In this episode, Fintan Costello, Jon Bruford, and returning guest Mark Flores Martin of XGENIA explore the transformative potential of open-sourcing AI platforms in the iGaming industry. They discuss innovative developments, the future of AI-driven game creation, and how transparency and collaboration can reshape gambling technology. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors: Optimove, GLI, and World Gaming, all of which are utter, utter legends. Scroll down for more information on their m...
May 21, 2026•50 min•Season 2Ep. 262
Join hosts Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they dive into the intricacies of government decision-making, UK gambling industry impacts, and US gambling evolution, with insightful comments from seasoned journalist Matthew Lynn. This episode unravels the complex relationship between politics, economics, and gambling regulation across the UK and US –perfect for industry insiders and curious listeners alike. Things we talk about, but in a list: The short-termism of political leaders, especially in...
May 14, 2026•57 min•Season 2Ep. 261
In this episode, John and Fintan take a candid, humorous dive into their personal lives, the gambling industry, and the quirks of university branding, uncovering unexpected insights along the way. Whether discussing the challenges of regulation, humorous stories from school days, or the latest in gaming and media, this episode offers an eclectic mix of entertainment and industry critique. What we talk about, but in a list: Personal stories and humorous anecdotes from school and family life The i...
May 08, 2026•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 260
In this episode of The Gambling Files, Fintan and Jon explore innovative casino game designs, the importance of influencer marketing, and strategies for successful game launches. Join us for a deep dive with Angel Espino, a casino game development specialist, and industry veterans as we discuss what it takes to create compelling, fast-paced, and engaging games that resonate with the next generation of players. Things we talk about, but in a list: The creative process behind designing PokerJack, ...
Apr 30, 2026•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 259
This episode of The Gambling Files is brought to you by GLI, Optimove, World Gaming, and the letters A, X and G; also the colours purple and green(ish), and your neighbours Tiberius and Quetzalcoatl from just down the road. Explore how AI, data analytics, and innovative modelling are transforming the casino industry. From floor optimisation to customer experience improvements, learn from Anastasia Baran, COO of NQube, about the future of gaming technology. This episode offers practical insights ...
Apr 23, 2026•57 min•Season 2Ep. 258
Join us for an insightful conversation with Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, as we delve into the evolution of crash games, their integration into mainstream iGaming, and the innovative features shaping the industry’s future. We get into the category’s rise (and rise), innovations within crash games, the difficulties of regulation and licensing, how the company might grow and move forward, and some neat new tricks we will be seeing soon… Of course, we go into way more than ...
Apr 16, 2026•39 min•Season 2Ep. 257
Join us for an engaging conversation with Brad Broderick, Director of Casino Business Development at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Discover the mechanics of casino operations at sea, how cruise lines adapt to regulations, and the unique demographic and cultural aspects of cruising. Plus, explore Canadian icons, industry resilience post-COVID, and Brad’s personal stories from the industry. What’s not to love? Stuff we talk about but in a bullet-point list: The logistics of casino operations on ...
Apr 09, 2026•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 256
In this episode of the Gambling Files Podcast, hosts Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello engage in ‘humorous banter’ while introducing their guest, Josh, co-founder and CEO of ChatBet AI. The conversation covers various topics, including sponsorships, personal updates, and the innovative functionalities of ChatBet AI, which allows users to place bets directly within messaging apps. The hosts explore the significance of user engagement in the gambling industry and how technology is reshaping the bett...
Mar 26, 2026•48 min•Season 2Ep. 255
Join hosts Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they explore a wide range of topics from marketing strategies, AI innovations, gambling industry insights, to humorous stories about marathons, mountaineering, and quirky sports team names. This episode offers industry analysis, industry humour, and future trends in gambling and gaming. Choice quotes: "My knees are great, really." "Great mugs, though." "AI can't touch me, Fint." Chapters (but add 30 seconds or so on because of the music and all that ...
Mar 12, 2026•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 254
In this decadent, luxurious episode of The Gambling Files, we explore innovative approaches to risk management in online gambling, featuring insights from Hayden Bowman of iBankroll and Bernard Marantelli of White Swan Data. Discover how liquidity provision, data analytics, and regulation are shaping the future of gaming and betting industries. Chapters (but add maybe 25 seconds for the music and that): 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Hosts 01:09 Guest Introductions: Hayden Bowman and Bernard Mar...
Mar 05, 2026•50 min•Season 2Ep. 253
Join Fintan and Jon for an insightful discussion with Professor Matt Bakowicz, program director of the sports management program at American University in Washington D.C. Matt shares his extensive industry experience in sports betting, casino management, and academia, alongside the evolving landscape of gaming regulations, integrity in sports, and the future of entertainment. Whether you're into sports management, gambling regulation, or the intersection of entertainment and responsibility, this...
Feb 26, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 252
In this episode of The Gambling Files podcast, hosts Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello explore various themes related to gambling, sports betting, and the upcoming World Cup. Joined by guest Jeevan Jeyaratnam from Abelson Sports, they discuss the adaptability of the brain, the importance of marketing in engaging casual bettors, and the evolving landscape of prediction markets. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of celebrity involvement in betting and the strategies operators...
Feb 19, 2026•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 251
In this episode of the Gambling Files podcast, hosts Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello don’t even appear to realise it’s their 250th episode. Oh well, at least we spotted it. The duo discuss significant changes in the gambling industry, including the departure of Michael ‘The Doog’ Dugher from the Betting and Gaming Council, and Andrew Rhodes from the Gambling Commission. They analyse the implications of recent budget changes on online operators and the horse racing industry. The conversation also...
Feb 12, 2026•48 min•Season 2Ep. 250
In this episode of the Gambling Files podcast, hosts Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello discuss Jon's recent trip to Barcelona, sharing experiences from the ICE event, dining adventures, and encounters with pickpockets. They also delve into the highlights of the Gambling Book Awards, including the presentation of awards and the excitement surrounding the event. The episode concludes with discussions about new sponsorships and upcoming events in the gambling industry. We’ve kept it simple this episo...
Feb 06, 2026•40 min•Season 2Ep. 249
OK, no intro on this episode for a bunch of excellent reasons. First, Fintan could not be there (WE MISSED YOU GOOD, BRAH); second, as it was at ICE do you really need us to tell you awesome things about Clarion and how they made the industry’s best show somehow even better?; and third, we introduce a new sponsor onto the podcast next week and it’s nice to build towards that. Oh, and fourth, this is an interview with the top man at one of our current excellent corporate overlords. I’ll let AI gi...
Jan 23, 2026•48 min•Season 2Ep. 248
After a mercifully brief introduction [0:00 – 7:26], Fintan and Jon welcome Clarion Gaming’s (OR IS IT?) Stuart Hunter to talk about next week’s big ICE show. He shares insights on the preparations, challenges, and innovations that will enhance the attendee experience, highlights the importance of the StandOut Awards, the (surprise!) rebranding of Clarion, and the strategic partnerships that will shape the event. Additionally, he provides practical tips for attendees on navigating the venue and ...
Jan 15, 2026•51 min•Season 2Ep. 247
It’s a lightning – pun intended – intro this week, with Jon and Fintan discussing Fintan being blurry. It’s so good it even works without video! [0:00 – 3:57] Then we meet Bruce Horner – minus The Range – director of sales from Voltage to discuss the implications of the Lightning Network in the iGaming industry. The conversation covers the evolution of Bitcoin as a payment method, the advantages of using the Lightning Network for faster and cheaper transactions, and the importance of privacy and...
Jan 08, 2026•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 246
We open with Jon still sounding a bit sad without Fintan, but he really is trying his hardest [0:00 – 4:48]. Then the chaps meet Thomas Smallwood, CCO, and Daniela Lanzolla, COO of OpenSlots. The conversation delves into the structured process of game creation, emphasizing the importance of initial documentation and the rapid turnaround for mockups and animations. Daniela Lanzolla outlines how the game creation process is organized into milestones, with a focus on collaboration between various t...
Jan 01, 2026•47 min•Season 2Ep. 245
First off, Fintan and Jon talk about some things, and a few other things, but not too many things [0:00 – 13:05]. Then they’re joined by author Markus Heitz to talk about his Gambling Book Awards-longlisted novel The Devil's Playbook, a complex thriller that intertwines elements of card games and historical fiction. He shares insights into his writing process, the significance of historical accuracy, and more. The discussion also touches on literary influences, the symbolism of the Ace of Spades...
Dec 25, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 244
We kick off with just Jon talking about stuff and things [0:00 – 5:09], before the episode proper. He sounds kind of sad without Fintan there though. In this episode, Mark Flores Martin and Adam Davis from Xgenia discuss the evolution of their AI-driven game development platform, the importance of integrating AI into business processes, and the future of automation in the gambling industry. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation...
Dec 25, 2025•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 243
We kick off with some kind of intro or other, Jon and Fintan talking about something probably [0:00 – 8:56], before meeting the latest author with a book up for the inaugural Gambling Book Awards. We meet the lovely Connor Hutchinson, a writer whose first novel, Dead Lucky, has won many plaudits. It’s about a young man who works as a professional embalmer, and is also a gambling addict. Yes, you read that right and yes, it’s a very dark comedy. But Connor did his homework on addiction before sta...
Dec 18, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 242
We kick off with some fluff, nonsense and frippery from Fintan and Jon [0:00 – 10:42] before meeting our exalted guest. Now, apologies for a couple of things on this episode. Fintan’s mic goes weird (most noticeable on the intro), and our guest is a tiny bit quiet. We discuss the evolving landscape of gambling compliance with James Killsby from Vixio Gambling Compliance, getting into the recent tax changes in the UK gambling industry, the implications for horse racing, the rise of the black mark...
Dec 18, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 241
You can consider this episode an early Christmas present from us. Seriously, it’s that good. I’m not kidding, listen to the whole thing, then you’ll know what Jon and Fintan are eulogising about in the intro [0:00 – 26:44]. And wait til you get to the DHL story! Mindblowing. This episode’s guest is Keith O'Loughlin, a veteran of the gambling industry and author of a new book Eddie Jordan: Full Throttle. They explore the life lessons learned from Eddie Jordan's experiences, the impact of Keith's ...
Dec 11, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 240
We kick off with Fintan and Jon talking about some things, then some other things; Fintan and Jon reflect on the year, discuss news highlights, and delve into the implications of privatisation in the UK. We also get into the importance of player retention in the industry and may even mention support from sponsors that make the podcast possible [0:00 – 25:08]. Then we’re joined by author Rob Furber, to discuss his memoir 'The Gambler,' which intertwines his unique experiences in betting on unconv...
Dec 11, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 239
This week’s episode proper sees Jon and returning interim stand-in temporary co-host Melanie Ellis – of Northridge Law fame – get right into it. Well, Jon does as he has a rant about the new tax regime coming to the UK and the sheer arrogance of politicians in suggesting the gambling industry should be helping children out of poverty. Yes, poverty that was created by these very same politicians over decades, some of them directly. He’s angry. They probably talk about other stuff as well… [0:00 –...
Dec 04, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 238
Yep, it’s a special bonus episode, and it kicks off with Jon chatting with special interim stand-in temporary co-host Melanie Ellis of Northridge Law fame, and they somehow manage to not talk about tax in the UK [0:00 – 18:45]. No, they saved that for 238… Then Jon and Fintan meet Jonathan D Cohen, whose book Losing Big: America’s reckless bet on sports gambling is an incisive look at how things progressed post-PASPA – and how the US got crucial aspects really, really wrong. It’s not an anti-gam...
Dec 04, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 237
We kick off with Jon and Fintan discussing a bit of everything, with some exasperation reserved for past events in Vegas where there were zero arrests despite money laundering and lax AML on a grand scale, allegedly; Fintan also reminisces about his time on a building site, when he actually worked for a living [0:00 – 19:13]. Then we meet star guest John Caldwell of i3Soft, a company building casino software and games that they say will change the way people play for money. Unfortunately for Joh...
Nov 27, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 236
We kick off with one of those ‘allsorts’ conversations between Fintan and Jon, and this one comes with a warning – nothing graphic is covered, but a cyst being lanced is discussed. Or should that be disgust? Either-or. [0:00 – 24:56] Then, we welcome another author on to the podcast, with a book submitted to the Gambling Book Awards. Alex Duff is our guest, to discuss his terrific book 'Smart Money: The Fall and Rise of Brentford FC'. The conversation explores Brentford's unique journey in footb...
Nov 20, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 235
Jon and Fintan get into the recent appearance by the BGC’s Grainne Hurst in front of British Parliament, and Jon is unusually full of praise and has an idea that the casino industry should be uniting to change the narrative… Among other things, of course, including Fintan’s executive slouch, being a supple panther and much much more, including of course our delicious sponsors, the always-sexy EveryMatrix; the permanently virile Optimove; and the expo tyrannosaurs Clarion Gaming [0:00 – 24:01]. T...
Nov 13, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 2Ep. 234
We kick off with the usual shenanigans from Fintan and Jon, mostly Fintan though as Jon is generally the voice of reason here [0:00 – 19:00]. Then we come to our second guest of the Gambling Book Awards era (www.gamblingbookawards.com). The magnificent Peter Venison shares his experiences working with the legendary Sol Kerzner, a titan in the hospitality and gambling industries. Peter’s experiences led to him writing the book Sol: My Friend and Adversary, which came out in early 2025. The discus...
Nov 06, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 233
