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NEXT.io Podcast

NEXT.io

The primary podcast of the iGaming industry. Hosted by Pierre Lindh, it brings you episodes that are packed with expert insights, dynamic discussions, and inspiring stories from industry leaders. Whether you're seeking leadership tips, energy management strategies, or insider knowledge, NEXT.io podcasts are your go-to resource for staying ahead in the industry.

Check out our YouTube channel for more content:
https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio

Dive into our website to explore more:
https://next.io/

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 59 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • #1
    August 7 · 40 min

    Robin Hanson: The man who wants to run governments on prediction markets

    🎙️NEXTPredict Podcast #1 with Robin Hanson, Assoc. Professor, Economics at George Mason UniversityRobin Hanson has been arguing we should "bet on what's true" since the late 1980s — decades before Kalshi and Polymarket turned prediction markets into a billion-dollar industry. A physicist-turned-economist who helped invent the market-making math running under today's biggest betting platforms, Hanson joins the show to explain why prediction markets are having their moment now, what's next for the space, and why he thinks the real prize isn't sports betting. It's "decision markets" that could change how governments, companies, and the Fed make decisions?⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro: who is Robin Hanson01:40 - What is a prediction market?04:06 - Why now: the regulatory shift behind the boom06:32 - Decision markets: paying for better information13:50 - Governments, the Fed, and antitrust by market17:40 - Diverse perspectives and trader bias21:50 - Insider trading and the "Rounders" problem26:54 - Gambling addiction and who should regulate prediction markets30:54 - Wisdom of crowds vs. first principles: the Nokia/iPhone test34:55 - Futarchy: replacing shareholder votes with markets35:43 - Where is this space heading in three years?38:35 - Final thoughts: keeping companies honest40:11 - Sign-off🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYoutube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFqA5f5TsdM0&si=nrKerx5GXu4mDYI4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...CONNECT WITH NEXTPredict✩ Website: https://nextpredict.io/

  • #267
    July 1 · 56 min

    Nadiya Attard & Martin Martirosyan: Live Casino's Next Chapter

    🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #267 with Martin Martirosyan, CEO of Imagine Live Group & Nadiya Attard, Chief Commercial Officer Imagine Live has grown from 7 tables in 2022 to over 150 today — with studios in Armenia, Romania and Spain. But the bigger story is what's coming next. In this episode, Martin and Nadiya break down the AI dealer debate, the operator dependency trap, and why quality is the one thing they refuse to discount. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Sponsors 01:41 - Meet Nadiya Attard & Martin Martirosyan 02:14 - Nadiya's move to Imagine Live: what impressed her 03:24 - Imagine Live's origin story: from 7 tables to 150+ 04:33 - AI live dealers: hype or the future? 06:18 - Will AI replace real dealers? Martin's honest take 08:30 - Are players actually asking for AI dealers? 09:44 - How Imagine Live uses AI: infrastructure, not a gimmick 16:30 - Localization in live casino: why one Spanish doesn't fit all 24:00 - The Armenia advantage: talent, speed and studio quality 31:00 - Breaking into new markets: the operator relationship challenge 38:00 - The operator dependency trap: why 40%+ from one supplier is a risk 41:15 - The Playtech monopoly lesson and what's repeating now 44:25 - Transparent commercial pricing: Nadiya's philosophy 46:21 - Imagine Live's USPs: quality, speed and technology 50:31 - Predictions: where is live casino in three years? 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcasts 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/⁠ Sponsored by: Hard Rock Games: ⁠https://www.hardrockgames.com/⁠ Creedroomz: ⁠https://www.creedroomz.com/⁠

  • #266
    June 26 · 1 hr 21 min

    Way Yuhl: Iran, Russia & China.

    🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #266 with Way Yuhl, Entrepreneur, Investor and Geopolitical Analyst Are we really living in unprecedented times or have we just forgotten our history? In this episode, Pierre sits down with Way Yuhl, entrepreneur, investor and geopolitical analyst, for one of the most wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversations we've had on the NEXT.io Podcast. Way brings a 100-year historical lens to the chaos of 2026 and makes a case that is equal parts sobering and surprisingly optimistic. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Sponsors 01:34 - Welcoming Way Yuhl 02:49 - How cultural geography shapes geopolitics 04:30 - Why prediction markets beat expert analysts 07:07 - The wisdom of the crowds: how it actually works 10:27 - The limits of prediction markets 12:28 - Way's method: how he reads where the world is heading 16:09 - Are we really living in unprecedented times? 19:20 - The 100-year cycle: where does 2026 fit? 26:15 - Trump vs Iran: a culture clash 33:10 - Prediction markets and geopolitical forecasting 39:28 - Putin's endgame: does he want all of Europe? 47:31 - The dragon theory: why China is not the enemy 55:00 - The US-EU relationship and what comes next 01:11:30 - Why World War 3 won't happen 01:13:58 - The nuclear red line that collapses Russia 01:16:00 - Way's optimism: what the next 10 years actually look like 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcasts 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/ Sponsored by: Hard Rock Games: https://www.hardrockgames.com/ Creedroomz: https://www.creedroomz.com/ NOTE: This episode was recorded before the US-Iran MOU was signed on June 17, 2026. Way's read on the conflict proved accurate.

  • #265
    June 15 · 1 hr 49 min

    Todd Haushalter: Lawsuits, Deepfakes & the New Blackjack. The Unfiltered Truth.

    🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #265 with Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution. Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution, sits down for an unfiltered conversation covering everything the industry is talking about — lawsuits against Light & Wonder and Playtech, why he thinks AI deepfake live dealers are "dead on arrival," and what Evolution's monster 2026 game roadmap looks like. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Sponsors 01:34 - Todd & Pierre: back together 03:28 - Two years at Evolution: what's really changed 04:46 - Suing Light & Wonder over Lightning Roulette 06:25 - The Playtech dossier: how industrial espionage works 13:55 - Is Evolution becoming a value stock? 19:12 - AI-generated games: threat or noise? 20:34 - Deepfake live dealers: why Todd calls it a catastrophic failure 36:20 - Brands vs. AI slots: who wins when games are infinite? 44:26 - The Hasbro deal and the brand-first strategy 52:19 - Competition in live casino: is the iron grip loosening? 58:48 - Aviator: the most impressive success story in iGaming 01:03:51 - Acquisition rumours and Evolution's M&A strategy 01:14:01 - The $2 billion share buyback explained 01:19:18 - Cybercrime in Asia: what can actually be said 01:22:10 - European regulatory headwinds and revenue pullbacks 01:28:01 - Prediction markets: where does Evolution fit? 01:34:13- The investment case for Evolution right now 01:42:20 - Todd's 3 predictions for the next 3 years 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhXvQfFm7GE&list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE 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/⁠ Sponsored by: Hard Rock Games: ⁠https://www.hardrockgames.com/⁠ Creedroomz: ⁠https://www.creedroomz.com/

  • #265
    June 4 · 1 hr 5 min

    The Man Who Predicted Prediction Markets 8 Years Ago | Alex Kane, Sporttrade

    🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #265 with Alexander Kane, CEO and Founder of Sporttrade In 2017 - a full year before the US Supreme Court even legalized sports betting - Alex Kane was already building something nobody asked for: a sports exchange. Now, prediction markets are valued higher than Flutter, the world's biggest gambling company. So was Alex just early, or did he see something everyone else missed? ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Sponsors 01:33 - Who is Alex Kane and what is Sporttrade? 02:28 - The Robinhood moment that sparked the idea 04:40 - Why Betfair failed and why the US is different 08:11 - The early years: building a sports exchange before it was legal 11:35 - Where Sporttrade fits in the prediction market boom today 16:56 - Why the boom happened now and not before 22:06 -The impossible debate: is this gambling or a financial tool? 28:21 -Both things can be true 31:46 -Exchange model vs. house model and responsible gambling 37:08 - Market manipulation: the hardest unsolved problem 41:18 - Kalshi at $22B vs Flutter: bubble or breakthrough? 45:00 - What are perpetual futures and why do they matter? 49:31 - Prediction markets as a top-of-funnel product 56:08 - What happens to DraftKings and FanDuel? 01:01:44 - Alex's 3 predictions for the industry in 3 years 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhXvQfFm7GE&list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE 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/ Sponsored by: Hard Rock Games: https://www.hardrockgames.com/ Creedroomz: https://www.creedroomz.com/

  • #263
    April 23 · 57 min

    Kevin Mullally: The UAE opportunity

    🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #263 with Kevin Mullally, CEO, International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) In this episode, Pierre sits down with Kevin to break down the current state of the UAE's iGaming market, the global battle against the black market, the fracture inside the American Gaming Association, and why prediction markets may be gambling's next regulatory crisis. Kevin Mullally built one of the most closely watched new gaming regulators in the world from scratch, in under six months. As the former CEO of the UAE's General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) and now CEO of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), Kevin brings a rare perspective on what modern regulation should look like and what the global industry is getting dangerously wrong. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:42 - Sponsor messages 02:01 - Introduction: Kevin Mullally & UAE market overview 02:59 - Building the UAE regulator from scratch 05:31 - Rethinking regulation: compliance vs enforcement 08:46 - Policy goals: why the UAE regulates gaming 10:13 - UAE strategy: ecosystem over revenue 13:43 - Land-based market structure (Emirates approach) 16:47 - Licensing progress: Wynn, lottery & early milestones 18:32 - Online market structure & licensing model 22:25 - B2B opportunity: “technology should lead” 25:02 - Case study: Yolo & entering the UAE market 30:14 - Relationship-first approach to market entry 33:29 - IAGR: global regulation & role of collaboration 37:06 - The black market problem (global perspective) 39:14 - Regulation vs illegal markets: growing tension 44:43 - What works in fighting the black market 46:04 - Need for global collaboration 48:25 - Prediction markets vs regulation 50:01 - State rights, consumer protection & policy conflict 53:03 - Future of regulation: need for global dialogue 56:00 - Closing thoughts 🔔 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/ Sponsored by: Hard Rock Games: https://www.hardrockgames.com/

  • #262
    March 26 · 55 min

    Savvas Fellas: How MrQ confronts UK’s new 40% tax regime

    🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #262 with Savvas Fellas CEO and Founder of MrQ. UK Tax Shock, Black Market Risk & The Future of Operators In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast, Savvas Fellas, CEO of MrQ, breaks down the real impact of the UK’s upcoming gambling tax changes and what they mean for operators, players, and the wider industry. With tax increases expected to reach up to 40% of revenue, this conversation explores how operators are adapting, where margins are being squeezed, and why the next 12 months could reshape the UK market. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:26 - Sponsors message 01:48 - Welcoming Savvas Fellas 03:48 - Building MrQ & company philosophy 07:40 - Impact of the 40% tax increase 12:17 - Crisis vs opportunity: how companies respond 16:20 - Cost cuts across the industry (RTP, suppliers, structure) 19:18 - Acquisition, affiliates & marketing challenges 22:00 - Black market risk and player behaviour 25:16 - Trust vs value: why players choose operators 30:09 - Market consolidation & economies of scale 33:59 - Survive vs thrive: strategy for MrQ 36:31 - Focus vs expansion: staying in the UK 39:05 - Regulation, UKGC & industry responsibility 44:43 - The future of the UK market 48:44 - Consolidation: fewer, larger operators 51:50 - How to build a strong gaming brand 53:49 - Final thoughts: winners vs losers 🔔 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/

  • #261
    March 19 · 57 min

    Jesse Learmonth: The state of iGaming startups in 2026

    🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #261 with Jesse Learmonth from The Betting Startups. In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast, Jesse Learmonth joins us to discuss the current state of the iGaming startup ecosystem, what investors are actually looking for today, and why building new companies in gaming has become significantly harder. As the founder of Betting Startups, Jesse works closely with early-stage companies and investors across the industry. In this conversation, we explore how the funding environment has changed, why distribution and partnerships are critical for growth, and what skills founders need to succeed when launching new gaming businesses. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:28 - Jesse Learmonth returns to the NEXT.io Podcast 01:15 - The role of Betting Startups in the ecosystem 03:10 - The current state of iGaming startups 07:45 - Why building startups is harder today 11:10 - Funding environment & investor expectations 14:00 - What makes a startup investable 18:00 - Innovation in iGaming 22:30 - Where startups can still win 27:00 - Scaling challenges for gaming startups 31:00 - Partnerships, distribution & market access 35:30 - The biggest mistakes founders make 40:00 - Why distribution is everything 44:30 - The role of networks & industry relationships 48:30 - Advice for founders entering iGaming 52:30 - The future of gaming startups 55:30 - Closing thoughts 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G826Guf8uHM&list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE 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 technologyhttps://pragmatic.solutions/ Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content providerhttps://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

  • #260
    March 5 · 23 min

    Why congresswoman Dina Titus plans to put an end to Sports Prediction Markets

    🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #260 with Congresswoman Dina Titus | US Gaming Policy, Prediction Markets & The Fair Bets Act In this episode, Congresswoman Dina Titus — Representative for Nevada’s 1st District (home to Las Vegas) — discusses the growing regulatory battle around prediction markets and sports event contracts in the United States. As co-chair of the Congressional Gaming Caucus, Titus recently introduced the Fair Markets and Sports Integrity Act, a bill designed to prevent prediction market operators from offering sports-based contracts outside established state gaming frameworks. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:26 – Sponsors message 01:45 – Welcoming Congresswoman Dina Titus 02:37 – Titus’ background and representing Las Vegas 03:49 – The Fair Markets and Sports Integrity Act 05:29 – Prediction markets vs regulated sportsbooks 06:42 – Why the CFTC shouldn’t regulate sports contracts 08:26 – The political fight over prediction markets 09:53 – Real risks for players and the industry 11:12 – Could prediction markets expand across gaming? 13:09 – Industry divisions and the role of the AGA 16:07 – Innovation vs regulation debate 18:03 – The Fair Bets Act and the 90% tax deduction issue 20:31 – What happens next in Congress 22:16 – Engagement with prediction market operators 23:01 – Closing thoughts 🔔 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/

  • #259
    February 19 · 1 hr 12 min

    Wojciech Stellmach on Prediction Markets, Sweeps & Paid Media: What Actually Works

    🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #259 with Wojciech Stellmach, CEO of BugsyEmpire. In this episode, Wojciech Stellmach CEO of BugsyEmpiere, explains what’s actually working right now across emerging verticals: from sweepstakes (sweeps 2.0) to prediction markets and why “easy money” is a myth. We unpack the shift from talking about grey markets to “grey products”, why payments + marketing access can create real advantage, and what operators must get right in marketing tech, tracking, and foundations before spending big. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:31 - Sponsors message 01:50 - Welcome Wojciech 04:15 - Why BugsyEmpire moved into sweepstakes and emerging verticals 06:55 - The real USP: platform relationships + deep product/tech checks 09:23 - “Grey products” vs grey markets 10:53 - Sweepstakes hype vs reality 11:17 - What “grey products” means 14:43 - Other emerging verticals: prediction markets, DFS, pari-mutuel + more 20:41 - Ad rules tightening (Google/TikTok) 23:28 - Why emerging verticals can beat black market brands 28:53 - Why most operators fail at paid media 39:13 - Paid media breakdown: social vs search vs brand/programmatic 01:06:10 - Winning operators checklist: focus, tech, payments, lean teams 01:07:49 - NEXT New York + Emerging Verticals Summit (9 March) 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: 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 technologyhttps://pragmatic.solutions/ Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content providerhttps://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

  • #258
    Dec 29, 2025 · 37 min

    Sargis Poghosyan: The Journey of CreedRoomz, Game development and Expansion

    🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #257 with Sargis Poghosyan, CPO at CreedRoomz In this episode, Sargis Poghosyan, CPO at CreedRoomz, joins Pierre Lindh to unpack how one of the industry’s most ambitious live studios is pushing innovation through show games, in-house R&D, and flagship productions like Road to El Dorado. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Meet Sargis Poghosyan from CreedRoomz 00:22 - Sponsors 01:41 - Global studio expansion: Armenia to Brazil 03:58 - Why CreedRoomz is betting big on show games 05:14 - Road to El Dorado: The flagship title 08:24 - Boom Blast: Volatility, risk & strategy 12:00 - Marble Race: Physical tracks meet gamification 14:14 - 100+ people for one game? Behind the scenes 17:05 - Dice Fight: RNG, multipliers & hardware 20:00 - Bonus feature: Pyramid pick game 21:44 - What’s next: Lucky Colours, Rock Paper Scissors 24:13 - Crash mechanics in live casino: AVA & crypto 26:21 - The Choice: Turning childhood games into iGaming 27:44 - Why instant games are exploding in popularity 28:43 - New twists on blackjack and classics 31:51 - Future plans: Studios, mechanics & markets 33:23 - Blending live casino with sportsbook and slots 35:06 - CreedRoomz’s advantage: R&D and experimentation 36:31 - Final thoughts ahead of ICE Barcelona 28:43 - New features in classic titles: Gambling side bets in blackjack 31:51 - Vision: Expanding to new studios, markets, and mechanics 33:23 - Merging live casino with sportsbook and slots 35:06 - CreedRoomz’s edge: R&D culture and relentless experimentation 36:31 - Final thoughts and looking ahead to ICE Barcelona 🔔 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/ Sponsored by: Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/ NOWPayments: https://nowpayments.io/

  • #257
    Dec 23, 2025 · 55 min

    James Curwen: How Yggdrasil is completely revamping the business model of a game supplier (Part 3)

    🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #257 with James Curwen, CEO of Yggdrasil. The slot industry is producing more games than ever yet standing out has never been harder. In this episode, James Curwen joins Pierre Lindh to explain why the era of reskinned slots is coming to an end and what will replace it. From rising production costs and algorithm-driven distribution to player fatigue and creative stagnation, James breaks down why the traditional slot development model no longer works. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:43 - Sponsors message 02:08 - The 3-part journey of transforming Yggdrasil 05:03 - Rebuilding tech: Platform, back office, AWS, scalability 06:59 - The cost of game production and the reskin problem 09:08 - Game in a Box: From 10-month dev cycles to 1 month 12:03 - How the business model is shifting 14:55 - €22K Game in a Box offer 16:04 - Studio in a Box: The €60K turnkey solution 18:06 - Target customers: studios, streamers, affiliates, operators 20:33 - Why this isn’t AI gimmickry 24:22 - Building and refining games faster with full creator control 27:00 - Lower costs, faster ROI, and a new model for suppliers 29:08 - AWS collaboration and scaling without service sacrifice 31:59 - Commercial growth expectations 34:52 - Tool capacity vs. support limits 37:19 - Flooding the market vs. empowering operators 39:59 - Is this killing small studios or saving them? 42:02 - Unity, player data, and creative freedom 43:28 - Going niche 46:40 - Game in a Box available launch 48:02 - Become the world’s biggest game producer 50:01 - Competing with Pragmatic, Play’n GO, and levelling the field 51:21 - Getting visibility and operator positioning 53:44 - New service: Dedicated sales support for small studios 54:36 - Final 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/ Sponsored by: Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

  • #256
    Dec 18, 2025 · 1 hr 58 min

    Phil Pearson: iGaming Industry 2025 in Review

    🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #256 with Phil Pearson, iGaming Consultant. Another year. Another cycle of hype, pressure, pivots, and hard lessons. In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast, Phil Pearson joins Pierre Lindh to unpack what really happened across iGaming in the past 12 months beyond the headlines. Together, they explore the widening gap between innovation headlines and real progress, the pressure leaders are facing behind the scenes, the growing importance of focus over scale, and why many companies are quietly reassessing their priorities. It’s a grounded conversation about what moved the needle, what didn’t, and what lessons are worth carrying into the year ahead. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:41 - Sponsor messages 02:04 - Welcome Phil Pearson 04:06 – Yolo’s move into regulation: why it matters 06:38 - Personal reset: health, sabbatical & perspective 11:55 - Biggest industry stories of the year 14:19 - Charity, Dar Bjorn & responsibility in iGaming 16:17 - Investigative journalism 33:27 - Game Studio Awards: overview 33:33 - Best studio of the year 39:29 - Best newcomer studio 40:39 - Worst studio of the year 44:01 - Most underwhelming game releases 49:56 - Live game of the year 51:21 - RNG game of the year 52:36 - Best industry freebies & swag 57:23 - Grey products explained 58:12 - Sweepstakes, prediction markets & loopholes 01:12:56 - The defining trend of 2026: grey products 01:30:02 - Events review: what worked, what didn’t 01:49:00 - Final outlook: where the industry is heading 🔔 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/ Sponsored by: Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

  • #255
    Dec 12, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min

    Valentina Diaco: These Are the iGaming Companies Getting AI Right

    🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #255 with Valentina Diaco, Founder at Profit Matches. AI has officially moved beyond hype. In 2025, it’s reshaping iGaming in real, tangible ways — from CRM and engagement to compliance, marketing, content creation, safe gambling, and game development. In this episode, Valentina Diaco, one of the industry's most respected marketing and AI strategists, breaks down 10 AI companies that are already transforming iGaming today. ⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:23 - Sponsors message 02:09 - Welcoming Valentina & Profit Matches 04:52 - What AI Match is and why she built it 06:00 - Where AI in iGaming stands today 09:12 - AI: the real value is what you do with it 11:17 - Why AI fails in companies 12:30 - AI-to-AI economy & the future of data infrastructure 15:14 - AI agents & conversational interfaces 18:10 - The 10 AI companies reshaping iGaming 19:09 - Golden Whale: AI for UA, retention & bonus orchestration 23:40 - Field Stream AI: profitability engine for marketers 27:51 - Text.com AI: customer support & proactive assistance 33:15 - Let’s .IO: regulatory intelligence for compliance 38:11 - Gamblitude: AI-powered BI & data warehouse 41:58 - MaxFusion: AI content & UGC generation 46:47 - Mindway AI: responsible gambling detection 51:00 - insightplay.ai: conversational betting assistant 53:37 - Xenia AI: game development & personalisation 56:28 - Bettor Faster AI: development & automation agency 58:20 - Why companies resist AI adoption 01:00:16 - Biggest blockers: lack of capacity & too many tools 01:07:01 - The real cultural barrier 01:10:16 - The future: smaller, smarter, AI-native companies 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE&si=R7VbrUspVkL1Jyox 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/ Sponsored by: Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

  • #254
    Dec 4, 2025 · 42 min

    Emilie Jirsch: Creating a world-class brand via the Cool Shit Budget

    🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #254 with Emilie Jirsch, CMO at Dabble. Dabble has become one of the fastest-growing betting brands on the planet — not by outspending competitors, but by out-innovating them with community, culture, and entertainment-first marketing. In this episode, Emilie Jirsch, CMO at Dabble, reveals how the purple brand went from a small NSW startup to 1 million+ active customers, explosive US growth, and global expansion across Australia, the US, and the UK. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:29 - Sponsor message 01:50 - Welcoming Emilie Jirsch, CMO at Dabble 02:21 - How Dabble started 04:45 - Launching in Australia & hitting 1M active customers 06:03 - Product differentiation & brand awareness 07:09 - The “purple cow theory” explained 08:32 - Dabble’s growth strategy 11:23 - Creating talkable moments that build brand memory 13:22 - Moderators, culture, and self-policing communities 15:10 - $1M Hole-in-One PGA activation: the story behind it 17:00 - The true definition of disruptive brand marketing 20:49 - The “cool sh*t budget” explained 24:01 - Launching in the US through DFS 29:08 - Why the US embraced Dabble instantly 33:00 - Competitors 36:25 - Inside Dabble’s internal culture 40:06 - What’s next: UK launch, Ireland license, expansion 41:54 - Final thoughts 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE&si=jDpUksylKP-4_8T0 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/ Sponsored by: Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

  • #253
    Nov 27, 2025 · 48 min

    Tom Wood: How Operators Should Think About Game Studios

    🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #253 with Tom Wood, CEO of RAW iGamingRAW iGaming calls itself “the pink shark in a sea of sameness.” In this episode, CEO Tom Wood joins Pierre Lindh to break down the realities of innovating in an industry releasing 18 new slot games per day and why true originality is harder (and riskier) than it looks. If you want to understand the future of game development in iGaming, this one is essential. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:29 - Sponsors Message 01:49 - Welcome Tom Wood, CEO of RAW iGaming 02:30 - The mission behind RAW 04:36 - “The pink shark in a sea of sameness” explained 06:07 - Why most studios copy 07:05 - 600 new games released in Sweden in one month 10:06 - Competing in a market flooded with studios 12:53 - How RAW gets operators’ attention 18:07 - RAW’s innovation pillars: slots, arcade & Yahtzee 28:23 - Innovation in live gaming 30:26 - Game’s success: quality vs. positioning 33:27 - The risk: AI lobbies might hide innovative games 38:11 - Designing for local vs. global audiences 42:16 - The next breakout hit: simple, unexpected, left-field innovation 45:14 - How AI may reshape game production itself 47:11 - RAW’s ambition: becoming a Tier-1 supplier 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE 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/ Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

  • #252
    Oct 30, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min

    Tim Heath: Yolo's Strategic Shift to Regulation

    🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #252 with Tim Heath, CEO and Founder at Yolo Group. Yolo Group has made one of the boldest moves in iGaming history — exiting grey markets entirely to pursue a regulated future. In this episode, Tim Heath joins Pierre Lindh to reveal the inside story behind Yolo’s transformation: why the company walked away from massive revenue, what the new UAE gaming license means, and how Yolo plans to bridge the gap between crypto, regulation, and entertainment. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:23 - Sponsors message 01:39 - Welcoming Tim Heath 02:03 - Why Yolo decided to exit grey markets 07:36 - The tightening of global enforcement and regulation 10:56 - Yolo’s new B2B licenses in the UAE explained 16:05 - Restarting Yolo: redefining focus and efficiency 22:04 - Building a 360° player experience and hybrid casino model 24:49 - Facing financial risk and the courage to rebuild 27:34 - “Spring cleaning” the business and cutting organizational fat 31:17 - Leading regulators toward crypto innovation 33:41 - Why regulation must evolve with technology 35:31 - Why the UAE is a perfect testbed for regulated crypto gaming 41:06 - How the UAE licensing model may work (one per Emirate) 48:08 - Yolo’s five-year vision: becoming the “Blackstone of iGaming” 51:33 - The courage to pivot and restart 55:55 - The future of wallets, payments, and hybrid player experience 58:21 - Yolo’s new AI-driven social sports betting concept 01:01:35 - Tim on Yolo’s next chapter and future in regulation 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE&si=0vgjHyIuWQbblEY4 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/ Sponsored by: Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

  • Oct 22, 2025 · 38 min

    NEXT In-Depth: Markets react to Playtech/Evolution bombshell

    NEXT.io News Editor Conor Mulheir is joined by Head of Investigative Content Zak Thomas-Akoo and Regulus Partners’ Paul Leyland, for a blow-by-blow account of how public markets and the wider iGaming industry reacted to the explosive news that Playtech was behind an attempted takedown of Evolution. On 21 October, it was finally revealed that the entity behind a short seller report, produced by investigative firm Black Cube in an attempt to take down Evolution, was industry competitor Playtech. After a complex and years-long legal battle to reveal the name behind the report, Evolution finally succeeded and uncovered Playtech as the entity responsible. So, what happens next? For Evolution, Playtech, and the broader industry, the impact of the news is sure to have a lasting impact. Tune in to get the latest!

  • #248
    Oct 16, 2025 · 47 min

    Leah Neutel: The Art of Leadership

    🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #251 with Leah Natuel, Head of Studio at Relax Gaming Leah Neutel leads one of iGaming’s most creative teams at Relax Gaming, where innovation, empathy, and accountability come together to push the boundaries of modern game development. In this episode, Leah joins Pierre Lindh to explore what true leadership looks like in creative industries — from building trust and psychological safety to turning failure into fuel for success. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:32 - Sponsors message 01:53 - Welcoming Leah Neutel 02:09 - How Leah’s background shaped her leadership 03:54 - From youth offenders to UN work 06:04 - The principles of leadership 07:32 - Leading with accountability & humanity 09:20 - What it means to lead without authority 10:25 - How to inspire creative teams without control 12:30 - Asking the right questions vs. giving answers 16:39 - Imposter syndrome & redefining leadership 19:20 - How insecurity shows up in poor leadership 20:17 - Training first-time managers 23:10 - Culture at Relax Gaming 25:29 - Can you be friends with your team? 27:46 - Conflict resolution 29:46 - Turning disagreement into progress 31:38 - Embracing diversity & aligning different personalities 34:40 - Should companies take political stances? 38:25 - Why failure isn’t final? 39:42 - How Relax Gaming turns failure into iteration 41:15 - Creating a culture where risk fuels innovation 44:40 - The most important leadership qualities of the future 46:03 - Can anyone become a great leader? 46:39 - Final 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/ Sponsored by: Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

  • #250
    Oct 9, 2025 · 51 min

    Vid Daolio: Tokacity Redefining Social Casino for a New Generation

    🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #250 with Vid Daolio, CEO at Tokacity Tokacity is reimagining online casinos by creating immersive, social gaming environments that merge gambling with modern gaming culture and younger generation of players. Using Unreal Engine and Pixel Streaming technology, they provide a seamless, no-download virtual world accessible across devices. Their mission is to engage digital natives who value community, self-expression, and fun by turning the casino into a social, customizable, and safe experience rather than a solitary game lobby. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - What’s missing in online casinos 00:42 - Sponsors: Pragmatic Solutions & Pragmatic Play 02:04 - Welcome: Vid Daolio, CEO of TokaCity 03:46 - Introducing TokaCity and its vision 06:33 - The technology behind immersive casinos (Pixel Streaming) 09:07 - Are players ready for immersive gaming? 10:06 - Generational shifts and new player behavior 13:03 - Why innovation comes from new generations 15:10 - Building safe and expressive digital spaces 17:06 - Merging gaming and gambling worlds 19:44 - How TokaCity’s product actually works 22:42 - Gamification, digital assets & player identity 25:10 - Blockchain integration and the Saatchi MVP 28:15 - From startup to live product launch 29:26 - Partnership with Roshtein and community engagement 33:05 - PvP games and social casino experiences 35:32 - Player identity, self-expression & streaming culture 36:29 - The future of live gaming with AI dealers 37:43 - The cultural shift in gaming audiences 42:21 - Can the metaverse make a comeback? 44:37 - Lessons from crypto and decentralization 48:32 - Combining innovation with trusted content 50:25 - The future vision for TokaCity 🔔 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/ Sponsored by: Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

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