In this episode, we examine one of the most significant policy shifts to hit the UK gambling sector in recent years: the Chancellor's decision to raise gambling taxes as part of the Autumn Budget. We're joined by Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, in conversation with Melanie Dayasena-Lowe, Vixio's managing editor covering UK and European regulatory developments. Together, they explore how the tax hikes landed across the industry, why many operators view the changes as a "hammer blow", and what the increases could mean for jobs, retail betting shops, investment and long-term sector growth. The discussion also looks at whether horseracing and in-person gambling have escaped the worst of the impact or whether further ripple effects are likely. In conversation, Melanie and Grainne address key questions shaping the debate:

• How did the industry react on Budget day?
• What impact could the tax rises have on employment, retail closures and UK investment
• Will the increases drive consumers towards the black market, as some warn?
• How might the changes affect Gibraltar, Sweden and other European jurisdictions?
• How will UK gambling tax levels now compare across Europe?
• Could the government revisit or even raise these taxes again?

With forecasts suggesting reduced bonusing, declining onshore spending, and a drop in channelisation from 93% to 84%, this episode offers timely insights into the challenges that operators, regulators, and policymakers now face. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how the UK's new tax landscape is reshaping the sector and what may come next as the market adjusts to one of the most consequential fiscal decisions in years.

In this episode, we launch a brand-new series as part of the Vixio Regulatory Radar podcast: The Analyst Angle. Hosted by Louise Coleman, Vixio's regulatory lead for Europe with fifteen years of experience, the series brings listeners closer to the conversations and insights shaping global regulated industries. To kick off the series, Vixio analysts delve into one of the most widely discussed topics in financial services today: Artificial Intelligence (AI). Louise is joined in conversation with Alex, Toba, and Armani to explore how AI is being adopted across the financial sector, the risks and opportunities it presents, and what regulators are focusing on in Europe and beyond. Key questions addressed in this episode include:

• How is AI being used in financial services, payments, and gambling sectors?
• Which regulatory authorities are paying the closest attention, and why?
• How might the EU AI Act reshape industry practices?
• What are the practical implications for compliance teams and business operations?

Listeners will gain practical insight into the early regulatory thinking surrounding AI, the emerging risks and opportunities, and the strategic considerations for businesses navigating this rapidly evolving area. This episode marks the beginning of The Analyst Angle, offering direct access to the expertise and perspectives of Vixio's in-house analysts. Stay tuned for more episodes unpacking the regulatory trends shaping gambling, financial services, and payments worldwide.

In this episode, we delve into one of the most disruptive forces shaping the gambling and financial landscape in 2025: prediction markets. We're joined by Mackenzie Schanke and Matt Carey from Vixio, who specialise in regulation across North America. Fresh from the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, Mackenzie and Matt unpack how prediction markets have evolved from niche forecasting tools into regulated financial products. Examining what that means for operators, investors, and policymakers. In conversation, the pair will look to answer:

• What are prediction markets?

• How did we get here?

• Why isn't this sports betting?

• Where do we go from here?

Since recording this episode, the prediction market landscape has continued to shift rapidly. We encourage Vixio subscribers to access the U.S. Regulatory Review: Prediction Markets report, which outlines the current federal framework, recent enforcement actions, and emerging legal trends. Listeners will gain timely insights into how prediction markets are redefining the boundaries between finance and gaming and what these developments could mean for the future of regulation.

In this episode, we examine the intersection of digital advertising, AI, and compliance in the rapidly evolving world of gambling marketing. We are joined by Peter Szyszko, CEO and Founder of White Bullet, a London-based company that utilises artificial intelligence, data, and transparency to combat illegal and high-risk online advertising. Founded in 2013 by a team of IP lawyers, White Bullet collaborates with brands, regulators, and tech platforms to safeguard the digital advertising supply chain and prevent ad spend from supporting piracy and illegal gambling operations. In conversation with podcast regular Harrison Sayers, Peter discusses:

• How gambling advertising is evolving in a more digital, global environment

• The impact of new products, payment methods, and affiliates on compliance

• The tools and technologies — including AI — being used to detect and disrupt illegal advertising

• Enforcement trends and regulatory collaboration across borders

• The growing links between illicit promotion of gambling, piracy, and programmatic ad risks

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how regulators, operators, and compliance teams can stay ahead of illegal marketing tactics, and what practical steps can be taken to build greater transparency and accountability in the digital ad ecosystem.

In this special episode of the Regulatory Radar Podcast, Vixio steps away from the fast-paced world of gambling compliance to reflect on a career that helped shape modern gambling regulation. Joining the show is Wes Himes, a senior figure at the Betting and Gaming Council and this year's recipient of the Global Regulatory Award for Compliance Lifetime Achievement. In conversation with Vixio's Chief Analyst, James Kilsby, Wes discusses his decades-long journey in the industry, from navigating pivotal policy debates to building trust among regulators, operators, and policymakers. Listeners will gain insight into how compliance has evolved into a cornerstone of sustainable growth and hear Wes's perspective on the future of regulation and responsible gaming. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation with one of the most respected voices in the field, don't miss this look back at a remarkable career and what lies ahead for the industry.

Compliance teams are under more pressure than ever. Facing rapid regulatory shifts, growing stakeholder scrutiny, and limited internal resources. In this episode of the Vixio Regulatory Radar podcast, we explore how compliance leaders can navigate this complexity, avoid becoming bottlenecks, and build a culture of proactive compliance without compromising on control, speed, or resilience.

Moderator Adam Parkinson, Editor at Vixio, is joined by a panel of experts:

• John Gidla, Head of Global Regulatory Research and Analysis, Vixio

• Frans Wiwanto, Managing Director of APAC, Flywire

• Kat Cloud, Head of Government Relations, Sumsub

Together, they unpack today's toughest compliance challenges, including:

• Balancing regulatory pressure with internal expectations and accountability

• Breaking down silos across regions, teams, and tools

• Managing time, cost, and headcount with limited resources

• Cutting through information overload and avoiding critical blind spots

• Monitoring regulations across multiple jurisdictions

You'll also hear practical strategies and actionable steps to help compliance teams adapt at the speed of change. From automating horizon scanning to building regulatory change playbooks that foster collaboration and agility.

In this episode of the Vixio Regulatory Radar Podcast, we explore the complexities of international gambling expansion and the regulatory challenges that come with entering new markets.

Moderator James Kilsby, Chief Analyst at Vixio, is joined by Charmaine Hogan, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Playtech, and Paresh Rughani, Head of Compliance at Play'n GO, for an in-depth discussion on:

• What companies need to know before entering newly regulated markets

• Common pitfalls that can derail cross-border expansion

• Opportunities in emerging markets across Europe, Africa and North America.

• And practical strategies to navigate compliance hurdles effectively

Whether you're an operator, supplier, or compliance professional, this episode offers valuable insights to help turn regulatory complexity into a competitive advantage.

In this episode of the Regulatory Radar Podcast, Vixio experts discuss Africa's evolving gambling regulatory landscape. This episode dives into the sweeping changes and complex dynamics shaping compliance, risk, and opportunity for operators and stakeholders across the continent. During this discussion, listeners will learn more about:

• The growing political and legislative push for federal online gambling reform in South Africa.
• Regulatory fragmentation in Nigeria and tightening tax and advertising controls in Kenya.
• The emergence of offshore hubs and new markets, from the UAE to Anjouan.
• Rising enforcement activity focused on taxation and anti-money laundering compliance.

Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of where African gambling markets are heading, and what industry participants need to do to navigate this fast-changing environment. The episode concludes with a recommendation to download Vixio's 2025 Africa Outlook, an exclusive resource for subscribers offering strategic insights into regulatory trends, enforcement developments, and market forecasts for jurisdictions across Africa.

In this episode of the Regulatory Radar Podcast, Vixio experts discuss iGaming technical compliance requirements. As regulated iGaming markets grow and diversify, technical compliance has become more than a box to tick - a strategic challenge with high stakes. With mounting pressure on compliance teams and increasingly complex requirements for both online gambling operators and suppliers, how can businesses stay ahead of evolving expectations, avoid costly errors, and seize opportunities in new jurisdictions? Listen as a panel of leading experts explore recent developments across technical requirements and information security, unpack key pain points facing the industry today, and discuss what's next for those at the intersection of innovation and compliance.

In this episode of the Vixio Regulatory Radar Podcast, we focus on the rapidly evolving regulatory environment for financial services in the United States. With a wave of deregulatory actions — including the recent major rollback of CFPB guidance — Vixio asks: What's driving this shift, what does it mean for the industry and consumers, and what's likely to happen next? Vixio experts Adam Parkinson and Jimmie Franklin are joined by guest Brian Tate, President and CEO of the Innovative Payments Association, to share his on-the-ground insights into the changing landscape. Topics covered include:

• The rollback of CFPB guidance and its implications
• The current state and future of open banking in the US
• How US deregulation compares to developments in Europe and beyond
• Key trends and what to watch in the months ahead

Tune in for expert analysis and a forward-looking discussion on one of the most consequential regulatory shifts in financial services today.