iGaming Daily

This week on iGaming Daily, hosts Ted Orme-Claye and Ted Menmuir explore a game-changing merger and acquisition that’s making waves across the gaming industry. 

Greek multinational tech firm Intralot has acquired Bally’s Interactive International, the iCasino division of Bally’s Corporation. The hosts break down the strategic significance of this move, which marks a major shift for Introlot as it expands from its traditional B2B lottery systems into the competitive B2C iGaming and iCasino space. 

The episode takes a deep dive into Introlot’s ambitious plans for growth, particularly in the US market...

On Wednesday's episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, host Fernando Noodt sits down with the SBC Noticias Brasil team to dissect the Lula administration’s controversial plan to sharply increase taxes on the newly regulated iGaming sector. 

Despite being legalised only months ago, Brazil’s digital betting market now faces significant pressure under the government’s “BBB” campaign—targeting Billionaires, Banks, and Betting Companies—as part of a broader push for “tax justice.” Critics warn that this strategy could “break the toy,” jeopardising a booming industry that generated over 3 billion reais in revenue in just the first five mon...

In this episode of iGaming Daily, SBC's Editor-at-Large, Ted Menmuir and iGaming Expert's Business Journalist, Christian Lee, recap key insights from the recent Gaming in Spain conference in Madrid. A highlight was the DGOJ’s much-anticipated regulatory update, covering proposed changes to deposit limits, advertising rules, and a new mandatory risky behaviour algorithm for identifying problem gamblers.

The DGOJ is pushing for a cross-platform approach to deposit limits and revisiting previously repealed advertising restrictions, though progress is slow—partly due to a shift in oversight from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Frustration amon...

In this episode of iGaming Daily, host Jessica Welman rides solo today as she dives into the evolving landscape of California's gaming legislation. With a spotlight on a newly proposed sweepstakes bill and the long-awaited Attorney General's opinion on fantasy sports, this episode unpacks what these developments could mean for the future of legal gaming in the Golden State. From potential regulation changes to industry disruption, Jessica provides expert analysis on the critical issues shaping California’s gaming market.

Listeners will gain insight into how this legislation could affect key stakeholders, including operators, policymakers, and everyday consumers. Th...

In this episode of iGaming Daily, host Joe Streeter is joined by Chris Elliott, Commercial and Regulatory Lawyer at Wiggins, to dive into the dynamic intersection of the UK gambling market and the rapidly evolving crypto sector.

As digital currencies continue to gain traction, the pair examines how recent financial decisions—such as Barclaycard’s move to block credit card purchases of cryptocurrencies—are shaping the future of crypto use within regulated gambling environments.

The episode provides a deep analysis of regulatory implications, including how existing frameworks might adapt to accommodate crypto betting while managing inhere...

On today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, James Ross is back in the host's chair to discuss a couple of controversial topics, one from the UK and one from Colombia.

Firstly in the UK, where an undercover BBC reporter reportedly accessed adult gaming centres (AGCs) in South England while on a self-exclusion list, raising concerns about player safety. The guys discuss the response from John Bollum, BACTA President who called for "unity within the sector" to quickly address any mistakes and emphasised the industry's commitment to "the highest standards in the UK".

James...

It's all about Latin America and Brazil in today's episode of iGaming Daily, as the Noticias and Noticias Brasil team, dive headfirst into Brazil’s evolving enforcement landscape. While new regulations signal progress, serious challenges remain — from tackling illegal platforms to the staggering fact that nearly 50% of the market is still dominated by unlicensed operators.

But there’s also a bright spot: Google is now allowing sports betting and online gaming apps in Brazil’s Play Store — a major step forward. Backed by both government and industry advocates, this change requires proof of licensing and is designed to steer u...

On this episode of iGaming Daily, the iGaming Expert team, Editor Joe Streeter and Business Journalist, Christian Lee, takes a closer look at three key markets making headlines in the global gambling industry.

First up is Kenya, where a recent tax reduction on gambling activity is expected to drive greater player engagement and deliver new growth opportunities for operators in the region.

Attention then shifts to Thailand, as political uncertainty continues to cast doubt over plans to legalise land-based casinos and integrated resorts. The hosts discuss what these delays could mean for potential market entry...

Last week brought significant challenges for unregulated sweepstakes gaming in the US. Tune into iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, as Managing Editor Jessica Welman and Media Manager Charlie Horner break down the latest wave of negative actions impacting sweepstakes operators and why suppliers should be very concerned.

Discover how the New York legislature passed an anti-sweepstakes gaming bill, making it illegal to supply sweepstakes casino operators with operations in the state, including affiliates, marketing teams, and payment processors. This move forces suppliers to choose between regulated and unregulated markets and could have "significant ramifications".

In this special episode of the iGaming Daily Podcast, recorded live at the SBC Summit Americas, we explore the evolving landscape of responsible gaming with Lori Kalani, DraftKings’ first-ever Chief Responsible Gaming Officer. With 20 years of consumer protection law experience and personal ties to the gambling world from her upbringing in Las Vegas, Lori offers a unique, insider perspective on player safety, sustainable play, and the future of the gaming industry. Discover how DraftKings is using technology and education to make responsible gaming tools like "My Stat Sheet" part of everyday play—normalising healthy gambling habits and breaking the stig...

In this special bonus episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, we're on the ground at SBC Summit Canada 2025 in Toronto (formerly the Canadian Gaming Summit). Hosts Jessica Wellman, Managing Editor of SBC Media, and Tom Nightingale, Editor of Canadian Gaming Business, break down key headlines and exclusive insights from day two of this premier gaming conference. This episode covers crucial updates on provincial gaming markets, regulatory shifts, and operator concerns shaping the future of iGaming and land-based casinos in Canada.

Discover major announcements including Alberta’s projected 2026 market entry as revealed by Minister Dale Na...

In the latest episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, hosts Ted Orme-Claye, Editor of SBC News and Justin Byers of SBC Americas tackle the rising tide of online abuse directed at athletes, an alarming trend increasingly tied to the global expansion of sports betting markets.

The conversation spotlights the recent targeting of British tennis star Katie Boulter following her French Open loss—an incident that sparked strong reactions from governing bodies like the ITF and WTA. The hosts also examine how this troubling behaviour is gaining ground in the US since the 2018 PASPA repeal, wi...

In this episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, host Damian Martinez sits down with Ricardo Assis, Editor of SBC Noticias Brazil and Lucia Gando, Editor of SBC Noticias, as the three zero in on Brazil’s recent regulatory overhaul, where the government has increased the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax rate from 12% to 18%. This controversial measure, championed by Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, aims to plug the country's fiscal gap but has ignited industry-wide resistance and political backlash from lawmakers determined to curb unsustainable public spending.

The episode also shines a spotlight on the growing te...

In today’s episode of iGaming Daily, supported by Optimove, Joe Streeter sits down with, Jeremy Stein, CEO and Co-Founder at SportsGrid, break down SportsGrid’s major push into the iGaming space as the network leverages its dominance in free ad-supported sports television to capture the growing online casino market.

With an audience of over 240 million unique viewers annually and more than 30% market share, SportsGrid is now expanding its content strategy to include casino gaming — responding directly to overwhelming viewer demand for retail, online, and sweepstakes casino experiences.

Listeners will hear how SportsGrid is reshaping its pr...

In today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, Ted Orme-Claye, Viktor Kayed, and Ted Menmuir break down the recent removal of Gibraltar and the UAE from the EU’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) watch list. Viktor, who originally broke the story for SBC News, details why this delisting marks a crucial turning point for these markets. Gibraltar, long regarded as a premier hub for European gaming operators and B2B technology providers, has worked swiftly to address shortcomings flagged by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)—strengthening its AML controls, asset seizure processes, and gambling oversight to restore its mark...

Hosted by Joe Streeter, today's episode of iGaming Daily returns to conference room floor of SBC Summit Malta, as he is joined by Dennis Algreen, Senior Marketing Director, the discussion focused on the summit and how it emphasised the importance of broadening its focus.

A standout theme from the event was the industry’s candid conversation around the black market—a topic that has often remained in the shadows. The three openly debated whether this segment should be eradicated or carefully integrated into the regulated sphere, ensuring the discussion didn't spiral into an echo chamber.

Resp...

In this special bonus episode recorded at the close of SBC Summit Malta 2025, join our host, Ted Orme-Claye, who led the Affiliation and Marketing Stage, and Ted Menmuir, the moderator of the AI, Innovation, and Customer Realities track, as they share exclusive insights straight from the operational heart of the iGaming world. 

Together, they unpack the biggest trends, pressures, and predictions shaping the global betting and iGaming industry, offering listeners an insider’s perspective on what’s coming next for operators, affiliates, and suppliers navigating this rapidly evolving sector.

One of the summit’s most talked...

On this episode of iGaming Daily, the discussion begins in Malta with the highly debated Bill 55 — a legislative move designed to shield Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)-licensed operators from foreign claims, reinforcing the island's position as Europe’s premier iGaming hub. However, this law has sparked legal scrutiny across the EU, with opponents arguing it contradicts European Single Market rules and raises significant competition law concerns under Article 56 of the EU Treaty.

Host Charlie Horner is joined by iGaming Experts Editor Joe Streeter and SBC’s Media Director Martyn Elliott, reporting live from SBC Summit Malta. Together, they d...

In this episode of iGaming Daily, host James Ross sits down with Bernd Baumert, Director of Games Production at Greentube, to explore the dynamic world of online casino game development. From concept to release, they unpack the critical role of player engagement and market-specific customisation in crafting successful slot titles.

Bernd Baumert provides exclusive insights into Greentube’s strategic approach to new market expansion, including challenges and opportunities in regions like the US and the Netherlands. The discussion also covers the evolution of game sequels, with a special focus on the much-anticipated launch of Starlink Jackpot: Odds of...

In this latest episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, hosted by Fernando Noodt, the team, including Ricardo Assis and Ana Maria Menezes from SBC Noticias Brasil, delves into the turbulent Brazilian iGaming market.

The discussion centres on a major tax increase proposed for the sector. On June 8th, the government decided to advance a provisional measure to increase the betting tax rate from 12% to 18% on the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of all licensed betting companies. This proposal, expected to be presented to President Lula, is an alternative to a previously unpopular tax increase on...

In today's episode of iGaming Daily, Ted Orme-Clay is joined by journalist Viktor Kayed and SBC's Editor-at-Large Ted Menmuir to unpack major political developments in the Netherlands and Poland, and what they could mean for their respective gambling industries.

Viktor shares insights from his recent trip to the Gaming in Holland conference, which coincided with the collapse of the Dutch coalition government. While political uncertainty looms, Dutch stakeholders are taking a proactive stance, focusing on tackling the black market and lobbying to delay a planned gambling tax hike. The industry is also closely watching which party will...

In this episode, we sit down with John Cooney, Group CEO of Forbidden City, to explore the brand’s unique approach to luxury in the iGaming industry. John shares the vision behind positioning Forbidden City as a premium brand that seamlessly blends high-end retail, hospitality, and online gaming. From exclusive design elements to VIP experiences, listeners get an inside look at how Forbidden City is redefining what it means to deliver luxury in a digital entertainment space.

John dives into the innovative strategies powering the brand’s success, including a game-changing loyalty program designed to mirror the soph...

We turn our attention to the Netherlands on today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, as Ted Orme-Claye of SBC News steps into the host's chair, joined by his namesake, Ted Menmuir, to discuss the Dutch market, a jurisdiction shrouded in political instability that puts the betting market at risk.

Later in the episode, Viktor Kayed calls in live from an incredibly well timed Gaming in Holland conference, and gives updates on the discussions from the conference rooms in Amsterdam.

Firstly, the two Teds discuss the collapse of the Dutch four-party coalition, the impact...

Episode #4 of Dear CEO is here! Dear CEO is our limited series, presented in partnership with iGP where a real life industry CEO, Jovana Popovic Canaki of iGP answers your questions, about your business. 

Our host as always is Charlie Horner, and this time he's got a page full of questions from the audience about the always fun topic of KPIs. Jovana tells Charlie about her numbers background, and why as a CEO she's always paying attention the numbers, giving her some fantastic insight into which KPIs are important, what they mean, and what your businesses should c...

Jessica Welman returns to the host's chair for today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, and she's joined by her SBC Americas colleague Tom Nightingale for a look into handle, headaches and more after a significant change in Illinois sports betting taxation.

The Prairie State will introduce a flat fee starting at 25 cents and scaling up to 50 cents for high-volume operators like FanDuel and DraftKings. This new tax, projected to generate £36 million annually, is seen as a second instance of Illinois targeting sportsbooks for budget shortfalls. But who does this impact the most? How will the o...

In this episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, we explore the dynamic shifts taking place in Brazil’s gambling market, spotlighting the latest advertising laws and the proactive steps taken by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA). Joining Ted Menmuir, SBC Noticias Brasil's Editor, Ricardo Assis, and Business Journalist, Elisa Marcante, unpack how these new regulatory developments are reshaping the landscape for both operators and advertisers, offering key insights into what these changes mean for stakeholders across the industry.

The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities facing gambling operators in Brazil, from na...

In this episode of iGaming Daily, host Viktor Kayed sits down with editor Ted Menmuir to explore the recent postponement of Romania’s long-anticipated gambling reforms. They dissect the political climate that has stalled progress, including the influence of the Save Romania Union and its push for tougher regulatory oversight. The discussion provides valuable context on how shifting political priorities are shaping the future of the country’s gambling legislation.

The episode dives deep into the aftermath of regulatory failures that have plagued Romania’s gambling sector for years. Viktor and Ted examine long-standing structural issues, from enforc...

Monday's episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, is a must-listen keynote conversation, Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer at Fanatics Betting and Gaming.

Sitting down with SBC Media's Jessica Welman, the two takes a look into one of the fastest-growing companies in the sports betting and iGaming industry. Drawing from his prior leadership roles at FanDuel and Action Network, Borod discusses how he helped build Fanatics Betting and Gaming from the ground up in July 2021.

Borod breaks down Fanatics’ unique second-mover strategy, explaining why they chose product quality over ad spend to differentiate fr...

In this episode of iGaming Daily, hosts Jessica Welman and Charlie Horner dive into the dynamic world of sweepstakes gaming, spotlighting a pivotal industry development: VGW's decision to wind down its sweepstakes operations in New York. This major move has sparked conversations across the iGaming sector, raising questions about the regulatory environment and the viability of sweepstakes-based business models in high-stakes markets.

The discussion expands to cover emerging legislative changes in multiple states, examining how lawmakers and regulators are approaching the increasingly blurred lines between sweepstakes gaming and traditional gambling. Jessica and Charlie analyse the core challenges...

In this episode of iGaming Daily, supported by Optimove, Ted Menmuir is joined by SBC Leaders Magazine and Player Protection Hub Editor, Steve Hoare, as well as DealMeOut's Co-Founder, Jordan Lea, to look into the recent Health and Social Care Select Committee hearing on problem gambling in the UK,

The trio unpack the strong reactions and frustrations voiced by key stakeholders. The conversation dissects the statements made by the expert panel, offering critical insights into why many feel the current narrative misses the mark when it comes to understanding the real impact of gambling harm and the...

In this special episode of iGaming Daily, recorded from the show floor at the recent SBC Summit Americas 2025, the now Media Manager at SBC Media, Fernando Noodt sits down with Jeff Laniado, Director of Sales at Optimove, to delve into one of the hottest topics sweeping the United States online gaming landscape—sweepstakes in iGaming.

As regulatory constraints continue to shape the real money gaming market, sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks have rapidly emerged as a dynamic alternative, leveraging innovative models to engage players legally and effectively.

Jeff breaks down the rapid rise of sweepstakes gaming, re...

In this episode of iGaming Daily, host Joe Streeter sits down with Cristina Turbatu, Chief Technology Officer at Casumo and Keith Cassar, CTO at Game Lounge, to discuss the upcoming AI and innovation workshop taking place at SBC Summit Malta. The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is being practically applied across the iGaming industry, from streamlining operations to enhancing player experiences.

Cristina and Keith emphasise the importance of training and upskilling as essential components of successful AI integration. They share insights on how tech teams can adapt to new tools and...

Monday at iGaming Daily kicks off with an episode from today's host Ivana Flynn, who is joined by SEO veterans Héctor Izurrategui, Technical SEO Manager at Evoke, and John Wright, Co-Founder of StatsDrone, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving world of Google penalties and search engine optimisation strategies within the iGaming industry.

The trio dives into firsthand experiences with both manual and algorithmic penalties, unpacking what these penalties mean, how they differ, and the nuanced signals that can lead to site demotions or deindexing. With Google’s algorithm updates becoming increasingly complex, the conversation sheds lig...

In Friday's episode of iGaming Daily, supported by Optimove, we dive into the controversy surrounding São Paulo's recent lottery bid and the now-infamous Aposta Vencedora consortium. After winning the bid to operate the state lottery, the group failed to meet crucial payment deadlines, throwing the entire process into disarray.

SBC Noticias' Fernando Noodt is joined by SBC Noticias Brasil's Ana Maria Menezes to examine what went wrong, from administrative oversights to deeper structural flaws in how the consortium was formed and approved.

The conversation also sheds light on the human cost of the debacle. D...

In this concluding episode of iGaming Daily’s deep dive into Eastern European markets, host Ted Menmuir is joined once again by Ilya Machavariani, Founder and CEO of 4H Agency, to explore the fast-evolving regulatory environment across the Balkans. 

With sweeping changes underway, the episode equips the SBC audience with practical insights and strategic guidance for navigating this multifaceted region. Ilya emphasises the importance of understanding local specificities, highlighting how cultural, historical, and linguistic overlaps contribute to both collaboration and complexity among countries like Serbia, Greece, and Romania.

Listeners will gain an on-the-ground view of the...

In this episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, host Joe Streeter sits down with Adam Perfect, Head of Commercial at the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), to explore the booming world of professional darts and its growing ties to the iGaming industry.

They dive into the success of the Premier League of Darts, the strategic role of betting brand partnerships, and how darts has evolved into a leading entertainment sport. Adam also shares insights on the marketing challenges of rising stars like Luke Littler, the impact of media rights and sponsorships, and the PDC's efforts...

On today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, our Editor-at-large and European sports betting expert, Ted Menmuir is in the host's chair, and he welcomes Ilya Machavariani, CEO of 4H Partners, for part one of a discussion on Eastern European iGaming.

Ilya gives a background on the founding of 4H Agency, and his background as a lawyer. Ilya tells Ted about how the legalisation in Ukraine spawned the idea for 4H Agency, a consultancy to advise betting companies and offer a broad range of services, which a large international law firm was not suited to.

Fernando Noodt steps back into the host's chair from last week's SBC Summit Americas for today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove.

And today's guest is none other than Optimove's very own Motti Colman, VP of Revenue. Motti joins to discuss the challenges faced by gaming operators, particularly in scaling their operations amidst competition and rapidly evolving regulatory environments.

Fer and Motti discuss the high competition, heavy regulation requiring businesses to walk a "very thin path," and lower margins operators face when trying to scale, the evolution of the competitive landscape makes it significantly...

On today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, we are live from Fort Lauderdale, Florida for SBC Summit Americas!

Fernando Noodt is in the host's chair, joined by La Jefa, Lucía Gando, and Ricardo Assis for a LatAm themed episode from the inaugural SBC Event combining the entire continent of the Americas. The team bring you all the updates from the conference rooms and the show floor, including: 

SBC Media's Editor-at-large Ted Menmuir is in the host's chair for today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, and he's joined by his namesake Ted Orme-Claye, and SBC Americas Senior Journalist Tom Nightingale.

With SBC Summit Americas in full swing, our team are still keeping you fully up to date with everything going on in the US industry, and today, we have a fascinating story from Texas to bring you up to speed on. Our panel's discussion centres on the Texas Lottery and the ongoing controversy surrounding third-party courier services. With a bill proposed to abolish...