NEXT.io Podcast

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NEXT.io Podcast

NEXT.io

462 episodes

4 days ago

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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Episodes (20/462)

NEXT.io Podcast

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/

3 weeks ago

51 minutes 54 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Jake Dovey: How to Boost iGaming Conversions with Better Payments

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #249 with Jake Dovey, CEO and Founder of PayModum

What’s the cost of not accepting something or the cost of not doing it right?

From unpacking the true cost of “cheap” payment methods to exploring PIX in Brazil, open banking in Europe, and the rise of biometric KYC, Jake explains why the path of least resistance always wins.

Jake Dovey is raising money for Chordoma UK, join us in supporting the cause at this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jake-dovey-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

00:24 - Sponsors Message

01:45 - Welcome back Jake Dovey, CEO of PayModum.

02:32 - Payments as cost vs. opportunity

04:20 - “The customer is always right” explained

06:15 - Why operators shouldn’t focus on cost first

13:32 - Finance vs. product teams: balancing costs and innovation

15:09 - Integration challenges and resource bottlenecks

16:55 - Personal story: legacy vs. modern pension payment experience

18:46 - Why true cost is customer friction, not fees

21:29 - Do operators really understand payments?

22:16 - Brazil & PIX: instant bank payments explained

26:36 - Biometrics and frictionless KYC (Octo example)

29:31 - Shopify & Amazon: lessons for gaming payments

33:42 - How AI is transforming integrations & customer experience

41:34 - Biggest payment bottlenecks in iGaming

50:05 - Too early to innovate? Lessons from Pay n Play, PIX & open banking

53:31 - The challenge of recurring crypto payments

57:15 - Why innovation needs risk-taking (Rory Sutherland’s rule)

01:01:12 - Big vs. small companies: innovation culture (Apple vs. Xiaomi)

01:08:48 - PayModum’s USP: deep customer and payments understanding

01:11:22 - Closing: Jake’s fitness journey & marathon for charity

01:13:26 - Tribute to Jake’s mother & Cordoma Foundation

01:17:11 - Running, friction, and perseverance in life & business

01:21:39 - How to donate: JustGiving link & final thanks

🔔 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/

1 month ago

1 hour 23 minutes 11 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Ryan Angerami: Why Reddit Is the Internet’s Most Trusted Site

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #246 with Ryan Angerami, Head of App Development at Reddit

Ryan Angerami, Reddit's Senior Director of App Development, discusses the evolution and future of Reddit. The episode highlights Reddit's commitment to authenticity and community trust as key differentiators in a landscape increasingly dominated by algorithm-driven content and the challenges and opportunities this presents for brands seeking to engage with its users.

⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:42 - Sponsors message02:02 - Reddit’s rise: From niche forum to global search powerhouse02:56 - Monetization post-IPO: Building Reddit’s revenue model05:10 - What makes Reddit unique in the social media landscape07:55 - Community moderation: Why Reddit didn’t become toxic10:20 - Trust, transparency, and the power of upvotes12:19 - Comments over headlines: Reddit’s real value15:00 - Battling misinformation, bots, and manipulation17:05 - Reddit’s role in training and verifying AI systems21:20 - Reddit Answers: Reinventing trust in search24:56 - Why Reddit drives more thoughtful purchasing decisions28:18 - How Reddit content shapes AI search results31:58 - Reddit’s cultural DNA vs. performance-driven platforms34:30 - Tools for brands: Sentiment analysis and Reddit Pro40:00 - New ad formats and authentic community engagement44:15 - Should brands create subreddits or just participate?49:17 - Balancing commercial growth with community trust55:00 - The future of Reddit in an AI-dominated world57:03 - Cultural moments: GameStop, WallStreetBets & r/place

🔔 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/

1 month ago

1 hour 5 minutes 56 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Evert Einroos: What VCs Really Look For in Founders

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #248 with Evert Einroos, Managing Director of Yolo Investments.

Evert joins us to break down how Yolo Investments scaled from a scrappy operator-led VC to a professional fund with external LPs and over 150 portfolio companies. He explains why warm intros still matter, how to structure a successful fund, and why passion-led founders shine in gaming.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

00:31 - Sponsors

01:50 - Welcoming Evert Einroos

03:00 - Origin story: How Yolo Investments started

05:30 - Early wins, flops & the power law in VC

06:50 - Lessons from the crypto crash

07:20 - Launching Fund 2 with external LPs

10:19 - Why startups should want Yolo on their cap table

13:36 - Balancing founder energy vs. investor guardrails

16:03 - What VCs really look for in founders

20:22 - Red flags that turn investors off

21:19 - How to get on Yolo’s radar

26:10 - The 5 “S”s of building a VC fund

27:56 - How LPs make money

29:03 - Challenges of iGaming as an investment class

33:23 - The passion vs. opportunity balance in gaming

38:11 - Startup success rates & power laws

41:41 - What’s next for Yolo Investments

🔔 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/

1 month ago

43 minutes 1 second

NEXT.io Podcast

Magnus Olsson: How Play’n GO Is navigating in Regulated Markets

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #247 with Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO.

Magnus, shares how Play N'Go is shaping the future of iGaming through regulation, innovation, and responsible entertainment. From navigating U.S. expansion and entering the land-based casino sector, to rethinking business models and partnering with Formula 1’s Haas team. Magnus explains why sustainability and responsibility are at the core of Play’n GO’s strategy.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

00:27 - Sponsors

01:26 - Welcoming Magnus Olsson

02:33 - Why regulated markets are the future of iGaming

04:09 - Sacrifices of leaving grey and black markets

07:09 - Sustainability vs short-term profit in gambling

10:35 - The need for industry unity in Europe vs. U.S.

15:19 - Why Play’n GO rejects bonus buys and sweepstakes

19:07 - Innovation in slots: beyond quick wins

20:44 - Rethinking business models: rounds played vs. GGR

26:02 - Working with regulators through innovation

30:03 - Challenges & learnings from U.S. expansion

38:19 - How the black market dominates in the U.S.

44:10 - Formula 1 partnership with Haas: goals & ROI

54:25 - Measuring impact of brand sponsorships

55:27 - AI in game production: opportunities & limits

01:08:34 - Expanding into land-based casinos

01:13:23 - Play’n GO’s long-term vision & ambitions

01:17:03 - Wrap-up and final thanks

🔔 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/

1 month ago

1 hour 18 minutes 54 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Vested Interest #24: Prediction Markets Special

This episode of Vested Interest delves into the burgeoning prediction markets space, examining its intersection with finance, gambling, and information economics, and how traditional real money gaming operators are entering this arena. Pierre, Benjie and Lloyd analyze the potential for prediction markets to reshape betting and decision-making, while also considering regulatory challenges and the competitive landscape.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

00:43 - Sponsors

03:00 - The rise of prediction markets in finance and betting

06:30 - Gambling vs. speculation: Where do we draw the line?

09:30 - FanDuel, Kalshi, Robinhood: Collision or coexistence?

13:30 - Why regulated operators are watching prediction markets closely

16:00 - What regulators should be worried about

18:40 - Who will win: Platforms, products, or distribution power?

22:30 - M&A and partnerships: Survive now, win later

24:00 - Risks, regulation gaps, and gray zones

26:30 - Can sports betting, sweepstakes, and prediction coexist?

29:10 - Why no one wants to be the “casino of prediction markets”

31:30 - What investors want—and what makes them nervous

34:30 - The future: Prediction markets as a mainstream product

🔔 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/

2 months ago

35 minutes 49 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

How Brian Christopher Built the Biggest Slot Streaming Empire in the U.S

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #245 with Brian Christopher Slots, Casino Gaming Content Creator and Founder & CEO at VC Venture.

Brian Christopher, a prominent gambling streamer, discusses his journey from uploading casual casino videos to building a multifaceted brand with a strong community focus. He emphasizes authenticity, transparency, and responsible gambling as key elements of his success and future plans.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

00:27 - Sponsors

01:47 - Welcoming Brian Christopher

03:32 - Turning viral YouTube videos into a career

05:58 - What BC Slots is today: media, cruises, team

07:16 - Big milestones: MGM, Carnival, SportsGrid

09:31 - Building a strong and loyal fan community

14:40 - Best win ever and the power of authentic play

17:19 - Group pulls & playing with fans

18:28 - Thoughts on RTP, volatility & Vegas trends

20:41 - Favorite slots and game features

22:29 - Content creation tips for new streamers: thumbnails and branding

25:41 - Changing viewer habits & competition

28:47 - Why Brian turned down crypto casino deals

32:19 - Real numbers: how much Brian wins & loses

34:41 - What’s next: TV shows, SportsGrid & future goals

35:59 - Brian’s Maltese roots and future travel plans

37:04 - Wrap-up and final thanks

🔔 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/

2 months ago

37 minutes 30 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Jesper Kärrbrink & Pontus Lindwall: A Chief Executive Opinion (PART II)

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #244 with Jesper Kärrbrink, CEO, Immense Group and Pontus Lindwall, CEO, Betsson LIVE at NEXT Summit Valletta 2025.

In 2022, they shared the stage for the first time at iGaming NEXT Valletta. Now, we’re bringing them back for round two.

This power-packed session reunites these industry stalwarts for a straight-talking, no-nonsense discussion on the biggest forces shaping iGaming today.

From M&A shake-ups and industry consolidation to shifting regulations, they’ll break down what’s happening, what’s next, and most importantly what it means for operators, suppliers, and investors.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Big picture thinking and leadership

00:43 - Sponsors

02:10 - Welcoming Jesper Kärrbrink and Pontus Lindwall

03:19 - Icebreakers: DJs, spandex, and roulette pit bosses

08:26 - The rivalry between Betsson and Svenska Spel in the 2000s

10:58 - How Betsson disrupted the monopoly system

13:46 - Guerilla tactics, market pressure, and industry transformation

15:06 - The founding of Betsson and NetEnt

18:42 - The Betsson Ibiza trip: when culture clashes with leadership

23:01 - Personal style and individuality in the iGaming industry

26:46 - Leadership philosophies from two industry veterans

30:33 - Why work-life balance makes better leaders

33:44 - Most overrated companies in iGaming today

36:40 - Are European regulations hurting the industry?

39:47 - Mutual respect and reflection on decades of impact

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

YouTube:

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/

2 months ago

41 minutes 9 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Magnus Carlsen: What it takes to be the best in the world at something

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #243, Magnus Carlssen, World Chess Champion LIVE at NEXT Summit Valletta 2025.

Live from NEXT Summit Valletta 2025, Pierre Lindh sits down with Magnus Carlsen for an unfiltered conversation about obsession, mastery, and staying on top.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Mastery, mindset & loving the game

00:43 - Sponsors

01:47 - Welcoming Magnus Carlsen live on stage

03:20 - What it takes to be the best out of 600 million players

05:55 - Talent vs. training: where real chess mastery begins

06:59 - Magnus' early years: flags, Legos & concentration

08:12 - From beating his sister to studying chess at every meal

10:02 - When did Magnus realise he could become world #1?

12:44 - Becoming #1 in the world: how it really felt

14:46 - Magnus’ interest in poker: could it have replaced chess?

17:02 - Staying motivated after reaching the top

18:49 - Looking back: any sacrifices or regrets?

20:12 - Finding his own path in chess

🎥 Recorded live in partnership with Betby at NEXT Summit: Valletta 2025

🔔 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/

3 months ago

20 minutes 57 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Mathias Larsson: Why Innovation in iGaming Is Harder Than You Think

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #242, Mathias Larsson, Commercial Director in Europe at Awager.

Live slot machines are here: how Awager is changing online casino? Is this the next big leap in real-money gaming?

In this episode, Pierre interviews Mathias Larsson, Commercial Director at Awager, the company turning physical slot machines into live-streamed online games. It's not just innovation it could be the future of online slots, live casino, and omni-channel iGaming.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

00:43 - Sponsors

02:08 - Welcoming Mathias Larsson

03:20 - The story behind Awager and its evolution

06:16 - Is Awager the next Evolution-style disruptor?

08:25 - Why players prefer live-streamed slot machines

11:33 - Can the model scale if it’s one player per machine?

13:50 - Why FanDuel and U.S. operators backed Awager early

16:07 - Choosing markets with strong land-based culture

18:39 - The real roadblocks to innovation in iGaming

23:26 - The innovator’s dilemma in iGaming

25:15 - Cracking the sales cycle for a product no one knows

29:57 - Biggest challenges: logistics, regulation & timing

32:57 - Awager’s business model explained

36:29 - Superstition, trust & the psychology of land-based play

38:40 - Target markets for 2025–2026 expansion

40:42 - Where Awager will be in 3 years

🔔 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/

3 months ago

43 minutes 23 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Johan Strand: How Zimpler is revolutionising payments through AI

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #241, Johan Strand, CEO of Zimpler.

Johan Strand, CEO of Zimpler, discusses the company's journey from startup to a leading payment provider in the Nordics, emphasizing the importance of focusing on a specific niche and building strong relationships with customers. He also shares insights on leveraging AI and adapting to the evolving payments landscape, particularly within regulated industries like iGaming.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

00:43 - Sponsors

02:03 - Welcoming Johan Strand

03:04 - From startup to leading Nordic Payments Providers

09:03 - Why size doesn’t matter and how focus beats scale

11:23 - The importance of finding your own niche

16:24 - The next wave: payments innovation and AI

20:42 - Back-office automation and AI

23:26 - How Zimpler is embracing AI internally

28:14 - Could the payment landscape could be at risk?

31:47 - Relationships matter more than product

35:11 - Post-COVID relationships and real connection

37:53 - Sales cycles, trust, and human moments

42:01 - Final remarks: Where will Zimpler be in 3 years?

🔔 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/

3 months ago

44 minutes 55 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Vested Interest #23: Mystery Boxes, Gambling, and $5 Trillion Collectibles Boom

🎙NEXT.io Podcast #23 of Vested Interest with Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig and Benjie Cherniak.

In this episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of collectibles and mystery boxes, drawing parallels to gambling mechanics. They explore the regulatory challenges these new products face, the recent shifts in the venture capital landscape, and the current headwinds for North American operators in the gaming industry.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:43 - Sponsor Messages

02:02 - Welcoming Lloyd & Benjie

03:06 - Mystery Boxes: Gambling in Disguise?

06:26 - Digital Buybacks and Market Liquidity

08:44 - Slot Mechanics in Collectibles

10:14 - Legal Risks & Regulatory Grey Zones

13:38 - Market Volatility & Platform Liquidity

15:11 - How Regulated Operators Might React

18:14 - Physical vs. Digital Collectibles Landscape

20:25 - Scaling Problems: Supply Chains & Pricing

24:12 – Why Most Gaming Funding Isn’t Broad-Based

26:19 – AngelList Trends & New LP Appetite

28:42 – The Category Leader Obsession

31:13 – Regulated Operator Headwinds in North America

35:44 – Regulatory Moats vs. Challenger Agility

38:45 – Long-Term Strategy: Fight or Join?

40:31 – Can There Be a National RMG Framework?

41:02 – Final 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/

3 months ago

44 minutes 34 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

NEXT In-Depth: Why US bettors are reselling wagers on secondary markets

In this episode of NEXT In-Depth, host Conor Mulheir explores the growing trend of reselling bets on secondary markets in the US. Guest speaker Travis Geiger, the co-founder and CXO of betting and fantasy sports marketplace WagerWire, explores the emergence of this novel vertical and the driving forces behind why US bettors choose to participate in it. From cultural attitudes towards sports betting to the kinds of bets which attract the most attention for resale, the pair explore the developing trend of bet reselling and how it’s shaping the US market today.

3 months ago

38 minutes 32 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Kasra Ghaharian & Simo Dragicevic: Inside AiR Hub, The AI Revolution in iGaming

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #240, Kasra Ghaharian & Simo Dragicevic

Kasra Ghaharian, IGI Director of Research, and Simo Dragicevic , research at AiR Hub, discuss AI in the gaming industry, highlighting the need for trust and benchmarking. They introduce Air Hub, a research hub focused on AI ethics and governance in gaming.

Key projects include a state of AI in gaming report, consumer protection measures, and developing benchmarks for AI algorithms, particularly in responsible gambling.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:42 - Sponsors message

03:00 - Reflecting on Predictions from 5 Years Ago

05:27 - Introducing AIR Hub: The AI Research Initiative

08:42 - AIR Hub’s Flagship Projects

13:40 - How regulators can use AI benchmarks

16:45 - The full scope of AI in iGaming

22:30 - The State of AI in the Industry Today

26:30 - Generative AI and infinite content

30:02 - The Infinite Slot Era: What Wins When Anything Can Be Built?

34:00 - Explainable AI: The Next Essential Layer

35:00 - Autonomy, Agents, and the Limits of AI in iGaming

38:43 - The Risks of Poor Training Data and Output Guardrails

40:48 - Will AI Replace Your Job?

46:02 - The Future Vision for AIR Hub

49:40 - Final remarks

🔔 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/

3 months ago

51 minutes 48 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Denys Parkhomenko: Less but better and the art of Sportsbook innovation

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #239, Denys Parkhomenko, CPO at GR8 Tech

More features don’t always mean more value. In this NEXT.io Podcast episode, Pierre Lindh sits down with Denys Parkhomenko, Chief Product Officer at GR8 Tech, to unpack why "less but better" is becoming the winning mindset for the next generation of iGaming platforms.

With a legacy in B2C and deep experience scaling complex sportsbook products, Denys shares a clear-eyed view on what operators really need from their platforms and what they should avoid at all costs.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

00:21 - Sponsors message

01:38 - Welcoming Denys Parkhomenko

02:31 - GR8 Tech’s approach: less but better

04:32 - Why sports betting platforms all look the same and how to stand out

06:11 - How to stand out in the market

09:03 - Balancing client requests with product strategy

12:07 - GR8 Tech’s “extendable platform” mindset

14:15 - What true scalability looks like in platform infrastructure

16:14 - Casino CoPilot, internal automation, and writing code with AI

18:01 - How new operators should evaluate platforms

19:33 - Why reputation, results, and transparency matter most

21:08 - Trust-building through onboarding & long-term collaboration

23:52 - Conferences vs coffee lines: where real conversations happen

27:25 - What’s next for GR8 Tech

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

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/

3 months ago

30 minutes 54 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Denis Romanovskiy: Smart Tech Decisions for Scaling Your iGaming Business

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #238 Denis Romanovskiy, Deputy CTO at SOFTSWISS

In this episode, Pierre Lindh is joined by Denis Romanovskiy, Deputy CTO at SOFTSWISS, to unpack the findings from their latest 50-page report and dive deep into the technical, financial, and strategic factors new operators need to consider before launching their brand.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

02:00 - Why SOFTSWISS released a build vs buy report

04:30 - Key findings: who should build, who should buy

07:27 - Biggest mistakes new operators make

09:35 - Why testing & tracking matter from day one

12:33 - When should operators consider building in-house?

15:12 - How to choose the right platform partner

18:30 - The importance of cultural alignment & service

21:16 - Scalability: it’s not just tech, it’s people

24:00 - The advantage of ecosystem-level integration

28:10 - Products in the SOFTSWISS suite

31:04 - Time to market: build vs buy

34:06 - What’s next: SOFTSWISS roadmap & modular infrastructure

36:00 - AI-generated code and fully autonomous tech teams?

38:16 - Closing marks

🔗 Download SOFTSWISS report here: https://www.softswiss.com/reports/igaming-software-development-playbook/

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST\

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcasts

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/

4 months ago

39 minutes 20 seconds

NEXT.io Podcast

Sam Sadi: 4 industry trends to pay attention to

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #236 Sam Sadi, CEO of LiveScore GroupSam Sadi sits down with Pierre Lindh to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the online sports betting industry, emphasizing the need for innovation and strategic advantages to compete with established brands, particularly in regulated markets.⏰ Timestamps 00:00 - Intro00:17 - Sponsors message01:38 - Sam’s 30-year journey03:31 - Building Bwin Interactive Entertainment06:07 - The origins of LiveScore09:58 - Why LiveScore launched its own sportsbook15:27 - Competing in the UK18:00 - Why most media-betting integrations fail20:32 - Simplicity vs complexity: is betting too confusing for new users?23:35 - Why customers adapt faster than you think25:31 - Why niche sportsbooks rarely succeed in regulated markets29:58 - DFS as the starting point33:11 - LiveScore’s product philosophy: match 80%, innovate the rest34:37 - The capital and access problem in U.S. regulation37:18 - Trend 1: Southeast Asia’s unspoken potential44:49 - Trend 2: The real AI transformation57:30 - Trend 3: Innovation vs Incrementalism01:09:54 - Trend 4: The black market problem01:21:41 - Can cutting off suppliers beat the black market? Why it’s short-term thinking01:26:34 - Why the industry’s future might mirror the AI arms race01:32:04 - Closing remarks🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333CONNECT 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/

4 months ago

1 hour 29 minutes 6 seconds