NEXT.io Podcast

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #231 with Justin Park, CEO & Co-Founder of Betty.

How do you build a successful casino gaming brand in a highly competitive market? Justin Park, CEO & Co-Founder of Betty, shares his insights on launching and scaling a challenger brand in the regulated iGaming space.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:46 - Sponsors

02:06 - Welcoming Justin Park

06:09 - Betty Initials: startup journey & early ventures

12:19 - Raising capital: relationships vs. pitch decks

16:38 - Betty's business model: online casino

18:09 - Understanding personas: slots vs. table players

22:23 - How Betty stands out: brand differentiation

24:55 - Ontario: a strategic launch market

26:43 - Net revenue growth & success

29:15 - Transparency & publishing results publicly

33:12 - The McDonald's of iGaming franchise approach

36:52 - Market expansion strategy

39:00 - What it takes to be a founder

41:07 - Scaling challenges & leadership growth

43:11 - Book recommendations: Rockefeller & Andy Warhol

45:35 - Where Betty will be in 3 years

🔔 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 #225 with Tom Light, Co-Founder and Group CEO at FIRST - Best in Sports

In this NEXT.io Podcast episode, Tom Light, CEO & Founder of FIRST - Best in Sports, breaks down five major industry trends. These include the decline of easy profits in iGaming, the power of gamification, and the rise of AI-driven odds-making.

⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction

00:36 - Sponsors

01:54 - From SBTech to First – Best in Sports

04:53 - Building a New Platform From Scratch

07:54 - Analysing Today’s Sports Betting Landscape

09:27 - Competing With Betano & bet365 as a B2B Provider

13:06 - Tools, Intelligence & Data-Driven Decision Making

14:17 - Trend #1: The Industry Isn’t Printing Money Anymore

20:07 - Trend #2: Feature Fatigue & Sportsbook Advancements

41:22 - Trend #3: Gamification as a Retention Strategy

55:27 - Trend #4: The Rise of Brazil & Emerging LATAM Markets

59:23 - Solving the “Saturday Problem” in Brazil

01:00:02 - Brazil Case Study

01:04:39 - Trend #5: AI’s Role in the Future of Sports Betting

01:13:09 - What’s Next for First? Vision for B2B & Global Growth

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio

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 #230 with Jake Dovey, CEO & Founder of PayModum.

What’s next for payments in the iGaming industry? Jake Dovey from PayModum, explores the current state of payment innovation, emerging trends, and the impact of evolving financial technologies on operators and suppliers.

⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:38 - Sponsors02:08 - Why payments and innovation aren’t always connected04:26 - Lessons from Apple Pay, Klarna & adoption timelines08:30 - The real reason innovation sticks: user experience14:58 - Why crypto hasn’t delivered on its payment promise18:00 - Stablecoins & the path to real-world usability21:00 - How gaming operators adopted crypto before anyone else25:19 - USDC vs USDT: why some stablecoins gain trust27:57 - Monetary systems, inflation & the future of currency33:31 - Global economic shifts & crypto’s potential role39:39 - The political side of payments & decentralisation44:30 - Deglobalisation, instability & the rise of local payment models47:29 - Fragmented regulation: why licensing differs globally49:00 - Cross-border payments & where payment providers thrive50:45 - What’s next in payments: stablecoins, M&A, and new rails56:56 - IPOs, fintech cycles & the pressure to innovate58:02 - What payment companies can actually do better59:00 - The role of strategic partnerships in driving change1:00:15 - Why micro-payments haven’t scaled (yet)1:06:08 - Reducing friction in iGaming payments1:08:59 - What PayModum does differently: code-free integration1:13:05 - Helping global operators enter new markets1:16:46 - Growing without VC: challenges and philosophy1:18:08 - Vision for PayModum & Masato over the next 3 years1:20:02 - Closing 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/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #229 with Martin Collins, Chief Business Development Officer at Soft2bet.

Martin Collins, joins Pierre Lindh to discuss why the U.S. iGaming market is still full of untapped opportunities, despite recent operator exits.

Martin shares why Soft2Bet is entering the U.S. now, how they plan to disrupt the market with a fresh UX approach, and what the future holds for tribal operators, iCasino expansion, and alternative betting models.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:50 - Sponsor

02:08 - Martin Collins Returns & Soft2Bet’s Growth

04:53 - Why Entering the U.S. iGaming Market Now?

05:37 - Soft2Bet’s B2B & B2C Strategy in the U.S.

09:47 - New Jersey as the First Step & Proof of Concept

11:21 - Turning Data Into a Winning B2B Strategy

13:35 - The Future of Tribal & Non-Traditional Operators

14:55 - The U.S. iGaming Opportunity & Market Shift

16:06 - Why U.S. iGaming UX is Outdated & How to Fix It

19:50 - More States Will Regulate iGaming

23:06 - Alternative Market Entries: Sweepstakes, DFS 2.0 & Crypto

25:11 - What’s Holding Back iCasino & When Will It Take Off?

28:38 - Can Anyone Challenge FanDuel & DraftKings?

29:27 - AI, Personalisation & The Future of iGaming

32:28 - Soft2Bet’s Global Expansion & US Ambitions

36:03 - What Success in the U.S. Looks Like for Soft2Bet

40:31 - Soft2Bet at NEXT Summit: New York 2025

42:33 - Closing Marks

🔔 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 #228 with Robbie Bressler, CFO at Bragg Gaming Group.

In this NEXT.io Podcast episode, Robbie Bressler, CFO of Bragg Gaming , dives deep into why the U.S. iGaming market remains one of the biggest opportunities in the industry.

Despite slow state-by-state regulation, Robbie explains why Bragg Gaming is betting big on the U.S., the role of sweepstakes in shaping future laws, and whether new challengers can compete with FanDuel & DraftKings in online casino.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:20 - Robbie Bressler’s background in iGaming

05:01 - Bragg Gaming’s market cap: 2021 peak & decline

07:25 - Leadership changes & rebuilding investor trust

08:53 - Special committee: Why it disbanded & key takeaways

12:23 - Bragg Gaming’s U.S. expansion strategy

16:05 - Will more U.S. states legalise iGaming?

18:33 - The impact of sweepstakes

22:42 - Bragg Gaming’s stance on sweepstakes partnerships

25:40 - The potential for new iGaming entrants

28:35 - Bragg Gaming’s approach to customer retention

34:51 - CPA challenges & barriers for new operators

35:57 - Bragg Gaming's expansion into Brazil & LATAM

38:21 - Regulated vs. unregulated markets

41:27 - Will regulators clamp down on crypto casinos?

42:53 - The future of iGaming regulation & policy shifts

45:03 - Bragg Gaming’s 2025 vision & long-term investment case

46:51 - Closing Remarks

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotioCONNECT 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 #227 with Roger Ehrenberg, Managing Partner at Eberg Capital

In this NEXT.io Podcast episode, Pierre Lindh welcomes investor and venture capitalist Roger Ehrenberg for a deep dive into money, success, leadership, and investing. Roger shares insights from his Wall Street career, his transition into venture capital, and the mindset needed to build and back successful businesses.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:49 - Sponsors

02:09 - Roger Ehrenberg’s Background

03:07 - The Meaning of Money & Success

06:28 - Does More Money Bring Happiness?

09:10 - The Source of Ambition & Early Challenges

12:56 - Why Founders with a Chip on Their Shoulder Succeed

15:41 - What Investors Look for in Founders

19:59 - Balancing Vision & Flexibility in Startups

22:57 - Red Flags Investors Avoid in Founders

25:28 - Breaking into Venture Capital Without a Network

30:07 - The Importance of Preparation When Pitching Investors

32:22 - Perseverance vs. Knowing When to Quit

38:21 - Roger’s Investment Strategy & Market Trends

41:49 - The Future of Sports, Gaming & Media

44:06 - Eberg Capital’s Investments in iGaming & Sports Betting

50:42 - WagerWire & Betting as Entertainment

52:14 - How U.S. iGaming is Evolving

53:09 - Career Advice for Founders & Entrepreneurs

55:45 - Powerful Business Lessons

57:17 - Public Speaking & Overcoming Fear

1:00:28 - Closing Marks

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

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

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 #20 of Vested Interest with Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig, Benjie Cherniak & Special Guest, Justin Park.

In this NEXT.io Podcast episode, Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig and Benjie Cherniak explore the rise of challenger brands in iGaming, questioning whether new players can still break into a market dominated by giants like FanDuel and DraftKings. They also dive into what makes a great leader, from startup resilience to scaling with strong teams.

Special guest Justin Park, CEO of Betty, shares how Betty is thriving by focusing on slots, in-house user acquisition, and global expansion strategy.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:19 - Sponsors

01:38 - NEXT Summit: New York 2025 

03:21 - The Role of Challenger Brands in iGaming

07:18 - Key Factors for Challenger Brands’ Success

09:47 - Market Expansion & Regulation Challenges

15:39 - What Makes a Great Leader?

19:47 - Startup Leadership: Challenges & Success Factors

25:00 - Special Guest: Justin Park, CEO of Betty

27:45 - The Betty Business Model & Market Positioning

32:01 - Execution & Growth Strategy at Betty

35:13 - Overcoming Skepticism from Industry Veterans

38:11 - Expansion Strategy

41:03 - Entrepreneurship Key Lessons

46:14 - Justin's Mentor & Book Recommendations

49:20 - Closing Marks

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

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

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 #225 with David Carruthers, CEO at David Carruthers Consulting Limited.

In this NEXT.io Podcast episode, David Carruthers shares his extraordinary journey in the iGaming industry. From leading a billion-dollar company to serving time in federal prison, David shares his rise, fall, and ultimate reinvention of himself. As the former CEO of BetOnSports, he built one of the most dominant online sportsbooks, until a U.S. crackdown changed everything.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:30 - Sponsors

01:48 - David’s Carruthers Journey

04:15 - Entering the Gambling Industry at 18

06:00 - Climbing the Ladder at Ladbrokes

07:04 - Turning Point: Leaving Ladbrokes

09:06 - Landing in Costa Rica & Becoming CEO of BetOnSports

13:30 - Scaling BetOnSports into a Billion-Dollar Business

18:26 - Legal Grey Areas & Risks of U.S. Expansion

22:18 - The U.S. Crackdown & His Arrest

30:00 - House Arrest for 4 Years in the U.S.

37:00 - Accepting a Plea Deal to Avoid 80 Years in Prison

42:00 - Life Inside Federal Prison

50:00 - Rebuilding Life After Prison

1:04:00 - Re-Entering the Gambling Industry

1:15:00 - The Future of Gambling & Emerging Markets

1:20:00 - Lessons from His Journey

1:28:00 - Closing Marks

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

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

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 #224 with Nigel Eccles, Former FanDuel CEO

In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast, Nigel Eccles, Former FanDuel CEO shares his incredible journey in the company the challenges faced during its growth, including legal battles and regulatory scrutiny, and the eventual exit to Flutter Entertainment.

He reflects on the lessons learned from raising capital, the importance of ethical investors, and his current venture into the crypto casino space with BetHog, emphasizing the need for innovation in the gaming experience and the potential for future growth in regulated markets

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:32 - The Genesis of FanDuel

05:05 - Navigating Early Challenges

09:53 - The Rise of Daily Fantasy Sports

15:01 - The Competitive Landscape

20:05 - Legal Battles and Industry Growth

24:56 - The Peak and Its Aftermath

30:17 - The Inside Information Controversy

33:09 - Legal Challenges and Regulatory Battles

36:16 - Merger Talks with DraftKings

40:48 - The Fallout from the Failed Merger

46:02 - The Exit to Flutter Entertainment

54:07 - Lessons Learned from Raising Capital

58:00 - Entering the Crypto Casino Space

01:01:54 - Innovating in the Gaming Experience

01:06:28 - Future of Crypto Regulation and Market Strategy

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

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

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/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 #223 withJesse Learmonth, Founder of Bettingstartups

In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast, Pierre Lindh and Jesse Learmonth dive deep into the evolving landscape of gaming startups in North America.

They also discuss the importance of solving pain points for operators, and the resilience of bootstrapped entrepreneurs, current investment trends, and the launch of The Starties, an award show dedicated to celebrating startup success in the gaming industry.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:34 - Sponsors

02:18 - Transitioning from Hobby to Business

09:31 - Dynamics of the US Gambling Market

17:22 - Innovative Startups in Gambling

24:33 - Exploring Gambly's AI Innovations

30:47 - Fluid Payments: Enhancing Cashier Experience

32:37 - Solving Pain Points for Operators

36:29 - Innovative Business Models in Gaming

41:31 - The Resilience of Bootstrapped Startups

47:07 - Emerging Startups to Watch

50:12 - Investing Trends in the Gaming Industry

52:46 - The Starties: Celebrating Startup Success

01:02:54 - Future Ambitions and Personal Reflections

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

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

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

CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO

✩ Website - https://next.io/

✩ Instagram - /nextdotio

✩ X/Twitter - /nextdotio

✩ LinkedIn - /nextdotio

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/