Helloooooo! First up, Jon shares some of what he’s learned using dating apps, which is useful for all mankind. Then Fintan shushes him before it goes entirely off the rails [0:00 – 14:05]. The guest this episode is the returning Paul Sculpher of Gaming Recruitment Solutions, with his varied observations on all things industry and recruitment. We discuss career aspirations, recruitment trends, and challenges in the gaming industry. We also explore the importance of networking, making connections,...
Feb 02, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 142
Jon and Fintan are joined in a star-studded intro this episode – it’s a bit like guest stars coming on Kojak, I suppose, or one of those Agatha Christie movies from the 1970s where it’s got all the big names in – as they’re joined by two of podcast sponsor Clarion’s top cheeses. Sadie Walters is the genius behind ICE Vox, and Andy Ventris is ICE Event Director. They discuss whether books are available outside London, how keeping a good work-life balance results in a healthy head of hair, and mor...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 27 min
To kick off, Fintan and Jon discuss salt in food. Yeah, we don’t know why either. Then they talk a bit about Optimove , which segues nicely into Clarion Gaming , because they organise ICE and Optimove are at ICE. I know right! And then they talk about listener messages; and the possibility of Gambling Files merch appearing, because it’s a thing now [0:00 – 22:01]. Then David Williams, Director of Public Affairs at the Rank Group, joins the hosts. They discuss David's appearance in a book and the...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 140
If you want the inside track on Curacao, you’ve come to the right place. This episode, the chaps have big news, something different to show you, and much more. Jon’s big news is that he went to see the new Godzilla film, and it was apparently really good. Fintan’s news is bigger though: a new sponsor has joined the podcast family in the shape of Optimove, and after an in-depth product demo the chaps are bedazzled. Bedazzled! The gents discuss the product, and Optimove’s presence at ICE, and Amaz...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 139
In this episode, Fintan and Jon discuss the concept of taking a sabbatical (which Fintan is doing) and the challenges of burnout in the workplace (which Jon has done), and getting bad references. They also share personal stories of job difficulties and the importance of prioritizing social connections. The conversation then shifts to the upcoming ICE conference and our plans for the event [0:00 – 28:54]. Then we meet the fabulously bearded Lorand Minyo, founder and chairman of the Neveli Foundat...
Jan 09, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 138
In the year’s final episode, Fintan and Jon reflect on the highlights of the gambling industry in 2023 and discuss the controversy surrounding Entain. We also talk about the divisive announcement of Clarion's move and the upcoming ICE London 2024, plus the TV series After Life, and some personal stuff from the year [0:00 – 38:52]. Then the chaps are joined by former professional footballer Tony Kelly, who shares his journey from a promising career to the depths of gambling addiction. He discusse...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 58 min•Season 2Ep. 137
We kick off with Fintan and Jon talking about stuff, with some things thrown in there too; Chairman School probably gets a mention, it's hard to say for sure [0:00 - 12:53]. Then the chaps are joined by Robert Lenzhofer co-founder and CEO of Hölle Games, to talk about the company's rapid rise and genuinely novel take on things. Hölle Games focuses on two main areas: Slot Studio, which creates games specifically for the German market, and Hinterzimmer, a back-end platform for game development. Th...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Season 2Ep. 136
First up, it's Fintan and Jon, with Fintan scaring the jeepers out of Jon with some of the ghostly experiences from his life. WOOOOOOOOOOOO. Then Jon tries to tell the Mayfair Sex Bus story AGAIN , but luckily Fintan stops him in time [0:00 - 22:31]. Then there's some other talk about stuff and things. Then we meet guest John Wright, CEO and co-founder of StatsDrone. John discusses the challenges and opportunities in affiliate marketing reporting, highlighting the lack of API and real-time repor...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 135
First up there's some chit-chat between Jon and Fintan, discussing the Sands/Mavericks deal and the comedy ruin that is Jon's personal life. Jon has also recorded – in the style of a professional agency – some new ads for BWise Media and Clarion Gaming , our benevolent and virile sponsors [0:00 – 21:16]. Then we're joined by returning guest Michelle Hembury, a lawyer at Melchers Law Firm in Germany, to discuss the ongoing debate about the size of the black market in the German gambling industry....
Nov 30, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 134
Fintan and Jon talk first off, with Jon realising why dating apps just aren't working for him [0:00 - 16:01] and with some kind words about the podcast's benevolent sponsors, BWise Media and Clarion Gaming . Which reminds me, ICE registration is now open ! Then the chaps are joined by the excellent Kirsty Caldwell, CEO and founder of Betsmart Consulting . Kirsty discusses the challenges and complexities of compliance in the gambling industry. She shares her insights on the UK regulatory environm...
Nov 24, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 133
First off, Fintan and Jon talk [0:00 - 19:47]. Some of it may even make sense. ICE definitely gets a mention, and not just because of corporate overlords Clarion Gaming and BWise Media , oh no! Then they're joined by Las Vegas royalty in the form of Seth Schorr, who discusses the recent amendment of Regulation 22 in Nevada, which allows sportsbook operators to accept wagers on esports. He explains the process of getting the regulation approved and the impact it will have on the industry. Seth al...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 132
First up, Fintan and Jon talk nonsense, then pure unadulterated sense [0:00 - 11:57]. Then the chaps are joined by guest Scott Longley of publishing overlords +More Media. Scott joins the podcast to discuss the recent Reputation Matters event, which focused on the UK Gambling Commission's white paper and the issue of frictionless checks. He highlights the discrepancy between the government's desire for frictionless checks and the reality of what is feasible. Scott also emphasizes the importance ...
Nov 09, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 131
The intro on today's episode is, to quote Ned Ryerson, "a doozy". Jon and Fintan talk about running a bit, as Fintan has a race this weekend; they also get into the socialist tendencies of orca pods, and... well, it just goes everywhere. Jon also shares one of his favourite-ever stories [0:00 - 42:36]. Then the chaps are joined by Armalytix' Jeremy Lever; Jon also incorrectly states that he's the only guest this week, sorry Layla. He got confused! Jeremy talks about a really hot topic – open ban...
Nov 03, 2023•1 hr 39 min•Season 2Ep. 130
First up, Jon and Fintan talk about some things, and some other things, while thanking our corporate overlords at Clarion Gaming and BWise Media [0:00 - 7:56], then they're joined by the immensely excellent Layla O'Hara of SkyBet fame. You go along thinking some things can't change, they are already optimised, and then BAM – Acca Freeze pops up and changes the landscape. Layla was the creative brain behind their recent Acca Freeze initiative, and she tells us how she got to where she is, how dev...
Nov 01, 2023•52 min•Season 2Ep. 129
Jon and Fintan talk a little bit in the intro. Not too much, though [0:00 - 4:21], but they do shoehorn in mentions of podcast sponsors BWise Media and Clarion Gaming , of course. Then it's Jon flying solo in the company of the excellent Rebbecca Scales and KerryJane Craigie. Rebbecca has been a part of the Women's Poker Association's growth for some time, while Kerry Jane has recently been voted on to the organisation's board, while also serbving as Director of Poker Operations at London's much...
Oct 26, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 128
First up, Jon and Fintan discuss their recent elevation to the upper echelons of the podcast charts in various countries [0:00 - 15:07]. Madness, I know, but they say it's good for such excellent sponsors as BWise Media , and Clarion Gaming - both giants in their respective fields. Then the gents are joined by David King, Chief Product Officer at Rivalry, who Fintan goes full fanboy over. David discusses the innovative approach that Rivalry takes to esports betting and casino gaming, how Rivalry...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 127
The intro sees Jon joined by Stephen Carter, of benevolent sponsorship overlords Clarion Gaming, to discuss the really-very-close-now iGaming Affiliate Awards [0:00 - 16:56], how you can nominate entries and all that jazz – go to https://www.igbaffiliate.com/igba-awards/ to cast yours. NOW. This week’s guest is Brad Allen, senior analyst at Eilers and Krejcik, who joins Jon on TGF’s casting couch to discuss the state of modern business-to-business publishing, the importance of data in the gambli...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 126
"We're not here to try and thwart the industry. We're trying to make sure the industry can succeed and exist in an entirely compliant way." We left the first episode on such a cliffhanger, you will be champing at the bit – no pun intended – to get at part two... Fintan and Jon keep the intro short and sweet [0:00 - 5:39], though they do of course mention graceful champion sponsors Clarion Gaming , the elegant sports media buying specialists BWise Media , and returning for one week only, the dyna...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 125
First up, Fintan and Jon discuss the potential for hypnotising listeners; it's possible, in fact, they may already have hypnotised you [0:00 - 9:34]. They also mention their wonderful sponsors, the virile Clarion Gaming , the ultra-potent BWise Media , and returning for one week only, the ever-fertile Gaming Recruitment Solutions . Then the chaps are joined by superstar guest Andrew Rhodes who discusses the changing approach of the Gambling Commission towards the industry, emphasizing the import...
Oct 10, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 124
First off, thanks - big, big thanks - to our sponsors Clarion Gaming and the excellent BWise Media , new kids on the block for sponsors and we will tell you more about them next episode... The chaps kick off with Jon talking about his dream of seeing The B-52s in Vegas, plus talk of the disturbing issues reported in Australia with gambling issues in young people, in ammong the usual babble and burble [0:00 - 26:43]. High-flying Las Vegas lawyer Jen Gaynor (of jgaynorlaw.com) joins Jon and Fintan...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 123
"All fantasy sports products are sports betting, but not all sports betting is fantasy sports." - Steve Ruddock We kick off with a conversation about corporate overlords Clarion Gaming and how a non-bouncy floor is conducive to a happy gaming event [0:00 - 17:18], among other things of course. And we allude to something Fintan learns in the upcoming talk: did you know what a proboscis is? Then Jon and Fintan speak with Steve Ruddock about complexity of online gambling laws in the US, which vary ...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 122
Fintan's only in the intro on today's podcast because, well, you know [0:00 - 18:44]. Then Jon is joined by the most excellent Em Stroud, Corporate Clown Coach and co-founder of Laugh Think Play. Em joins the podcast to discuss the importance of bringing play, joy, and wonder into the business world. She shares her unique perspective as a clown and coach, helping individuals and companies improve their wellbeing and create a more positive and authentic culture. Em emphasises the significance of ...
Sep 26, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 121
More AI joy! I mean it's just SO GOOD. Anyway, Fintan and Jon blah blah, hasn't read the book, bad neighbour [0:00 - 8:45] But then they meet: Luka Pataky, Senior Vice President for Automated Content at Sportradar. He leads a team that focuses on creating AI algorithms and computer vision technology to extract data from video content and generate raw data for various sports applications. Summary: Luka Pataky, Senior Vice President for Automated Content at Sportradar, discusses the use of AI and ...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 120
Check it out – we're trying out some AI stuff for making the notes and everything! In the intro, the handsome one – Jon – talks to his inferior and less manly colleague, Fintron, about some things [0:00 - 11:36]. Then we meet Ben Dellaca, Group CEO of Ruby Play, a New Zealand-based gaming company. Ben has extensive experience in the gaming industry and is passionate about creating responsible and user-friendly gaming experiences. Summary: Ben Dellaca, the Group CEO of Ruby Play, joins the podcas...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 119
Hey, have you seen any podcasts sponsored by Clarion Gaming? YOU HAVE NOW. Because this one is. I know, right? WOAH NELLY! So this episode, Fintan and Jon talk about some things [0:00 - 15:54] like what's in a name, and child tantrums. Then they're joined by the excellent Sarah Ramanauskas to talk about her new project The Game Safety Institute ( https://safer.games/) . It's genuinely a fresh step forward, very interesting to hear about, and sounds awesome [15:55 - 53:47]....
Sep 14, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 118
Why hello! Welcome to The Gambling Files podcast, sponsored by those fine folks at Clarion Gaming. Come and meet your hosts, Fintan Costello and Jon Bruford. Ah, here they come now; and you can hear Jon lure Fintan into a book-related trap using only a true story as bait [0:00 - 6:26]. Then we meet David Danzis, writer for PlayNJ.com, who explains why the supposed success story of Atlantic City's post-COVID recovery is not all it appears to be [6:27 - 38:58]. Enjoy the episode!
Sep 12, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 117
It's quite a long episode this week, but there's just the one so maybe you could listen in bite-sized chunks. Oh, and we also officially welcome our new corporate overlords podcast sponsor, Clarion Gaming. In the intro, Jon and Fintan discuss what's going on at the moment in the world and the industry, a glance at the UAE and InTouch issues that have popped up in the news, that kind of thing [0:00 - 32:31]. Then they're joined by star guest Dmitry Belianin, CCO of Growe, who talks about his path...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 59 min•Season 2Ep. 116
Slight change this week - no intro, as Fintan was just too busy and had too many chairman duties to perform; luckily Jon is nobody and was available. Phew! Jon is joined by EPIC Risk Management's Joanna Whitehall and Mark Potter to discuss the company's work in US college sports, and their recent announcement working with the Hippodrome in the UK to train staff on how to engage with people in difficult moments. It's an interesting chat, taking in motivations, structure, triggers, confidence, tra...
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 115
In a late flurry after they realised neither one had booked a guest, Fintan and Jon discuss some of the industry's hot recent stories, starting with BetMGM - or is it MGMBet? - deciding to launch in the UK. What the... Also discussed are ICE relocating, plus Stephen King's books when he got sober, never having your phone off silent, and more.
Aug 22, 2023•54 min•Season 2Ep. 114
First up, Fintan and Jon talk about stuff, and things, incuding the nascent football league in Saudi Arabia and what it might mean longer term [0:00 - 21:49]. Then they're joined by number one guest Steve Ruddock of Straight To The Point newsletter fame, who visits to get into the nitty-gritty of the ESPenN deal, and the recent WynnBET announcement. Steve is smart, knows the industry inside-out, and is always worth listening to [21:50 - 1:25:02]. Oh, and Jon finally gets to share one of his favo...
Aug 15, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Season 2Ep. 113
