MaxBet Podcast

Whether you're deep in the game or just gaming-curious, this podcast is for you. MaxBet is the #1 podcast in gaming and the longest running B2B show in the industry.

Hosted by Hillary McAfee, the podcast brings you real conversations with the people shaping this business; executives, insiders, and the occasional legend. It's not formal, it's not scripted, and it's definitely not stuffy. Just sharp takes, bold ideas, and behind the scenes stories from the gaming world.

You'll hear from industry insiders, executives, and gaming legends, giving you a front-row seat (metaphorically, because we don't actually know you) to the bold moves, big ideas, and behind-the-scenes stories defining the industry.

It's a unique blend of business know-how, consumer perspective, and unfiltered commentary on what's really happening in the gaming world.

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21 episodes
Updated Yesterday
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Episodes21

Newest first

Yesterday · 21 min
Building the Future of Skill-Based Gaming | Desiree Dickerson, THNDR
What happens when you build a startup in a category most of the industry is still trying to understand? Desiree Dickerson, CEO and Co-Founder of Thunder, joins MaxBet to break down skill-based gaming, how Thunder solves player liquidity through cross-operator matchmaking, and why operators, lotteries, sportsbooks, and sweepstakes companies are paying attention. We also discuss startup pivots, product-market fit, industry education, and the realities of building a business where the rules are still being written. Plus: rapid fire, conference pet peeves, tarantulas, business cards, and an unexpected conversation about beta blockers. Whether you're hearing about player vs. player gaming for the first time or have been following the space for years, this episode offers a practical look at one of gaming's fastest-growing and most misunderstood business models.
July 15 · 24 min
Why Aren't More States Legalizing iGaming? | Brandt Iden
Subtlety isn't exactly a MaxBet core value, so we start with the obvious question: Why are operators leaving the AGA? After surviving the opening question, Brandt Iden, VP of Government Affairs at Fanatics Betting & Gaming and former Michigan State Representative, sticks around to talk about why more states still haven't legalized iGaming, what's keeping legislation from moving, the tax revenue states may be leaving on the table, and why prediction markets have become one of gaming's biggest debates. As always, we wrap things up with a rapid-fire round covering everything from Google Meet vs. Teams to the worst conference habit. (Brandt had that answer locked and loaded.) This episode of MaxBet is brought to you by Approvely, the payment infrastructure partner built for gaming. From payment processing and pay-by-bank to compliance and risk management, Approvely helps operators navigate complex payments with confidence. Learn more at Approvely.com.
July 8 · 39 min
AI in Gaming: Where to Invest and Where to Wait
AI has become the answer to just about everything. Need to cut costs? AI. Need to grow revenue? AI. Need to impress your board? AI. The problem is, very few people can explain where the ROI actually is. This week on MaxBet, Hillary McAfee sits down with Cris Kuehl, Chief Data & AI Officer at Continent 8 Technologies, to sort through the questions gaming executives are asking behind closed doors. Where should companies be investing in AI? Where should they absolutely not? Does every company need a Chief AI Officer? What should startups be doing today so they don't get left behind tomorrow? Whether you're building an AI strategy, trying to separate opportunity from distraction, or just looking for a conversation that doesn't sound like it was written by ChatGPT, this episode is for you. A special thanks to Continent 8 for sponsoring this episode of MaxBet Podcast.
June 18 · 34 min
"Find a Way or Make a Way" | Simon Thomas on Building the Hippodrome
Simon Thomas owns the Hippodrome Casino, one of the most iconic gaming and entertainment venues in the world. Located in the heart of London, the Hippodrome attracts a third of all casino admissions in the city and has become known for doing things differently. In this episode of MaxBet, Simon joins Hillary McAfee to talk about building a business around experiences, why most problems have a solution if you're willing to find it, and how the Hippodrome grew into a destination that combines gaming, sports betting, restaurants, bars, live entertainment, and hospitality under one roof. They also discuss the launch of the UK's first casino sportsbook, testing new products, creating a culture people want to be part of, and why Simon believes the best ideas often come from focusing on how customers feel. Plus: why he hates coat check tickets, the story behind the Hippodrome's newest sportsbook, and the lesson that's guided him through nearly every challenge he's faced: find a way or make a way.
May 28 · 48 min
The Hottest Trends in Slots Right Now
If you care about slot floor strategy, which features are actually working, or just want to hear your favorite games and suppliers come up in the conversation, this episode is for you. Brendan Moore from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming joins MaxBet to break down the games, mechanics, cabinets, and features getting real traction on casino floors right now. Brendan gets into the suppliers, the games climbing the charts, the mechanics players are responding to, and the features proving they actually have staying power. We talk about what Konami, AGS, Sega Sammy, Bluberi, IGT, Aristocrat, and Light & Wonder are doing right now and why certain products are getting attention across the industry. We also get into: The perceived persistence takeover Popular features What game has been the most copied What falls off the charts fast What operators are paying attention to right now
May 21 · 28 min
WTF?! Is Actually Happening With AI in Gaming??
Everyone's talking about AI in gaming. Most of it sounds impressive. Not all of it is real. This is Part 3 of our WTF with IGI series where we bring the data people in to talk to the rest of us. Turns out, having an AI strategy is more than just telling your employees to use ChatGPT like Google. We break down IGI's latest research and get into what operators and suppliers are actually doing with AI right now. What's working, what's not, and where there's still a pretty big gap between what people say they're doing and what's real. We also get into iGaming vs land-based, which is where things start to look very different. There's real data in here, some honest answers, and a few moments where it becomes clear the industry is still figuring this out in real time. This WTF with IGI?!? mini-series is put together in collaboration with The International Gaming Institute and filmed at UNLV Black Fire.
May 13 · 8 min
Top 5 Gaming Stories this Week, According to Everyone Important (Me)
Here's what actually happened in gaming this week, minus the polished version. Top 5 Stories for the beginning of May 2026: 1. FanDuel replaces Amy Howe as CEO - What does this mean? 2. What happened with Prediction Markets - still messy but printing $$? 3. UFC betting under the microscope (again) 4. Don't F*** with Canada: a reminder that regulation is not a suggestion 5. Wynn Al Marjan announces moderate delays. (Which in development terms means "everything is fine" said through slightly clenched teeth) IGT is a proud partner of the MaxBet Podcast. They're celebrating 30 years of Wheel of Fortune Slots with a collaboration alongside Wheel of Fortune and Carnival Cruise Line—featuring their newest games on stage during a fully integrated week of shows from May 18–22.
April 30 · 38 min
Sex, Drugs, and the iGaming Industry… According to Alex Tomic
This week, Alex Tomic joins MaxBet for a conversation that goes well beyond the usual industry talking points. We get into the growing research around psilocybin as a potential treatment for gambling addiction, how biohacking became part of his routine, and which does he *actually* prefer: SBC or SIGMA? Also in this episode: Ick of the Week (straight from Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow. The ladies will understand) And a new segment: Red Flag or Green Flag? Somewhere along the way, we also ask a very normal question: is Donald Trump being involved in prediction markets… weird? This episode is supported by our partners at IGT and Eilers & Krejcik Gaming. We appreciate them being part of the conversation.
April 16 · 49 min
WTF?! Why is Freeplay Not Working?
Freeplay. PAR. Rebates. Lotteries. Tony Lucas has spent years studying all of it, and the verdict is ugly. At best, casinos are misusing these tools. At worst, they are hemorrhaging millions straight off the bottom line. I n this episode, he lays out what the research shows, why the industry keeps pushing back on it, and what's really driving that resistance. If any part of your job touches a promotions budget, this episode is for you. This WTF with IGI mini-series is put together in collaboration with The International Gaming Institute and filmed at UNLV Black Fire.
April 8 · 31 min
From DEI Pioneer to Startup Champion: Kelly Kehn Is Changing Who Gets to Build Gaming
From DEI pioneer to startup champion, Kelly Kehn joins the MaxBet Podcast to talk about what it takes to build in gaming right now. Kelly has spent more than two decades in iGaming and co-founded the All-In Diversity Project. She's now working with Defy the Odds alongside Sue Schneider and Paris Smith, supporting founders and helping open doors that have not always been open. We get into: Building startups in gaming and where people get stuck Managing risk when everything is moving fast Culture, and what happens when people feel comfortable speaking up The difference between saying you value diverse perspectives and creating space for them What Defy the Odds is doing behind the scenes
March 26 · 31 min
How to Scale a Company Without Breaking Your Culture
On this episode of MaxBet Podcast, Martina Åkerlund breaks down what actually drives company culture and why so many leaders get it wrong. As CEO of Elevated Edge, Martina works directly with founders and leadership teams to build companies that perform without burning out their people. This conversation gets into the real issues and what actually happens inside teams when leadership avoids hard decisions, not what companies say about culture. In this episode, you'll find: Why high performers can quietly damage culture The risk of keeping the wrong people for the sake of results Why culture always starts at the top The leadership habit that can undo years of progress Hiring for potential vs hiring for performance How to make hard decisions without losing respect Why numbers alone are not enough to scale a company What sustainable leadership actually looks like
March 19 · 20 min
WTF?! Why Does Draft Kings Care About UNLV??
What is DraftKings actually paying attention to right now… and what does that mean for the rest of the industry? In Episode 1 of WTF?! with IGI, MaxBet sits down with a Director from UNLV's International Gaming Institute to break down the trends shaping gaming behind the scenes. We get into what suppliers should be building over the next 3 years, what is actually working in persistent games, and how student-created ideas are making it onto real casino floors. Some of those same ideas are even catching the attention of DraftKings inside IGI's innovation lab. If you care about where gaming is going next, this is the stuff you want to be paying attention to.
March 18 · 5 min
WTF Is This Series? Introducing WTF? with IGI (ft. Dr. Brett Abarbanel)
MaxBet is teaming up with UNLV International Gaming Institute to create a mini-series lovingly and relatably called WTF?! with IGI. Because there are people out there doing incredibly smart research on our industry. So we're bringing them in to break it down, translate it, and tell us what we probably should've known sooner. If you're an operator or a supplier, you'll probably want to hear what IGI has been studying… because it probably applies directly to your work. In this episode, we kick off the series with the co-mastermind Dr. Brett Abarbanel and walk through exactly what you can expect from WTF? with IGI. First episode airs 3/19! Also, IGI's International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking is happening May 26–28, 2026 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, where a lot of these exact conversations are happening in real time. You can learn more and register here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gnjF2MA9
March 6 · 31 min
Why Gambling Should Be Entertainment First | Magnus Olsson
Magnus Olsson, CCO of Play'n GO, joins MaxBet to discuss the evolving economics of iGaming. From hosting partners in the Formula 1 paddock to building games that players return to for years, Magnus shares how entertainment value and strong storytelling drive long-term retention. The conversation covers U.S. regulatory hurdles, the differences between European and American gaming markets, and why the industry's future depends on attracting new online-first audiences.
February 25 · 36 min
The Long Game of Personal Brand in B2B
Hillary sits down with Catie Di Stefano, one of the most genuinely connected people in the gaming industry. With 15 years in gaming (which officially makes her a self proclaimed baby dinosaur), Catie has built a strong reputation for how she approaches both marketing and LinkedIn in a B2B world. It's practical, consistent, and rooted in real relationships. The conversation covers how people can show up on LinkedIn without waiting on their company page to do all the work, how personal credibility grows over time, and why supporting other people in the industry matters more than most realize. If you work in marketing, care about building a personal presence online, or want a clearer sense of how people actually build connection and opportunity in gaming, this episode is for you.
February 10 · 46 min
Not Your Mother's AGS: Inside the Rebrand of a Gaming Supplier
AGS recently launched a new brand identity at G2E, and this episode unpacks what that evolution represents for the company. Julia Boguslawski and Nikki Davis from AGS share why the rebrand was necessary, what they wanted the market to better understand about who AGS is today, and how the new identity reflects the company's growth across slots, tables, and interactive. The conversation explores the realities of rebranding in gaming, from internal alignment and rollout strategy to how a brand lives on the show floor and in long-term customer relationships. It's an inside look at how a gaming supplier modernizes its brand without losing its edge, paired with an honest perspective on trade show culture and the dynamics of marketing in the industry.
January 15 · 32 min
From the FBI to NASCAR: A Different View on Sports Betting
Joe Solosky, Managing Director of Sports Betting at NASCAR, joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on what sports betting looks like from a motorsports and league-side perspective. Before helping build out NASCAR's sports betting strategy, Joe spent six years with the FBI, giving him a unique lens on regulation, integrity, and how leagues think about betting partnerships. We talk about how sports betting fits into motorsports, how prediction markets are viewed from the league side, and how quickly "the future" is arriving in this space. It's a practical, thoughtful conversation about where betting, leagues, and regulation are actually intersecting right now.
January 7 · 44 min
How Aristocrat's CPO Thinks About Product and Life Outside Gaming
Aristocrat CPO Matt Primmer joins MaxBet and gets right into it, including whether he prefers Lightning Link or Buffalo and how he looks at product even when he's off the clock. We chat about his mindset around change and adapting, why doing things the same way as before usually means something is wrong, and how intensity, efficiency, and short meetings shape the way he leads. He also shares why, despite running global product, he is very clear that he is the lowest on the totem pole at home. There is real talk about lessons learned, parenting, club sports, and what balancing product and family actually looks like.
Dec 19, 2025 · 35 min
Why Emotional Intelligence Makes Businesses More Money
Emily Haruko Life Coach and CEO of Soroca joins the show to talk about what actually improves teams and company culture. Emily works within B2B organizations to help leaders strengthen communication, increase efficiency, and build healthier work environments. A major focus of her work is emotional intelligence. She shares a study where Coca-Cola implemented emotional intelligence training and saw a 15% increase in earnings. We'll have whatever they're having. We also get into how leaders can recognize different employee states, how communication flow impacts performance, and why culture shows up in the "doing". Practical, clear, and relevant whether you lead a team or work within one.
Dec 11, 2025 · 32 min
The Future of Sports Betting Tech & Prediction Markets w/ Mark Phillip
Mark Phillip, CEO of MetaBet and Are You Watching This?!, breaks down the future of sports betting, real-time sports technology, and the rise of prediction markets. An MIT dropout with a brilliant mind for product and data, Mark brings sharp insight and surprising clarity to one of the fastest-moving sectors in gaming. If you work in sports betting, iGaming, trading, or anything tied to real-time sports experiences, this episode is for you.