Big Betting Balagan

Follow Big Betting Balagan
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Betting and gaming industry veterans Dan Phillips, Lee Richardson and Vigne Kozacek bring you the first of a regular series of podcasts. Aside from being a good excuse to chew the fat, they will deliver 30 minutes of interesting, entertaining and informative topical industry discussion and debate, plus breaking news, as well as guests and future Q&A sessions. In this pilot episode the 'lads' discuss what to expect at ICE 2020, now just days away; they cover the do’s and don’ts, and what to look out for during the busiest week of the year! If you enjoy listening, then please subscribe and rate us.

Dan Phillips, Lee Richardson, Vigne Kozacek


    • Sep 12, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 47m AVG DURATION
    • 50 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Big Betting Balagan with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Big Betting Balagan

    Episode 50 – All things ‘Testing' with Martin Britton from GLI

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2022 34:57


    In our ‘Golden' 50th episode, Martin Britton, who is the MD for GLI EMEA, joined us to talk through what the future holds for the industry in new and developing markets around licensing and testing requirements. In other news, the guys discuss the continued UK National Lottery licensing fallout between Allwyn and Camelot, along with SPACs, changing faces and controversy at Lottery.com and more regulatory oversight for Entain to deal with down under. Don't forget to like rate review and subscribe and check out our back catalogue at https://bigbettingbalagan.com/ and our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thebigbettingbalagan.

    Episode 49 - 49 – Were back / Catch up with Jesper Karrbrink of Green Jade Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2022 41:40


    Jesper Karrbrink, co-founder of Green Jade Games and the former CEO of both Mr Green and Svenska Spel joined us today. He provided great insight into his background, thoughts on the future of slots, social games, and the likely impact of new regulations, as well as updates on the Crypto Casino space and more. In other news, numbers and M&A activity from the likes of Evolution, Playtech, Entain, Flutter and more are covered, along with discussion around the impact on the industry of the cost-of-living crisis and what the LATAM market may hold in store. Don't forget to like rate review and subscribe and check out our back catalogue at https://bigbettingbalagan.com/ as well as our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thebigbettingbalagan.

    Episode 48 - Talk from the Top with Leigh Nissim

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2022 53:37


    Leigh Nissim the CEO & Founder of Future Anthem and former IGT and Light & Wonder exec joined us today providing some great insights into his background, career and the innovative things he is up to. In other news, we review the latest M&A activity and recent trading numbers from the likes of Flutter, Caesars, Playtech & MGM / Leo Vegas. Licensing developments in California and Brazil are also covered and we trail some exciting news about forthcoming changes to the Balagan family! Don't forget to like rate review and subscribe and check out our back catalogue at https://bigbettingbalagan.com/.

    Epsisode 47 – ICE 2022 Preview with Alex Pratt

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2022 36:17


    Alex Pratt, MD at Clarion Gaming joined us today to update us on the latest plans for the forthcoming and much-anticipated trade show. In other news… results at Playtech, legal challenges regarding the UK National Lottery bid, and potential industry impact due to the energy crisis all get the Balagan treatment. Don't forget to like rate review and subscribe and please reach out if you would like to meet us at ICE.

    Episode 46 – Talk from the Top with Jordan Levin

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2022 48:28


    CEO of Openbet and former SG / ‘Light & Wonder' exec Jordan Levin joined us on the pod today for a look back at his career, what makes him tick as well as his plans for Openbet and his thoughts on the industry in general. In a packed news section, we wrap up the winners and losers from Cheltenham. We also discuss the fallout of Camelot's failed bid to retain the UK National Lottery License as well as their £3m+ fine for various RG and technical failings. Ontario's pending launch, and a review of ‘Jackpot' which is a new book by journalist Rob Davies on the state of the industry in the UK all get the Balagan treatment.

    Episode 45 – Eyes down for a Bingo Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 71:19


    An expert panel of Bingo specialists including Angus Nisbet (Playtech), Andrew Steddy (PlayOJO) and affiliate expert Sue Dawson joined us today examining and educating on this core but often overlooked vertical in the industry. We discuss the value, trends, M&A, technology and global opportunities it is driving in what was a fascinating session. In other news, the Super Bowl, UKGC, Camelot, bet365 and activity in Argentina and across LATAM also get the Balagan treatment.

    Episode 44 – iGaming in the US with John Pappas from Corridor Consulting

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2022 55:10


    The Big Betting Balagan turns 2 today (!) and to celebrate we have a bumper edition focussing on iGaming in the US with DC based John Pappas who is a Public Affairs & Government Relations expert. He talks us through activity in New York as well as what to expect in the US in 2022 and beyond, including iCasino and why the rollout has been slow. He also updates on some interesting developments in California. In other news WynnBets pending sale, more activity over at Playtech as well as with UK National Lottery bidders Camelot and Allwyn all get the Balagan treatment. We also discuss the merits of fixed-odds horse race betting in the US, and Lee teases us with a preview to a new book that is being published and which claims will “uncover the sinister inner workings of one of the country's most nefarious industries”… John Pappas can be reached via Twitter or LinkedIn: Tw: https://twitter.com/yanni_dc LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pappas-8741baa8/

    Episode 43 – Farewell 2021, Hello 2022!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 26:34


    In the final episode of the year, we reflect on the major news stories that grabbed the headlines in 2021. This included the many Billions spent on M&A, the rise of the SPAC, NFT and huge numbers being generated in the US, plus our old nemesis COVID. We also look forward to 2022, picking up on iGaming in the US, unsustainable marketing, launches in LATAM, in-house technology and regulatory clarity in the UK and beyond. In more up to date news, activity at Playtech, 888, PlayUp, Clarion and the Gambling Commission all get the Balagan treatment. Happy Holidays to all our viewers and listeners and we thank you for your ongoing support! Dan, Lee & Vigne.

    Episode 42 – Pini Yakuel, CEO of Optimove

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2021 49:35


    Pini Yakuel, CEO of the leading data & marketing company Optimove, and who work with many major brands in the industry joined us today to chat through his background and how AI & Data science is changing everything. In a packed news section Camelot's latest numbers, the ongoing bidding war for Playtech, further M&A for Flutter and trouble in Florida are all covered. We also discuss the likes of SEGA and ESPN making moves into the space and in a final piece of breaking news Lee defends his racing tipster record!

    Episode 41 - The future of UK Gambling with Chris Elliott from Wiggin LLP

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2021 47:52


    Recorded in front of a live audience at the recent Betting on Sports conference in London, we were joined by Chris Elliott from Wiggin LLP who updated us on the likely outcome and impact of the forthcoming White Paper on the pending UK Gambling Act review. In other news, we discuss the Aristocrat and Gopher bidding war for Playtech, along with an update on the ‘Safer Gaming Week' initiative and problem gambling stats. Also, Super Group / Betway strategy of increased soccer sponsorship in the face of media and regulatory pressure to decrease exposure all get the Balagan treatment.

    Episode 40 – All the News and Almost Live…

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2021 20:23


    Given they say life starts at 40 (!) the guys bring you another busy show previewing their upcoming live pod at the #BOSEUROPE conference in London on the 11th November at 2pm (UK). We are also joined by Dennis Algreen, Marketing Director from SBC who provides more insight into that event. Full details can be found here: https://sbcevents.com/betting-on-sports-europe/. Don't worry if you can't make the live broadcast as it will also be dropping across all our channels including https://www.youtube.com/thebigbettingbalagan shortly afterwards. In other news, the Melbourne Cup, Flutters Q3s and sports betting in Florida finally going live get the Balagan treatment. Other upcoming and future guests include Chris Elliot, Senior Associate at Wiggin to discuss the pending White Paper on the UK Gambling Act review. Also, Optimove CEO Pini Yakuel will be joining us to discuss the value of predictive analytics, AI & Data Science.

    Episode 39 – ‘Boom'-in Entertainment

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2021 32:07


    James McLoughlin from Boom Entertainment joined us today chatting about the value opportunity in the US around 'free to play' content alongside real money. We also covered activities in New York and what he saw at G2E. In the news roundup, Entains impressive numbers and Germanys lack of iGaming licensees alongside low staking limits and high taxation get the Balagan treatment. Lee also updates on the UK National Lottery License bid as it (finally) approaches the finishing line. Don't forget to like, rate review and subscribe.

    Episode 38 - Alphabet Soup...AGA, G2E and M&A

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2021 41:45


    VP of Global Events at the American Gaming Association, Meredith Pallante, joined us today, updating us on what the AGA are up to and what they have planned for next week's G2E conference in Vegas. In other news, the Draft Kings / Entain bid and Endeavour buying Openbet from SG get the Balagan treatment. The regulatory position in the Netherlands and further fallout following the demise of Football Index plus a quick review of the recent SBC Barcelona conference are also discussed. Don't forget to like, rate, review and subscribe.

    Episode 37 – Esports Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2021 63:12


    Stuart Tilly (Esports Entertainment), Alejandro Kowalski (Mobadoo) & Mark Cole (Dragoni) joined us today discussing all things Esports. During the chat, the guys got under the skin of its crossover to traditional betting and gaming through to Covid's legacy, M&A, Regulations, Crypto and what the next generation are looking for from Esports and beyond. In other news, the battle for William Hill, 888s US performance and ESPN looking to enter the space all get discussed, also some surprising insights into scratch card take up. Lee & Dan also look forward to upcoming live events they will be attending and Vigne enlightens us on a potential new NHS approach to problem gambling.

    Episode 36 – Talk from the Top with Ian Chuter

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2021 70:59


    The former William Hill, Betfair, Ladbrokes, Coral and Playtech exec Ian Chuter joined us today for a fascinating chat through his career and experiences. In the news, we cover recent financial updates from Rank and Flutter as well as a huge recovery of Ethereum currency from fraudulent accounts. We also discuss New York and the likely joint bids there as the major brands scramble to get one of the four licenses on offer and come to terms with having to give away up to 60% in taxation! The raft of mega M&A deals from the likes of Draft Kings, Golden Nugget, Penn National, the Score and Entain are also covered. The A-Z of betting and gaming continues with ‘D' for DDOS, d'alembert and Dark Horses!

    Episode 35 – Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2021 74:58


    The team from https://www.bettingjobs.com/ joined the pod today updating us on the state of play in the industry around recruitment, opportunities, salaries, new markets and more. In other news, we discuss the merits (or lack of), joint winners, in sport! Tipico throwing their hat into the ring for William Hills non-US business is also covered as are rumours linking Evolution and Openbet. We also update on the rollout of SSBTs Stateside. The A-Z of betting and gaming continues with ‘C' for Cash-out, Crypto and Craps!

    Episode 34 – Talk from the Top with Conor Grant

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021 77:54


    In another packed show we catch up with Conor Grant, CEO for Flutter in the UK and Ireland who shares some amazing insights into his background, and what it is like working for one of the biggest groups in the industry. In the news section, we cover everything from the Olympics to Cricket, trading updates, NFTs, the UK National Lottery bid and company intel for the likes of DraftKings, Scientific Games, Playtech, Entain, FDJ and more. The A-Z of betting and gaming continues with ‘B' for Baccarat, Blockchain and Blackjack. If that wasn't enough, James Bond also gets a mention along with insights into how our resident adrenaline junkie (aka Lee) gets his weekend kicks! Finally, we announce news of more big-name guests and topics coming soon!

    Episode 33 – O'Canada and The A-Z of Betting & Gaming

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2021 42:15


    In a packed show today, Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association joined us to discuss the recent legislative changes there, and what that means for legalised online betting operations in Canada. In other news we cover the ‘footie' from Euro2020, we also discuss Kambi CEO Kristian Nylens views on the in-house vs Outsource debate. The potential winners and losers in the race for William Hills retail assets also get the Balagan treatment and Vigne wraps up the news as he talks us through the potential pitfalls of crypto investing*. If that wasn't enough, we introduce a new feature looking at the A-Z of betting and gaming with some fascinating insights and histories kicking off with ‘A' for ‘Arbitrage', ‘AI' & ‘Atlantic City'. What other industry podcast packs in as much! *Not financial advice, do not buy or sell any crypto assets based on the content discussed.

    Episode 32 – Talk from the Top with Gil Rotem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2021 67:34


    Gil Rotem, legend of the iGaming world and who helped build and transform brands such as 888 and bet365 joined us today sharing some fascinating insights and stories into his background, journey through the industry and thoughts to the future. In other news the guys dissect the recent C4 documentary, 'Football's Gambling Addiction' and the potential fall-out from that before turning to their predictions for the Euros. In tech news, Vigne talked us through what caused the recent major global internet outage and how new developments should make issues like that a thing of the past, and of course a quick update on Crypto and Blockchain activity! We also still want more of your thoughts on the next big innovation in the industry so check out https://bigbettingbalagan.com/innovators for details.

    Epsiode 31 – The Future of Slots

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2021 73:46


    With a focus on all things Slots related we were joined today by Rhys Owen (mutuelplay.com) and Andrew Porter (4theplayer.com) who led us through the innovation process, new market entry and the impact of consolidation and regulation into what is one of the biggest revenue drivers in the industry. In other news, updates on regulation in Florida, changing faces at Kambi and more potential suitors for William Hills non-US business were discussed. On the Crypto front, some surprising stats are revealed in a recent study of gamblers https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/YOUGOV-PLC-4006933/news/YouGov-nbsp-British-gamblers-more-likely-than-public-to-use-cryptocurrencies-but-scepticism-remai-33279875/ as well as some news on Casinocoin #CSC. We also announce news of a new feature where we need your participation so check out the AOB section of the Pod as well as https://bigbettingbalagan.com/ for more details.

    Episode 30 – Data Science in Gaming

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2021 43:55


    With a focus on Data Science in Betting and Gaming, Vigne provided us with a masterclass in the pros and cons of AI, Machine, and Deep Learning in the sector. Featuring a clip from ACADGILD The full video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-8MTXT_N6A In other news, changes at the top at FanDual, as well as a view on the US market 3-years post PASPA, M&A activity, and some positive (for a change!) updates on Covid and Affordability legislation complete a busy industry roundup segment. Next week's pod focuses on the future of Slots and Slot development so subscribe now on our YouTube channel or find us on all good podcast providers by searching "Big Betting Balagan" and ensure you never miss an episode.

    Episode 29 – Talking Sales with Steve Schrier

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 50:27


    Steve Schrier the former Playtech and Scientific Games Exec, and now CEO and author of ‘How to Build Your Sales Tribe’ joined us today to discuss the future of sales and commercial activity in the industry. In other news, Dan & Lee discuss the proposed breakaway ‘ESL’ (European Super League) and its potential impact on betting activity. On the Crypto front Vigne updates on the CasinoCoin move on to XRP Ledger with various online operations taking it up.

    Episode 28 – Betting and Horse Racing with Nick Rust OBE

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 49:50


    Nick Rust the former Skybet, Coral, and Ladbrokes veteran and most recently Chief Executive of the British Horse Racing Authority joined us today to discuss his amazing career and thoughts on the industry at such a critical time. In other news, US deals for Playtech and Scientific Games are covered along with a frank exchange on the quality of some industry-focussed journalism…

    Episode 27 Catch up with Tim Heath

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2021 40:44


    Coingaming and Yolo Investments founder Tim Heath joined us today to discuss his amazing career, investment plans as well as thoughts on the industry, cryptocurrencies, tokens and more. In other news, huge numbers coming out of March Madness as well as a long-term NFL deal for Foxbet are discussed along with the announcement of further big-name guests for the Pod.

    Episode 26 Talk From The Top with Matt Davey

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 62:32


    The former Next Gen, NYX, SG Digital exec and founder of Tekkorp Capital joined us to today to talk through his amazing career, as well as the power of SPACs, M&A, and the future for the industry. In other news we discuss big numbers being reported globally, as well new entrants in the Crypto space #CasinoCoin, and Lee updates us on his hot tips for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. We also announce news of further big-name guests and more live shows coming soon.

    Episode 25 LIVE SBC DIGITAL LATINOAMÉRICA

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 45:13


    In our second ‘Live’ Pod we broadcasted from the recent SBC Latin America conference where the guys were joined by local experts Seb Perrier, Hugo Llanos & Franciso Lecuona to talk about what it takes to succeed in betting and gaming across this diverse and fascinating continent. Topics and insights discussed and shared included M&A, Sports, Casino, Localisation, Punter Evolution, Regulations along with specific intel on Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, plus audience participation will all help bring anyone with an interest in our industry in South America up to speed.

    Episode 24 – Talk from the Top with Rafi Ashkenazi

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2021 55:11


    The former Playtech, Stars and Flutter exec Rafi Ashkenazi joined us today to discuss his amazing career and plans in advance of him leading Hard Rock International in a new JV. In other news, deals in the US are covered along with Fintech updates and record feedback to the UKGC Problem Gambling Prevalence consultation. The guys also announce a live podcast on the 3rd March 2021 at 2pm GMT as part of the SBC LATAM digital conference with free registration open now - https://sbcevents.com/en/sbc-digital-latinoamerica/register/

    Episode 23 – Focus on India

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 56:40


    Joined by a panel of guest experts, the guys get under the skin of the betting and gaming opportunity in India. With a population approaching 1.4bn and across 29 States and 7 Union Territories it is an exciting and challenging place to do business. In other news the state of play in New York, UK National Lottery bids and a host of new industry reports are discussed. Also announced is a big-name guest for the next pod.

    Episode 22 - Focus on Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2021 55:31


    In the first Pod of 2021, Victor Bigio, Tony Plaskow and Steve Spindler joined us to discuss the online betting and gaming market in Canada, providing some great insights into the current state of play, and what the future holds there. In other news, MGM, Entain, New York & Cryptocurrencies get the Balagan treatment. Also, not to be missed is another hot racing tip from Lee, and an exciting update on further new market special Pods coming soon.

    Episode 21 - Affordability Checks in a “New Normal”

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2020 50:22


    In the last Pod of 2020, Sean Hutchins from credit specialists Experian joined us to outline how they are helping the industry prepare for the expected changes from the UK Gambling Commission's current consultation on Consumer Affordability checks. In other news, we share some exciting developments regarding licensing of online sports betting in New York, and a bit of a rant on the UK National Lottery's 'modus operandi'! Happy Holidays to all our viewers and listeners and we will be back in early 2021 with a focus on new markets and further big-name guests.

    Episode 20 - Talk from the Top with Shimon Akad COO Playtech

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2020 68:04


    Playtech Group COO, Shimon Akad joined us today and provided great insight into the workings of the Tech Giant, their plans for the US and beyond, and what makes him tick. In other news, we discuss the always hot topic of industry salaries, as well as the on-going and controversial UK consultation re the proposed introduction of affordability checks, plus a rant on the general lack of imagination in the daily news feeds!

    Episode 19 – The Results Are In…

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2020 20:23


    With plenty of news and debate, the guys discuss the fallout from the US election, update on the UK National Lottery licence bid as well as looking at continued investment and M&A activity in the sector. Vigne takes Lee’s ‘Statto’ mantle this week with insight into some huge numbers relating to cybercrime and protecting from it. The results of our recent poll on future pod topics are also declared along with the announcement of a very special guest for #20.

    Episode 18 – Spotlight on the Greek Market

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2020 49:27


    With a focus on all things Greek Betting and Gaming, the guys are joined today by specialist George Merodoulakis who shares his knowledge of this developing market. In other news, William Hill as well as booming online numbers, retail woes and an update on problem gambling statistics are discussed. Vigne also enlightens us on the impact of email Spearphishing…! Whilst Lee gives out an exclusive and early Cheltenham 2021 tip. This BBB episode is also simulcasted from our dedicated YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGf4Uj_ppLUELrRVvoFWRA

    Episode 17 – Have ‘We’ Got News for You?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2020 32:15


    Video meets Audio today as the guys simulcast this episode via their dedicated YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGf4Uj_ppLUELrRVvoFWRA, as well as from all the usual podcast places. Without a guest, they get under the skin of the big stories of the day with global updates from the US, German and UK markets. Big name companies including 5Dimes, Sci Games, 888 & Will Hill get a mention along with Covid (of course). Vigne gets ‘techy’ on us with a master class on the benefits of ‘Machine Learning’, whilst Dan accepts that the moniker of ‘Mr Cynical’ is here to stay. They all agree though that Lee wins the best dressed for a podcast prize!

    Episode 16 – Talk from The Top with Chris Ash

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2020 64:23


    With a focus on Slots this week, the guys caught up with Chris Ash who founded the hugely successful ‘Ash Gaming’ studio discussing his view on the future of what is a pillar of revenue for the industry. GVCs recent results and plans also came under the spotlight as did news of Betfair’s expansion in LATAM, as well as big deals for GAN & Wynn. The upcoming US elections and proposed State by State referendums on betting generated some interesting debate and frustration! Look out for #17 in a couple of weeks which will be released as a video on YouTube as well as the audio Pod.

    Episode 15 – Talk from The Top with horse racing and betting legend Vincent Caldwell

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2020 50:37


    Horse Racing legend Vincent Caldwell joined the guys today sharing some amazing and hair-raising stories from his years in the industry. He also updates on his new Virtual Sports product which is set take the US by storm. The Caesars / Will Hill deal, of course, gets a thorough going over, along with some interesting moves from Scientific Games. Also and by popular demand Vignes ‘Top Tech Tip’ makes a welcome return! Don’t forget to like, rate, review and subscribe and check out the full back catalogue at:- https://bigbettingbalagan.com/ or from our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGf4Uj_ppLUELrRVvoFWRA

    Episode 14 - Live from the Barcelona Digital Summit

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 61:55


    In our biggest and most ambitious outing to date, the guys ‘go live’ in Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DPDW959pRI) as well as audio, and as part of the SBC digital event. With top calibre guests including Steve Ketteley, Gerry O'Sullivan and Rob Dowling, they discuss regulation, recruitment plus the usual news updates and audience interaction. Watch or listen now as they push the podcast boundaries in this unmissable episode and don’t forget to like, rate, review and subscribe and check out the full back catalogue at https://bigbettingbalagan.com/

    Episode 13 – Almost Live…

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2020 16:42


    With news and rumours of mergers, acquisitions and rolling heads, this shorter than usual episode is packed with insight, banter and gossip, plus a hot tip from Lee for the Kentucky Derby! The guys also preview their forthcoming ‘Live’ podcast on the 11th September which is being held during the SBC Barcelona Event. Free registration is open now at https://sbcevents.com for this not to be missed Pod where our special guests will include Steve Ketteley from Wiggin who will give us all the latest on the regulatory front. Rob Dowling from Pentasia will also join to provide the current lowdown on recruitment. We also have an interactive Q&A session so start sending those now to Dan, Lee or Vigne via LinkedIn or at https://bigbettingbalagan.com/. In the meantime, don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe

    Episode 12 - Gambling Addiction: Topical or Taboo…?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2020 37:55


    Former addict and now certified Psychotherapist and Addiction Specialist Jason Shiers joined us today for what was a very honest and at times tough discussion on an important issue that the industry needs to do more to address. Jason talks the guys through his personal experiences and how he and others like him are providing the voice of the punter to regulators and operators. In other news, we discuss continued COVID proof online trading numbers and are very excited to announce the first-ever Big Betting Balagan ‘live’ event on 11th September. Be sure to join us at that for topical debate, interviews and Q&A with free registration available at https://sbcevents.com/ and be part of the Balagan! Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe, and check us out at https://bigbettingbalagan.com/. Home - bigbettingbalagan.comhttps://bigbettingbalagan.com

    Episode 11 – Content is King

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2020 36:58


    US sport and content specialist Ryan Knuppel joined us today imparting some great insight into how to stand out from the crowd in the US. We also discuss his views and frustrations on the slow State by State rollout of betting and gaming among other fascinating topics. COVID (of course) and Parliamentary Committee (diatribes) on the latest suggested directives to the industry to reduce problem gaming boils the blood of the guys! There is even an alleged suggestion that Trump and China are involved (tongue in cheek of course!) Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe, and check us out at https://bigbettingbalagan.com/.

    Episode 10 – Talk from The Top with Richard Flint

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2020 57:52


    The former Sky Betting and Gaming Chief, Richard Flint joined us for today’s pod imparting some great stories and insight from his time there and leading up to and being part of what is now the Flutter behemoth. The guys also dig a little deeper into the continued fall out and potential industry knee jerk reaction of the UK recommendations on tackling problem gaming. Covid19 rears its ugly head once again as we see G2E as a physical event fall by the wayside, and Vigne reminds us why we ignore those ‘UPDATE NOW’ messages on our laptops at our peril! Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe, and check us out at https://bigbettingbalagan.com/.

    Episode 9 – Talk from The Top with Neil Goulden

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2020 54:35


    Today’s pod premieres the first in a series of interviews with some of the heaviest hitters in the industry with the current Gamesys chairman Neil Goulden joining us. The guys also get under the skin of the new Parliamentary committee recommendations on tackling problem gaming and debate the merits of being NASDAQ or London listed. Vigne’s ‘Top Tech Tip’ makes a welcome return whilst Lee puts his reputation on the line with Horse Racing tips for those who share the pod in our ‘Big up the Balagan’ feature. In other news, Dan risks the wrath of Cricket fans around the world by suggesting that playing behind closed doors will make no difference to the usual atmosphere of a game! Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe, and check us out at https://bigbettingbalagan.com/.

    Episode 8 – AI, has Judgement Day Arrived?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2020 43:44


    With a focus on big data, algorithms and how this tech will change our lives, we hear from AI expert Chris Conroy who gives Vigne the lowdown on this fascinating field of data science, and which is already central to marketing and RG operations across the industry. Dan and Lee ask the non-techy questions and clarify that this is not the prequel to the Terminator movies! Other topics discussed include the pending resumption of sport and further pressure from the regulator and media for the industry to do more to protect the consumer. Free horse racing tips continue for those that share the pod in the ‘Big up The Balagan’ section! Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe, and check us out at https://bigbettingbalagan.com/.

    Buffet or Bust? PASPA 2-years on…

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2020 28:43


    Another bumper episode brings you an update on all the activity Stateside, with plenty of stats, news from the movers and shakers and even a suggestion of what stock to invest in! The guys tear into the mobile apps on offer to the US punter and look forward to how iGaming will upset the Sports applecart, and which States are prime to go live next. In addition they introduce their latest feature to reward listeners with free horse racing tips in return for sharing the pod in the ‘Big up The Balagan’ section! Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe, and check us out at https://bigbettingbalagan.com/

    The Big Compliance Show Down

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2020 51:14


    The guys are back, and this week premier a new panel show format into the pod! With some expert guests from the world of compliance, Dan, Lee and Vigne pose them some tough and topical questions with the added pressure of answering against a timer – who will be the winner...? They also touch on the resumption of sport, as well as the pros and cons of digital conferences. Dan and Lee also make an admission on their technical deficiencies in Vignes recent (and now fully recovered) Man Flu absence! Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe, and check us out at www.bigbettingbalagan.com.

    The view from the front

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2020 37:48


    More than a month into lockdown and without any sport to discuss let alone bet on, the guys examine what is quickly becoming the new norm of rumour, conjecture, and the best ways to navigate these uncharted waters. From scam artists to responsible gaming as well as charitable efforts, and in some cases huge profits, they talk themselves through a gamut of emotions from cynicism to uplifting tales of humanity. They are supported this week with expert insight from those on the front lines including senior heads from the likes of William Hill USA, Playtech and Wiggin LLP. Enjoy! Please rate, review and subscribe and check us out at https://bigbettingbalagan.com

    The Next Big Bet...? Emerging Markets Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2020 50:58


    In which the guys find out how different countries and cultures are dealing with social distancing by falling into the national stereotype traps! With the small talk done they thankfully focus their efforts on the future upside of new market entry (as and when C-19 becomes a dark and distant memory.) They get under the skin of operating across Africa, and touch on LATAM; in both cases challenging the pre-conceptions and advise on best practice. They are also supported by some expert insight interviews with people on the ground who provided invaluable input into what it takes to succeed. Enjoy! Please rate, review and subscribe and check us out at https://bigbettingbalagan.com

    The ‘WTF are we going to bet on now?’ Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2020 14:50


    Safely ensconced in their bunkers deep underground, the guys are back for an emergency podcast to discuss all things COVID19 and how it is affecting the industry that provides us all with a living. They focus on the people impact, as well as the winners, losers and potential opportunities that will come out of this. There is even time for a quick game of ‘BS Bingo’! All things being well they will be back for #4 which will focus on emerging markets in a couple of weeks’ time. Please rate, review and subscribe, and check us out at https://bigbettingbalagan.com

    The Big Tech Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2020 35:46


    The guys are back and this time talking technology. They discuss what is coming, what to avoid and crucially how to get your CEO to buy into it! Hot topics include AI, Facial Recognition, Big Data and 5g among others. Luckily, they are led on this by their very own Vigne Kozacek or via his super-hero pseudonym ‘Mr Tech’! Dan finds out how technology can improve his mood after a Spurs home defeat, and Lee gives us his ‘cast iron’ tip for the Cheltenham racing festival! Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Pod and check out bigbettingbalagan.com for more information.

    Big Betting Balagan Pilot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2020 32:36


    Betting and gaming industry veterans Dan Phillips, Lee Richardson and Vigne Kozacek bring you the first of a regular series of podcasts. Aside from being a good excuse to chew the fat, they will deliver 30 minutes of interesting, entertaining and informative topical industry discussion and debate, plus breaking news, as well as guests and future Q&A sessions. In this pilot episode the ‘lads’ discuss what to expect at ICE 2020, now just days away; they cover the do’s and don’ts, and what to look out for during the busiest week of the year! If you enjoy listening, then please subscribe and rate us.

    Claim Big Betting Balagan

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel