Jesse Learmonth: Innovative Startups Reshaping the iGaming Industry

🎙️ Welcome to episode #12 of Vested Interest, with Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig & Benjie Cherniak. Join Lloyd and Benjie as they dive into critical topics impacting our industry. We explore the recent tax hikes in Illinois and their effects on local businesses, the channelisation rate in the US, and the potential growth of the black market. We also discuss the consequences of overregulation and provide best practices for valuating start-up companies during capital raising. A highlight is Lloyd’s insights on his recent fundraising success with Sharp Alpha Fund II, sharing valuable lessons for other fundraisers. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:46 - Sponsors 01:46 - Greetings from Lloyd and Benjie 02:18 - Implications of Tax Hikes in Illinois 10:12 - Channelisation Rate and Black Market in the US 17:43 - Comparison with Overregulated Markets 24:08 - Valuating Start-Up Companies for Capital Raising 29:46 - Challenges in Raising Capital and Avoiding Down Rounds 35:27 - Lloyd’s Recent Fundraising: Sharp Alpha Fund II 45:11 - Lloyd's Investment Interests 48:02 - Closing Marks 🔗 CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO ✩ Website - https://next.io/ ✩ Instagram - @next.io ✩ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/next... _____ This episode of the NEXT.io is brought to you by: Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider. https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/ Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology. https://pragmatic.solutions/

6 Juni 202448min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #186 with Kate Romanenko, Head of Gaming at PIN-UP Global  Join us in our latest podcast episode with Kate Romanenko, Head of Gaming at PIN-UP Global. With over 8 years in B2C and B2B iGaming, Kate shares key insights to help game suppliers thrive.    Kate discusses the differences between B2B and B2C, essential traits for B2B Account Managers, and effective strategies for capturing Account Managers' attention. She also offers best practices for outreach and managing numerous accounts.    ⏰ Timestamps  00:00 - Introduction 01:42 - Welcoming Kate 02:25 - Kate’s background in the industry 04:37 - Main differences between B2B and B2C 07:13 - Key attributes of B2B Account Manager 11:01 - Capturing Account Managers' attention 19:49 - Outreach best practices and managing the overwhelming moments 24:10 - Challenges of establishing a new game studio 31:02 - Integrating games into a portfolio and the challenge of sometimes saying no 35:24 - Success of games: design or commercial effort? 40:00 - Advice on growing accounts 44:22 - Favorite suppliers 47:37 - Pin-Up’s secret to success 50:08 - Building solid relationships  💼 About Kate Romanenko:  Kate Romanenko is an iGaming professional with over 8 years of experience in B2C and B2B areas. Her passion is games, business development and growing partnerships.    Kate Romanenko is Head of Gaming at PIN-UP Global, the ecosystem of iGaming solutions. This role includes overseeing games portfolio for the B2C clients of PIN-UP and making sure that the operators are covered with the games popular in their territories of operation. Kate is also in charge of account management team and partnership development with Game Suppliers to support strong growth and reliable partnerships.  🔗 CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO ✩ Website - https://next.io/  ✩ Instagram - @next.io ✩ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/next... _____ This episode of the NEXT.io is brought to you by: Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider. https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/ Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology. https://pragmatic.solutions/ Sponsored by:  BetContruct: https://www.betconstruct.com/#?spettacolares

3 Juni 202456min

Join us for a pivotal episode of NEXT.io Weekly News as we delve into the implications of the upcoming UK General Election on the iGaming industry and international regulatory landscapes. Our focus this week centers on how the election could shape the future of gambling reform in the UK, along with a look at Brazil’s licensing timeline for operators. Our first segment explores the potential delay of UK gambling reforms due to the July election, as highlighted in our article, “UK Gambling Reform Doubt as July Election Approaches.” We’ll discuss the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of new gambling regulations and what this could mean for operators and stakeholders within the industry. In addition, we will shift our gaze to Brazil, where a significant regulatory milestone is expected by the end of 2024. Our coverage of “Brazil Operators: End of 2024 to Obtain License” will outline the current status and forthcoming steps for operators aiming to enter or continue in the Brazilian market. 🗞 Read the full story here: - https://next.io/news/uk-gambling-reform-doubt-july-election/ - https://next.io/news/brazil-operators-end-of-2024-obtain-licence/ Hang out with Conor Mulheir and Nico Jansen on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3 PM CET across all our social media channels. We’ll dive into the freshest iGaming news and explore the most captivating stories of the week.  Be cool, be curious, be in the know! --------- Episode brought you by: Playson - ⁠https://playson.com/⁠ Sponsored by: Hub88. - ⁠https://hub88.io/⁠

29 Maj 202432min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #186 with Alexandre Tomic, Founder of Alea. Alexandre Tomic returns to talk about addiction, longevity, psychedelic therapies, and purpose. This episode delves into the intricacies of health, mind, and future advancements with expert insights. Alexandre provides practical advice on the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and other psychedelics for trauma, offering new perspectives on healing from gambling addictions. The conversation also extends to the future of AI, as well as the implications of game theory and the concept of Moloch. Finally, we explore the purpose of new technologies and how they shape our world. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:31 - Tracking Life Parameters 06:28 - How to Live a Longer, Healthier Life? Addressing Modern Diseases 13:32 - Alexander's Top Tips for Longevity 21:22 - The Impact of Alcohol on Sleep and Overall Life Quality 27:54 - The Detrimental Effects of Sugar on the Body 46:05 - Magic Mushrooms and Gambling Addictions 1:01:42 - Background and History of Psychedelics 1:10:11 - Using Psilocybin and Psychedelics as Therapy for Trauma 1:28:55 - Facing Addictions 1:46:14 - Recognizing and Dealing with Addiction 1:59:56 - Differences Between Psychedelics, DMT, and Opium 2:16:02 - Discussing AI and the Concept of Becoming Superhuman 2:28:48 - Game Theory and the Concept of Moloch 2:47:05 - The Purpose of New Technologies 💼 About Alexandre Tomic:  Alexandre Tomic is the founder and CEO of Alea.com, the multi-award-winning company behind several successful gaming B2C and B2B operations. Tomic is well-known within our industry, having over fifteen years of experience in varying aspects ranging from affiliate network owner, casino operator and game aggregator. His passion for the industry is matched by his drive for innovative products and ideas. Alexandre himself is a biohacking and VR enthusiast and is committed to promote social responsibility among operators and create awareness about the societal impact of the gambling industry. 🔗 CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO ✩ Website - https://next.io/  ✩ Instagram - @next.io ✩ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/next... _____ This episode of the NEXT.io is brought to you by: Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider. https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/ Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology. https://pragmatic.solutions/ Sponsored by:  BetContruct: https://www.betconstruct.com/#?spettacolares

29 Maj 20242h 51min

Tune into this week's episode of NEXT.io Weekly News for an exclusive M&A special, featuring key transactions reshaping the iGaming landscape. We delve into Super Group's strategic acquisition of Apricot for $140 million to enhance its tech stack, and Elys Game Technology's decision to sell its Newgioco division. Next, we turn to Elys Game Technology and their agreement to sell Newgioco. This segment will examine the reasons behind the sale, the parties involved, and the potential effects on Elys' strategic focus and financial health.  🗞 Read the full story here: - https://next.io/news/super-group-announces-140m-tech-stack-acquisition/ - https://next.io/news/elys-enters-agreement-sell-newgioco/ Hang out with Conor Mulheir and Nico Jansen on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3 PM CET across all our social media channels. We’ll dive into the freshest iGaming news and explore the most captivating stories of the week.  Be cool, be curious, be in the know! --------- Episode brought you by: Playson - ⁠https://playson.com/⁠ Sponsored by: Hub88. - ⁠https://hub88.io/⁠

9 Maj 202436min

Tune into this week's episode of NEXT.io Weekly News for an in-depth discussion on the recent changes in UK iGaming regulations, specifically focusing on the newly implemented affordability checks.  Next, we will cover "Customer Documents Not Required During Affordability Pilot," detailing the pilot phase of these new checks, during which customers will not need to submit additional documentation to prove their spending capabilities. Additionally, we discuss the growing "Calls for UK Gambling Ombudsman Increase," as stakeholders push for more robust consumer protection and oversight in the wake of these new rules.  🗞 Read the full story here: - https://next.io/news/uk-affordability-checks-set-at-150-per-month/ - https://next.io/news/customer-documents-not-required-during-affordability-pilot/ - https://next.io/news/calls-for-uk-gambling-ombudsman-increase/ Hang out with Conor Mulheir and Nico Jansen on our Weekly News live stream, every Thursday at 3 PM CET across all our social media channels. We’ll dive into the freshest iGaming news and explore the most captivating stories of the week.  Be cool, be curious, be in the know!

3 Maj 202443min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #185 with Simon Lidzén, CEO and CO-Founder at Fast Track. In this in-depth conversation, Simon takes us through the journey of starting Fast Track, highlighting the motivations and challenges that spurred its inception. He shares valuable lessons on navigating the complexities of business scaling, emphasizing the critical balance between empowering teams and maintaining strategic oversight. Simon also sheds light on the importance of having a clear vision and robust principles, which have guided him in driving a strong company culture and effective decision-making. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:43 - Sponsors 01:41 - Old Times with Simon 02:47 - Fast Track Origins  20:04 - Business Scaling Challenges 23:40 - Struggles with Delegation 31:02 - Simon's Advice on setting up Vision and Principles 38:45 - Infusing Founder Values in the Team 43:38 - Values in the Recruiting Process 46:41 - Accountability Within the Teams 49:26 - Fast Track in Three Years  💼 About Simon Lidzén:  Simon is a specialist in technology, product development, innovation and organisational scalability, with over 15 years of experience in iGaming.  Having held senior positions at Betfair and within the Betsson Group, he co-founded Fast Track in 2016 as a direct response to the challenges that operators face in running an efficient, scalable business. He is now on a mission to digitalise the iGaming industry. 🔔 LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE... 🔗 CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO ✩ Website - https://next.io/  ✩ Instagram - @next.io ✩ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/next...

30 Apr 202451min

🎙️ Welcome to episode #11 of Vested Interest, with hosts Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig,Benjie Cherniak & Special guest: Joe Asher, President of Sports Betting at IGT.   In this episode, Lloyd and Benjie discuss the recent betting scandals and explore the repercussions these incidents could have on both public trust and the regulatory landscapes of the industry. The conversation then shifts to a topic close to many entrepreneurs' hearts: founder burnout. They discuss the common signs of burnout and the crucial steps that founders can take to safeguard their mental health amidst the high-stakes environment of iGaming.  Fundraising, a critical aspect of any startup's journey, is up next. The duo shares their experiences, highlighting both their favourite and least favourite moments from past fundraising rounds. To cap off the episode, Joe Asher joins the trio as a special guest. Joe brings his extensive experience to the table, discussing where he sees the industry heading in the next few years. His insights into emerging trends and potential market shifts are not to be missed, as they offer a glimpse into the future of iGaming.

25 Apr 20241h 2min