Vested Interest #24: Prediction Markets Special

🎙 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 - Intro00:27 - Sponsors01:26 - Welcoming Magnus Olsson02:33 - Why regulated markets are the future of iGaming04:09 - Sacrifices of leaving grey and black markets07:09 - Sustainability vs short-term profit in gambling10:35 - The need for industry unity in Europe vs. U.S.15:19 - Why Play’n GO rejects bonus buys and sweepstakes19:07 - Innovation in slots: beyond quick wins20:44 - Rethinking business models: rounds played vs. GGR26:02 - Working with regulators through innovation30:03 - Challenges & learnings from U.S. expansion38:19 - How the black market dominates in the U.S.44:10 - Formula 1 partnership with Haas: goals & ROI54:25 - Measuring impact of brand sponsorships55:27 - AI in game production: opportunities & limits01:08:34 - Expanding into land-based casinos01:13:23 - Play’n GO’s long-term vision & ambitions01:17:03 - Wrap-up and final thanks🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcastsCONNECT 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/

🎙 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 message02:00 - Reddit’s rise: From niche forum to global search powerhouse03:30 - Monetization post-IPO: Building Reddit’s revenue model05:15 - What makes Reddit unique in the social media landscape07:00 - Community moderation: Why Reddit didn’t become toxic10:30 - Trust, transparency, and the power of upvotes12:30 - Comments over headlines: Reddit’s real value15:00 - Battling misinformation, bots, and manipulation18:00 - Reddit’s role in training and verifying AI systems21:30 - Reddit Answers: Reinventing trust in search25:00 - Why Reddit drives more thoughtful purchasing decisions29:00 - How Reddit content shapes AI search results32:00 - Reddit’s cultural DNA vs. performance-driven platforms34:30 - Tools for brands: Sentiment analysis and Reddit Pro40:00 - New ad formats and authentic community engagement45:00 - Should brands create subreddits or just participate?50:00 - Balancing commercial growth with community trust57:00 - The future of Reddit in an AI-dominated world🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcastsCONNECT 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/

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 - Intro00:43 - Sponsors03:00 - The rise of prediction markets in finance and betting06:30 - 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 closely16:00 - What regulators should be worried about18:40 - Who will win: Platforms, products, or distribution power?22:30 - M&A and partnerships: Survive now, win later24:00 - Risks, regulation gaps, and gray zones26:30 - 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 nervous34:30 - The future: Prediction markets as a mainstream product🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcastsCONNECT 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/

🎙 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 - Intro00:27 - Sponsors01:47 - Welcoming Brian Christopher03:32 - Turning viral YouTube videos into a career05:58 - What BC Slots is today: media, cruises, team07:16 - Big milestones: MGM, Carnival, SportsGrid09:31 - Building a strong and loyal fan community14:40 - Best win ever and the power of authentic play17:19 - Group pulls & playing with fans18:28 - Thoughts on RTP, volatility & Vegas trends20:41 - Favorite slots and game features22:29 - Content creation tips for new streamers: thumbnails and branding25:41 - Changing viewer habits & competition28:47 - Why Brian turned down crypto casino deals32:19 - Real numbers: how much Brian wins & loses34:41 - What’s next: TV shows, SportsGrid & future goals35:59 - Brian’s Maltese roots and future travel plans37:04 - Wrap-up and final thanks🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcastsCONNECT 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/

🎙 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 leadership00:43 - Sponsors02:10 - Welcoming Jesper Kärrbrink and Pontus Lindwall03:19 - Icebreakers: DJs, spandex, and roulette pit bosses08:26 - The rivalry between Betsson and Svenska Spel in the 2000s10:58 - How Betsson disrupted the monopoly system13:46 - Guerilla tactics, market pressure, and industry transformation15:06 - The founding of Betsson and NetEnt18:42 - The Betsson Ibiza trip: when culture clashes with leadership23:01 - Personal style and individuality in the iGaming industry26:46 - Leadership philosophies from two industry veterans30:33 - Why work-life balance makes better leaders33:44 - Most overrated companies in iGaming today36:40 - Are European regulations hurting the industry?39:47 - Mutual respect and reflection on decades of impact🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: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/

🎙 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 game00:43 - Sponsors01:47 - Welcoming Magnus Carlsen live on stage03:20 - What it takes to be the best out of 600 million players05:55 - Talent vs. training: where real chess mastery begins06:59 - Magnus' early years: flags, Legos & concentration08:12 - From beating his sister to studying chess at every meal10:02 - When did Magnus realise he could become world #1?12:44 - Becoming #1 in the world: how it really felt14:46 - Magnus’ interest in poker: could it have replaced chess?17:02 - Staying motivated after reaching the top18:49 - 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🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcastsCONNECT 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/

🎙 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 - Intro00:43 - Sponsors02:08 - Welcoming Mathias Larsson03:20 - The story behind Awager and its evolution06:16 - Is Awager the next Evolution-style disruptor?08:25 - Why players prefer live-streamed slot machines11:33 - Can the model scale if it’s one player per machine?13:50 - Why FanDuel and U.S. operators backed Awager early16:07 - Choosing markets with strong land-based culture18:39 - The real roadblocks to innovation in iGaming23:26 - The innovator’s dilemma in iGaming25:15 - Cracking the sales cycle for a product no one knows29:57 - Biggest challenges: logistics, regulation & timing32:57 - Awager’s business model explained36:29 - Superstition, trust & the psychology of land-based play38:40 - Target markets for 2025–2026 expansion40:42 - Where Awager will be in 3 years🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcastsCONNECT 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/

🎙 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 - Intro00:43 - Sponsors02:03 - Welcoming Johan Strand03:04 - From startup to leading Nordic Payments Providers09:03 - Why size doesn’t matter and how focus beats scale11:23 - The importance of finding your own niche16:24 - The next wave: payments innovation and AI20:42 - Back-office automation and AI23:26 - How Zimpler is embracing AI internally28:14 - Could the payment landscape could be at risk?31:47 - Relationships matter more than product35:11 - Post-COVID relationships and real connection37:53 - Sales cycles, trust, and human moments42:01 - Final remarks: Where will Zimpler be in 3 years?🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdotio/podcastsCONNECT 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/

🎙NEXT.io Podcast #23 of Vested Interest with Pierre Lindh, Lloyd Danzig and Benjie Cherniak.In this episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of collectibles and mystery boxes, drawing parallels to gambling mechanics. They explore the regulatory challenges these new products face, the recent shifts in the venture capital landscape, and the current headwinds for North American operators in the gaming industry.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:43 - Sponsor Messages02:02 - Welcoming Lloyd & Benjie03:06 - Mystery Boxes: Gambling in Disguise?06:26 - Digital Buybacks and Market Liquidity08:44 - Slot Mechanics in Collectibles10:14 - Legal Risks & Regulatory Grey Zones13:38 - Market Volatility & Platform Liquidity15:11 - How Regulated Operators Might React18:14 - Physical vs. Digital Collectibles Landscape20:25 - Scaling Problems: Supply Chains & Pricing24:12 – Why Most Gaming Funding Isn’t Broad-Based26:19 – AngelList Trends & New LP Appetite28:42 – The Category Leader Obsession31:13 – Regulated Operator Headwinds in North America35:44 – Regulatory Moats vs. Challenger Agility38:45 – Long-Term Strategy: Fight or Join?40:31 – Can There Be a National RMG Framework?41:02 – Final Thoughts🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: 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.https://pragmatic.solutions/Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider.https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/

In this episode of NEXT In-Depth, host Conor Mulheir explores the growing trend of reselling bets on secondary markets in the US. Guest speaker Travis Geiger, the co-founder and CXO of betting and fantasy sports marketplace WagerWire, explores the emergence of this novel vertical and the driving forces behind why US bettors choose to participate in it. From cultural attitudes towards sports betting to the kinds of bets which attract the most attention for resale, the pair explore the developing trend of bet reselling and how it’s shaping the US market today.