The Casino Business Podcast

One of the most influential innovators in modern gaming—Nigel Eccles, co-founder of FanDuel and current CEO and co-founder of BetHog joins URComped CEO, Craig Shacklett, for a conversation about his product's growth and development.

In this interview, Nigel takes us inside the origin story of FanDuel: how the idea first sparked, how early prediction-market experiments led to a dramatic pivot, and what the team learned as they navigated the early stages of building what would become a daily fantasy sports powerhouse. He reflects on the customer feedback that shifted FanDuel's model, how the company attracted and retained players in a rapidly expanding and competitive marketplace, and the mindset required to grow while knowing big challengers were inevitably coming.

Nigel also dives into his newest venture, BetHog.com—explaining what it is, how crypto casinos fit into today's gaming landscape, why the platform is focused on international markets, and what the player experience looks like when gaming with crypto. He shares what differentiates BetHog, how VIP interactions work, and how the company is pushing boundaries with Sunny, the world's first AI dealer, designed to bring more social, human-like interaction into online gaming.

Topics Discussed: How Nigel developed the idea for FanDuel using prediction markets The early stages and development of FanDuel How customer feedback initiated the FanDuel model change. Determining the price for players on FanDuel What was the strategy for competition What is BetHog.com How Crypto Casinos fit into the current market BetHog's international growth focus What is the process to play in a crypto casino What differentiates BetHog VIP interactions New product Sunny- the Worlds first AI dealer Using AI to create more social elements

Learn More: https://trio360.vip/nigel-eccles-on-building-fanduel-and-bethog-product-led-growth-and-the-future-of-igaming/

In this interview, URComped CEO Craig Shacklett sits down with Nick Ippolito, Player Development Mentor and "The Host Whisperer," to unpack how casino player development really works across markets. Kicking off with Nick's article "I'm Not Talking About Vegas!", the conversation explains why blanket advice fails outside destination markets and how hosts must tailor strategy to property realities like comp percentages, visit frequency, tax environments, and leadership maturity.

Topics:

• The inspiration behind "I'm Not Talking About Vegas" and the responsibility of industry voices

• How casino markets differ globally: Vegas vs. regional vs. international properties

• Defining "true player development" and how it originated in Atlantic City

• The evolution of telemarketing and its influence on today's host model

• Adapting training and PD strategy for each property and demographic

• The challenge of player loyalty in the modern casino environment

• Property-specific comp policies, taxes, and leadership differences

• The importance of staying in your lane and specializing within casino operations

• Upcoming news and conferences in casino player development

Learn more: https://trio360.vip/adapting-casino-player-development-strategy-cocktails-at-the-tangiers-nick-ippolito-interview/

In this interview, Hawk Tax Solutions Tax Director and Enrolled Agent Ashley Davis joins URComped CEO Craig Shacklett to answer some of the most common gambling accounting and tax questions players face. She breaks down what qualifies as a professional gambler, how to properly track wins and losses, and which expenses can be deducted. The conversation also covers tricky areas like sweepstakes casinos, crypto play, state-to-state taxation, and how content creation can support professional claims.

Topics Discussed:

- Why sweepstakes casino losses don't offset winnings

- How to keep an acceptable gambling journal or win-loss record

- Criteria for qualifying as a professional gambler, even with a day job

- Using YouTube or content creation to support professional status claims

- Deductible expenses for professional gamblers (travel, software, coaching, tournaments, ATM fees)

- Tax treatment of daily fantasy sports, offshore casinos, and crypto gambling

- State taxation issues and when it makes sense to itemize losses

Learn more: https://urcomped.com/blog/details/6131103/casino-tax-rules-tracking-wins-losses-deductions-more

In this interview, URComped CEO, Craig Shacklett, sits down with Robert Christensen, Director of Digital Gaming at Choctaw Casino, for an in-depth look at the evolving world of online gaming through the lens of tribal operations. From the launch of Choctaw's Social Casino to the nuances of Class II versus Class III gaming, Christensen breaks down complex regulatory frameworks, the rise of sweepstakes and prediction markets, and Choctaw's strategic approach to digital gaming within sovereign tribal lands. The conversation also explores how European markets have influenced U.S. iGaming development, the growing tension between traditional and gray market operators, and how data-driven personalization is reshaping online player experiences.

Topics Discussed:

• Robert Christensen's Role
• Definitions & Distinctions in Online Gaming
• What are Social Casinos, Sweepstakes Casinos, iGaming, Prediction Markets, etc. and how are they different?
• Legal and Regulatory Landscape
• What are Class 2 games
• What is IGRA and how does it work
• What are compacts?
• Choctaw's Strategic Focus
• Expanding mobile gaming access beyond reservation boundaries
• Tribal Sovereignty & Class II Gaming
• European Influence & Technology Partnerships
• The Future of Online Gaming in the U.S.
• Barriers for iGaming development
• Casino Marketing: Digital vs. Brick-and-Mortar
• Responsible Gaming & Industry Ethics Learn more: https://trio360.vip/inside-tribal-igaming-choctaws-digital-strategy/

In this interview, URComped CEO Craig Shacklett speaks with Edge Boost Founder and CEO Seni Thomas about his innovative payment solution designed to streamline how gamers access funds while playing. They explore how the company's unique approach provides a solution to payment bottlenecks, offering gamers a secure and efficient way to access funds. The discussion explores the benefits of Edge Boost's innovative product, including its high debit card limit, and how it's reshaping the way payments are handled in both land-based and online gaming.

Sign up for Edge Boost today and get a $75 deposit match with promo code "urcomped"! Start accessing your funds faster and smarter here: https://www.vcx5res.com/URCOMPED/

Topics Discussed: Introduction to Edge Boost and its mission to simplify gaming payments Common issues with traditional payment systems in gaming The Edge Boost solution: secure, high-limit transactions without declines Key features of the product and how it works across both land-based and online platforms Partnerships with major casino brands and expansion plans Edge Boost's impact on reducing payment friction for gamers

Learn more: https://urcomped.com/blog/details/5602060/edge-boost-the-debit-card-revolutionizing-access-to-gaming-funds