The Gambling Files

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 environment, the importance of a risk-based approach, and the need for operators to have a holistic view of customer management. Kirsty also highlights the key issues in the recent white paper, including financial risk checks and greater financial penalties for operators. She emphasizes the need for more constructive conversations and discussions among industry stakeholders to drive progress in safer gambling practices [16:02 - 1:14:51].

Kirsty also reveals a disturbing lack of TV watching habits, preferring something she calls 'books'. Huh. 

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 also talks about his experience serving the Latino community in Las Vegas and developing a Latino-focused casino. He also reveals his favourite Kevin Costner movie, and a damning Cobra Kai fact [19:49 - 1:09:07].

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 of trust and transparency in the industry and the need for clear communication between regulators, operators, and the betting public. The conversation touches on the role of media in shaping public perception and the lack of representation for punters in decision-making processes [11:59 - 1:10:24].

Truth be told, Scott's a bit of a legend, and we at the podcast would like to express our thanks to his parents for their creation.

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 banking, frictionless checks, and what we could and perhaps should be doing. What are the issues, and why? We do it all on this episode [42:37 - 1:37:46].

Thanks as ever to our wonderful sponsors, the virile and alluring BWise Media and the nubile but coquettish Clarion Gaming. Slainte! 

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 developing new ideas within a gambling giant works, and much, much more [7:57 - 51:26]. We also discuss how vets get placed in abattoirs, which is a pretty freaky place for a gambling-based podcast to go. 

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-loved Hippodrome Casino. They discuss issues with getting womeon in the door for poker, and then getting them to return a second time and beyond; what dirves female players away from poker rooms? And what can be done about it? We also talk about the WPA's Raise It Up campaign, so poker rooms around the world can establish a baseline for players to feel protected and for standards to be maintained [4:22 - 42:01]. 

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 has been able to appeal to the millennial and Gen Z audience by understanding the esports community and creating a unique and entertaining user experience. David also highlights some of Rivalry's standout features, such as the "Chicken Out" cash out feature and the "Casino Exe" concept, which brings a nostalgic gaming experience to the online casino. The conversation also touches on the potential for esports to drive growth in the US market, the importance of engaging with the audience, and the long-term strategy of building brand loyalty with a younger demographic [15:08 - 1:15:02].

https://youtu.be/XVEVZUSZxK8

https://www.rivalry.com/casino

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 gambling industry, and Brad's role in the Zero Latency podcast. The quality of casino apps in the US is a hot topic, with many apps having broken journeys and glitches – Brad unveils the surprising top-rated casino app in a recent test, and much more [16:57 - 1:18:32]!

Thank to our benevolent sponsors BWise Media – for all your sports media buying needs – and Clarion Gaming. Both legends.

"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 dynamic pirouetters Gaming Recruitment Solutions.

Then it's on to round two, where we discuss – with Andrew Rhodes, no less!: the implementation of the White Paper and the ongoing consultation process, how the Gambling Commission reviews and responds to the feedback received, concerns about the impact of affordability checks on the high-end casino industry, cashless technology, and the potential for the illegitimate market to thrive if regulations become too strict [5:40 - 1:17:50]. We also learn Andrew's spiritual dojo, and I think this is the episode where Jon warns everyone off vegan lager.

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 importance of open engagement and dialogue. He highlights the need for evidence-based decision-making and the challenges of navigating social media in the context of the gambling industry. Rhodes addresses the complexity of gambling addiction, the responsibility of operators to prevent excessive gambling, and the ongoing trials of data sharing for public protection purposes. He also crucially reveals which dinosaur he would be, and why [9:35 - 1:19:27].