Behind the Scenes of ICE Barcelona: A Conversation with Alex Pratt

In this episode, Jon and Fintan chat with Conor O'Donovan, African Partner at Tekkorp Capital, about navigating Africa’s diverse gambling markets. Conor shares insights into the challenges of market entry, the role of mobile money in the region’s growth, and Tekkorp’s strategy to create a unified, de-risked portfolio. With a blend of humor and deep expertise, the conversation highlights Africa’s complexity and promise in the global gaming industry.Thanks to Optimove for sponsoring this episode! They’re the marketing wizards who turn customer data into magical, personalized campaigns that drive real growth. We appreciate Optimove for keeping this podcast running and for helping businesses build better relationships.Shoutout to our sponsor, Clarion Gaming, the heartbeat of the gaming and gambling world! They’re the glue that keeps this industry connected 365 days a year, whether it’s through their amazing live events, digital platforms, or their all-star team. If there’s a challenge in gaming, you better believe Clarion has the insight to solve it.Special thanks to EveryMatrix for sponsoring this episode! With OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions, their real-time data and extensive coverage of sports and esports give bettors the edge they need. Whether you need a full sportsbook solution or just data feeds, EveryMatrix is the gold standard. We appreciate their support for the show!This episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 191) in a nutshell:* Understanding Africa’s diverse gambling markets.* Why South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are the top focus areas for some operators.* Challenges of market entry, including regulatory complexity and payment integration.* How Tekkorp Capital’s fund aims to create a de-risked portfolio by integrating local operators.* Why local brands dominate African gambling markets and the challenges faced by foreign operators.* How Tekkorp leverages technology to navigate Africa’s fragmented ecosystem.Choice quotes:* Conor O'Donovan: “There's a graveyard of gambling brands that tried to enter the African market organically. But there's been some success stories.”&nbsp;* Conor O'Donovan: “In Africa, industries like environmental and healthcare have a lot of foreign direct investment, but gambling, less so. But it's certainly going to go that way.”* Jon Bruford: “Right now is possibly the most interesting time for the South African gambling market in decades.”&nbsp;Thanks to Conor O'Donovan for being on the show!&nbsp;Learn more about Conor at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tribe/&nbsp;Check out Tekkorp Capital: https://www.tekkorp.com/&nbsp;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: <a href="https://apple.co/3A57jkR" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 190), Motti Colman, VP of iGaming at Optimove, joins Fintan and Jon to explore the intersection of AI and the gambling industry. They discuss how predictive modeling and hyper-personalization are transforming marketing strategies, improving customer experiences, and addressing responsible gambling concerns.&nbsp;In iGaming, players may think the big win is the highlight, but behind the scenes, it’s Optimove’s CRM software—that's the true MVP. With Optimove, you can juggle players, promotions, and data with the finesse of a Vegas croupier. Thanks Optimove, for being a sponsor. We owe you a standing ovation!Also, thanks to EveryMatrix! Whether you're into sports or esports, their platform offers reliable data and an unmatched number of markets to choose from. Plus, their industry-leading accuracy ensures you stay ahead of the game. Thanks for backing the podcast! Hey listeners, check them out: OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions!And thanks to Clarion Gaming. They’re like a well-timed boost in a race, making sure you’re not only in the game but winning it. Thanks for being the secret weapon we can count on, even when we hit those podcasting speed bumps!In a nutshell:* The evolution of AI from predictive modeling to mainstream buzzword status.* How Optimove pioneered hyper-personalization in iGaming.* The concept of the "positionless marketer."* AI’s role in identifying and mitigating problem gambling behaviors.* Balancing responsible gambling with player value maximization.* Using AI to create highly personalized customer experiences.* How Optimove’s predictive modeling helps marketers understand their customers.* Combining AI capabilities with human creativity.* Why some applications of AI, like content generation, still suck.* Predictions for the next wave of AI innovation in iGaming.Choice quotes:* Motti Colman: “It seems like every business is telling their customers: We are AI, or We have AI. But quite a lot of that is BS.”&nbsp;* Motti Colman: “At Optimove, we were doing AI before it was cool. And I always talk with our sales team about not throwing around fancy buzzwords, but to talk about how we utilize AI.”&nbsp;* Fintan Costello: “One-to-one marketing and personalization makes for a great presentation to the exec team. But for the boots on the ground,&nbsp; delivering it is a nightmare. You can't do it without automation.”&nbsp;* Jon Bruford: “What companies tell us is personalization is often them just trying to sell us more of the same stuff, which is the opposite of personalization.”&nbsp;Thanks to Motti Colman for being on the show!&nbsp;Learn more about Motti at https://www.linkedin.com/in/motticolman&nbsp;&nbsp;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:...

In this episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 189), Alex Pratt of Clarion Gaming and Jon Bruford discuss the monumental task of moving ICE to Barcelona and creating a globally immersive gaming experience.A warm shoutout to EveryMatrix. Their OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions delivers cutting-edge solutions for sportsbook platforms and data feeds, offering real-time and highly accurate data across a variety of markets. We’re proud to have such an innovative partner supporting the podcast!In the wild world of iGaming, a reliable CRM can feel like the holy grail. But thanks to Optimove, you’ve hit the motherlode! Their software will help stay on top of customer relationships like a high-stakes gambler who never loses!&nbsp;Some sponsors just do their thing and disappear—not Clarion Gaming. They’re always there, 365 days a year, making sure the gaming and gambling industry stays connected. Thanks for being the sponsor who never logs out, and for making our podcast feel like a winning bet every time!In a nutshell:* ICE Barcelona 2025 is an international gaming industry trade event set to take place from January 20–22, 2025, at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain.* Clarion Gaming’s focus on safer gambling, cybersecurity, and new technology as essential event themes.* The growing importance of creating holistic attendee journeys, inspired by experiences like Disney and music festivals.* The challenges of managing global events in spaces not always built for modern exhibitions.* How Clarion is fostering innovation by collaborating with local governments and tech ecosystems.* Trends in attendee behavior, including the rise in interest in safer gambling workshops and customer journeys.Choice quotes:* Alex Pratt: “From a financial and employee perspective, gambling is a massive industry. But at its core, it's a small industry. And it's easy to not do well if you're obnoxious. But if you're transparent and kind, you'll do okay.”&nbsp;* Alex Pratt: “In the gambling industry, having a finger on the pulse is never easy. But trying to understand all the nuances and insights that are changing in the market is crucial, and it’s what ICE Barcelona 2025 is all about.”&nbsp;* Jon Bruford: “These days, there are a heck of a lot of gambling events out there that are on a grand scale. It’s exciting that Clarion Gaming decided to go through such a big change—different country, different venue, etc.”&nbsp;Thanks to Alex Pratt for being on the show!&nbsp;Learn more about Alex at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pratt/&nbsp;Go to ICE Barcelona 2025: https://www.icegaming.com/&nbsp;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: <a href="https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 188), Jon speaks with Paul Speirs-Hernandez about leadership, communication, and cultural transformation. Paul shares insights from his two decades in the gaming industry and his leadership training initiatives, highlighting the importance of positivity and adaptability in personal and professional growth.&nbsp;Big thanks to EveryMatrix and their OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions! With industry-leading accuracy and a wide range of betting markets, you’re revolutionizing the sports betting space. We're lucky to have you as a sponsor!Clarion Gaming, you keep the dice rolling and the cards in play. Whether it’s live or digital, you’ve got this industry covered, and because of you, we get to sound like we know what we’re talking about on our podcast!&nbsp;We’ve hit the CRM jackpot, and it’s all thanks to Optimove! No more worrying about losing track of players, bonuses, or promotions. You’ve turned customer management into a seamless game, and for that, we’re doubling down on our appreciation!In a nutshell:* There’s a big difference between "genius culture" and "growth culture" in organizations.* Shortened attention spans are (you guessed it!) reshaping messaging and outreach.* The power of removing words like "can't," "try," and "but" from team vocabularies.* Strategies for fostering trust and relationships across all levels of a company.Choice quotes:* Paul Speirs-Hernandez: “People forget who they are all the time. They get wrapped up in the tactics of things, and they forget the strategy of things. And strategy is based on who you are.”* Paul Speirs-Hernandez: “Everyone needs to be a leader, period.”* Jon Bruford: “Culture's this amorphous, constantly shifting thing. It's difficult to define. But it's easy to see when it's wrong or when it's right.”* Jon Bruford: “One of the best things that ever happened to me was Hobbits on the cinema screen. I felt so seen.”&nbsp;* Jon Bruford: “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life—especially if what you love is sitting on your ass and not working.”Thanks to Paul Speirs-Hernandez for being on the show! Paul is the Master Trainer at Red Wagon Institute and President of Steinbeck Communications.&nbsp;Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-speirs-hernandez/Check out the Red Wagon Institute: https://www.redwagoninstitute.com/&nbsp;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&nbsp;Subscribe on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

This episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 187) features a conversation with Matt Smith, the Director of External Affairs for Bet No More, who shares his personal journey of recovery from gambling and alcoholism.&nbsp;Thanks to our amazing sponsor, EveryMatrix! Their OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions provides an unmatched number of betting markets, combined with real-time data you can trust. Whether you need full sportsbook services or just top-tier data feeds, they’ve got you covered!Let’s be real—while we discuss all things gaming, Clarion Gaming are out there championing businesses, connecting people, and handling all the hard stuff. Meanwhile, we get to sit here and yap on about it. Thanks for doing the heavy lifting, Clarion. We’ll see you in Barcelona for ICE 2025!&nbsp;In a world where players love unpredictability, Optimove’s CRM is always reliable, always smooth, and never jammed like an old slot machine. Thanks for powering us up with a platform that’s as thrilling as a huge win but as consistent as a dealer’s shuffle!In a nutshell:* Matt discusses the importance of addressing addiction holistically, considering root causes such as mental health and social isolation, rather than solely focusing on the behavior itself.&nbsp;* Our society (sorry to get on our high horse here!) needs more empathy and understanding so we can support those affected by gambling harm.&nbsp;* Lived experiences—such as Matt’s—can help shape effective responsible gambling initiatives.&nbsp;Choice quotes:* Matt Smith: “If you just treat gambling issues in isolation, then there’s a big chance you'll miss something else that’s going on, like alcoholism or another related problem.”* Matt Smith: “I wasn't showering. My mental health had deteriorated. I had no income and no hope. I reached out to someone at a treatment center for alcohol. I said, I need help. He said, Come.”&nbsp;* Jon Bruford: “Critics treat gambling as the problem in and of itself. But we need an interagency approach to gambling treatment. A main driver for gambling issues among women is domestic abuse. So, if all you treat is the gambling addiction, you're pissing in the wind because you're avoiding the root cause of the problem.”Thanks to Matt Smith for being on the show!&nbsp;Learn more about Betknowmore: https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/&nbsp;Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smith-betknowmoreuk/&nbsp;UK National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133.&nbsp;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&nbsp;Subscribe on YouTube: <a...

In this episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 186), Leo Judkins, a performance coach and iGaming leader, joins Fintan and Jon to discuss self-care and sustainable performance in iGaming. He also shares practical tips on how to manage distractions, prioritize tasks, and build healthy habits to achieve both personal and professional success.&nbsp;Shoutout to EveryMatrix for sponsoring this episode! Check out their OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions! Their accurate and real-time data truly sets them apart in the industry. Whether you’re a business or a bettor, their solutions can elevate your game!With Optimove’s CRM software, managing customers feels as exciting as a free spin on slot machines! No more pulling the lever and hoping for the best—we’re on a winning streak, and it's all thanks to Optimove. Cheers to keeping things as fun as the games we manage!Ready for ICE Barcelona 2025? Clarion Gaming certainly are, and our podcast is eternally grateful to them! I mean, who else can keep an industry connected every single day of the year? It’s like having the cheat code to infinite support. You guys are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly, including our ramblings!In a nutshell:* Taking breaks and prioritizing your mental and physical health.&nbsp;* The impact of distractions on productivity and focus.&nbsp;* How to manage your environment to promote better habits.&nbsp;* The benefits of setting realistic goals and making small, incremental changes.&nbsp;* The power of mindset and self-talk.&nbsp;* The role of leadership in promoting a healthy and productive work environment.&nbsp;Choice quotes:* Leo Judkins: “Identifying your biggest roadblocks, then making small changes to them is usually more effective rather than trying to do a full 180.”&nbsp;* Fintan Costello: “My rule of thumb is everyone should do therapy and everyone should have a coach. Otherwise, we get too caught up in our own heads.”* Jon Bruford: “In the middle of things, it's easy to lose perspective. And shit doesn't stop raining down on you, does it? And sometimes, you need outside forces—like a therapist or a coach—to help you restore perspective.”* Jon Bruford: “I wanted to do some photo stories of a badger living his life as a human. But I couldn’t find a human-sized badger outfit. Weirdest thing.”&nbsp;Thanks to Leo Judkins for being on the show!&nbsp;Join Leo’s iGaming Leader Mastermind and listen to The iGaming Leader Podcast: https://www.igamingleader.com/&nbsp;Learn more about Leo at https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/&nbsp;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: <a...

Join us in this episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 185) for a fascinating conversation with Duncan Garvie, a true pioneer in the online gambling industry. From his early days with ThePOGG.com to his current work with Bet Blocker, Duncan talks about the evolving landscape of online gambling, and how we can create a safer and more responsible industry for all.&nbsp;A huge thank you to our sponsor, EveryMatrix! They offer a sportsbook platform—OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions—that covers sports and esports, paired with real-time data and unmatched accuracy. Whether you're looking for complete solutions or specific features, EveryMatrix has your back. Thanks for powering our podcast!&nbsp;Optimove is the ace up your sleeve! When it comes to keeping track of players, promotions, and everything else in iGaming, you couldn’t have better CRM software than Optimove. Thanks for helping us stay ahead of the game!&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarion Gaming is like that rare power-up in a game that boosts everything! They fuel businesses, connect the industry, and somehow keep our podcast running like a well-oiled machine. It’s a mystery to us how they do it all—but we’re just here to say a huge thank you! Clarion Gaming makes it all look easy—see you at ICE Barcelona 2025!&nbsp;In a nutshell:&nbsp;* The challenges of regulating the black market and the need for a multi-faceted approach.&nbsp;* The need for greater transparency and accountability from operators and software providers.&nbsp;* The importance of empowering consumers with the knowledge and tools to make responsible gambling choices.&nbsp;* The impact of cryptocurrencies and the rise of unregulated online casinos.&nbsp;* The effectiveness of responsible gambling tools, such as blocking software and deposit limits.&nbsp;* Addressing the root causes of gambling harm, such as financial distress and social isolation.&nbsp;Choice quotes:&nbsp;* Duncan Garvie: “Sometimes, problem gamblers who are vulnerable and most desperately need the support—they’re the least able to access it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;* Duncan Garvie: “If a problem gambler has to pay for blocking software, they’ll sometimes gamble that money to try to win back what they've lost.”&nbsp;&nbsp;* Fintan Costello: “I love entrepreneurs. I love people who go out and build stuff.”&nbsp;&nbsp;* Jon Bruford: “If grey market operators are doing any kind of banking services, then there's leverage. Pressure can be applied. You can say to them either behave or f**k off.”&nbsp;&nbsp;* Jon Bruford: “I like to not shit my pants, but it just takes a sneeze at the wrong time.”&nbsp;&nbsp;* Jon Bruford: “I don't like admitting that I don't know as

In this episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 184), Jon Bruford and Fintan chat with Kate Chambers to discuss the science behind trade shows in the gaming industry. They explore the importance of evaluating trade show effectiveness, the changing landscape of events, and the power of partnerships and community.    We'd like to give a special shoutout to our sponsor, EveryMatrix, and to their OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions! If you're in the world of sports betting, their top-notch coverage and reliable data are second to none. With a wide range of markets and an unparalleled level of accuracy, they offer everything you need to enhance your betting experience. Thanks for supporting our show! Some companies roll the dice when it comes to CRM software, but not us. With Optimove, we’ve landed on a winning streak that’s turned every interaction into a jackpot. Thank you Optimove for making customer relationship management feel as thrilling as a high-stakes roulette spin (and for sponsoring our show)! Kate Chambers, founder of the Gaming Boardroom, is a seasoned professional in the gaming industry, known for her expertise in events and trade shows.  In a nutshell: * Evaluating trade show effectiveness and setting clear objectives. * The changing landscape of gaming industry events, with a focus on smaller, more targeted events. * The need for accountability and feedback loops in trade show planning and execution. * The role of trade shows in building brand awareness and generating leads. * The challenges of measuring the ROI of trade show participation. * The need for better communication and collaboration between marketing and sales teams. * The future of trade shows in the gaming industry and the rise of silent exhibiting. Choice quotes: * Kate Chambers: “In the gaming industry, marketing campaigns are about brands, visibility, and selling stuff. And there’s no doubt that events are an essential part of a marketing mix.” * Kate Chambers: “There's a lot of talk in the gaming industry about how there are too many events and conferences. And yet people still turn up to all of them.” * Fintan Costello: “With B2B sales, there's a long lead time—6 months, 12 months, years to close a deal. So with gaming industry events, it’s difficult to evaluate whether to invest in them as an exhibitor.”  * Jon Bruford: “Smaller, more targeted events are undoubtedly the future of the gaming industry.”  * Fintan Costello: “You can run empires on spreadsheets.”  Thanks to Kate Chambers for being on the show!  Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katechambers/  Check out The Gaming Boardroom: https://thegamingboardroom.com/  Check out our previous chat with Kate: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/kate-chambers-launches-the-gaming-boardroom-the-gambling-files-rtfm-72/  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:...

In this episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 183), Jon and Fintan talk with the CEO of Transform Gaming. They discuss the company's mission to create safer, free-to-play casino-style games for problem gamblers. They also explore how new technology could be used to detect risky gambling behaviors and offer solutions that promote responsible gaming.   Today’s guest is Sina Azeri, a man on a mission to help problem gamblers by creating safer gaming environments. With a passion for innovative technology, Sina is reshaping the gaming industry, one player at a time. Thanks to our new sponsor EveryMatrix and their OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solutions! Their cutting-edge platform provides competitive sports and esports coverage, real-time betting data, and industry-leading accuracy. Whether you're looking for a full sportsbook solution or just data feeds, they have you covered. We’re proud to have them supporting the podcast! And thanks to our sponsor Optimove! If CRM software were a game of poker, Optimove would be holding a royal flush. You've taken us from folding under pressure to calling all the shots with your system. Thank you! This episode in a nutshell: * The growing problem of gambling addiction in the UK and worldwide. * Sina and Transform Gaming’s free-to-play alternative for problem gamblers. * Using touchscreen data to monitor emotional states and prevent risky behavior. * A vision for social casino games that engage without aggressive monetization. * How social casino gaming differs from real-money gambling in terms of user spending. * The challenges of preventing relapses for self-excluded gamblers. * Transform Gaming’s strategy of acquiring and consolidating social casino companies. * Developing a fun and innovative gaming experience for free-to-play users. * The importance of maintaining customer loyalty over quick profits. Choice quotes: * Sina Azeri: “Solutions [to problem gaming] won't just present themselves. You need to create them and test them to see if they work.” * Sina Azeri: “We aim to work with gambling operators. When they determine that a user is showing problematic gaming behaviors, the operator can then promote our product, a free-to-play social casino game.”  * Jon Bruford: “My beauty is on the inside.” Thanks to Sina Azeri for being on the show!  Learn more about Sina at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sina-azeri/  Learn more about Transform Gaming: https://transformgaming.com/  This podcast is presented by EveryMatrix. If you’re looking for sports data feeds and a feed aggregator, look no further than OddsMatrix Sports Betting Software Solution! This podcast is also presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s frickin’ awesome. 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: <a href=...

You bet, we thank our sponsor, Optimove! We hit the ultimate payout with Optimove! With their CRM software, you’re not just tracking customers—you’re managing high-rollers and casual gamers with the finesse of a blackjack dealer. Now you can double down on personalized offers and never worry about going bust. Thank you Optimove for stacking the deck in our favor!   Also big thanks to our sponsor Clarion Gaming and ICE Barcelona 2025 for not only keeping the gaming world connected 365 days a year, but also for making sure Jon and Fintan can keep talking about it! You guys really are the master key to this chaotic, wonderful gaming universe, and without you, we'd all be lost in a sea of buttons, screens, and confusing strategies. Thank you Clarion Gaming for being the champions of connection, and we’ll see you in Barcelona for ICE 2025!  How do gambling companies balance VIP treatment with responsible gaming practices? Also, what role do gambling companies play in exacerbating addiction among high-rollers? In this episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 182), reporter Katherine Sayre of The Wall Street Journal returns to discuss her investigative reporting on gambling addiction within the high-roller VIP circles. This episode in a nutshell: * Katherine’s investigation into a psychiatrist's gambling addiction and the VIP treatment she received (link to the article below). * VIP programs: When perks and bonuses cross the line. * Differences in regulatory approaches between the U.S. and the UK/Europe. * The role of state regulators in curbing gambling addiction. * High-roller bettors and their influence on operator revenues. * The fine line between entertainment and exploitation in gambling marketing. * The growing scrutiny around sweepstakes casinos in the U.S. * The rise of unregulated sweepstakes in the online casino space. Choice quotes: * Fintan Costello: “The VIP team play a very, very important part of every operator.”  * Katherine Sayre: “Back in 2019, PointsBet reported internally that a half a percent of their sports betting customer base generated 70% of its revenue. So that stuck out to me as proof of how important high rollers are [to digital gambling platforms].” * Katherine Sayre: “The gambling industry has always promised to do something about this [problem gambling]. It's [now] time to see how they are actually going to handle this.” * Jon Bruford: “If gambling businesses say that they take responsible gambling seriously, and then don't, there's going to be repercussions—especially when it's part of their licensing.” * Jon Bruford: “VIP high rollers and problem gamblers do share some commonalities in how they play. But they also share them with money launderers, and that doesn't mean that every problem gambler is a money launderer.” Thanks to Katherine Sayre for being on the show!  Read Katherine Sayre’s The Wall Street Journal article, “A Psychiatrist Tried to Quit Gambling. Betting Apps Kept Her Hooked,” that was discussed in this episode: https://www.wsj.com/business/hospitality/gambling-addiction-sports-betting-apps-4463cde0  Connect with Katherine at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinesayre The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon...