The Gambling Files

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! 

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. 

* Our society (sorry to get on our high horse here!) needs more empathy and understanding so we can support those affected by gambling harm. 

* Lived experiences—such as Matt’s—can help shape effective responsible gambling initiatives. 

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.” 

* 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! 

Learn more about Betknowmore: https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/ 

Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smith-betknowmoreuk/ 

UK National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133. 

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/3A57jkR

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast 

Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ 

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ 

Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ 

Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ 

Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.SuccessWithStories.com 

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. 

* The impact of distractions on productivity and focus. 

* How to manage your environment to promote better habits. 

* The benefits of setting realistic goals and making small, incremental changes. 

* The power of mindset and self-talk. 

* The role of leadership in promoting a healthy and productive work environment. 

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.” 

* 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.” 

Thanks to Leo Judkins for being on the show! 

Join Leo’s iGaming Leader Mastermind and listen to The iGaming Leader Podcast: https://www.igamingleader.com/ 

Learn more about Leo at https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/ 

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/3A57jkR

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast 

Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ 

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ 

Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ 

Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ 

Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.SuccessWithStories.com 

 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!

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! 

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!

In a nutshell:

* The challenges of regulating the black market and the need for a multi-faceted approach.

* The need for greater transparency and accountability from operators and software providers.

* The importance of empowering consumers with the knowledge and tools to make responsible gambling choices.

* The impact of cryptocurrencies and the rise of unregulated online casinos.

* The effectiveness of responsible gambling tools, such as blocking software and deposit limits.

* Addressing the root causes of gambling harm, such as financial distress and social isolation.

Choice quotes:

* Duncan Garvie: “Sometimes, problem gamblers who are vulnerable and most desperately need the support—they’re the least able to access it.” 

* 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.” 

* Fintan Costello: “I love entrepreneurs. I love people who go out and build stuff.” 

* 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.” 

* Jon Bruford: “I like to not shit my pants, but it just takes a sneeze at the wrong time.” 

* Jon Bruford: “I don't like admitting that I don't know as much as somebody else, especially people with hair.”  

Thanks to Duncan Garvie for being on the show! 

Learn more about  Duncan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-garvie-588658199/

Get the free gambling blocker software, Bet Blocker: https://www.betblocker.org/ 

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/3A57jkR

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast 

Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ 

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ 

Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ 

Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ 

Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.SuccessWithStories.com

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: https://apple.co/3A57jkR

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast 

Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ 

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ 

Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ 

Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ 

Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.SuccessWithStories.com

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: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkR

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast 

Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/ 

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ 

Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ 

Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/ 

Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.SuccessWithStories.com