Tom Wood: How Operators Should Think About Game Studios

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #255 with Valentina Diaco, Founder at Profit Matches. AI has officially moved beyond hype. In 2025, it’s reshaping iGaming in real, tangible ways — from CRM and engagement to compliance, marketing, content creation, safe gambling, and game development.In this episode, Valentina Diaco, one of the industry's most respected marketing and AI strategists, breaks down 10 AI companies that are already transforming iGaming today.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:23 - Sponsors message02:09 - Welcoming Valentina & Profit Matches04:52 - What AI Match is and why she built it06:00 - Where AI in iGaming stands today09:12 - AI: the real value is what you do with it11:17 - Why AI fails in companies12:30 - AI-to-AI economy & the future of data infrastructure15:14 - AI agents & conversational interfaces18:10 - The 10 AI companies reshaping iGaming19:09 - Golden Whale: AI for UA, retention & bonus orchestration23:40 - Field Stream AI: profitability engine for marketers27:51 - Text.com AI: customer support & proactive assistance33:15 - Let’s .IO: regulatory intelligence for compliance38:11 - Gamblitude: AI-powered BI & data warehouse41:58 - MaxFusion: AI content & UGC generation46:47 - Mindway AI: responsible gambling detection51:00 - insightplay.ai: conversational betting assistant53:37 - Xenia AI: game development & personalisation56:28 - Bettor Faster AI: development & automation agency58:20 - Why companies resist AI adoption01:00:16 - Biggest blockers: lack of capacity & too many tools01:07:01 - The real cultural barrier01:10:16 - The future: smaller, smarter, AI-native companies🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYoutube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE&si=R7VbrUspVkL1JyoxCONNECT 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/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #254 with Emilie Jirsch, CMO at Dabble. Dabble has become one of the fastest-growing betting brands on the planet — not by outspending competitors, but by out-innovating them with community, culture, and entertainment-first marketing.In this episode, Emilie Jirsch, CMO at Dabble, reveals how the purple brand went from a small NSW startup to 1 million+ active customers, explosive US growth, and global expansion across Australia, the US, and the UK.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:29 - Sponsor message01:50 - Welcoming Emilie Jirsch, CMO at Dabble02:21 - How Dabble started 04:45 - Launching in Australia & hitting 1M active customers06:03 - Product differentiation & brand awareness07:09 - The “purple cow theory” explained 08:32 - Dabble’s growth strategy11:23 - Creating talkable moments that build brand memory13:22 - Moderators, culture, and self-policing communities15:10 - $1M Hole-in-One PGA activation: the story behind it17:00 - The true definition of disruptive brand marketing20:49 - The “cool sh*t budget” explained24:01 - Launching in the US through DFS 29:08 - Why the US embraced Dabble instantly33:00 - Competitors 36:25 - Inside Dabble’s internal culture40:06 - What’s next: UK launch, Ireland license, expansion41:54 - Final thoughts 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYoutube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE&si=jDpUksylKP-4_8T0CONNECT 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/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #253 with Tom Wood, CEO of RAW iGamingRAW iGaming calls itself “the pink shark in a sea of sameness.”In this episode, CEO Tom Wood joins Pierre Lindh to break down the realities of innovating in an industry releasing 18 new slot games per day and why true originality is harder (and riskier) than it looks.If you want to understand the future of game development in iGaming, this one is essential.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:29 - Sponsors Message01:49 - Welcome Tom Wood, CEO of RAW iGaming02:30 - The mission behind RAW04:36 - “The pink shark in a sea of sameness” explained06:07 - Why most studios copy07:05 - 600 new games released in Sweden in one month10:06 - Competing in a market flooded with studios12:53 - How RAW gets operators’ attention18:07 - RAW’s innovation pillars: slots, arcade & Yahtzee28:23 - Innovation in live gaming30:26 - Game’s success: quality vs. positioning33:27 - The risk: AI lobbies might hide innovative games38:11 - Designing for local vs. global audiences42:16 - The next breakout hit: simple, unexpected, left-field innovation45:14 - How AI may reshape game production itself47:11 - RAW’s ambition: becoming a Tier-1 supplier🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKECONNECT 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/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #252 with Tim Heath, CEO and Founder at Yolo Group.Yolo Group has made one of the boldest moves in iGaming history — exiting grey markets entirely to pursue a regulated future.In this episode, Tim Heath joins Pierre Lindh to reveal the inside story behind Yolo’s transformation: why the company walked away from massive revenue, what the new UAE gaming license means, and how Yolo plans to bridge the gap between crypto, regulation, and entertainment.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:23 - Sponsors message01:39 - Welcoming Tim Heath02:03 - Why Yolo decided to exit grey markets07:36 - The tightening of global enforcement and regulation10:56 - Yolo’s new B2B licenses in the UAE explained16:05 - Restarting Yolo: redefining focus and efficiency22:04 - Building a 360° player experience and hybrid casino model24:49 - Facing financial risk and the courage to rebuild27:34 - “Spring cleaning” the business and cutting organizational fat31:17 - Leading regulators toward crypto innovation33:41 - Why regulation must evolve with technology35:31 - Why the UAE is a perfect testbed for regulated crypto gaming41:06 - How the UAE licensing model may work (one per Emirate)48:08 - Yolo’s five-year vision: becoming the “Blackstone of iGaming”51:33 - The courage to pivot and restart55:55 - The future of wallets, payments, and hybrid player experience58:21 - Yolo’s new AI-driven social sports betting concept01:01:35 - Tim on Yolo’s next chapter and future in regulation🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE&si=0vgjHyIuWQbblEY4 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333CONNECT 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/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

NEXT.io News Editor Conor Mulheir is joined by Head of Investigative Content Zak Thomas-Akoo and Regulus Partners’ Paul Leyland, for a blow-by-blow account of how public markets and the wider iGaming industry reacted to the explosive news that Playtech was behind an attempted takedown of Evolution. On 21 October, it was finally revealed that the entity behind a short seller report, produced by investigative firm Black Cube in an attempt to take down Evolution, was industry competitor Playtech. After a complex and years-long legal battle to reveal the name behind the report, Evolution finally succeeded and uncovered Playtech as the entity responsible. So, what happens next? For Evolution, Playtech, and the broader industry, the impact of the news is sure to have a lasting impact. Tune in to get the latest!

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #251 with Leah Natuel, Head of Studio at Relax GamingLeah Neutel leads one of iGaming’s most creative teams at Relax Gaming, where innovation, empathy, and accountability come together to push the boundaries of modern game development.In this episode, Leah joins Pierre Lindh to explore what true leadership looks like in creative industries — from building trust and psychological safety to turning failure into fuel for success.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:32 - Sponsors message01:53 - Welcoming Leah Neutel02:09 - How Leah’s background shaped her leadership03:54 - From youth offenders to UN work06:04 - The principles of leadership07:32 - Leading with accountability & humanity09:20 - What it means to lead without authority10:25 - How to inspire creative teams without control12:30 - Asking the right questions vs. giving answers16:39 - Imposter syndrome & redefining leadership19:20 - How insecurity shows up in poor leadership20:17 - Training first-time managers 23:10 - Culture at Relax Gaming 25:29 - Can you be friends with your team? 27:46 - Conflict resolution29:46 - Turning disagreement into progress31:38 - Embracing diversity & aligning different personalities34:40 - Should companies take political stances?38:25 - Why failure isn’t final? 39:42 - How Relax Gaming turns failure into iteration41:15 - Creating a culture where risk fuels innovation44:40 - The most important leadership qualities of the future46:03 - Can anyone become a great leader?46:39 - Final thoughts🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bcApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333CONNECT 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/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #250 with Vid Daolio, CEO at TokacityTokacity is reimagining online casinos by creating immersive, social gaming environments that merge gambling with modern gaming culture and younger generation of players. Using Unreal Engine and Pixel Streaming technology, they provide a seamless, no-download virtual world accessible across devices. Their mission is to engage digital natives who value community, self-expression, and fun by turning the casino into a social, customizable, and safe experience rather than a solitary game lobby.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - What’s missing in online casinos00:42 - Sponsors: Pragmatic Solutions & Pragmatic Play02:04 - Welcome: Vid Daolio, CEO of TokaCity03:46 - Introducing TokaCity and its vision06:33 - The technology behind immersive casinos (Pixel Streaming)09:07 - Are players ready for immersive gaming?10:06 - Generational shifts and new player behavior13:03 - Why innovation comes from new generations15:10 - Building safe and expressive digital spaces17:06 - Merging gaming and gambling worlds19:44 - How TokaCity’s product actually works22:42 - Gamification, digital assets & player identity25:10 - Blockchain integration and the Saatchi MVP28:15 - From startup to live product launch29:26 - Partnership with Roshtein and community engagement33:05 - PvP games and social casino experiences35:32 - Player identity, self-expression & streaming culture36:29 - The future of live gaming with AI dealers37:43 - The cultural shift in gaming audiences42:21 - Can the metaverse make a comeback?44:37 - Lessons from crypto and decentralization48:32 - Combining innovation with trusted content50:25 - The future vision for TokaCity🔔 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/Sponsored by:Creedroomz - https://www.creedroomz.com/

🎙 NEXT.io Podcast #249 with Jake Dovey, CEO and Founder of PayModum What’s the cost of not accepting something or the cost of not doing it right?From unpacking the true cost of “cheap” payment methods to exploring PIX in Brazil, open banking in Europe, and the rise of biometric KYC, Jake explains why the path of least resistance always wins.Jake Dovey is raising money for Chordoma UK, join us in supporting the cause at this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jake-dovey-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:24 - Sponsors Message01:45 - Welcome back Jake Dovey, CEO of PayModum.02:32 - Payments as cost vs. opportunity04:20 - “The customer is always right” explained06:15 - Why operators shouldn’t focus on cost first13:32 - Finance vs. product teams: balancing costs and innovation15:09 - Integration challenges and resource bottlenecks16:55 - Personal story: legacy vs. modern pension payment experience18:46 - Why true cost is customer friction, not fees21:29 - Do operators really understand payments?22:16 - Brazil & PIX: instant bank payments explained26:36 - Biometrics and frictionless KYC (Octo example)29:31 - Shopify & Amazon: lessons for gaming payments33:42 - How AI is transforming integrations & customer experience41:34 - Biggest payment bottlenecks in iGaming50:05 - Too early to innovate? Lessons from Pay n Play, PIX & open banking53:31 - The challenge of recurring crypto payments57:15 - Why innovation needs risk-taking (Rory Sutherland’s rule)01:01:12 - Big vs. small companies: innovation culture (Apple vs. Xiaomi)01:08:48 - PayModum’s USP: deep customer and payments understanding01:11:22 - Closing: Jake’s fitness journey & marathon for charity01:13:26 - Tribute to Jake’s mother & Cordoma Foundation01:17:11 - Running, friction, and perseverance in life & business01:21:39 - How to donate: JustGiving link & final thanks🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bcApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333CONNECT 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 message02:02 - Reddit’s rise: From niche forum to global search powerhouse02:56 - Monetization post-IPO: Building Reddit’s revenue model05:10 - What makes Reddit unique in the social media landscape07:55 - Community moderation: Why Reddit didn’t become toxic10:20 - Trust, transparency, and the power of upvotes12:19 - Comments over headlines: Reddit’s real value15:00 - Battling misinformation, bots, and manipulation17:05 - Reddit’s role in training and verifying AI systems21:20 - Reddit Answers: Reinventing trust in search24:56 - Why Reddit drives more thoughtful purchasing decisions28:18 - How Reddit content shapes AI search results31:58 - Reddit’s cultural DNA vs. performance-driven platforms34:30 - Tools for brands: Sentiment analysis and Reddit Pro40:00 - New ad formats and authentic community engagement44:15 - Should brands create subreddits or just participate?49:17 - Balancing commercial growth with community trust55:00 - The future of Reddit in an AI-dominated world57:03 - Cultural moments: GameStop, WallStreetBets & r/place🔔 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 #248 with Evert Einroos, Managing Director of Yolo Investments.Evert joins us to break down how Yolo Investments scaled from a scrappy operator-led VC to a professional fund with external LPs and over 150 portfolio companies. He explains why warm intros still matter, how to structure a successful fund, and why passion-led founders shine in gaming.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:31 - Sponsors01:50 - Welcoming Evert Einroos03:00 - Origin story: How Yolo Investments started05:30 - Early wins, flops & the power law in VC06:50 - Lessons from the crypto crash07:20 - Launching Fund 2 with external LPs10:19 - Why startups should want Yolo on their cap table13:36 - Balancing founder energy vs. investor guardrails16:03 - What VCs really look for in founders20:22 - Red flags that turn investors off21:19 - How to get on Yolo’s radar26:10 - The 5 “S”s of building a VC fund27:56 - How LPs make money29:03 - Challenges of iGaming as an investment class33:23 - The passion vs. opportunity balance in gaming38:11 - Startup success rates & power laws41:41 - What’s next for Yolo Investments🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3?si=bf60dedab34e45bcApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333CONNECT 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/