iGaming Daily

In this episode of iGaming Daily, host James Ross sits down with Bernd Baumert, Director of Games Production at Greentube, to explore the dynamic world of online casino game development. From concept to release, they unpack the critical role of player engagement and market-specific customisation in crafting successful slot titles.

Bernd Baumert provides exclusive insights into Greentube’s strategic approach to new market expansion, including challenges and opportunities in regions like the US and the Netherlands. The discussion also covers the evolution of game sequels, with a special focus on the much-anticipated launch of Starlink Jackpot: Odds of the Gods 2. Listeners will learn why understanding player preferences, regional regulations, and competitive trends is essential for sustained success in the global iGaming landscape.

To learn more about the title discussed in today's episode, click on the following link:

- https://slotbeats.com/latest-slots/starlight-jackpots-odds-of-the-gods-2-greentube/

Host: James Ross
Guest: Bernd Baumert
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In this latest episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, hosted by Fernando Noodt, the team, including Ricardo Assis and Ana Maria Menezes from SBC Noticias Brasil, delves into the turbulent Brazilian iGaming market.

The discussion centres on a major tax increase proposed for the sector. On June 8th, the government decided to advance a provisional measure to increase the betting tax rate from 12% to 18% on the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of all licensed betting companies. This proposal, expected to be presented to President Lula, is an alternative to a previously unpopular tax increase on financial operations (IOF). While viewed as popular in Congress and with the public, for betting operators, this represents an immense tax increase, potentially raising the overall tax burden to around 36% when other existing taxes are included.

The proposed tax hike has prompted strong reactions from the industry and political entities. ANJEL, the Association of Gaming and Lotteries in Brazil, has criticised the move as a "shot in the foot," warning of licensed companies leaving Brazil, lower tax revenues, and a boost to the illegal betting market, which already constitutes about 60% of all bets in the country. They suggest focusing on cracking down on illegal operators could yield nearly triple the expected tax revenue. Operators themselves express serious concerns, fearing competitive disadvantages for domestic companies, leading to mergers, acquisitions, or even closures, with some believing that half of the operators cannot handle this raise.

The Parliamentary Front of the Free Market, comprising 173 deputies and 27 senators, has also opposed the measure, fearing it could lead to the "death of the legal sector" and negatively impact Brazilian sports, as many football clubs are sponsored by betting operators.

Host: Fernando Noodt
Guests: Ricardo Assis and Ana Maria Menezes
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In today's episode of iGaming Daily, Ted Orme-Clay is joined by journalist Viktor Kayed and SBC's Editor-at-Large Ted Menmuir to unpack major political developments in the Netherlands and Poland, and what they could mean for their respective gambling industries.

Viktor shares insights from his recent trip to the Gaming in Holland conference, which coincided with the collapse of the Dutch coalition government. While political uncertainty looms, Dutch stakeholders are taking a proactive stance, focusing on tackling the black market and lobbying to delay a planned gambling tax hike. The industry is also closely watching which party will come to power, as that could shape future regulatory attitudes.

Later, Ted Menmuir discusses Poland’s rapidly growing economy and the challenges posed by its conservative Justice Party government. Despite ambitions to align with EU standards, Poland struggles with structural issues, such as a state monopoly on online casino and a 12% turnover tax that's driving operators away. With a new president now in place, the future of gambling reform in Poland remains uncertain—but full of potential.

Host: Ted Orme-Claye
Guest: Viktor Kayed, Ted Menmuir
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. 

Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@igaming_daily_podcast?_t=ZN-8uGpYLPuikI&_r=1

In this episode, we sit down with John Cooney, Group CEO of Forbidden City, to explore the brand’s unique approach to luxury in the iGaming industry. John shares the vision behind positioning Forbidden City as a premium brand that seamlessly blends high-end retail, hospitality, and online gaming. From exclusive design elements to VIP experiences, listeners get an inside look at how Forbidden City is redefining what it means to deliver luxury in a digital entertainment space.

John dives into the innovative strategies powering the brand’s success, including a game-changing loyalty program designed to mirror the sophistication of elite lifestyle brands. We also examine the complexities of operating in a highly regulated environment and the balancing act between brand integrity and compliance. With insights into market adaptation and digital transformation, this conversation is a masterclass for anyone looking to elevate their brand within the iGaming world.

The episode also explores the brand’s core focus on high net worth individuals and how Forbidden City curates experiences tailored to this niche. John discusses potential pathways for expansion into broader gaming markets, the critical role of strategic partnerships, and the future of luxury in the online gaming space.

Host: Joe Streeter
Guest: John Cooney
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

We turn our attention to the Netherlands on today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, as Ted Orme-Claye of SBC News steps into the host's chair, joined by his namesake, Ted Menmuir, to discuss the Dutch market, a jurisdiction shrouded in political instability that puts the betting market at risk.

Later in the episode, Viktor Kayed calls in live from an incredibly well timed Gaming in Holland conference, and gives updates on the discussions from the conference rooms in Amsterdam.

Firstly, the two Teds discuss the collapse of the Dutch four-party coalition, the impact of this political instability on the betting market, give some context as to why coalitions across Europe have led to less secure regulatory environments, and highlight existing Dutch gambling regulations, such as age restrictions, advertising bans, and deposit limits.

There is also a large focus on the black market, something that poses a serious threat to the regulated market in the Netherlands, and where the Dutch regulators, the KSA, stand on all of this.

Check out Viktor's story as mentioned by Ted & Ted https://sbcnews.co.uk/featurednews/2025/06/04/netherlands-dick-schoof/

Host: Ted Orme-Claye
Guests: Ted Menmuir, Viktor Kayed
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: Scott Fulton

iGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Episode #4 of Dear CEO is here! Dear CEO is our limited series, presented in partnership with iGP where a real life industry CEO, Jovana Popovic Canaki of iGP answers your questions, about your business. 

Our host as always is Charlie Horner, and this time he's got a page full of questions from the audience about the always fun topic of KPIs. Jovana tells Charlie about her numbers background, and why as a CEO she's always paying attention the numbers, giving her some fantastic insight into which KPIs are important, what they mean, and what your businesses should care about. 

Charlie and Jovana discuss

• How important KPIs have evolved over the last 3-5 years and how they will continue to evolve over the next 3-5
• The shift from operators being primarily focused on acquisition to today's focuses of engagement and retention
• The impact of technology on KPIs and how technology has changed what operators focus on
• How to spot which KPIs are merely vanity metrics
• Which KPIs are most predictive of long term success for new market entrants

Plus, Charlie and Jovana preview her speaking appearance at the upcoming inaugural SBC Summit Malta!

Jessica Welman returns to the host's chair for today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, and she's joined by her SBC Americas colleague Tom Nightingale for a look into handle, headaches and more after a significant change in Illinois sports betting taxation.

The Prairie State will introduce a flat fee starting at 25 cents and scaling up to 50 cents for high-volume operators like FanDuel and DraftKings. This new tax, projected to generate £36 million annually, is seen as a second instance of Illinois targeting sportsbooks for budget shortfalls. But who does this impact the most? How will the operators respond? And what are the broader implications for a move like this?

Jess and Tom discuss the nature of the new tax, its structure and targets, the implementation, its impact on state revenue, who is likely to be hit worse, operator strategies and responses, lobbying efforts, and add some historical context on contentious regulatory decisions in Illinois.

Host: Jessica Welman
Guests: Tom Nightingale
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

In this episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, we explore the dynamic shifts taking place in Brazil’s gambling market, spotlighting the latest advertising laws and the proactive steps taken by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA). Joining Ted Menmuir, SBC Noticias Brasil's Editor, Ricardo Assis, and Business Journalist, Elisa Marcante, unpack how these new regulatory developments are reshaping the landscape for both operators and advertisers, offering key insights into what these changes mean for stakeholders across the industry.

The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities facing gambling operators in Brazil, from navigating compliance risks to identifying growth strategies in an evolving legal environment. With Brazil poised to become one of the largest regulated betting markets in the world, our speakers stress the importance of a regulatory framework that both safeguards consumers and fosters healthy market competition.

Despite the current uncertainty and transitional chaos, the tone remains optimistic. The discussion emphasizes the long-term potential of Brazil’s gambling sector and highlights why now is a pivotal moment for investors, operators, and regulators alike.

Host: Ted Menmuir
Guests: Ricardo Assis & Elisa Marcante
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In this episode of iGaming Daily, host Viktor Kayed sits down with editor Ted Menmuir to explore the recent postponement of Romania’s long-anticipated gambling reforms. They dissect the political climate that has stalled progress, including the influence of the Save Romania Union and its push for tougher regulatory oversight. The discussion provides valuable context on how shifting political priorities are shaping the future of the country’s gambling legislation.

The episode dives deep into the aftermath of regulatory failures that have plagued Romania’s gambling sector for years. Viktor and Ted examine long-standing structural issues, from enforcement gaps to transparency concerns, and discuss how these weaknesses have hindered meaningful reform. They also evaluate the role of the ONJN, Romania’s gambling authority, and its response to the mounting challenges it faces.

Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to Romania’s evolving gambling market and its potential for future growth despite ongoing scrutiny. With increased political attention and public pressure, the sector stands at a crossroads.

If you want to read more on the topic discussed in today's episode, click on the following link:

-

Host: Viktor Kayed
Guest: Ted Menmuir
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

Monday's episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, is a must-listen keynote conversation, Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer at Fanatics Betting and Gaming.

Sitting down with SBC Media's Jessica Welman, the two takes a look into one of the fastest-growing companies in the sports betting and iGaming industry. Drawing from his prior leadership roles at FanDuel and Action Network, Borod discusses how he helped build Fanatics Betting and Gaming from the ground up in July 2021.

Borod breaks down Fanatics’ unique second-mover strategy, explaining why they chose product quality over ad spend to differentiate from giants like DraftKings and FanDuel. Leveraging the larger Fanatics commerce ecosystem, the company used its extensive database, brand loyalty, and smart cross-marketing strategies to drive growth without sacrificing profitability. He also unpacks the importance of customer-first features like prolonged beta testing, integration of FanCash loyalty rewards, and the acquisition of PointsBet’s Banic trading platform to improve competitiveness and retention.

The episode also explores how Fanatics is innovating beyond sports betting with the expansion of its casino app and the introduction of the “Fair Play” initiative, which refunds users for unlucky outcomes like injuries. Borod shares insight into future growth areas, including upcoming Fanatics Fest events, and how Fanatics plans to continue redefining the online gaming experience through data, loyalty, and customer trust.

Host: Jessica Welman
Guest: Ari Borod
Producer: James Ross
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.