The Gambling Files

First up, we're joined by stand-in interim temporary agency co-host Melanie Ellis of Northridge Law fame, and we talk a bit about things in the UK. Mel luckily brings her brand of common sense to the table, which is definitely an area Jon is lacking [0:00 – 29:24]. We get into the social impact of tax hikes for the UK industry, among many other things – including the revelation that Melanie is no longer baking pastries. I KNOW RIGHT.Then we're joined by the genuinely excellent Huw Thomas of Recovery in Gaming. Jon revels in the chance to speak to a fellow addict and they get into what a good support network means for people, and how Huw's growing organisation can support people in the industry at events, conferences and the like. Huw also points out that with a bit of funding, they can help a lot more people… Huw is, as ever, candid and frank in conversation [29:25 – 1:13:47]. It's all well worth a listen.Huw Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huwowenthomas/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are truly the Mad Max: Fury Road, to our Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. In no particular order they are:  the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. If I had to fight to the death in a weird, muddy amphitheatre in a dystopian future, I’d want these guys with me.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that are like the sacred gasoline – of DATA!!! Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. Yeah, the show where there is that guy shooting all fire out the end of his guitar which he’s playing on the roof of a truck. We love you guys infinity plus one. The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn:

It’s an epic episode this week, with one extra-long intro and a really special main guest. Oooh, maybe we could call it an epicsode! The brilliant Scott Longley steps in for Fintan in the intro, and it developed into quite a long chat about the state of things in the UK at the moment. We got right into the implications of taxation, the rise of the black market, and the historical context of gambling regulation. We delve into the importance of betting shops to local communities and the relationship between the racing industry and betting operators, then the challenges faced by regulators and the potential consequences of government actions on the gambling landscape. We go far and wide in this one [0:00 – 49:39]. Then we meet our special guest, the first of our author guests with a book submitted for the inaugural Gambling Book Awards. Meet Alex O’Brien, science writer and passionate poker player. Alex’s book The Truth Detective: Lessons from Poker on Risk, Reward and Imperfect Information is available from all good bookshops right now and it’s well worth a read.In this episode, Alex discusses the importance of critical thinking, the overlap between science writing and poker, and the role of women in the poker industry. Alex shares insights on parenting, teaching children critical thinking through poker, and the evolution of women's poker tournaments. The conversation also touches on misinformation, perfectionism, and the future of poker and parenting [49:40 – 1:38:32].Choice quotes:“Hey, it’s Enrico Palazzo!”"Practice makes progress, not perfect.""Poker is a game of understanding others."Alex O’Brien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-o-brien-8876686/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are truly the Mad Max: Fury Road, to our Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. In no particular order they are:  the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. If I had to fight to the death in a weird, muddy amphitheatre in a dystopian future, I’d want these guys with me.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that are like the sacred gasoline – of DATA!!! Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. Yeah, the show where there is that guy shooting all fire out the end of his guitar which he’s playing on the roof of a truck. We love you guys infinity plus one.  The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify:

First up, Fintan and Jon reveal their new thing, the Gambling Industry Journalist of the Year award that will also make its debut at ICE, and this bad boy comes with a stonking cash prize of £4000 for the winner [0:00 – 26:45]. Yeah, I know right? Jon’s a shoo-in. Or deserves a shoeing, one or the other.Then the chaps are joined by Howard Stutz, senior reporter (and utter legend) from The Nevada Independent, to discuss the current state of Las Vegas, including the controversial narrative that 'Vegas is dead.' With an 8% drop in visitation in July, international numbers crashing, and people generally having a good old moan about the cost of things, they explore room rates, visitor trends, the impact of resort fees, and the entertainment landscape, including the Sphere. The conversation also touches on international visitor trends, the future of conventions and sports events, and the dynamics between local casinos and the Strip. Finally, they discuss the A's move to Las Vegas and the implications for the city's future [26:46 – 1:19:37].Howard Stutz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-stutz-b3b0219/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are truly the Godfather II, to our Godfather III. In no particular order they are:  the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the horse’s head, and EveryMatrix will make you an offer you won’t want to refuse. Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people to abandoned level crossings for an ambush – of DATA!!! Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys infinity plus one. The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn:

It’s another BIG NEWS episode!!!! We kick off the latest episode with Fintan and Jon discussing all manner of waffle, including the upcoming Gambling Book Awards, sponsorship opportunities at ICE, and the importance of celebrating journalistic excellence in the gambling industry. Additionally, we also announce a new podcast focused on addiction, exploring various aspects of the topic beyond just gambling addiction. It’s called Addiction: An Hour With Auer, is co-hosted by Dr Michael Auer, and will be appearing very soon [0:00 – 25:22].Then guest Ady Totah joins us to discuss what’s going on in the world of live dealers in iGaming, and the dichotomy we are seeing with some land-based gambling veering away from live dealers. We explore the implications of AI in various sectors (including medicine) and discuss the potential impact on employment and the future of capitalism. The conversation also delves into the importance of human interaction in gambling, the challenges of game aggregation, and the need for personalization in online gambling experiences. Ady shares insights on how Lucky Streak is adapting to these changes and the opportunities that lie ahead [25:23 – 1:12:14].Choice quotes:"Sponsorships are available.""We're launching a new podcast.""AI is the cryptocurrency of 2025.""We are in a race to the bottom.""Live dealer allows you to feel not-alone."Ady Totah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ady-t-7b55983b/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are truly the Godfather II, to our Godfather III. In no particular order they are:  the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the horse’s head, and EveryMatrix will make you an offer you won’t want to refuse.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people to abandoned level crossings for an ambush – of DATA!!! Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys BIGGER THAN THE SKY. The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon...

First up, Jon and Fintan share some exciting news with listeners about how sexy the website just got – check it out at www.thegamblingfiles.com. [0:00 – 11:25]Then we welcome Jeff Laniado, Director of Sales at Optimove, discusses the evolving landscape of the online gaming industry, particularly focusing on sweepstakes casinos. He highlights the importance of player retention, the critical first 48 hours of player engagement, and the role of CRM in enhancing player experiences. We get into the challenges faced by operators in a competitive market and the need for personalized engagement strategies to retain players. Jeff shares insights on the distinct player types within the gaming ecosystem and the significance of understanding these differences for effective marketing strategies. It’s very good, we promise [11:26 – 1:00:38].Sign up for Optimove's awesome egg-related breakfast here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DVoQZSrtVEeKfSSYgnrG7_GV1ngBAmZBpK5N-V9i3ERUOVg4NzhWR1UzQkxGSjdXUllWWEJNQjE0NC4uChoice quotes: "Player attention is fragile.""CRM fundamentals do matter.""I love working at OptiMove." Jeff Laniado on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-laniado-911b6052/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are truly the Breakin’ to our Breakdance 2: Electric Boogaloo.  In no particular order they are:  the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the swan dive, and EveryMatrix is like watching a ballet dancer… Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people sunshine… Well, I say sunshine. I may mean rain, but it’s all weather, am I right? Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free! Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys BIGGER THAN THE SKY.  The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: a...

We kick off in the usual fashion, with some blather from Fintan and Jon, and a little about the GC’s recent report on why people go to offshore operators [0:00 – 17:01].Then Jon has the pleasure of meeting Nasim Binesh, an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, who discusses the transformative impact of AI on the gambling industry, highlighting the ethicalrisks involved. We get into the importance of transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI applications, as well as the need for comprehensive regulations. Binesh shares insights from her research on identifying risks in AI and gambling, the role of AI in early intervention systems for problem gambling, and the broader implications of AI on society and human interaction. The conversation concludes with a focus on the future of AI in gambling and the importance of responsible technology use [17:02 – 1:26:09]. It’s very grown-up. Choice quotes: "Transparency and fairness are crucial.""Human-AI collaboration is essential.""AI can enhance customer experience."Nasim Binesh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasimbinesh/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are truly the Breakin’ to our Breakdance 2: Electric Boogaloo. In no particular order they are:  the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the swan dive, and EveryMatrix is like watching a ballet dancer…Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people sunshine… Well, I say sunshine. I may mean rain, but it’s all weather, am I right? Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free!Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys BIGGER THAN THE SKY. The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: a...

Jon kicks off with another menage-a-un, but… is that Fintan?... No, it’s not, it’s a craptacular ‘impersonation’ [0:00 – 4:39].Then we meet Harry Milas, a magician and sleight of hand artist, who shares his unique journey from game protection to performance art. He discusses his early fascination with magic, the transition from cheating in games to creating a theatrical experience, and the cultural differences in gambling and magic across various regions. The discussion also touches on the evolution of gambling in America, the social dynamics of poker, and the importance of audience engagement in his performances [4:40 – 49:25].Harry’s show can currently be seen in London at Soho Place until October 11th 2025 – if you’re in the area, check it out. You might want to book though, it’s a close-up show and tickets are extremely limited.  Harry Milas Magic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harry-milas-magic/about/ As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are truly the Breakin’ to our Breakdance 2: Electric Boogaloo. In no particular order they are:  the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the swan dive, and EveryMatrix is like watching a ballet dancer…Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people sunshine… Well, I say sunshine. I may mean rain, but it’s all weather, am I right? Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free! Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys BIGGER THAN THE SKY. The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn:

First off, we have Jon trying to pull off an intro on his own, or as he describes it (and I think possibly feminises himself in French, because he says une. That's how that works, isn't it?), a menage a un. But it’s 2025 and we’re embracing all kinds of fluidity here on The Gambling Files, because we love absolutely everyone [0:00 – 4:08].Then we welcome back Jay Sayta, a top gambling and gaming lawyer from India with his keen eye trained on the absolute upheaval of recent weeks. Jay estimates (though not on the recording) that over 200,000 jobs have already been lost in India thanks to the very recent announcements by parliament. Absolute madness. Our conversation explores the rapid legislative changes in India regarding online gaming, highlighting the speed and secrecy of the government's actions, and we discuss the implications for the gaming industry, including the prohibition of online money games, the potential rise of offshore and crypto gambling, and the challenges of enforcing new laws. The taxation on gaming activities is also addressed, raising concerns about the viability of the market. The discussion concludes with reflections on the uncertain future of online gaming in India and ongoing legal challenges.Choice quote: "The law is unconstitutional."Jay Sayta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-sayta-95477529/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. Rhythm may be a dancer, but our sponsors are the funky funky beat. In no particular order they are:  the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is so, so sweet…Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people sunshine… Well, I say sunshine. I may mean rain, but it’s all weather, am I right? Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free!Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys BIGGER THAN THE SKY.  The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: a...

We kick off – see what I did there? – the new episode by greeting the return of our hero, Fintan Costello, to these shores. Some say his return is what inspired Christopher Nolan to make his new epic ‘The Odyssey’ because he’s a fan; I can’t speak for that nice Mr Nolan but let’s just say it’s possible. We discuss the newly-announced Gambling Book Awards (www.gamblingbookawards.com), talk a bit about sponsors, and many other things [0:00 – 13:25].Then we meet guest Sam Zerfoss, VP of Customer Success for the Americas, at Optimove. His appearance is in no way connected to that company’s financial support as our corporate overlords, by the way.Anyway, we talk about the upcoming NFL season and its significance for sportsbooks and operators in the US and elsewhere. We get in to market trends, the evolution of bonuses and promotions, and the importance of personalisation in engaging customers. We explore the role of data in sports betting, the challenges of retaining fickle fans, and the cultural impact of sports and betting in the U.S. The episode concludes with insights into the future of sports betting and upcoming events in the industry [13:26 – 59:10].Choice quotes: "This is the most tingly moment.""It's a big week.""Personalization never hurts."Sam Zerfoss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-zerfoss/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. Rhythm may be a dancer, but our sponsors are the funky funky beat. In no particular order they are:  the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is so, so sweet…Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people sunshine… Well, I say sunshine. I may mean rain, but it’s all weather, am I right? Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free!Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys BIGGER THAN THE SKY. The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn:

This episode, we kick off with a chat between Jon and interim stand-in co-host Melanie Ellis, who claims she is neither a doctor nor a professor. Who knew??? We get into personal experiences with mental health, the implications of blind boxes and loot boxes in retail, and the importance of live dealers in casinos. The conversation also touches on the role of casinos in local communities and the evolving nature of player engagement in the gambling industry [0:00 – 30:50].Then we meet superstar returning guest Richard Marcus, who could also be a professor. It’s hard to say for certain, but he has a certain professorial elegance about him. We discuss the future of table games in casinos, particularly in light of the recent trend towards automation. Richard shares his concerns about the loss of human interaction and the potential negative impact on the casino experience, and we touch on the economic implications of automated games, the role of dealers in player protection, and the broader social consequences of reducing skilled jobs in the industry. Marcus emphasizes the need to preserve traditional table games while adapting to technological advancements [30:51 – 1:37:32].Choice quotes: "It's not a great idea.""Humans are social animals.""Loneliness is a big deal."Richard Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardmarcusgameprotection/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. Rhythm may be a dancer, but our sponsors are the funky funky beat. In no particular order they are:  the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is so, so sweet…Optimove,who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people sunshine… Well, I say sunshine. I may mean rain, but it’s all weather, am I right? Oh, and tell them you came via us an d you get your first month free! Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys BIGGER THAN THE SKY. The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon...

We kick off with a chat between Jon and current interim stand-in host Melanie Ellis [0:00 – 21:08] which takes in lots of things: tax, sponsors, and the glow of a cow to name just a few.Then we meet episode guest Ofer Friedman, Chief Business Development Officer at AU10TIX. We discuss the evolving landscape of identity verification, particularly in the context of gambling and the rise of deepfakes; the challenges posed by organized fraud, the importance of regulatory compliance, and the future of digital identities. The discussion also touches on the need for better user experience in verification processes and the role of technology in combating fraud. And Ofer answers a key question for the industry, authentication and fakes: what if someone has an evil twin? [21:09 – 1:26:40]Choice quotes: "The death of trust.""It's a strategy, not a weapon.""Bovine luminescence."Ofer Friedman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ofriedman/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support.  In no particular order they are:  the mighty OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is so, so sweet… Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people sunshine… Well, I say sunshine. I may mean rain, but it’s all weather, am I right? Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free!Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys BIGGER THAN THE SKY. The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Sponsorship enquiries: a...

First up this week, we have Jon and stand-in interim co-host Melanie Ellis, partner at Northridge Law discussing… well, lots of things, really. You know how it goes [0:00 – 26:03].Then we follow that with returning guest Earle G Hall, CEO at AXES.ai, to discuss the ethical use of AI within the gambling industry. We go elbow-deep into the implications of AI in the industry, particularly focusing on the ethical guidelines proposed by the IGSA. We discuss the importance of data integrity, the role of blockchain, and the challenges of implementing ethical AI practices, the current uses of AI in gambling, the balance between responsible gambling and marketing strategies, and the future of AI regulations. Speaking of AI, it tells me that: “Throughout the discussion, personal anecdotes and humour are interwoven, making for a lively and thought-provoking dialogue.” [26:04 – 1:50:18]Choice quotes: "AI without blockchain is complete chaos.""You cannot code fog." Earle G Hall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/earlehall/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. In no particular order they are:  the mighty OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is so, so sweet…Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people sunshine… Well, I say sunshine. I may mean rain, but it’s all weather, am I right? Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free! Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys BIGGER THAN THE SKY. The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn:

Cross-operator self-exclusion for US players – it's a reality! I KNOW RIGHT.We kick off with some flim-flam or other between Jon and interim host Harry, and also mention our incredible sponsors (see below for links to their wares, and for those not in the know it’s OddsMatrix, Optimove and Clarion Gaming) [0:00 – 19:19].Then we meet IDPair founder Jonathan Aiwazian to talk about cross-operator self-exclusion in the US, and all the obstacles that make things like this quite awkward. The conversation does of course head in many directions, I won’t spoil the surprise here though [19:20 – 1:24:21]. Jonathan Aiwazian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiwazian/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their wonderful, virile support. In no particular order they are:  the mighty OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is sweet.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that take away the pain. Or create it, I forget which. Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free!Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys bigger than the sky, all of you! The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/  Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

HOLAAAAAAA and willkommen! First up there is some stuff and meandering nonsense with longtime host Jon and interim co-host Harry C Lang [0:00 – 20:53], in the midst of which Jon tells you how awesome the sponsors are (OddsMatrix, Optimove and Clarion Gaming – all absolute titans in their respective fields).Then Jon is joined by the excellent Brandie E Black, of Brand E Media fame and the recently-launched ESGiGaming.com. We discuss the evolution of content creation in the gambling industry, the impact of AI on quality, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Brandy shares her journey in the iGaming sector, her sustainability initiatives, and the role of ESG in shaping the future of gambling. The conversation also touches on community impact, accountability in business, and the need for human oversight in AI-generated content.Choice quotes: "AI content creation has led to a decline in quality.""Quality over quantity is essential in content creation."Brandie E Black on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandieeblack/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their support. In no particular order they are:  the mighty OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is sweet.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that take away the pain. Or create it, I forget which. Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free!Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys bigly, all of you! The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Sponsorship enquiries: a...

First, ignore what Jon says. It's definitely episode 218.So we kick off with stand-in (interim?) co-host Harry Lang and here-all-too-often Jon Bruford discussing sports tourism, exercise, crime in Shropshire, and much much more [0:00 – 34.51]. Then they’re joined by the excellent and super-smart Jonathan Michaels, principal and founder of Michaels Strategies, to discuss: watches, Eton vs Harrow, Michael Caine and The Rock being the same kind of actor, the merits of Jason Statham movies, Jon’s awful wetsuit story, moobs and more. Oh, and in an industry sense, we also talk about sweeps casinos, taxes being capped instead of rising forever, gambling losses as a tax issues in the US, and what the industry might be able to do better regarding payments [34:52 – 1:08:54]. Then we have a commercial break and the episode resumes at [1:09:01 – 1:46:54].Jonathan Michaels on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-michaels-77461013/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their support. In no particular order they are:  the mighty OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is sweet.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses work better. Optimove,your support helps us make things that take away the pain. Or create it, I forget which. Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free!Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys, all of you! The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/  Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/  Get our...

Welcome to another information-packed episode of the industry’s number one podcast. Of course, that depends on what metric you’re using but we’re definitely number one by our measurement methods. And we’re not using any bots to boost traffic, so there’s that.We kick off with Fintan and Jon talking smack, getting into watches and their executive status, mental health, status symbols in travel and much more. You know the drill [0:00 – 30:55].Then Jon meets guest Sam Jones, and Fintan will be kicking himself for missing this one. Sam is an entrepreneur and founder of 155.io, a company supplying ‘chaos events’ as gambling opportunities. So this is real-world events like rubber duck races, stair pong, all manner of things with variable outcomes and it’s proper genius. Sam gets into how they arrived at race lengths, worked the courses, all of it, and it’s fascinating. As a growing industry sector, this is going places, and 155.io is going to be right at the front of the charge. Sam shares insights into the future of the gambling industry, the challenges of compliance, and the exciting new game concepts they are developing. The discussion highlights the potential for growth in alternative betting markets and the unique appeal of their offerings.Choice quote: "Simplicity is the key."Sam Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-jones-0a16533/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their support. In no particular order they are:  the mighty OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is sweet.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that take away the pain. Or create it, I forget which. Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free!Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys, all of you! The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn:

There’s an intro, with some waffling, most likely, with Fintan and Jon. But then we get to the meat of the episode…In yet another wildly engaging conversation, gambling industry royalty Ian Sherrington shares his journey in the world of iGaming, detailing his early fascination with gambling, his programming career, and the pivotal moments that led to the establishment of the first online sportsbook. The discussion also explores the unique blend of intelligence and imagination required for innovation in technology and gambling and as ever, much more. Ian Sherrington on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-sherrington/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their support. In no particular order they are:  Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that take away the pain. Or create it, I forget which. Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free!Then of course there is the mighty OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is sweet.Clarion Gaming are last but certainly not least, providers of the magnificent ICE expo and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys, all of you! The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/  Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

In this engaging conversation, Richard Logan, Head of Operations at Clarion Gaming, shares insights into the complexities of managing large-scale events like iGB LIVE! and ICE Barcelona. He discusses the challenges of moving events to new venues, the importance of attendee experience, and the role of technology in event planning. Richard emphasises the need for effective navigation and flow within event spaces, as well as the significance of feedback and continuous improvement. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes and the lighter side of event management [05:04 - 45:50].Choice quotes:"It's all fairly idiot proof." "I'm not a Wi-Fi technician." "You need to remap everything."Richard Logan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-logan-21650686/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their support. In no particular order they are:  Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that take away the pain. Or create it, I forget which. Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free! Then of course there is the mighty OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is sweet.Clarion Gaming are last but certainly not least, providers of the magnificent ICE expo and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys, all of you!The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/  Get our newsletter:

First up, we are graced by the presence of top gambling industry executive Fintan Costello, who somehow successfully guesses the kind of watch Jon wants to buy – seriously, it's a bit freaky – and we talk about time mastery, which is better late than never [0:00 – 13:54].Then Jon is joined by Northridge Law's superstar partner Melanie Ellis, who discusses the current state of UK gambling regulations, including updates on the long-awaited white paper, the challenges surrounding affordability checks, and the implications of credit card bans. The conversation also touches on changes in casino regulations and the overall impact on the gambling industry. Melanie provides insights into the regulatory landscape and the need for clarity in the rules governing operators [13:55 – 1:01:49].Melanie Ellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-ellis/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their support. In no particular order they are:  Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that take away the pain. Or create it, I forget which. Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free!Then of course there is the mighty OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is sweet.Clarion Gaming are last but certainly not least, providers of the magnificent ICE expo and the upcoming iGB Live! in London this July. We love you guys, all of you! The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/   Get our newsletter:

In this episode of the Gambling Files podcast, we kick off with hosts Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello in a lively discussion covering various topics ‘related’ to the gambling industry. They explore personal anecdotes, regulatory challenges, market dynamics, and the importance of accountability within organizations. The conversation also touches on sponsorships, innovations in the market, and much more [0:00 – 37:11].Then they’re joined by none other than the Ginger Prince, iGB’s Kyle Goldsmith who’s here to talk up his epic new report on Brazil’s burgeoning gambling market (you can get free access to the report here). He explains the topsy-turvy nature of this beast, and highlights some of the issues and the progress that has been made in recent months. We talk about new regulations, the impact of advertising restrictions, and the dynamics of the illegal market, plus key findings related to KYC regulations and the public perception of gambling. The discussion also touches on the future of land-based gambling, tax structures, and the evolving preferences of Brazilian gamblers [37:12 – 1:20:55]. Choice quotes:"You're going to start.""What do regulators do all day?""It's the same shit again.""It's a bit of a weird one.""I think the general feeling is ‘happy’.""It's still 43% though. It's still big."Kyle Goldsmith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-goldsmith/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their support. In no particular order they are:  Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that take away the pain. Or create it, I forget which. Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free! Then of course there is the mighty OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is sweet.Clarion Gaming are last but certainly not least, providers of the magnificent ICE expo and the upcoming iGB Live! in London this July. We love you guys, all of you! The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: