This week on a festive edition of NEXT.io Weekly News, Conor Mulheir and Nico Jansen take you on a journey through the biggest stories of the year, month by month. From game-changing mergers to regulatory milestones and emerging markets, we’re wrapping up 2024 with the key moments that defined the iGaming industry. 🎄 Grab a cup of cocoa (or something stronger!) and join us as we celebrate the highlights, surprises, and unforgettable stories of the year. Hang out with Conor Mulheir and Nico Jans...
Dec 20, 2024•56 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #215 with Max Trafimovich, CCO at SOFTSWISS. We're back with the annual episode featuring the SOFTSWISS iGaming Trends Report! Pierre Lindh welcomes Max Trafimovich, CCO of SOFTSWISS, to uncover the most important trends shaping iGaming in 2025. Max Trafimovich shares insights on how regulatory fragmentation is shaping global iGaming, the transformative potential of AI in personalization and security, and how operators can unlock new opportunities through mergers, acquisitions...
Dec 17, 2024•37 min•Ep. 215
🎙NEXT.io Podcast #18 of Vested Interest, with Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig & Benjie Cherniak. In this episode, we dive into Robinhood’s surprising potential entry into the sports betting industry, the rise of federally regulated prediction markets, and how non-gaming giants like Amazon and X (Twitter) could disrupt the iGaming space. We also review the biggest M&A moves of 2024 and uncover the secrets behind successful exits. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and sponsors. 02:21 - Robinh...
Dec 16, 2024•46 min
Join us for a special episode of Weekly News exploring the findings of our new hashtag#SouthAfrica report. Discover the South African hashtag#iGaming landscape, including emerging trends, player preferences, and market forecasts. Check out the South Africa report here 👉 https://next.io/next-igaming-market-in-focus-south-africa-report/ 👤 Special guests Max Tesla from Blask and Sasha Boerma Hang out with Conor Mulheir and Nico Jansen on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3 PM CET acr...
Dec 13, 2024•55 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #213 with Nick Patrick, Co-Founder and CEO of Radar. In this episode, Pierre sits down with Nick Patrick, Co-Founder and CEO of Radar, to dive into the transformative role of geolocation technology in iGaming and beyond. From Radar’s roots at Foursquare to its cutting-edge solutions for fraud detection and compliance, Nick shares the story of how his team is redefining location-based services. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:02 – Sponsors 03:03 – Founding Radar: From Fou...
Dec 12, 2024•38 min•Ep. 213
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #213 with Pierre and Ashley Lang, CEO of Pragmatic Solutions Ashley shares insights on how platform technologies drive innovation, the transformative role of real-time data in player engagement, and how operators can unlock new opportunities by leveraging AI, flexible integrations, and a customer-first approach. From game content curation to building a scalable business in regulated markets, Ashley offers a masterclass in what it takes to thrive in an ever-complex iGaming land...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 213
This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we’re diving into the latest developments in the iGaming world, covering major updates on BC.Game, Cirsa, Rivalry, and Cbet. BC.Game has shut down its UK operations, raising questions about the platform's future in key markets. Meanwhile, Cirsa's parent company, Blackstone, has announced plans for a 2025 IPO, signaling a bold move for the gaming giant. Rivalry’s Q3 2024 financial results are in, showcasing impressive growth amid fierce competition. Finally, Cbet...
Dec 06, 2024•54 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #212 with Tania Johannisson, Founder of Amplific In this episode, we sit down with Tania Johannisson, founder of Amplific and former Director of Risk at Evolution, to explore her journey from building a billion-dollar iGaming powerhouse to launching her own venture. Tania opens up about the challenges of balancing high achievement with well-being, overcoming burnout, and the neuroscience behind resilience. She also shares how her new company helps businesses turn risk and comp...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 212
This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we’re covering major developments in Curaçao’s gambling industry. BC.Game is under fire as its licence may be revoked following bankruptcy and regulatory scrutiny. Meanwhile, allegations of fraud and embezzlement involving key industry figures cast a shadow over the jurisdiction’s efforts to reform its licensing process. With Curaçao’s role as a global licensing hub, these stories could signal big changes ahead for operators worldwide. 🗞 Read the full stories h...
Nov 29, 2024•35 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #211 with Ruzanna Elchyan, Head of Gaming at BetConstruct. Ruzanna Elchyan, Head of Gaming at BetConstruct, joins Pierre Lindh for an engaging conversation about her 12+ years in the iGaming industry, BetConstruct’s innovative projects, and Armenia’s emergence as a global iGaming hub. In this episode, Ruzanna shares insights into the evolution of iGaming, from technological advancements to the rise of feature-rich and branded games. She also discusses BetConstruct’s exciting p...
Nov 28, 2024•23 min•Ep. 211
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #210 with Valeriia Virchenko, Head of Talent Acquisition at Pin-Up Global. We sit down with Valeriia Virchenko, Head of Talent Acquisition at Pin-Up Global, to uncover the secrets behind their phenomenal growth. Valeriia dives into Pin-Up's dynamic culture and innovative hiring strategies, sharing tips for standing out in interviews and building a thriving career in iGaming. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:26 – Sponsor 01:23 – Valeriia’s Background and Transition into Re...
Nov 26, 2024•17 min•Ep. 210
This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we’re breaking down major mergers and acquisitions shaking up the gaming and tech landscape! Bally’s shareholders approve its takeover by Standard General, while Everi Holdings goes private with backing from Apollo Global Management. Meanwhile, Endeavor’s management takes full control of OpenBet and IMG Arena, signaling a strategic realignment, and Aristocrat’s Pixel United offloads Plarium, shifting focus to new opportunities. 🗞 Read the full stories here: - B...
Nov 22, 2024•58 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #206 with Rickard Vikström, Founder and CEO at Internet Vikings Rickard Vikström, CEO and founder of Internet Vikings, returns for an in-depth discussion about the company’s progress and the future of the rapidly changing iGaming infrastructure landscape. Four years after his first appearance, Rickard reflects on Internet Vikings’ significant growth, its expansion into the US market, and the company’s strategic focus on building sustainable infrastructure solutions for iGaming...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 204
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #206 with Rickard Vikström, Founder and CEO at Internet Vikings Rickard Vikström, CEO and founder of Internet Vikings, returns for an in-depth discussion about the company’s progress and the future of the rapidly changing iGaming infrastructure landscape. Four years after his first appearance, Rickard reflects on Internet Vikings’ significant growth, its expansion into the US market, and the company’s strategic focus on building sustainable infrastructure solutions for iGaming...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 206
This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we’re covering Missouri’s long-awaited legalization of sports betting, marking a big win for the Midwest market. Plus, DraftKings faces a class-action lawsuit in New York, Bally’s sells off its Asian interactive business to double down on US investments, and Elon Musk’s lawsuit heads back to state court, a shift with potential legal ripples for high-profile figures. 🗞 Read the full stories here: Missouri sports betting legalized after years of efforts DraftKing...
Nov 07, 2024•54 min
🎙Welcome to episode #17 of Vested Interest, with Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig & Benjie Cherniak. Dive deep into the latest developments in election betting, the rise of federally regulated prediction markets, their impact on the gaming industry, and the legal battles surrounding sweepstakes operators in the U.S. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Sponsors 02:55 - Overview of the prediction markets and their rise in the U.S. 15:23 - Shift to the sweepstakes industry and its legal challenges. 21:01 - Discus...
Nov 04, 2024•44 min
This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, major shifts are underway in the iGaming sector. DraftKings has laid off 101 New Jersey employees, while Caesars Entertainment has cut positions within its Sportsbook creative team, reflecting cost-cutting trends. Meanwhile, Glitnor Group’s acquisition of OneCasino highlights ongoing consolidation in the industry. These moves signal a focus on streamlined operations as companies adapt to changing market dynamics. 🗞 Read the full stories here: Exclusive: DraftKi...
Nov 01, 2024•54 min
The consequential US election is just days away. In this episode we catch up with long standing democrat, political expert and gambling veteran Bill Pascrell III on what to look out for during election night, as well as his thoughts on the rise of prediction markets in this cycle. Bill, aka BP3 also talks about the debate around online sportsbetting and gambling right now and what to expect as we move forward into the next political cycle ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Sponsors 01:22 - Welcoming Bill Pas...
Oct 30, 2024•36 min•Ep. 207
This special NEXT.io episode brings Pierre Lindh together live with Benjie Cherniak and Lloyd Danzig for a powerhouse discussion on startup essentials. From mastering fundraising and sidestepping common pitfalls to smart valuation tactics and navigating M&A, they share real-world insights every entrepreneur needs to hear to drive their business forward! ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:42 - Sponsors 02:48 - Biggest Fundraising Mistakes 05:01 - Valuation Focus and Risks 08:00 - Overvalua...
Oct 29, 2024•22 min
This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we cover significant shifts in the iGaming business landscape. Catena Media is reducing its workforce in response to an expected revenue drop, signaling a strategic adjustment to its operational focus. Meanwhile, XLMedia has announced the sale of its remaining assets to Sportradar, marking a pivotal move in its ongoing restructuring efforts. 🗞 Read the full stories here: - XLMedia to sell remaining assets to Sportradar in $30m deal https://next.io/news/investme...
Oct 29, 2024•59 min
Join us on NEXT.io Weekly News as we discuss the UK Treasury’s consideration of increasing gambling taxes, and the strong industry backlash it has prompted. Industry leaders, including the Betting and Gaming Council and Flutter's CEO, argue against the hike, citing potential negative impacts. Additionally, we'll cover DraftKings' acquisition of Mustard Golf and Openbox's purchase of Boldplay, highlighting strategic expansions in the sector. 🗞 Read the full stories here: - UK Treasury considerin...
Oct 17, 2024•48 min
Join us on this week’s NEXT.io Weekly News for key updates in the iGaming sector. We cover Playtech's lawsuit against Games Global over IP infringement and the backlash against Playtech’s $100 million bonus scheme. Additionally, we spotlight Wynn Resorts' significant strides in the UAE, including securing a pioneering gaming license and boosting their resort budget. 🗞 Read the full stories here: - Exclusive: Playtech sues Games Global for IP infringement after spying claims https://next.io/news...
Oct 11, 2024•55 min
This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we spotlight major regulatory updates from Brazil and the US. Brazil's Finance Minister unveils a strict enforcement plan for iGaming, and temporary bans affect major brands during the transition. Meanwhile, in the US, Kalshi prepares to relaunch election betting, and California tribes gain the right to sue cardrooms, potentially altering the gambling landscape. 🗞 Read the full stories here: - Brazil’s finance minister outlines illegal gambling enforcement plan...
Oct 04, 2024•51 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #205 with Matevž Mazij, CEO of Bragg Gaming Group. In this NEXT.io Podcast episode, Matevž Mazij, CEO of Bragg Gaming Group, returns for an in-depth discussion about the company’s progress and the future in the rapidly evolving iGaming industry. A year after his first appearance in the studio, Matevž reflects on Bragg’s growth, new leadership hires, and strategic focus on key markets including North America, Latin America, and Europe. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:31 –...
Oct 03, 2024•49 min•Ep. 205
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #204 with Oleg Profatylo, Head of Marketing, Playson In this episode, Oleg Profatylo discusses the evolving landscape of B2B marketing, comparing it with B2C strategies and highlighting the key trends shaping the future. He shares invaluable insights on brand building, lead generation, and the importance of a people-centric approach in today's business world. Learn how to balance long-term brand growth with short-term sales goals, and discover the essential tools every B2B mar...
Oct 01, 2024•41 min•Ep. 204
Join us this week on NEXT.io Weekly News as we delve into Light & Wonder's stock decline following a legal injunction against their Dragon Train game. We'll explore how analysts view this as a potential investment opportunity. Additionally, we highlight WA Technology's acquisition of Onseo and Boyd Gaming’s purchase of Resorts Digital’s online operations, assessing their impacts on the tech and gaming sectors. 🗞 Read the full stories here: - Light & Wonder hit with injunction in Dragon ...
Sep 27, 2024•31 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #203 with Leo Judkins, Wellbeing & Performance Coach, Habit Rewire. In this episode, Leo Judkins and Pierre discuss turning managers into high-performance leaders. They cover the Peter Principle, avoiding micromanagement, effective delegation, and preventing burnout. Key takeaways include the difference between managers and leaders, building team trust, and transitioning from task-focused management to empowering leadership. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:42 - Spons...
Sep 26, 2024•45 min•Ep. 203
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #202 with Jesper Svensson, CEO of Betsson Group. Betsson Group was one of the first companies to enter the LATAM market. We discuss with Jesper Svensson, CEO of Betsson Group, the early stages, the challenges they faced, and how the market has evolved. Jesper also analyzes current opportunities in other regions, such as the U.S., Africa, and addresses regulatory hurdles in Europe. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:37 - Sponsors 01:36 - Welcoming Jesper 02:50 - Industry Cha...
Sep 24, 2024•55 min•Ep. 202
This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, Conor and Nico discuss a plethora of iGaming M&As, including Flutter's £2.3bn purchase of Snaitech, FDJ's acquisition of Kindred, and more. Tune in to Weekly News live every Thursday at 3pm CET on YouTube, LinkedIn, and X. 🗞 Read the full stories: - Flutter buys Snaitech from Playtech for £2.3bn https://next.io/news/investment/flutter-buys-snaitech-from-playtech/ - EveryMatrix makes €18.5m public offer for Fantasma https://next.io/news/investment/everymat...
Sep 20, 2024•40 min
🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #201 with Vladimir Malakchi, CEO of Xanada Investments Pierre Lindh and Vladimir Malakchi, CEO of Xanada Investments, discuss the keys to successful fundraising, the importance of clear pitch decks, and how investors bring more than just capital—they offer expertise, networks, and trust. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Analysing mistakes and risks 00:31 - Example of startups: "No competitors" myth 00:37 - Sponsors: Pragmatic Solutions and Pragmatic Play 01:32 - Podcast beg...
Sep 19, 2024•55 min•Ep. 201
