The Gambling Files

It's been a banging first day at ICE 2024; the place is absolutely heaving, ExCeL is buzzing and if you're not here, why not?

We're doing an episode a day in theory, as our benevolent wonders Clarion Gaming kindly found us a room to record in. So, the intro is Fintan and Jon talking about stuff including Optimove, the other wonder sponsor, as the room is very close to their stand (which is at the entrance to N5, you can't miss it, go and mention the podcast for an amazon voucher. But also, get a demo. You will not regret it.) [0:00 - 11:17].

First guest is Jon's friend Reda Seiliute, to talk about how people use ICE in different ways; Reda is looking for her next project in gaming, so is here for the networking and is pounding the floor in sensible shoes [11:18 - 23:11].

Next up is Stuart Simms of Fair Play Sports Media, talking about their growing presence in the gambling industry and the world of Oddschecker, among their many brands. It's a many-tailed conversation that occasionally rambles, in a good way [23:12 - 51:19].

Finally, we are graced by the magnificent combination of Mark Flores-Martin and Adam Davis of XGENIA. These guys are part of a team creating AI software so that the end user can customise their own slots for the ultimate in personalisation. The conversation takes in the need for AI regulation, and what the gambling industry should bear in mind on this path. It brings up some hard subjects (that's what she said). Also, is the CMO role really dying out? [51:20 - 1:25:07]

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

More tomorrow!

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, and leveraging LinkedIn for job opportunities. The conversation also touches on the difficulties and sacrifices of senior roles, the value of character in hiring decisions, and the support available for employees in casino closures. The hosts share their favourite and least-favourite casinos, and the episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about strip clubs and the Hippodrome’s Magic Mike show. Oh, and Las Vegas; we talk Vegas too [14:06 – 1:21:19].

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 more! Not least the highlights you can expect to see in London next week at ICE [0:00 – 28:31].

Then Jon is joined by the brilliant Howard Stutz, a long-time reporter covering the Las Vegas beat, Now with The Nevada Independent, who comes to discuss the evolution of gambling in the US and the transformation of Las Vegas. He shares his background in reporting and covers the expansion of gambling beyond Nevada, including the growth of tribal casinos and the legalization of sports betting. The conversation also explores the changing perception of gambling and the challenges faced by the industry. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of Las Vegas and the potential for new developments and events [28:32 – 1:26: 00].

This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.

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 excitement of being a character, something David and Fintan have both experienced, while Jon is merely a psychic dugong. The conversation then shifts to the need for gambling reforms in the UK and the urgency to implement them. They also explore the potential of sports betting in UK casinos and the role of the Betting and Gaming Council. The episode concludes with a discussion on the potential of event sports venues in the UK. The conversation covers various topics including paninis and sticker collections, favourite films and actors, arts and Bluey, neighbourhood connections, and a hypothetical question about Justin Fletcher and Jamiroquai [22:02 – 1:14:05].

This podcast is presented by Optimove which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours.

Links: 

You can read David's excellent article here: https://bettingandgamingcouncil.com/news/the-clock-is-ticking-for-casino-reforms

and connect with David on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-williams-b6276112/

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 Amazon gift vouchers, and more [0:00 - 20:14]. Oh, and our something different is, we’ve done video this time. It might not be live when this goes live, but you can see the channel here.

Then the week’s very special guest is the wonderful Aideen Shortt, advisor to Curacao’s Minister of Finance and who has been at the heart of the island’s regulatory overhaul. Aideen has had a long and impressive career in gambling, with many big-name companies and quality job titles on her resumé. Aideen discusses the changes to Curacao's gambling licensing regime, clarifying that the LOK has not been rejected and explains the parliamentary process it is going through. She emphasises the need for modernization and the economic, social, and reputational benefits it will bring to Curacao, discusses the timeline and process for existing and new licensees, and explains the flexibility and transparency of the GCB portal. Rather excitingly, we talk about the draft crypto legislation and the involvement of experts in shaping it, the game-changing potential of Curacao and the importance of forward-looking legislation. 

At ICE, Curacao’s Gaming Control Board will be at N9-260 so stop by and say hello, tell them we sent you. No reason though, it’s just nice to be mentioned, so thanks in advance for that. And you can find the gaming control portal here.

This podcast is presented by Optimove. 56% of the EGR Power 50 Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. Visit Optimove here, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours.

Our other key sponsor is the excellent Clarion Gaming, organisers of the legendary ICE event. Registration for the final London event is now open!

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 Foundation, which aims to make a positive impact in the world by focusing on philanthropy, advisory services, and impact investing. Laurent explains the three tracks of the foundation and how they work together to achieve their goals. He also emphasizes the importance of teaching children about AI and the need to address biases in AI systems. Laurent shares the foundation's goals for 2024 and encourages listeners to spread the message and do good in their own lives [28:55 – 1:14:29].

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 discusses the challenges of the football environment, the void after retirement, and the role of faith in his recovery. Tony emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in gambling and highlights the need for operators to show social responsibility. He also reflects on the changes in gambling culture in football and shares his experiences playing against top players.

Tony has pioneered The Red Card Gambling Support Project as a response to the lack of education and awareness about gambling-related harm in the game. The funding landscape and the role of gambling operators in supporting initiatives is also discussed. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by professional football clubs in addressing gambling addiction and the potential impact on young athletes [38:53 – 1:57:07].

As ever, huge thanks to our sponsors, BWise Media and Clarion Gaming, without which none of this would be possible. So you can blame them if you want to blame anybody.

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. The company has taken a bootstrapped approach and has grown steadily, with plans to expand into the UK and US markets. 

The conversation explores the role of machine learning and AI in game development and the potential for fully automated game development in the future. The importance of a platform for game development and the power of AI in optimizing games are also discussed. The limitations of AI in creative fields and the potential of AI in artwork and design are explored. The rapid pace of AI development and the impact of AI on affiliates and SEO are also considered [12:54 - 1:24:27].

God bless AI.

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 reporting in affiliate software, which hinders affiliates' ability to optimize their campaigns effectively. John emphasizes the importance of data optimization and conversion rate optimization in the industry. He also discusses the potential for AI and CRM tools to enhance player value and improve affiliate-operator relationships, and touches on what the future might hold for it to be shiny and bright for everyone [22:32 - 1:11:12].

Oh, and his favourite Canadian things are also discussed. Obv.

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. She also talks about the Lottoland case currently before the European Court of Justice and the potential for advertising restrictions on sports betting in Germany [21:17 – 01:01:00]. There's some other stuff too, of course, including an argument about Christmas Markets on dating apps. It's a thing, apparently.