Vested Interest #20: The Rise of iGaming Challenger Brands with Special Guest Betty CEO Justin Park.

This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we’re diving into the latest developments in the iGaming world, covering major updates on BC.Game, Cirsa, Rivalry, and Cbet. BC.Game has shut down its UK operations, raising questions about the platform's future in key markets. Meanwhile, Cirsa's parent company, Blackstone, has announced plans for a 2025 IPO, signaling a bold move for the gaming giant. Rivalry’s Q3 2024 financial results are in, showcasing impressive growth amid fierce competition. Finally, Cbet faces a new challenge as PSG Curaçao files a bankruptcy claim, adding to the complexity of the jurisdiction’s gaming ecosystem. 🗞 Read the full stories here: - BC.Game closes UK site https://next.io/news/casino/bc-game-closes-uk-site/ - Blackstone plans 2025 IPO for Cirsa https://next.io/news/investment/blackstone-plans-2025-ipo-for-cirsa/ - Rivalry Q3 2024 results https://next.io/news/results/rivalry-q3-2024-results/ - PSG Curaçao bankruptcy claim against Cbet https://next.io/news/marketing/psg-curacao-bankruptcy-claim-cbet/ 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! This episode is brought to you by: Playson: https://playson.com/ Sponsored by: Hub88.io: https://hub88.io/

6 Dec 202454min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #212 with Tania Johannisson, Founder of Amplific In this episode, we sit down with Tania Johannisson, founder of Amplific and former Director of Risk at Evolution, to explore her journey from building a billion-dollar iGaming powerhouse to launching her own venture.  Tania opens up about the challenges of balancing high achievement with well-being, overcoming burnout, and the neuroscience behind resilience. She also shares how her new company helps businesses turn risk and compliance into opportunities for innovation and growth. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and Overview 00:26 – Sponsor 01:53 – Tania’s Background: From Latvia to Evolution 03:03 – The start of Tania’s career and the journey to Evolution 06:14 – Reflections on building Evolution’s risk department 07:18 – Experiences and challenges while working at Evolution 10:11 – The ways Evolution shaped Tania’s professional identity 13:31 – Identifying the onset of burnout and its initial signs 18:02 – The symptoms of burnout and the difficulty in recognizing them 22:29 – Turning points in managing and recovering from burnout 29:34 – Insights into the neuroscience of stress and burnout recovery 36:39 – The journey of learning to slow down and create balance 39:08 – Transitioning to entrepreneurship and the vision behind Amplific 46:24 – Amplific’s mission and how it stands out in the industry 51:04 – Tania’s vision for herself and Amplific in the next three years 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=f77f63485a8542eb Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333 CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO ✩ Website - https://next.io/ ✩ Instagram - / nextdotio ✩ X/Twitter - / nextdotio ✩ LinkedIn - / nextdotio _____ 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/ Episode sponsored by: https://www.creedroomz.com/

3 Dec 20241h 6min

This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we’re covering major developments in Curaçao’s gambling industry. BC.Game is under fire as its licence may be revoked following bankruptcy and regulatory scrutiny. Meanwhile, allegations of fraud and embezzlement involving key industry figures cast a shadow over the jurisdiction’s efforts to reform its licensing process. With Curaçao’s role as a global licensing hub, these stories could signal big changes ahead for operators worldwide. 🗞 Read the full stories here: - BC.Game declared bankrupt amid regulatory review https://next.io/news/regulation/bc-game-declared-bankrupt/ - Curaçao regulator moves to revoke BC.Game licence https://next.io/news/casino/curacao-gambling-regulator-revoke-bc-game-licence/ - Fraud allegations spark reform in Curaçao licensing https://next.io/news/regulation/silvania-galea-fraud-embezzlement-allegations-new-gambling-licences/ 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! This episode is brought to you by: Playson: https://playson.com/ Sponsored by: Hub88.io: https://hub88.io/

29 Nov 202434min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #211 with Ruzanna Elchyan, Head of Gaming at BetConstruct. Ruzanna Elchyan, Head of Gaming at BetConstruct, joins Pierre Lindh for an engaging conversation about her 12+ years in the iGaming industry, BetConstruct’s innovative projects, and Armenia’s emergence as a global iGaming hub. In this episode, Ruzanna shares insights into the evolution of iGaming, from technological advancements to the rise of feature-rich and branded games. She also discusses BetConstruct’s exciting projects like the Ortak NFT Marketplace and BFTH Arena, along with her perspective on building relationships in the fast-paced world of gaming. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction 00:04: Sponsors: Pragmatic Play & Pragmatic Solutions 01:11: Welcoming Ruzanna: Her Journey in iGaming 02:21: Ruzanna’s Background: From Georgia to Armenia 05:48: Her Role as Head of Gaming at BetConstruct 08:06: Technological Evolution in the iGaming Industry 10:00: The Rise of Branded and Feature-Rich Games 13:01: BetConstruct’s Key Projects: BFTH Arena & Ortak NFT Marketplace 17:10: Armenia as an iGaming Hub 19:02: The Launch of the “Your Health” App and FTM Cryptocurrency 20:54: Ruzanna’s Advice to Young Professionals in iGaming 22:17: Exciting Plans for BetConstruct in 2024 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/ne... CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO ✩ Website: https://next.io/ ✩ Instagram: /nextdotio ✩ X/Twitter: /nextdotio ✩ LinkedIn: /nextdotio This episode of 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/ Episode sponsored by: https://www.creedroomz.com/

28 Nov 202423min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #210 with Valeriia Virchenko, Head of Talent Acquisition at Pin-Up Global. We sit down with Valeriia Virchenko, Head of Talent Acquisition at Pin-Up Global, to uncover the secrets behind their phenomenal growth. Valeriia dives into Pin-Up's dynamic culture and innovative hiring strategies, sharing tips for standing out in interviews and building a thriving career in iGaming.  ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction  00:26 – Sponsor  01:23 – Valeriia’s Background and Transition into Recruitment 02:09 – Pin-Up’s Rapid Growth and Talent Acquisition Strategy 04:28 – Tips for Succeeding in iGaming Interviews 07:18 – Key Qualities Pin-Up Looks for in Candidates 09:20 – Outstanding Examples of Interview Preparation 10:36 – Life Hacks for Reducing Interview Anxiety 11:20 – Pin-Up’s Work Culture: Dynamic and Fast-Paced 12:15 – Personality Traits and Values Pin-Up Prioritizes 13:14 – How to Excel as a Team Player at Pin-Up 14:24 – Challenges in Recruitment and Retention at Pin-Up 16:33 – Plans for Future B2B HR Products and Tools 17:04 – Closing Marks 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=f77f63485a8542eb Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333 CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO ✩ Website - https://next.io/ ✩ Instagram - / nextdotio ✩ X/Twitter - / nextdotio ✩ LinkedIn - / nextdotio _____ 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/ Episode sponsored by: https://www.creedroomz.com/

26 Nov 202417min

This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we’re breaking down major mergers and acquisitions shaking up the gaming and tech landscape! Bally’s shareholders approve its takeover by Standard General, while Everi Holdings goes private with backing from Apollo Global Management. Meanwhile, Endeavor’s management takes full control of OpenBet and IMG Arena, signaling a strategic realignment, and Aristocrat’s Pixel United offloads Plarium, shifting focus to new opportunities. 🗞 Read the full stories here: - Bally’s shareholders approve Standard General takeover https://next.io/news/investment/ballys-shareholders-approve-takeover-standard-general/ - Everi shareholders greenlight Apollo's take-private deal https://next.io/news/investment/everi-shareholders-approve-apollo-take-private/ - Endeavor takes full control of OpenBet and IMG Arena https://next.io/news/investment/endeavor-management-buyout-openbet-img-arena/ - Pixel United sells Plarium as Aristocrat sharpens its strategy https://next.io/news/investment/aristocrats-pixel-united-sells-plarium/ 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! _____ This episode is brought to you by: Playson: https://playson.com/ Sponsored by: Hub88.io: https://hub88.io/

22 Nov 202458min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #206 with Rickard Vikström, Founder and CEO at Internet Vikings Rickard Vikström, CEO and founder of Internet Vikings, returns for an in-depth discussion about the company’s progress and the future of the rapidly changing iGaming infrastructure landscape. Four years after his first appearance, Rickard reflects on Internet Vikings’ significant growth, its expansion into the US market, and the company’s strategic focus on building sustainable infrastructure solutions for iGaming businesses across key markets, including North America and Europe. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:43 – Sponsors 02:01 – Welcoming Rickard 03:16 – G2E Conference Insights 05:15 - The Growing Trend of the Sweepstakes Model 07:05 - Reflecting on Predictions for the U.S. iGaming Market 09:31 – MGM acquiring LeoVegas 12:12 – The Future of BetMGM, Entain, and MGM’s Relationship 16:05 – How COVID Accelerated Online Gambling for Land-Based Casinos 19:00 - Innovation Coming from New Market Entrants 23:57 – Comparing the iGaming Industry in 2020 vs. 2024 30:08 – The Shift Away from Regulation as the Focus in Gambling 33:55 – The Future of Sweepstakes and Crypto in Gambling 37:27 – Blurring Lines Between Gaming and Social Games 39:45 - Election Forecasting using Betting markets like Polymarkets 43:44 – Predictions on Crypto Casinos in the Next Four Years 47:03 – Growth Opportunities in Other Markets: Africa and Asia 54:16 - Internet Vikings’ growth and success in the U.S. market 57:57 – Predictions on the acquisition of major slot providers and online brands 01:02:00 - The role of AI in the future of game production 01:09:29 - Innovations translating into land-based casinos 01:14:06: Internet Vikings’ success on the company's growth 01:17:19: The future of U.S. state legislation 01:21:03: Closing remarks 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO ✩ Website - https://next.io/ ✩ Instagram - / nextdotio ✩ X/Twitter - / nextdotio ✩ LinkedIn - / nextdotio _____ 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/ Episode sponsored by: https://www.creedroomz.com/

22 Nov 20241h 21min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #206 with Rickard Vikström, Founder and CEO at Internet Vikings Rickard Vikström, CEO and founder of Internet Vikings, returns for an in-depth discussion about the company’s progress and the future of the rapidly changing iGaming infrastructure landscape. Four years after his first appearance, Rickard reflects on Internet Vikings’ significant growth, its expansion into the US market, and the company’s strategic focus on building sustainable infrastructure solutions for iGaming businesses across key markets, including North America and Europe. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:43 – Sponsors 02:01 – Welcoming Rickard 03:16 – G2E Conference Insights 05:15 - The Growing Trend of the Sweepstakes Model 07:05 - Reflecting on Predictions for the U.S. iGaming Market 09:31 – MGM acquiring LeoVegas 12:12 – The Future of BetMGM, Entain, and MGM’s Relationship 16:05 – How COVID Accelerated Online Gambling for Land-Based Casinos 19:00 - Innovation Coming from New Market Entrants 23:57 – Comparing the iGaming Industry in 2020 vs. 2024 30:08 – The Shift Away from Regulation as the Focus in Gambling 33:55 – The Future of Sweepstakes and Crypto in Gambling 37:27 – Blurring Lines Between Gaming and Social Games 39:45 - Election Forecasting using Betting markets like Polymarkets 43:44 – Predictions on Crypto Casinos in the Next Four Years 47:03 – Growth Opportunities in Other Markets: Africa and Asia 54:16 - Internet Vikings’ growth and success in the U.S. market 57:57 – Predictions on the acquisition of major slot providers and online brands 01:02:00 - The role of AI in the future of game production 01:09:29 - Innovations translating into land-based casinos 01:14:06: Internet Vikings’ success on the company's growth 01:17:19: The future of U.S. state legislation 01:21:03: Closing remarks 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO ✩ Website - https://next.io/ ✩ Instagram - / nextdotio ✩ X/Twitter - / nextdotio ✩ LinkedIn - / nextdotio _____ 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/ Episode sponsored by: https://www.creedroomz.com/

22 Nov 20241h 21min