iGAMINGFM

Things are changing for Simon Westbury, CEO of Sports Generate. Wedding bells are in the air and the move to Armenia has become permanent. With a commercial and revenue-focused background, the leadership skills of a CEO have been a fresh challenge to Simon, as he reveals in this candid chat with our Robin Hutchison. Simon also speaks in depth about business culture and the exciting future for Sports Generate.

Join us for this latest episode from iGFM where Square in the Air’s Lewis Phllips catches up with HungryBear Gaming CEO and Founder Justin Chamberlain. With 1.6 million unique players and 1.3 billion spins in just 12 months, it's clear that players have a huge appetite for HungryBear’s SlotMasters. Justin details how multiplayer slots are transforming the industry, and how SlotMasters is at the forefront of this innovation. Later in the episode we also get to hear about Justin's preparations for the upcoming SBC Boxing Championship.

Who’d have guessed it, Jon Arnold - CEO of Arnold Ash - is also an experienced and accomplished boxer? iGFM gets the low-down from Jon, from setting up a boxing club for Southampton Solent and ending up in the university’s Hall of Fame, to training the brave fighters taking part in November’s SBC Boxing Championship. Jon discusses the heart, skill and dedication needed to be involved in this event, and how the industry is coming together for a fantastic cause, despite being opponents in the ring.

After finding himself working in the industry as a cashier, Robert Mabbett is now changing the betting industry one step at a time with Better Change, harnessing the power of positive play to help make the environment safe for players. SITA’s Director Robin Hutchinson speaks to the Engagement Director about the importance of responsible gambling, the impact on mental wellbeing, and discusses how a personal tragedy drove him to try and make a change. Listen to Robert’s story and discover how Better Change is taking a fresh approach, built on clinical science, to help rebuild lives.

It is time to celebrate five years of BETBY - so who better to catch up with than the supplier’s CEO Leonid Pertsovskiy! Square in the Air’s Account Manager Shaun Frackleton and Leonid discuss all things BETBY, from the team's sheer motivation to set the business up to crucial partnerships for the brand's development. With its new hub in sunny Barcelona, which will be home to BETBY’s research and development activity, Leonid delves into the reasons behind this location, and the creativity it holds for BETBY. All of that in under 20 minutes, aren’t you lucky!

SBC’s Boxing Championship kicks off in just over a month, with another glitzy affair in London’s sparkling Park Lane. Ahead of the big night, we caught up with two of this year’s fighters - in the left corner, Ally McIvor, and, in the right, Anna Mackney. The duo, the first female boxers to take part in the event, discuss their hectic and intense training regime (and how it is very definitely not the same as boxercise), and how they feel about getting punched in the face. Seconds out…  

Ahead of the GamingTECH CEE Summit in Budapest, who better to talk to than founder Zoltán Tűndik. Zoltán shares some valuable industry insight, like the evolution of gaming technology from simple 2D games to the all-new and popular immersive virtual reality experiences. We also hear about the importance of pushing boundaries and the impact mobile gaming has had on industry opportunities! Let’s see what the future holds for gaming technology.

With less than one week until we jet off to sunny Spain for SBC Barcelona, Square in the Air’s Account Manager Sophie Norris caught up with Laura Main, Event Manager at Sportingtech, Kate Artsimenia, Brand Manager at BGaming and Yuriy Muratov, Chief Business Development Officer at 3 Oaks Gaming. The fantastic four chat secrets behind the stands including the important decisions that make them successful AND fun! From the marketing teams' new ad campaigns to incorporating sustainable measures and of course, the bars.

The launch of a new game is always something to look forward to, so when it is the fourth and final release of Relax Gamings Money Train collection, could it get more exciting? SiTA’s New Media Director Stewart Darkin caught up with CEO of Relax Gaming’s Simon Hammon to chat about the new game release, four years since the original. So, September 20th, it is an important date. Keep your eyes and ears open and prepare for what they say to be the best Money Train release yet…

In our latest episode of iGamingFM, Sam Gascoyne sits down with Ian Tibot, Chief Product Officer at Future Anthem, to discuss the future of personalised AI experiences. Ian shares his extensive industry experience, having worked in multiple roles across betting and gaming with multiple roles across betting and gaming. He also sheds light on how Future Anthem is revolutionising the sports betting space with their AI-powered platform that leverages vast amounts of data to personalise the player journey. Tune in to get insights into player behaviours and understand how AI is the future of sports betting.

In this episode of iGFM, Wayne Kimmel and Jason Angelides discuss the potential for artificial intelligence and machine learning to personalise and differentiate product offerings in the gaming industry. They address ethical concerns around responsible gambling and maintaining balance but also emphasise the opportunity for a more engaging and customised experience for users. The conversation also touches on the investment landscape for companies in this space and Epoxy.ai's vision for the future.

EvenBet Gaming CEO Dmitry Starostenkov talks to iGamingFM about the new interactive features launched for its poker platform. The features aim to enhance player engagement and entertainment value, making the online poker landscape more welcoming and community-driven. EvenBet Gaming will showcase these features at SBC Barcelona in September.

With the new NFL season fast approaching, Square in the Air’s Senior Account Director, Lewis Phillips, caught up with OpenBet’s SportCast Trading Manager, John Crowley, to find out how the company is preparing for another busy campaign. 

John delves into the new types of content the sports betting provider is delivering to operators, and why competitive pricing and platform stability are key factors. We also hear all about John’s predictions - and who he hopes will win!

The latest iGamingFM podcast episode sees more NFL content with the new season very fast approaching. Square in the Air’s Nick Tunney is joined by Amelco’s Director of Trading Mark Hill to chat all things American Football, from this coming season to Super Bowl LVIII. Mark discusses the importance of data-driven decision-making in the gaming industry, how Amelco is leading the way and how their platform is helping operators make informed choices and drive growth. Not only that, but Mark also shares his predictions in what promises to be a thrilling campaign.

In this upcoming iGamingFM podcast episode, Robin Hutchison hosts Maureen Beddis, Senior Vice President at the American Gaming Association, and Korbi Carrison, Event Vice President at G2E, RX USA. They discuss why G2E, the gaming industry's annual event in Las Vegas, is enduringly popular, and delve into the latest changes in the US gaming industry five years on from the repeal of PASPA. Listeners can learn about the iGaming Zone and the G2 Networking Lounge, where they can connect with other industry professionals and attend education sessions. The episode concludes with a reminder to register for G2E, which showcases the latest and greatest in the gaming world and is the place to be this Fall.

NFL season is finally upon us, so we hear from Simplebet’s COO Mark Nerenberg to discuss the upcoming season, and Simplebet’s innovative approach to sports betting. Mark tells all with insights into sports betting trends and how to capitalise on them, alongside the role of analytics and data in the sports betting industry. It wouldn’t be a sports podcast episode without some predictions of course, so Mark discusses his season picks and why he is so excited about the fast-approaching event.

With ICE on the move in 2025, we ask Hipther’s Zoltán Tűndik for his hot take, while Our Matt is talking esports with Harri and Jacob at SIS and discussing the Wizard Games USP with new MD Ben McDonagh. In-between, and as the company marks its 10th anniversary, Sam Goodall catches up with Yggdrasil CEO Björn Krantz to talk slot mechanics. You can call it what you like, but we call it episode 36.

We take a deep dive into the world of slot streamers, many of whom have quickly become some of the best established affiliates in the industry with iGamingFM’s jam-packed streamer special. During iGB Live! in Amsterdam, Aidan also chatted to a variety of more traditional affiliates about the event, offering their hot takes from the showfloor. Back in the studio, Aidan caught up with some of Europe’s fastest growing slot streamers, speaking to AzziGambling, BobSlots and Angry Slots before chatting to one of the most famed influencers in the slot streaming world, ChipmonkzSlots.

Fresh from SBC’s Canadian Gaming Summit in Toronto, we talk Ontario (and beyond) with Kunal Mishra of Bragg Gaming, Altenar’s Alejandro Cazorla, Swintt CEO David Mann and Georgina Lott, of Mkodo. Back in the UK, Robin Hutchison is picking a path through the affordability-checks minefield, and more, with William Woodhams of Fitzdares and Martin Burt of Clearstake. It’s episode 34.

BGaming’s formative years have featured a global pandemic, political instability in the company’s homeland and war in Ukraine - CEO Marina Ostrovtsova explains how these experiences have shaped the supplier. Pierre Lindh discusses how iGaming NEXT Valletta has cemented its place in the busting igaming events diary. Finally, Rhi Burns of Zimpler talks candidly about the circumstances and realisations that led her to request a voluntary demotion, ultimately stepping down from a C-level post. All aboard. 

Last week’s SBC Summit North America kicked off another hectic period of travel and networking for the industry’s executives, a number of whom spoke to iGFM in New Jersey - notably SportsHandle, Greentube, Chalk + Dog, Bragg Gaming and BettorTakes. Back in the studio, the deeper dives in this episode are with Sportingtech, ParlayBay and Thunderkick, chatting LatAm, bet discovery and company culture, among much, much more.

Industry events mean many different things to those that attend. For organisers, such as Dennis Algreen at SBC, it is a seemingly never-ending challenge to keep the events relevant and engaging. So, we asked Dennis just how he and the growing SBC team do it. For newcomers like box-fresh payments platform Paytently, events are representative of the huge value of networking and targeted business development activity. We speak to the vastly experienced leadership team of Nick Tucker, Sam Barrett and Laurent Reysbosch as Paytently makes its mark.

Light and Wonder’s three regional leads from the US, UK and EU markets, Dana Jackel, Lauren Caruana and Magdalena Podhorska Okolow, quiz one another about their backgrounds, about work-life balance and differing market perspectives, and Lewis Phillips talks to Dr Eyal Loz, CPO at RubyPlay, about his globetrotting experience of the igaming sector and the impressive gains RubyPlay is making. And that time Eyal filmed a TV show with a donkey.

UConn’s peerless run to the Championship, three first-timers in the Final Four, Princeton’s Cinderella run… This year’s NCAA college basketball season and March Madness finale was, once again, hugely entertaining and, at times, unpredictable. We sat down with Mark Hill of Amelco and Simplebet’s Ryan Keur to reflect on a memorable month and to gain an insider view of the betting trends and headlines from March Madness 2023.

Next week, nearly 300,000 racegoers will pour through the gates at Prestbury Park for the #CheltenhamFestival.

As @Cheltenham Racecourse prepares for the showpiece, iGamingFM spoke to @City Bet Club co-founder @David Brown, himself a veteran of the Festival both as a punter and a bookie, about his recollections of Cheltenham's glorious racing history - and a look forward to next week's staging.

David really is a great storyteller. Enjoy.

Simon Westbury, the new CEO of Digitain group company Sport Generate, chats to Robin Hutchison about his Digitain journey and the route to his new role, via Armenia. Ryan Keur of Simplebet explains how the North American operator is evolving to offer players more choice than ever. And Walter Bugno, something of an industry legend and now at the helm of Games Global, talks about the company’s rich heritage and bright future. OH, AND IT’S ICE NEXT WEEK.

In the first episode of 2023, iGamingFM is resisting the industry-wide panic that ICE is UNDER THREE WEEKS AWAY and instead remaining loyal to our cool, calm curation of a wide range of content. From the continuing evolution of poker, with Dimtry Starostenkov of Evenbet, to market and tax (yes, TAX) chat with David Kicks of e-Technologies, as well as Mobinc, who are heading to ICE to build on their first-mover creds in Ontario.

In this bonus episode, we hear from David Brown, director and co-founder of expert tipster service City Bet Club. Via a whistle-stop tour of the betting headlines around previous World Cups, David offers a betting perspective on Qatar 2022 and what the ‘best ever World Cup for bookies’ actually represents for operators.

We also look ahead to the second half of the interrupted Premier League season and the likely impact of the winter World Cup.

Which team will have a big cup run and can Arsenal hold on for the title - or will the Gunners end up fighting it out for 4th place (again)?

In the new episode of iGamingFM, the last of 2022, we speak with Jo Purvis of Blueprint Gaming, to Mkodo’s Will Whitehead and with Joey Hurtado of Wizard Games. There’s also a little bonus racing content from City Bet Club’s David Brown, offering listeners some Christmas tips.

Following a jam-packed autumn schedule, SiGMA, the final event in the conference calendar, is complete and thoughts turn, inevitably, to ICE London. But we’re not done with 2022 just yet, with Thanksgiving and Christmas still to come. And what is more Christmassy than a winter World Cup?

The best gift many of us will receive this year is being able to cosy up with family and scream at the TV as we watch our picks in the company sweepstake fail to register even a shot on target.

Although there’s still hope for a few underdogs as signified by yesterday’s humbling of Argentina, who many have as favourites for the trophy, by the low-ranked Saudi Arabia (we still reckon Argentina will be in the mix at the business end of the tournament.)

The World Cup is the topic of our first chat, with ESA Gaming’s Thomas Smallwood speaking with our very own Sam Goodall, looking at, among other things, how operators can retain the customers it receives during traffic-spiking events such as the World Cup and how they can offer different services to traditional football fans.

Also on the show, Kristoffer Cassell, CEO at onboarding specialist checkin.com chats to Stewart Darkin about the company’s growth and the invaluable support it offers to online betting and gaming operators entering new markets.

Finally, Matt Chambers speaks with Daniel Broda of Checkd Media about the affiliate landscape, notably the US opportunity and the role micro-influencers can play there.

Did your company have a World Cup sweepstake? Who did you get and how do you think they’ll fare?

#WorldCup #Football #ItsComingHome

Everyone loves a freebie, especially here at iGamingFM Towers - and that’s why we’ve produced a very special bonus episode of the pod, straight from the floor at SBC Summit Barcelona. So enjoy hearing Garen Mouradian talk about the challenges (and successes) of Technamin’s first year and Ben Scobie-Trumper talking about the future of AI and outlining the Future Anthem offer. Finally, SBC’s very own Dennis Algreen lifts the lid on what the 2023 Barcelona event will look like. Think BIG. All aboard the Barcelona Special!

Ahead of an intense few weeks on the road for the gambling industry, starting with SBC Summit Barcelona next week, Håvard Lehn, co-founder of Nordic Affiliates, chats affiliate marketing, and his latest venture, onlinegamblers.com. Dmytro Kryvorchuk of Slotegrator also offers insights on new markets including Ontario and, in more detail, Latin America. Finally, Phil Pearson of iGaming Group, discusses next week’s Barcelona event, workplace diversity, and whether Molly Bloom is any good at throwing beanbags.

Happy birthday to us, one year old this week. Huge thanks to all our guests to date but especially those joining guest host Ellie Lynch for this episide, namely Thomas Aigner of ibex.ai, Jack Smith of SportingTech and Technamin’s Matt Sahakian. As ever, the 30 minutes are a whistle-stop tour of hot topics in our industry, including some LatAm and Africa chat. We talk about the US a lot, it seems - maybe in year two we should work on our American accent, y’all.

Simon Hammon is the new CEO of Relax Gaming, and about time. We ask what took him so long. Our Dan chats to Robert Lee of Realistic Games about the state of the slots sector and how the provider is ‘shedding its skin to contemporise’ (lovely phrasing, Dan). Finally, SBC marketing supremo Dennis Algreen sets us up nicely for the multi-stage monster that will be SBC Summit Barcelona.

Alex Kornilov, CEO, and Founder of Betegy, discusses the influence the company is bringing to the US market, joined by Betegy board member - and one of the protagonists in the repeal of PASPA - Bill Pascrell III. Elsewhere, Flutter’s Greg McCaw reflects on Pride month and the modern relationship between the Pride movement and the business community.

Huddle has merged with DeckPrism AND secured backing from Sands, while Armadillo Studios at EveryMatrix has gone all-in on MMA with UFC star Amanda Nunes - moves we discuss with, respectively, Huddle CEO Francesco Borgosano and Armadillo COO David Stoveld. In between the two sneaks WGES conference producer Katie Duffin, to chat about the forthcoming Barcelona showpiece.

With CasinoBeats Malta set for next week, we chat to SBC’s Dennis Algreen about final plans for the event and what visitors can expect; while Lynxbet’s Jeremy Taylor talks about the brand’s genesis and its place in the metaverse. We also catch up with Bragg Gaming’s Doug Fallon, to discuss the company’s product strategy and the US slots landscape in general.

New Yggdrasil CEO Björn Krantz talks to iGamingFM about taking the reins from former chief exec Fredrik Elmqvist, who also joins us to talk about the road ahead. At the other end of the CEO journey is Karolina Pelc, founder and chief exec at BeyondPlay, who chats about her experiences, good and bad, of pitching her big idea.

Another eclectic mix of content welcomes news and views from recently installed Kalamba CCO Andrew Crosby; new AvatarUX chief exec Nicola Longmuir; and Fintan Costello, chair of the recently acquired BonusFinder.com. We cover platforms, KYC, the North American affiliate landscape, PopWins and a whole lot more, including a humanitarian trip to Romania. Enjoy.

In this episode, we talk to Anna Dobrovolskaya, a leading industry executive, mother and Ukrainian. We hear of her family's journey from their home in Poltava, Ukraine - close to the Russian border - to the safety of Stockholm. Anna's story is one of determination and resilience, and showcases the resolve of the Ukrainian people amid the shock of war.

The 10th-episode birthday edition of the podcast talks racing with Alan Casey of AllSported; chats marketing with Sportingtech’s new CMO Victoria Bonner; and hears from Kelly Kehn of All-In Diversity on the groundbreaking recent International Women’s Day campaign seeking to #breakthebias.

We speak to Lloyd Purser of Funfair Games about the crash concept and BeyondPlay founder Karolina Pelc about bringing social gaming to casinos, as both companies look to an exciting multiplayer future. Elsewhere, Quincy Raven of Aspire Global's US business drops in to discuss strategies for succeeding in the American igaming market, and Stewart makes a joke about Ellie.

“It may be better to hire someone with experience from a different part of the world and then the roadblock is always the visa. When it becomes a government reason then it's very difficult to overcome.”

iGaming FM returns for it’s first episode of 2022 in which bettingjobs.com’s David Copeland explains to Robin Hutchison how the betting industry and recruiters can have a more harmonious relationship.

What does the future of work look like in a post-pandemic world? Stewart Darkin and Hero Gaming’s Andrea Saliba discuss.

Also in the latest episode, Matt Chambers chats with Pariplay’s Enrico Bradamante about the nature of the #LatAm opportunity and what it will take to make it there.

In this episode, iGaming FM looks at differing aspects of leadership. From start-up execs forging formative strategic partnerships, to inspirational leadership styles and the importance of being a role model, it's all here. Francesco Borgosano of Huddle, Andy Wright of Sporting Group, Suren Khachatryan of Technamin, and Triggy CEO Martina Åkerlund provide the insight.

America. It’s all happening. And we have the US in our sights, chatting about employee licensing requirements, affiliates and some detailed slots chat. Chris Olytan of Compliable; Callum Broxton of Checkd Media; and SG Digital’s games guru Brett Jackson are answering the questions.

In a jam-packed 30 minutes, we chat with Liesbeth Oost, Karolina Pelc, Russell Mifsud, Martina Åkerlund and Francesco Borgosano, to discuss Safer Gambling Week, post-COVID recruitment and retention, and rapidly scaling up - and the common thread is company culture. Every day is a school day.