🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #263 with Kevin Mullally, CEO, International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) In this episode, Pierre sits down with Kevin to break down the current state of the UAE's iGaming market, the global battle against the black market, the fracture inside the American Gaming Association, and why prediction markets may be gambling's next regulatory crisis. Kevin Mullally built one of the most closely watched new gaming regulators in the world from scratch, in under six months. ...
Apr 23, 2026•57 min•Ep. 263
🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #262 with Savvas Fellas CEO and Founder of MrQ. UK Tax Shock, Black Market Risk & The Future of Operators In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast , Savvas Fellas, CEO of MrQ , breaks down the real impact of the UK’s upcoming gambling tax changes and what they mean for operators, players, and the wider industry. With tax increases expected to reach up to 40% of revenue , this conversation explores how operators are adapting, where margins are being squeezed, and why the nex...
Mar 26, 2026•55 min•Ep. 262
🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #261 with Jesse Learmonth from The Betting Startups. In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast, Jesse Learmonth joins us to discuss the current state of the iGaming startup ecosystem, what investors are actually looking for today, and why building new companies in gaming has become significantly harder. As the founder of Betting Startups, Jesse works closely with early-stage companies and investors across the industry. In this conversation, we explore how the funding environment...
Mar 19, 2026•58 min•Ep. 261
🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #260 with Congresswoman Dina Titus | US Gaming Policy, Prediction Markets & The Fair Bets Act In this episode, Congresswoman Dina Titus — Representative for Nevada’s 1st District (home to Las Vegas) — discusses the growing regulatory battle around prediction markets and sports event contracts in the United States. As co-chair of the Congressional Gaming Caucus, Titus recently introduced the Fair Markets and Sports Integrity Act , a bill designed to prevent prediction mark...
Mar 05, 2026•23 min•Ep. 260
🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #259 with Wojciech Stellmach, CEO of BugsyEmpire. In this episode, Wojciech Stellmach CEO of BugsyEmpiere, explains what’s actually working right now across emerging verticals: from sweepstakes (sweeps 2.0) to prediction markets and why “easy money” is a myth. We unpack the shift from talking about grey markets to “grey products”, why payments + marketing access can create real advantage, and what operators must get right in marketing tech, tracking, and foundations before sp...
Feb 19, 2026•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 259
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #257 with Sargis Poghosyan, CPO at CreedRoomz In this episode, Sargis Poghosyan, CPO at CreedRoomz, joins Pierre Lindh to unpack how one of the industry’s most ambitious live studios is pushing innovation through show games, in-house R&D, and flagship productions like Road to El Dorado. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Meet Sargis Poghosyan from CreedRoomz 00:22 - Sponsors 01:41 - Global studio expansion: Armenia to Brazil 03:58 - Why CreedRoomz is betting big on show games 05...
Dec 29, 2025•37 min•Ep. 258
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #257 with James Curwen, CEO of Yggdrasil. The slot industry is producing more games than ever yet standing out has never been harder. In this episode, James Curwen joins Pierre Lindh to explain why the era of reskinned slots is coming to an end and what will replace it. From rising production costs and algorithm-driven distribution to player fatigue and creative stagnation, James breaks down why the traditional slot development model no longer works. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intr...
Dec 23, 2025•55 min•Ep. 257
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #256 with Phil Pearson, iGaming Consultant. Another year. Another cycle of hype, pressure, pivots, and hard lessons. In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast, Phil Pearson joins Pierre Lindh to unpack what really happened across iGaming in the past 12 months beyond the headlines. Together, they explore the widening gap between innovation headlines and real progress, the pressure leaders are facing behind the scenes, the growing importance of focus over scale, and why many compan...
Dec 18, 2025•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 256
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #255 with Valentina Diaco, Founder at Profit Matches. AI has officially moved beyond hype. In 2025, it’s reshaping iGaming in real, tangible ways — from CRM and engagement to compliance, marketing, content creation, safe gambling, and game development. In this episode, Valentina Diaco , one of the industry's most respected marketing and AI strategists, breaks down 10 AI companies that are already transforming iGaming today. ⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:23 - Sponsors message 02...
Dec 12, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 255
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #254 with Emilie Jirsch, CMO at Dabble. Dabble has become one of the fastest-growing betting brands on the planet — not by outspending competitors, but by out-innovating them with community, culture, and entertainment-first marketing. In this episode, Emilie Jirsch , CMO at Dabble , reveals how the purple brand went from a small NSW startup to 1 million+ active customers , explosive US growth, and global expansion across Australia, the US, and the UK. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Int...
Dec 04, 2025•42 min•Ep. 254
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #253 with Tom Wood, CEO of RAW iGamingRAW iGaming calls itself “the pink shark in a sea of sameness.” In this episode, CEO Tom Wood joins Pierre Lindh to break down the realities of innovating in an industry releasing 18 new slot games per day and why true originality is harder (and riskier) than it looks. If you want to understand the future of game development in iGaming, this one is essential. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:29 - Sponsors Message 01:49 - Welcome Tom Wood, CE...
Nov 27, 2025•49 min•Ep. 253
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #252 with Tim Heath, CEO and Founder at Yolo Group. Yolo Group has made one of the boldest moves in iGaming history — exiting grey markets entirely to pursue a regulated future. In this episode, Tim Heath joins Pierre Lindh to reveal the inside story behind Yolo’s transformation: why the company walked away from massive revenue, what the new UAE gaming license means, and how Yolo plans to bridge the gap between crypto, regulation, and entertainment. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro...
Oct 30, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 252
NEXT.io News Editor Conor Mulheir is joined by Head of Investigative Content Zak Thomas-Akoo and Regulus Partners’ Paul Leyland, for a blow-by-blow account of how public markets and the wider iGaming industry reacted to the explosive news that Playtech was behind an attempted takedown of Evolution. On 21 October, it was finally revealed that the entity behind a short seller report, produced by investigative firm Black Cube in an attempt to take down Evolution, was industry competitor Playtech. A...
Oct 22, 2025•39 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #251 with Leah Natuel, Head of Studio at Relax Gaming Leah Neutel leads one of iGaming’s most creative teams at Relax Gaming, where innovation, empathy, and accountability come together to push the boundaries of modern game development. In this episode, Leah joins Pierre Lindh to explore what true leadership looks like in creative industries — from building trust and psychological safety to turning failure into fuel for success. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:32 - Sponsors mes...
Oct 16, 2025•47 min•Ep. 248
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #250 with Vid Daolio, CEO at Tokacity Tokacity is reimagining online casinos by creating immersive, social gaming environments that merge gambling with modern gaming culture and younger generation of players. Using Unreal Engine and Pixel Streaming technology , they provide a seamless, no-download virtual world accessible across devices. Their mission is to engage digital natives who value community, self-expression, and fun by turning the casino into a social, customizable, a...
Oct 09, 2025•52 min•Ep. 250
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #249 with Jake Dovey, CEO and Founder of PayModum What’s the cost of not accepting something or the cost of not doing it right? From unpacking the true cost of “cheap” payment methods to exploring PIX in Brazil, open banking in Europe, and the rise of biometric KYC, Jake explains why the path of least resistance always wins. Jake Dovey is raising money for Chordoma UK, join us in supporting the cause at this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jake-dovey-1?utm_medium=FR&...
Oct 02, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 246
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #2 46 with Ryan Angerami, Head of App Development at Reddit Ryan Angerami, Reddit's Senior Director of App Development, discusses the evolution and future of Reddit. The episode highlights Reddit's commitment to authenticity and community trust as key differentiators in a landscape increasingly dominated by algorithm-driven content and the challenges and opportunities this presents for brands seeking to engage with its users. ⏰ Timestamps : 00:00 - Intro00:42 - Sponsors messag...
Sep 25, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 246
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #248 with Evert Einroos, Managing Director of Yolo Investments. Evert joins us to break down how Yolo Investments scaled from a scrappy operator-led VC to a professional fund with external LPs and over 150 portfolio companies. He explains why warm intros still matter, how to structure a successful fund, and why passion-led founders shine in gaming. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:31 - Sponsors 01:50 - Welcoming Evert Einroos 03:00 - Origin story: How Yolo Investments started 05...
Sep 18, 2025•43 min•Ep. 249
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #24 7 with Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO. Magnus, shares how Play N'Go is shaping the future of iGaming through regulation, innovation, and responsible entertainment. From navigating U.S. expansion and entering the land-based casino sector, to rethinking business models and partnering with Formula 1’s Haas team. Magnus explains why sustainability and responsibility are at the core of Play’n GO’s strategy. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - Sponsors 01:2...
Sep 11, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 247
This episode of Vested Interest delves into the burgeoning prediction markets space, examining its intersection with finance, gambling, and information economics, and how traditional real money gaming operators are entering this arena. Pierre, Benjie and Lloyd analyze the potential for prediction markets to reshape betting and decision-making, while also considering regulatory challenges and the competitive landscape. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:43 - Sponsors 03:00 - The rise of prediction ma...
Aug 28, 2025•36 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #2 45 with Brian Christopher Slots, Casino Gaming Content Creator and Founder & CEO at VC Venture. Brian Christopher, a prominent gambling streamer, discusses his journey from uploading casual casino videos to building a multifaceted brand with a strong community focus. He emphasizes authenticity, transparency, and responsible gambling as key elements of his success and future plans. ⏰ Timestamps : 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - Sponsors 01:47 - Welcoming Brian Christopher 03:32 - ...
Aug 21, 2025•38 min•Ep. 243
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #2 44 with Jesper Kärrbrink, CEO, Immense Group and Pontus Lindwall, CEO, Betsson LIVE at NEXT Summit Valletta 2025. In 2022, they shared the stage for the first time at iGaming NEXT Valletta. Now, we’re bringing them back for round two. This power-packed session reunites these industry stalwarts for a straight-talking, no-nonsense discussion on the biggest forces shaping iGaming today. From M&A shake-ups and industry consolidation to shifting regulations, they’ll break do...
Aug 14, 2025•41 min•Ep. 244
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #2 43, Magnus Carlssen, World Chess Champion LIVE at NEXT Summit Valletta 2025. Live from NEXT Summit Valletta 2025, Pierre Lindh sits down with Magnus Carlsen for an unfiltered conversation about obsession, mastery, and staying on top. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Mastery, mindset & loving the game 00:43 - Sponsors 01:47 - Welcoming Magnus Carlsen live on stage 03:20 - What it takes to be the best out of 600 million players 05:55 - Talent vs. training: where real chess ma...
Aug 05, 2025•21 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #2 42, Mathias Larsson, Commercial Director in Europe at Awager. Live slot machines are here: how Awager is changing online casino? Is this the next big leap in real-money gaming? In this episode, Pierre interviews Mathias Larsson, Commercial Director at Awager, the company turning physical slot machines into live-streamed online games. It's not just innovation it could be the future of online slots, live casino, and omni-channel iGaming. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:43 - Sp...
Jul 30, 2025•43 min•Ep. 242
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #241, Johan Strand, CEO of Zimpler. Johan Strand, CEO of Zimpler, discusses the company's journey from startup to a leading payment provider in the Nordics, emphasizing the importance of focusing on a specific niche and building strong relationships with customers. He also shares insights on leveraging AI and adapting to the evolving payments landscape, particularly within regulated industries like iGaming. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:43 - Sponsors 02:03 - Welcoming Johan S...
Jul 23, 2025•45 min•Ep. 241
🎙NEXT.io Podcast #23 of Vested Interest with Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig and Benjie Cherniak. In this episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of collectibles and mystery boxes, drawing parallels to gambling mechanics. They explore the regulatory challenges these new products face, the recent shifts in the venture capital landscape, and the current headwinds for North American operators in the gaming industry. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:43 - Sponsor Messages 02:02 - Welcoming Lloyd ...
Jul 18, 2025•45 min
In this episode of NEXT In-Depth, host Conor Mulheir explores the growing trend of reselling bets on secondary markets in the US. Guest speaker Travis Geiger, the co-founder and CXO of betting and fantasy sports marketplace WagerWire, explores the emergence of this novel vertical and the driving forces behind why US bettors choose to participate in it. From cultural attitudes towards sports betting to the kinds of bets which attract the most attention for resale, the pair explore the developing ...
Jul 17, 2025•39 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #240, Kasra Ghaharian & Simo Dragicevic Kasra Ghaharian, IGI Director of Research, and Simo Dragicevic , research at AiR Hub, discuss AI in the gaming industry, highlighting the need for trust and benchmarking. They introduce Air Hub, a research hub focused on AI ethics and governance in gaming. Key projects include a state of AI in gaming report, consumer protection measures, and developing benchmarks for AI algorithms, particularly in responsible gambling. ⏰ Timestamps: ...
Jul 17, 2025•52 min•Ep. 240
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #239, Denys Parkhomenko, CPO at GR8 Tech More features don’t always mean more value. In this NEXT.io Podcast episode, Pierre Lindh sits down with Denys Parkhomenko, Chief Product Officer at GR8 Tech, to unpack why "less but better" is becoming the winning mindset for the next generation of iGaming platforms. With a legacy in B2C and deep experience scaling complex sportsbook products, Denys shares a clear-eyed view on what operators really need from their platforms and what th...
Jul 10, 2025•31 min•Ep. 239
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #23 8 Denis Romanovskiy, Deputy CTO at SOFTSWISS In this episode, Pierre Lindh is joined by Denis Romanovskiy , Deputy CTO at SOFTSWISS , to unpack the findings from their latest 50-page report and dive deep into the technical, financial, and strategic factors new operators need to consider before launching their brand. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:00 - Why SOFTSWISS released a build vs buy report 04:30 - Key findings: who should build, who should buy 07:27 - Biggest mistake...
Jul 03, 2025•39 min•Ep. 238
