RTFM 252: Inside Sports Management: Building a Program from the Ground Up with Matt Bakowicz

Join Fintan and Jon for an insightful discussion with Professor Matt Bakowicz, program director of the sports management program at American University in Washington D.C. Matt shares his extensive industry experience in sports betting, casino management, and academia, alongside the evolving landscape of gaming regulations, integrity in sports, and the future of entertainment. Whether you're into sports management, gambling regulation, or the intersection of entertainment and responsibility, this episode offers valuable perspectives from a seasoned expert. The integrity segment is particularly excellent. Things we talk about, but in a list: Matt's background in casino operations, sports betting, and esports managementDesigning a sports management program focused on commercial and operational skillsThe importance of industry experience in academic teachingChallenges and strategies in maintaining integrity in sports bettingAdvances in detecting and addressing match-fixing and prop bet manipulationRegulatory landscape in U.S. sports betting and prediction marketsResponsible gambling, education, and the role of regulation versus personal responsibilityThe influence of media, marketing, and terminology on industry perceptionFuture of the Super Bowl halftime shows and the blending of music and entertainmentTips for beginners in golf: focusing on short game and mental disciplineThe impact of sports betting trends on baseball, golf, and college sportsThe importance of niche expertise and sustained passion in career successChoice quotes: "Welcome to the Gambling Files podcast.""Prediction markets need strict regulation.""Find your niche and lean into it."Chapters (but add 30 seconds or so because I added the music):00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: industry insights with Prof. Matt Bakowicz 02:10 - Matt's career transition from casino management to academia 04:12 - Building a practical, industry-connected sports management program 06:16 - Course tracks: operations, analytics, sports gaming, and marketing 09:12 - Inside the sports betting industry: operations, regulation, and integrity 11:25 - Industry and academic experience: the value of real-world insight<li...

In this episode of The Gambling Files podcast, hosts Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello explore various themes related to gambling, sports betting, and the upcoming World Cup. Joined by guest Jeevan Jeyaratnam from Abelson Sports, they discuss the adaptability of the brain, the importance of marketing in engaging casual bettors, and the evolving landscape of prediction markets. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of celebrity involvement in betting and the strategies operators can use to attract and retain customers during major sporting events.The things we talk about, but in a list: The brain is incredibly adaptable, adjusting to new experiences like wearing contact lenses.World Cup 2026 is expected to have a significant impact on North American sports betting.Engaging casual bettors requires building narratives around less popular matches.Prediction markets are gaining traction, but their long-term sustainability is uncertain.Celebrity involvement in betting raises questions about ethics and insider information.The importance of marketing strategies in the gambling industry cannot be overstated.Casual bettors are more likely to engage with narratives and stories around games.The betting landscape is evolving with new technologies and market dynamics.Understanding customer behaviour is crucial for operators during major sporting events.The future of sports betting will likely involve more integration of technology and data analytics.Choice quotes: "The brain is incredibly adaptable.""World Cup 2026 will be a big deal.""Engaging casual bettors is key."Chapters (but add 30 seconds because of the music, probably)00:00 Introduction and New Format Exploration03:05 Contact Lenses and Vision Adjustments05:58 The Brain's Adaptability and Surgery Insights11:59 Podcast Sponsors and Marketing Insights14:54 Introducing the Guest and Podcast Evolution16:10 Introduction and Background of Abelson Sports22:10 The Impact of Major Sporting Events30:02 World Cup Dynamics and U.S. Engagement36:59 Betting Patterns and Market Engagement Strategies<span class="ql-ui"...

In this episode of the Gambling Files podcast, hosts Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello don’t even appear to realise it’s their 250th episode. Oh well, at least we spotted it. The duo discuss significant changes in the gambling industry, including the departure of Michael ‘The Doog’ Dugher from the Betting and Gaming Council, and Andrew Rhodes from the Gambling Commission. They analyse the implications of recent budget changes on online operators and the horse racing industry. The conversation also covers the recent $1.2 billion acquisition of Legend by Genius, highlighting the negotiation strategies involved. Finally, they preview upcoming events and conferences in the gambling sector, emphasising the importance of networking and knowledge sharing.Choice quotes: "We would love to have you on.""It's a tough gig. It's a tough gig.""It's only held every three years."Chapters, but you might want to add on 30 seconds because of the music: 00:00 Introduction to the Gambling Industry News00:51 Leadership Changes in Gambling Organizations07:06 Impact of Regulatory Changes on the Gambling Sector11:04 The Future of Gambling Leadership18:57 Recent Major Deals in the Gambling Industry25:36 Market Reactions to SEO Assets26:25 Challenges in Affiliate Asset Management27:32 The Impact of Price Tags in Negotiations28:53 The Value of Reputation and Integrity29:23 Sponsorships and Industry Events34:53 Upcoming Conferences and Networking Opportunities39:52 The Significance of the World Cup in North AmericaYeah, we’re on LinkedIn. And so is Pini!: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piniyakuel/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support that makes all of this… magic… possible.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago.Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, no hang on World Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do.And the new members of the family, the excellent Gaming Laboratories International.GLI is a world-class Testing, Inspections and Certification company committed to delivering...

In this episode of the Gambling Files podcast, hosts Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello discuss Jon's recent trip to Barcelona, sharing experiences from the ICE event, dining adventures, and encounters with pickpockets. They also delve into the highlights of the Gambling Book Awards, including the presentation of awards and the excitement surrounding the event. The episode concludes with discussions about new sponsorships and upcoming events in the gambling industry. We’ve kept it simple this episode.Choice quotes:"I went to Barcelona with Snoopy.""The crowd went wild!""It's a nice endorsement."Chapters, but you might want to add 30 seconds to these because of the music…00:00 Welcome and Barcelona Adventures03:02 Dining Experiences in Barcelona05:57 Encounters with Pickpockets12:11 The Gambling Book Awards24:00 New Sponsorships and Future EventsYeah, we’re on LinkedIn. And so is Pini!: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piniyakuel/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support that makes all of this… magic… possible.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago.Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, no hang on World Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do.And the new members of the family, the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class Testing, Inspections and Certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery, and iGaming testing and assessment services around the world.GLI provides suppliers, operators, and regulators with expert guidance for navigating the future of gaming and ensuring gaming innovations meet regulatory standards with confidence in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/" rel="noopener...

OK, no intro on this episode for a bunch of excellent reasons. First, Fintan could not be there (WE MISSED YOU GOOD, BRAH); second, as it was at ICE do you really need us to tell you awesome things about Clarion and how they made the industry’s best show somehow even better?; and third, we introduce a new sponsor onto the podcast next week and it’s nice to build towards that. Oh, and fourth, this is an interview with the top man at one of our current excellent corporate overlords. I’ll let AI give you the bones of what we talked about, it’s topical after all…In this episode, Jon sits down with Pini Yakuel to discuss the state of the gambling industry as we head into early 2026. Pini reflects on the lessons learned from the massive AI investments of 2025 and introduces his core philosophy for the future: Positionless Marketing.The conversation covers how AI is shifting the industry back toward "artisan" values, the importance of incremental self-improvement, and what operators should be analysing ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Oh, and a phrase you will want to take away for future use: “Good, better, best; never let it rest”.Chapters (which we can do because there was no separately recorded intro, you see)0:00 The scone debate4:15 Sophisticated vs. Complex: Pini explains why he prefers the word "sophisticated" when describing powerful software and how users often surprise developers.7:50 Reflections on 2025: A look at the "continuum" of learning and the evolving hype vs. reality of AI.9:30 The M&amp;A Landscape: Pini discusses why Optimove passed on several acquisitions in 2025 and the current valuation of SaaS companies.11:00 "Good, Better, Best": The philosophy of "Kaizen" (continuous improvement) and why progress is the key to happiness.13:50 Delayed Gratification: The challenge of focus in a "cheap dopamine" world and how environment impacts the brain's ability to work.16:45 The desk, feng shui and the Black Museum – a detour.20:55 Why the positionless marketer is an artisan, not a factory worker.26:40 The 2026 World Cup: Preparation strategies for operators, focusing on past behavioural data and managing "generosity budgets".Choice quotes: "Positionless marketing is about expanding our range and versatility, allowing us to change the organizational structure we’ve been confined to since the Industrial Revolution." "Happiness is an upward trend line of your development... whether it's skill-based, spiritual, or just being a kinder person.”Pini Yakuel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piniyakuel/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support that makes all of this… magic… possible.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago.Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do.We also say goodbye to the lovely folks at EveryMatrix this episode. It's been a genuine pleasure, and regardless of sponsorship, they're a terrific group of people with some wonderful product. Get the demo, you'll see exactly what we mean.The...

After a mercifully brief introduction [0:00 – 7:26], Fintan and Jon welcome Clarion Gaming’s (OR IS IT?) Stuart Hunter to talk about next week’s big ICE show.He shares insights on the preparations, challenges, and innovations that will enhance the attendee experience, highlights the importance of the StandOut Awards, the (surprise!) rebranding of Clarion, and the strategic partnerships that will shape the event. Additionally, he provides practical tips for attendees on navigating the venue and transportation options, emphasising the growth and evolution of the gaming industry [7:27 – 50:30]Choice quotes: "The StandOut awards recognise those people.""It's a lighthouse moment once a year.""We're excited. We'll be there."Stuart Hunter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-hunter-6456691b/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support that makes all of this… magic… possible.In no particular order they are: the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago.Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do.The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

It’s a lightning – pun intended – intro this week, with Jon and Fintan discussing Fintan being blurry. It’s so good it even works without video! [0:00 – 3:57]Then we meet Bruce Horner – minus The Range – director of sales from Voltage to discuss the implications of the Lightning Network in the iGaming industry. The conversation covers the evolution of Bitcoin as a payment method, the advantages of using the Lightning Network for faster and cheaper transactions, and the importance of privacy and compliance in the gambling sector. Bruce shares insights on how Voltage is facilitating these transactions and the future of cryptocurrency in regulated gaming environments.Choice quotes:"It's a strong name alright.""It's extremely private.""It's a two-sided marketplace."Bruce Horner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucelhorner/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support that makes all of this… magic… possible.In no particular order they are: the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago.Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do.The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Sponsorship enquiries: <a href="https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

We open with Jon still sounding a bit sad without Fintan, but he really is trying his hardest [0:00 – 4:48].Then the chaps meet Thomas Smallwood, CCO, and Daniela Lanzolla, COO of OpenSlots. The conversation delves into the structured process of game creation, emphasizing the importance of initial documentation and the rapid turnaround for mockups and animations. Daniela Lanzolla outlines how the game creation process is organized into milestones, with a focus on collaboration between various teams, including graphic design and marketing, to ensure that the final product aligns with the client's vision [4:49 – 45:48].Thomas Smallwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassmallwood/Daniela Lanzolla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-lanzolla-741457145/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support that makes all of this… magic… possible.In no particular order they are: the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago.Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do.The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

First off, Fintan and Jon talk about some things, and a few other things, but not too many things [0:00 – 13:05].Then they’re joined by author Markus Heitz to talk about his Gambling Book Awards-longlisted novel The Devil's Playbook, a complex thriller that intertwines elements of card games and historical fiction. He shares insights into his writing process, the significance of historical accuracy, and more. The discussion also touches on literary influences, the symbolism of the Ace of Spades, and the portrayal of vampires in literature. Heitz emphasizes his passion for storytelling and the importance of research in crafting compelling narratives. Oh, and we get into medieval Hungarian nobility for a while there too [13:06 – 53:04].Oh, and for more info... Here's the song Markus mentions that they did a video for to promote the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuVci-j31tcAnd the Hungarian queen we talk about is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_of_CilliChoice quotes:"It's a complex thriller.""I invented the game."Markus’s website: https://www.mahet.de/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are the Santa Claus to our humble (but delicious) reindeer selves.In no particular order they are: the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. No nosebags for these guys!Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago. If Optimove were a reindeer, you know they’d be Rudolph.Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do. And that’s why they’re Santa, and the industry is the grateful recipient of their mighty gifts.The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReFSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

We kick off with just Jon talking about stuff and things [0:00 – 5:09], before the episode proper. He sounds kind of sad without Fintan there though. In this episode, Mark Flores Martin and Adam Davis from Xgenia discuss the evolution of their AI-driven game development platform, the importance of integrating AI into business processes, and the future of automation in the gambling industry. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in AI integration and the potential for agentic AI to revolutionize workflows. The conversation highlights the balance between human oversight and AI capabilities, as well as the growth and adaptation of Xgenia in a rapidly changing technological landscape [5:10 – 59:09].Choice quotes:"We're an AI-first company.""AIs can make errors.""We need more AI."Mark Flores Martin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfm/Adam Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamodavis/As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are the Santa Claus to our humble reindeer selves.In no particular order they are: the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. No nosebags for these guys!Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago. If Optimove were a reindeer, you know they’d be Rudolph. Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do. And that’s why they’re Santa, and the industry is the grateful recipient of their mighty gifts.The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkRSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/" rel="noopener...