Vested Interest #24: Prediction Markets Special

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #19 of Vested Interest with Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig & Benjie Cherniak. In this episode, Pierre, Lloyd and Benjie explore the rise of prediction markets in the U.S., the regulatory grey area between investing and gambling, and the disruptive potential of new betting models. They also discuss the evolution of competitive socialization venues like Topgolf, the tech behind real-money gaming integrations, and key lessons for investors and founders in iGaming. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:31 - Sponsors 02:01 - The explosion of prediction markets & the role of CFTC regulations 05:10 - Are futures contracts just sports betting in disguise? 09:14 - The impact of Robinhood & crypto platforms on the betting ecosystem 17:12 - The rise of competitive socialization: Topgolf, darts, bowling & beyond 21:40 - How real-money gaming is integrating into entertainment venues 30:12 - The state of iGaming investment: What makes a successful exit? 37:15 - Lessons from bootstrapped vs. VC-backed gaming ventures 45:38 - Closing marks 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bc Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333 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 Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology. https://pragmatic.solutions/ Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider. https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

3 Feb 44min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #221 with David Mann, Chief Executive Officer at Swintt. In this episode, Pierre sits down with David Mann, CEO of Swintt, to discuss the evolving landscape of game studios in iGaming. David also shares insights on Swintt’s strategy, partnerships, and the impact of regulation on game providers. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:28 - Sponsors 02:02 - Welcoming David Mann 02:50 - David’s Journey to CEO of Swintt 04:35 - Swintt’s Growth and Aggregation Model 06:11 - Regional Game Preferences 10:08 - Market Saturation and Competition 13:38 - Game Success: Quality vs. Commercial Push 17:10 - Industry Consolidation and Acquisitions 20:57 - Swintt’s Aggregation and Partnerships 23:50 - Scaling Aggregation and Challenges 26:53 - Partnering with Twin Win, Samurai, and Elysium 30:48 - The Future of Game Studios 32:00 - Live Casino Growth and Competition 35:48 - Regulation vs. Grey Markets 39:06 - Black Market and Channelization 41:36 - Gamification, Jackpots, and Player Trends 45:02 - The Game Studio Landscape in Three Years 46:47 - Closing Remarks and Industry Reflections 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333 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 Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology. https://pragmatic.solutions/ Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider. https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

30 Jan 47min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #220 with Thomas Lefebvre, Co-Founder at Lagio Gaming In this episode, Thomas Lefebvre, Co-Founder at Lagio Gaming, opens up about the challenges and emotional journey of losing his business partner and mentor, Henri Etrillard. Discover how Thomas navigated the unexpected loss, kept the business afloat, and honored Henri’s legacy through resilience and innovation. 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 Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology. https://pragmatic.solutions/ Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider. https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

23 Jan 49min

Like so many of the people whose lives he touched, we were devastated to hear of the sudden and untimely death of our Weekly News co-host, Nico Jansen, on 9 January. Please join us, alongside a group of Nico’s close friends, as we take some time to reflect on Nico’s life, the impact he had on each of us, and the legacy he leaves behind. This special episode of Weekly News is dedicated to the memory of our beloved friend, Nico Jansen. To make a donation in support of Nico's family, please go to the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfundi... May he forever rest in peace. 🕊💛

17 Jan 33min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #219 with James Curwen, CEO at Yggdrasil Gaming In this episode, James Curwen, CEO at Yggdrasil Gaming, shares his journey of transforming a company in decline into a thriving, tech-driven industry leader. Discover his strategies for reinvention, leadership, and innovation in the competitive iGaming space. . ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:31 - Sponsors 01:50 - Welcoming James Curwen 02:30 - Tackling the challenges of turning a company around 04:06 - Why rapid action is crucial in a declining business 06:03 - Becoming the largest content aggregator 07:49 - Building a scalable tech platform and innovating with AI 10:46 - Balancing culture and connection 12:22 - The four pillars of transformation: Efficiency, sustainability, disruption, and innovation 18:48 - The risk of complacency: Reinventing before decline 20:08 - Why bravery and risk-taking are essential for leadership success 24:27 - Balancing being friendly vs. being a leader 27:27 - Fostering a culture of engagement and accountability 33:36 - Attributes of great leaders 40:19 - Building a high-performing, skilled team 45:02 - Letting go to move forward 50:18 - From decline to double growth 52:45 - What’s next? James’s vision for the future of the company 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bc Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333 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 Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology. https://pragmatic.solutions/ Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider. https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

16 Jan 54min

This week on NEXT.io Weekly News, we’re diving into the latest legislative developments in the iGaming world, covering major updates on Maryland, Virginia, Ukraine, and Thailand. Elsewhere, Ukraine’s president opts to enact legislation to close down the country’s gambling regulator. 🗞 Read the full stories here: - Maryland legislature to debate online gambling legalization https://next.io/news/regulation/maryland-legislature-to-debate-online-gambling-legalisation/ - Virginia iGaming legislation makes its first appearance https://next.io/news/regulation/virginia-igaming-legislation-make-first-appearance/ - Ukraine President dissolves gambling regulator https://next.io/news/regulation/ukraine-president-dissolves-gambling-regulator/ - Thailand eyes legalizing online gambling https://next.io/news/regulation/thailand-eyes-legalising-online-gambling/ 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: Hub88.io https://hub88.io/

10 Jan 57min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #218 with Shimon Akad, COO of Playtech In this episode, Pierre Lindh sits down with Shimon Akad, COO of Playtech, to explore the cutting-edge innovations reshaping the iGaming industry. From Playtech’s strategic growth in North America and Brazil to its groundbreaking partnership with MGM Resorts, Shimon reveals how the company is blending land-based and online casinos for the ultimate player experience.  🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333 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 Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology.   https://pragmatic.solutions/  Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.  https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

9 Jan 38min

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #217 with Joris Dekkers, author of The Las Vegas Book. In this episode, Pierre Lindh sits down with Joris Dekkers to uncover the untold stories and transformations that shaped Las Vegas into the entertainment capital of the world. From its mobster roots and glitzy casino empires to today’s corporate dominance and mega-events, Joris shares insights into the visionaries who built the city—and what its future might hold. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=b3dcb04d35a84057 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333 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. pragmatic.solutions Episode sponsored by: https://www.creedroomz.com/

2 Jan 51min