🎙 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
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bc
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CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO
✩ Website - https://next.io/
This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/
Sponsored by:
Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/
NOWPayments: https://nowpayments.io/
🎙 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
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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.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/
Sponsored by:
Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/
🎙 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
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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.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/
Sponsored by:
Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/
🎙 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
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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.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/
Sponsored by:
Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/
🎙 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
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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.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/
Sponsored by:
Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/
🎙 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/
🎙 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
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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.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/
Sponsored by:
Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/
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!
🎙 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
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CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO
✩ Website - https://next.io/
This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/
Sponsored by:
Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/
🎙 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
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CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO
✩ Website - https://next.io/
This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/
Sponsored by:
Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/
🎙 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
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CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO
✩ Website - https://next.io/
This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
🎙 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
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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.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
🎙 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
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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.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
🎙 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
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CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO
✩ Website - https://next.io/
This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.
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
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🎙 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
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This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:
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🎙 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
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This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:
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🎙 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
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🎙 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
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🎙 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?
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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/