NEXT.io Podcast

🎙 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, CEO of RAW iGaming

02:30 - The mission behind RAW

04:36 - “The pink shark in a sea of sameness” explained

06:07 - Why most studios copy

07:05 - 600 new games released in Sweden in one month

10:06 - Competing in a market flooded with studios

12:53 - How RAW gets operators’ attention

18:07 - RAW’s innovation pillars: slots, arcade & Yahtzee

28:23 - Innovation in live gaming

30:26 - Game’s success: quality vs. positioning

33:27 - The risk: AI lobbies might hide innovative games

38:11 - Designing for local vs. global audiences

42:16 - The next breakout hit: simple, unexpected, left-field innovation

45:14 - How AI may reshape game production itself

47:11 - RAW’s ambition: becoming a Tier-1 supplier

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE

CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO

✩ Website - https://next.io/

This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:

Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.https://pragmatic.solutions/

Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

🎙 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 - Introduction

00:23 - Sponsors message

01:39 - Welcoming Tim Heath

02:03 - Why Yolo decided to exit grey markets

07:36 - The tightening of global enforcement and regulation

10:56 - Yolo’s new B2B licenses in the UAE explained

16:05 - Restarting Yolo: redefining focus and efficiency

22:04 - Building a 360° player experience and hybrid casino model

24:49 - Facing financial risk and the courage to rebuild

27:34 - “Spring cleaning” the business and cutting organizational fat

31:17 - Leading regulators toward crypto innovation

33:41 - Why regulation must evolve with technology

35:31 - Why the UAE is a perfect testbed for regulated crypto gaming

41:06 - How the UAE licensing model may work (one per Emirate)

48:08 - Yolo’s five-year vision: becoming the “Blackstone of iGaming”

51:33 - The courage to pivot and restart

55:55 - The future of wallets, payments, and hybrid player experience

58:21 - Yolo’s new AI-driven social sports betting concept

01:01:35 - Tim on Yolo’s next chapter and future in regulation

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE&si=0vgjHyIuWQbblEY4

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333

CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO

✩ Website - https://next.io/

This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:

Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

https://pragmatic.solutions/

Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

Sponsored by:

Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

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. After a complex and years-long legal battle to reveal the name behind the report, Evolution finally succeeded and uncovered Playtech as the entity responsible. So, what happens next? For Evolution, Playtech, and the broader industry, the impact of the news is sure to have a lasting impact. Tune in to get the latest!

🎙 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 message

01:53 - Welcoming Leah Neutel

02:09 - How Leah’s background shaped her leadership

03:54 - From youth offenders to UN work

06:04 - The principles of leadership

07:32 - Leading with accountability & humanity

09:20 - What it means to lead without authority

10:25 - How to inspire creative teams without control

12:30 - Asking the right questions vs. giving answers

16:39 - Imposter syndrome & redefining leadership

19:20 - How insecurity shows up in poor leadership

20:17 - Training first-time managers

23:10 - Culture at Relax Gaming

25:29 - Can you be friends with your team?

27:46 - Conflict resolution

29:46 - Turning disagreement into progress

31:38 - Embracing diversity & aligning different personalities

34:40 - Should companies take political stances?

38:25 - Why failure isn’t final?

39:42 - How Relax Gaming turns failure into iteration

41:15 - Creating a culture where risk fuels innovation

44:40 - The most important leadership qualities of the future

46:03 - Can anyone become a great leader?

46:39 - Final thoughts

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bc

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333

CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO

✩ Website - https://next.io/

This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:

Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

https://pragmatic.solutions/

Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

Sponsored by:

Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

🎙 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, and safe experience rather than a solitary game lobby.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - What’s missing in online casinos

00:42 - Sponsors: Pragmatic Solutions & Pragmatic Play

02:04 - Welcome: Vid Daolio, CEO of TokaCity

03:46 - Introducing TokaCity and its vision

06:33 - The technology behind immersive casinos (Pixel Streaming)

09:07 - Are players ready for immersive gaming?

10:06 - Generational shifts and new player behavior

13:03 - Why innovation comes from new generations

15:10 - Building safe and expressive digital spaces

17:06 - Merging gaming and gambling worlds

19:44 - How TokaCity’s product actually works

22:42 - Gamification, digital assets & player identity

25:10 - Blockchain integration and the Saatchi MVP

28:15 - From startup to live product launch

29:26 - Partnership with Roshtein and community engagement

33:05 - PvP games and social casino experiences

35:32 - Player identity, self-expression & streaming culture

36:29 - The future of live gaming with AI dealers

37:43 - The cultural shift in gaming audiences

42:21 - Can the metaverse make a comeback?

44:37 - Lessons from crypto and decentralization

48:32 - Combining innovation with trusted content

50:25 - The future vision for TokaCity

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcasts

CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO

✩ Website - https://next.io/

This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:

Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

https://pragmatic.solutions/

Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

Sponsored by:

Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

🎙 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&utm_source=CL

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

00:24 - Sponsors Message

01:45 - Welcome back Jake Dovey, CEO of PayModum.

02:32 - Payments as cost vs. opportunity

04:20 - “The customer is always right” explained

06:15 - Why operators shouldn’t focus on cost first

13:32 - Finance vs. product teams: balancing costs and innovation

15:09 - Integration challenges and resource bottlenecks

16:55 - Personal story: legacy vs. modern pension payment experience

18:46 - Why true cost is customer friction, not fees

21:29 - Do operators really understand payments?

22:16 - Brazil & PIX: instant bank payments explained

26:36 - Biometrics and frictionless KYC (Octo example)

29:31 - Shopify & Amazon: lessons for gaming payments

33:42 - How AI is transforming integrations & customer experience

41:34 - Biggest payment bottlenecks in iGaming

50:05 - Too early to innovate? Lessons from Pay n Play, PIX & open banking

53:31 - The challenge of recurring crypto payments

57:15 - Why innovation needs risk-taking (Rory Sutherland’s rule)

01:01:12 - Big vs. small companies: innovation culture (Apple vs. Xiaomi)

01:08:48 - PayModum’s USP: deep customer and payments understanding

01:11:22 - Closing: Jake’s fitness journey & marathon for charity

01:13:26 - Tribute to Jake’s mother & Cordoma Foundation

01:17:11 - Running, friction, and perseverance in life & business

01:21:39 - How to donate: JustGiving link & final thanks

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bc

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333

CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO

✩ Website - https://next.io/

This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:

Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

https://pragmatic.solutions/

Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

🎙 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

05:30 - Early wins, flops & the power law in VC

06:50 - Lessons from the crypto crash

07:20 - Launching Fund 2 with external LPs

10:19 - Why startups should want Yolo on their cap table

13:36 - Balancing founder energy vs. investor guardrails

16:03 - What VCs really look for in founders

20:22 - Red flags that turn investors off

21:19 - How to get on Yolo’s radar

26:10 - The 5 “S”s of building a VC fund

27:56 - How LPs make money

29:03 - Challenges of iGaming as an investment class

33:23 - The passion vs. opportunity balance in gaming

38:11 - Startup success rates & power laws

41:41 - What’s next for Yolo Investments

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bc

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333

CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO

✩ Website - https://next.io/

This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:

Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

https://pragmatic.solutions/

Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #247 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

01:26 - Welcoming Magnus Olsson

02:33 - Why regulated markets are the future of iGaming

04:09 - Sacrifices of leaving grey and black markets

07:09 - Sustainability vs short-term profit in gambling

10:35 - The need for industry unity in Europe vs. U.S.

15:19 - Why Play’n GO rejects bonus buys and sweepstakes

19:07 - Innovation in slots: beyond quick wins

20:44 - Rethinking business models: rounds played vs. GGR

26:02 - Working with regulators through innovation

30:03 - Challenges & learnings from U.S. expansion

38:19 - How the black market dominates in the U.S.

44:10 - Formula 1 partnership with Haas: goals & ROI

54:25 - Measuring impact of brand sponsorships

55:27 - AI in game production: opportunities & limits

01:08:34 - Expanding into land-based casinos

01:13:23 - Play’n GO’s long-term vision & ambitions

01:17:03 - Wrap-up and final thanks

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcasts

CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO

✩ Website - https://next.io/

This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:

Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

https://pragmatic.solutions/

Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #246 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 message02:02 - Reddit’s rise: From niche forum to global search powerhouse02:56 - Monetization post-IPO: Building Reddit’s revenue model05:10 - What makes Reddit unique in the social media landscape07:55 - Community moderation: Why Reddit didn’t become toxic10:20 - Trust, transparency, and the power of upvotes12:19 - Comments over headlines: Reddit’s real value15:00 - Battling misinformation, bots, and manipulation17:05 - Reddit’s role in training and verifying AI systems21:20 - Reddit Answers: Reinventing trust in search24:56 - Why Reddit drives more thoughtful purchasing decisions28:18 - How Reddit content shapes AI search results31:58 - Reddit’s cultural DNA vs. performance-driven platforms34:30 - Tools for brands: Sentiment analysis and Reddit Pro40:00 - New ad formats and authentic community engagement44:15 - Should brands create subreddits or just participate?49:17 - Balancing commercial growth with community trust55:00 - The future of Reddit in an AI-dominated world57:03 - Cultural moments: GameStop, WallStreetBets & r/place

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcasts

CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO

✩ Website - https://next.io/

This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:

Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

https://pragmatic.solutions/

Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

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 markets in finance and betting

06:30 - Gambling vs. speculation: Where do we draw the line?

09:30 - FanDuel, Kalshi, Robinhood: Collision or coexistence?

13:30 - Why regulated operators are watching prediction markets closely

16:00 - What regulators should be worried about

18:40 - Who will win: Platforms, products, or distribution power?

22:30 - M&A and partnerships: Survive now, win later

24:00 - Risks, regulation gaps, and gray zones

26:30 - Can sports betting, sweepstakes, and prediction coexist?

29:10 - Why no one wants to be the “casino of prediction markets”

31:30 - What investors want—and what makes them nervous

34:30 - The future: Prediction markets as a mainstream product

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcasts

CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO

✩ Website - https://next.io/

This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:

Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.

https://pragmatic.solutions/

Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.

https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/