands of simultaneous players. He also shares a pragmatic approach to balancing speed to market, product quality, and cost while keeping innovation alive. From building player safety tools to choosing the right tech partners, Michael highlights the operational discipline required to grow sustainably in competitive iGaming markets.Whether you’re a CTO, product manager, or operator, this episode gives a detailed look at the engineering and leadership choices that separate scalable platforms from fragile ones.What you’ll learn in this episode:How Sportingtech prepares its architecture for massive traffic spikes during global sports eventsWhy pragmatism, not purism, is key to balancing scalability, speed, and costHow to decide between building and buying player safety tools and other tech componentsWhy hybrid work and face-to-face interactions still matter for engineering collaborationHow proactive improvements shape platform growth and promotion decisions inside tech teamsThe due diligence checklist Sportingtech uses when choosing tech partners

Expanding into new iGaming markets is never straightforward. Regulations shift overnight, cultural differences change how deals are done, and product preferences vary by region. In this episode of 15M Mastery, Tom Ustunel, CEO of Sportingtech, shares practical strategies for scaling successfully in LATAM, Africa and beyond.Tom explains why adaptability is the most important skill for operators entering regulated markets, from adjusting KYC and payments on the fly to tailoring products like crash games and quick-play formats for emerging regions. Drawing on his experience in Spain, Italy, the US and Brazil, he reveals why no one-size-fits-all playbook exists for market entry and why local partnerships and cultural understanding are critical for long-term success.You’ll also hear how Sportingtech prepared for Brazil’s regulation years in advance, why political volatility is a hidden risk in emerging markets, and how cultural nuances like WhatsApp contracts in LATAM, can make or break operator relationships.If you’re an operator, supplier or investor looking to expand into new territories, this conversation offers clear, hard-earned lessons on compliance, localisation, and growth strategy.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why adaptability is the single biggest factor in iGaming market entryHow Sportingtech prepared early for Brazil’s regulationThe role of cultural differences in LATAM and Africa market successWhy crash games and quick-play formats dominate emerging marketsHow to build strong operator partnerships and navigate regulatorsThe hidden political risks of entering new jurisdictions

In this episode of 15M Mastery, we sit down with Dmitry Koldysheu, Head of Customer Success at Blask, to unpack the real difference between customer success and customer support—and why understanding this shift is crucial for SaaS, iGaming, and B2B companies aiming to grow sustainably.Customer success has moved from being a buzzword to a core business strategy. Unlike reactive support, customer success focuses on proactive engagement, onboarding, retention, and feedback loops that turn users into long-term advocates. Dmitry explains how to design onboarding that creates an “aha moment”, monitor churn risks before they hit, and scale personalised experiences while maintaining automation.If you’re looking to reduce churn, scale engagement, and measure customer outcomes more effectively, this episode offers a data-driven roadmap you can put into practice today.What you’ll learn in this episode:The clear difference between customer success and customer support, and when to use eachHow to design onboarding that delivers an “aha moment” in the first session and accelerates time to valuePractical ways to track customer health using behaviour signals such as login frequency, feature adoption and sentimentHow to combine product data with human check‑ins to spot emotional churn before it

Scaling a sportsbook platform is not about hiring more people. It’s about building resilient infrastructure, optimising microservices, and making disciplined choices that drive retention, margin, and scalability.In this episode of 15M Mastery, Dmytro Matiukha, CEO of Betinvest Ltd., reveals how to scale technology and teams without sacrificing performance. He explains why microservices, behavioural segmentation, and cultural localisation are key to growth, and why innovation must always pass brutal stress tests before launch.From filtering out hype-driven tech trends to treating content rollout like a supply chain, this episode delivers hard truths for iGaming operators and sports betting professionals. If you want to understand how leading sportsbook tech providers stay competitive in a global market, this is a must-watch.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why scaling value output beats scaling headcountThe “standard with flavour” model for balancing custom features with core productsHow localisation goes beyond translation to cultural immersionA strict framework for adopting new tech trends in iGamingHow to stress-test innovation without compromising uptimeWhy content rollout should be managed like a supply chain

Customer support solves problems. Customer success prevents them. In this episode, discover how shifting from reactive fixes to proactive engagement can transform clients into long-term advocates.In this episode of 15M Mastery, Dmitry Koldysheu, Head of Customer Success at Blask, explains why customer success is a growth-critical function in today’s subscription economy. He breaks down how customer success goes beyond ticket resolution to anticipate client needs, embed products into workflows, and deliver measurable results. Drawing on years of experience across eCommerce, SaaS, and iGaming, Dmitry shares proven strategies for analysing user behaviour, building feedback loops, and integrating insights into product development. You’ll hear a real-world example of how a single training session led to a major client acquisition — and why turning customers into advocates is the ultimate win-win for retention and revenue.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The core differences between customer support and customer success — and why the latter is proactive by designHow the subscription economy has made client retention a top priority for SaaS and B2B companiesMethods for building meaningful feedback loops that shape product developmentWhy integrating customer success into business strategy boosts adoption and advocacyA client case study showing how feature training led to a high-value partnership

Sportsbook content is not decoration — it’s the engine that drives engagement, retention, and revenue.In this episode of 15M Mastery, Dmytro Matiukha, CEO of Betinvest Ltd., reveals the hard truths behind building and operating a world-class sportsbook content operation. He breaks down why content without embedded analytics, monetisation logic, fast trading, and retention hooks is nothing but dead weight — and why treating it as a standalone business vertical is essential for success.With over 20 years of global experience, Dmytro shares the economics of building full-stack content from scratch, the non-negotiables for in-house development, and how to engineer player experiences that maximise engagement in today’s attention-fragmented digital landscape. He explains why modular platform architecture is the key to scaling while delivering bespoke solutions, and how transparency and data-driven problem-solving strengthen partnerships with operators.Whether you’re a sportsbook operator, iGaming tech provider, or industry strategist, this episode delivers rare insights into the infrastructure, strategy, and mindset needed to compete and win in a saturated, fast-moving market.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why sportsbook content is a high-investment, high-reward business verticalThe economics and risks of building full-stack content infrastructureWhich components must be developed in-house to protect margins and user experienceHow to design and adapt content for today’s attention-driven betting behaviourThe role of modular architecture in delivering scale and personalisationHow transparency and data shape better operator–supplier partnerships

Learn how to build an authentic personal brand with the power of AI. In this episode of 15M Mastery, Daria Kushnir—CEO of Megafair Games and personal brand advisor—shares a practical framework for using AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to create human, compelling, and consistent content that cuts through the noise.Daria breaks down how she structures her personal brand book in Notion, generates content with AI twins, and uses tools like Captions Pro, Humanizer, and Mind Vision to stay true to her voice. She explains why your brand book should reflect your values, skills, and interests—not just your professional achievements—and how to build a system that blends insight, automation, and authenticity without sounding like AI spam.Whether you're a gaming exec, startup founder, or marketing leader building a personal brand, Daria’s approach offers a blueprint for producing meaningful, search-optimised content while maintaining your humanity.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why your brand book is the foundation of authentic contentHow to use ChatGPT to generate posts based on real insights, not fluffWhat tools to use for videos, captions, mind mapping and humanisationWhy manual proofreading still matters in a world of automationHow to research content topics without sounding shallow or genericWhich five AI tools Daria recommends for personal brand building

Volodymyr Sakharov built TrafficSquad to thrive in volatility. His secret? Calm in crisis, 30% capital cushion, and smart infrastructure.In this episode of 15M Mastery, we sit down with Volodymyr Sakharov, co-founder of TrafficSquad, to unpack how elite iGaming affiliates stay ahead of chaos. With platform bans, regulation shocks, and wild market swings becoming the norm, Volodymyr shares a hard-earned playbook for staying profitable and sane. He outlines a resilient growth model powered by in-house tools, media buyer onboarding, and capital planning that covers six months of zero income.Volodymyr explains why SEO maturity, Facebook test campaigns, and predictive metrics are critical for market entry, and how to treat infrastructure not just as a cost but a competitive edge. Whether you’re leading a performance team or just trying to survive the latest Google update, this episode delivers practical, tested insights from someone still in the trenches.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to evaluate risky markets using regulation trends, keyword density, and paid search viabilityWhy a 30%+ turnover buffer is essential for business continuityThe best way to keep your team focused and calm during unpredictable platform bansHow in-house infrastructure can immediately boost profitability and scaleWhy modern media buyers need more social connection and smoother onboardingWhat separates sustainable affiliate businesses from those that collapse in downturns

What’s the difference between a forgettable leader and one who shapes the culture of a company? A clear, consistent personal brand. In this episode of 15M Mastery, we’re joined by Daria Kushnir, Chief Operating Officer at Megafair Games, to explore how personal branding can drive influence, leadership, and trust inside the gaming industry.Daria walks us through the power of building a personal brand book—a practical, internal tool that clarifies your values, tone, and unique positioning as an executive. From discovering your “golden shadow” to integrating personal storytelling into company comms, Daria shares battle-tested frameworks for becoming a more visible, more authentic leader.We also discuss how personal brands can align with corporate strategy, how to update your narrative as your career evolves, and how to protect your authenticity in a regulated, high-pressure environment. Whether you're a founder, CMO, or rising exec in iGaming, this episode gives you the tools to lead with purpose and clarity.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why personal brand books matter for modern executivesHow to build a brand that’s both authentic and strategicThe “golden shadow” and “ikigai” exercises for self-discoveryHow to integrate your personal brand into company communicationsBalancing personal authenticity with regulatory restrictionsSigns it’s time to evolve or rewrite your brand book

What if the secret to scaling fast wasn’t just headcount or capital… but culture?In this episode of 15M Mastery, we sit down with Volodymyr Sakharov, co-founder of TrafficSquad, to break down how culture, strategy, and R&D alignment power sustainable hypergrowth in the iGaming industry. With a people-first mindset and deep experience leading affiliate teams, Volodymyr shares the internal frameworks behind TrafficSquad’s rapid rise—without sacrificing innovation, morale, or decision-making speed.We explore why humour, fairness, and responsibility are more than just company values—they're operational tools. Volodymyr also shares how the Gazelle Methodology by Verne Harnish helps their team balance long-term goals with short-term action, and how even simple HR metrics like NPS scores and attrition trends can flag cultural decline before it hits revenue.From compensation models for media buyers to high-trust feedback loops in remote teams, this is a tactical masterclass for any founder, team lead, or HR exec scaling fast in a volatile market.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The 3 core values TrafficSquad uses to build culture and resilienceWhy 70% of your R&D should be focused on innovation, not reverse engineeringHow to apply the Gazelle one-page strategy to keep teams aligned and agileThe HR metrics that reveal declining morale before it costs you your best talentHow to design a compensation model that motivates top media buyers without blowing your marginsSimple quarterly survey questions that deliver actionable employee feedbackHow to maintain startup speed in fast-scaling iGaming companies

The world’s most valuable players don’t respond to generic VIP programmes. They expect tailored experiences and trusted relationships.In this episode of 15M Mastery, host Dmitry Belianin speaks with Kevin McGowen, CEO of Bombay Club, to break down how top-tier casinos and iGaming brands attract and retain high-value players.Kevin shares actionable strategies for building bespoke VIP programmes, identifying affluent clients through data-driven pre-screening, and maintaining loyalty through non-cash rewards, personalised events and relationship-driven engagement.He also covers how to balance exceptional service with player protection, emotional check-ins and affordability markers, especially when dealing with ultra-high-net-worth players. Whether you run a land-based casino or an online live dealer product, this episode gives you a framework for long-term VIP retention.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to identify high-value players beyond their spendWhy treating every guest as a VIP creates long-term loyaltyHow to build flexible VIP frameworks that still retain operational controlWhat reinvestment ratios top casinos use (30 to 50% of GGR)Why non-cash rewards and bespoke experiences outperform cashbackHow to maintain personal, meaningful contact without being transactionalThe role of regular wellness check-ins in VIP managementHow to balance service excellence with responsible gambling safeguards

Most iGaming brands still frustrate players with outdated sign-up flows, complex KYC checks and clunky password resets. Decentralised identity fixes that.In this episode of 15M Mastery, host Dmitry Belianin speaks with Mitul Manish, Co-Founder and CPO of Open Wallet, to explain how decentralised KYC, passkeys and passwordless logins will transform player onboarding and fraud prevention in online gaming.Mitul shares how decentralised identifiers (DIDs) and verifiable credentials create a seamless player experience while enhancing security. He breaks down how multi-party computation (MPC) and biometric authentication prevent account takeovers and phishing attacks.If you want to reduce sign-up friction, speed up KYC, and offer players faster access without compromising security, this episode explains exactly how to start.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow decentralised identity simplifies onboarding and reduces churnWhy passwordless logins beat traditional passwords for player retentionThe role of DIDs (Decentralised Identifiers) and verifiable credentials in iGamingHow multi-party computation (MPC) prevents wallet takeovers and fraudWhy biometric passkeys are safer and faster than seed phrasesHow selective disclosure protects player privacy while meeting complianceHow embedded wallets reduce onboarding barriers for crypto casinosThe easiest way for operators to run a pilot project with passkeys and decentralised ID

Luxury in gambling isn’t about expensive décor or big bonuses. It’s about consistency, trust and unforgettable service.In this episode of 15M Mastery, host Dmitry Belianin is joined by Kevin McGowen, Chief Executive of Bombay Club, to break down the real principles of luxury gambling. Kevin has spent over 30 years creating high-end gaming experiences that keep the world’s most valuable players coming back.From refining guest flow and improving first impressions to sensory cues, team training and personalised VIP experiences, this episode reveals how to build brand loyalty and player retention by focusing on service and detail—both online and offline.Whether you run a VIP casino lounge or an online live dealer brand, this is essential listening for anyone looking to elevate customer experience.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe #1 principle every luxury gambling brand needs: consistencyWhy the entrance experience is the most critical touchpointHow lighting and scent set the tone for five-star serviceThe importance of brand standards, team role-play and service empowermentHow to capture VIP preferences without being intrusiveWhy a live dealer with real-world rapport builds online trustHow to embed luxury habits and routines into staff trainingThe key difference between luxury service and transactional serviceWhy knowing a client’s "don’ts" is more powerful than knowing their "wants"Join the 15M Mastery newsletter: https://newsletter.15m.com/subscribeFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15-minute-masteryOr follow Dmitry directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmitrybelianin/Watch this show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@15-MinuteMasteryWelcome to “15M Mastery,” the ultimate show for iGaming professionals, hosted by industry veteran Dmitry Belianin. With over 17 years of experience, Dmitry brings unparalleled insights and wisdom from top industry experts in just 15 minutes. Each episode delivers actionable strategies from all iGaming verticals to improve your personal and business performance. As the founder of Belianin, Dmitry also shares his expertise in nurturing high-potential iGaming startups. Subscribe to “15M Mastery” for concise, high-value content and stay ahead in the competitive world of iGaming.