Oceania

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/

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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