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Business of Betting Podcast
E223 - Stuart Simms from FairPlay Sports Media
On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason is joined by Stuart Simms, the CEO of FairPlay Sports Media, recorded live at G2E in Las Vegas.
Hear them discuss:
01:10 - The strategic shift from OddsChecker to Fairplay Sports Media
04:10 - Stuart’s personal health journey and diagnosis with cancer
08:20 - The impact of diet on health and cancer treatment
12:00 - Key takeaways from G2E and networking insights
13:30 - The changes in OddsChecker’s business model
16:40 - Acquisition of Quarter4 and integrating AI for predictive models in sports betting
19:30 - How AI and real-time data impact tools like Bet Builder
22:00 - The challenges of balancing transparency for consumers and relationships with bookmakers
25:40 - The pricing margins in sports betting
30:10 - Consumer price sensitivity in sports betting
32:00 - The future of betting exchanges and the role of user experience in adoption
33:50 - U.S. market opportunities for data-driven tools in sports betting
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⚡️ Follow Jason on Twitter/X: https://x.com/jasontrost
⚡️ Apply to be a guest here: https://www.businessofbetting.com/guest
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This podcast is presented by Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry. Since 2012, Optimove has served iGaming Operators from startups to industry leaders. Today, 4 out of the Top 5 US Operators Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. iGaming operators know their growth journey begins and continues with Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry.
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233. E233 - Adam Krejcik from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC
31:45||Season 1, Ep. 233On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason is joined by Adam Krejcik, co-founder and partner at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming.Hear them discuss:00:50 - How Adam's company name creates lasting impressions03:20 - The services Eilers & Krejcik Gaming provides and their value to stakeholders07:16 - Adam’s background and his path into the gaming industry08:50 - The evolving culture of gaming and sports betting in California12:10 - Challenges and opportunities in regulating gaming in California15:00 - The proposition system in California and why sports betting legalization efforts have failed19:10 - A comparison of regulatory environments in California and Texas21:50 - The rise of sweepstakes gaming and its implications for the industry24:20 - Advice for entrepreneurs aiming to enter the U.S. sports betting market26:50 - The potential for disruption in the U.S. sports betting landscape29:00 - Adam’s reflections on the current market leaders and their growth trajectory⚡️ Follow BoB on Twitter/X⚡️ Watch BoB on Youtube⚡️ Follow Jason on Twitter/X⚡️ Apply to be a guest here---This podcast is presented by Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry. Since 2012, Optimove has served iGaming Operators from startups to industry leaders. Today, 4 out of the Top 5 US Operators Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. iGaming operators know their growth journey begins and continues with Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry.232. E232 - Nigel Eccles from BetHog
01:00:01||Season 1, Ep. 232On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason is joined by Nigel Eccles, founder of BetHog and co-founder of FanDuel.Hear them discuss:3:11 - Why the UK startup scene struggles to compete with the US.8:23 - Founding FanDuel and the challenges of building a billion-dollar company.14:27 - Why Nigel stayed in the US and the entrepreneurial energy it offers.21:00 - Raising massive funding rounds at FanDuel and what it taught him.38:50 - The FanDuel sale to Flutter and why it wasn’t a win for everyone involved.42:00 - Nigel’s journey after FanDuel, including launching various ventures before BetHog.47:20 - Reflections on working with a spouse and how it shaped FanDuel's growth.53:15 - Why BetHog is Nigel’s next big bet and how it’s making sports betting more social.⚡️ Follow BoB on Twitter/X⚡️ Watch BoB on Youtube⚡️ Follow Jason on Twitter/X⚡️ Apply to be a guest here---This podcast is presented by Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry. Since 2012, Optimove has served iGaming Operators from startups to industry leaders. Today, 4 out of the Top 5 US Operators Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. iGaming operators know their growth journey begins and continues with Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry.231. E231 - Jeff Ifrah from Ifrah Law
35:47||Season 1, Ep. 231On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason is joined by Jeff Ifrah, Founding & Managing Partner at Ifrah Law.Hear them discuss:01:30 - Jeff’s reaction to U.S. midterm results and their impact on sports betting.02:13 - Insights into New Jersey legislation and the issue of "skins."04:00 - Balancing political realities with free-market ideals in regulation.07:00 - Legal takes on sweepstakes models and their viability.09:20 - Why regulators are slow to act on sweepstakes issues.15:18 - Challenges for small operators in markets dominated by giants.18:40 - Comparing the U.K. gaming model to the U.S. system.21:00 - Polymarket and Kalshi: Contrasting legal paths for event markets.30:20 - The current state of using cryptocurrency in U.S. sports betting.⚡️ Follow BoB on Twitter/X⚡️ Watch BoB on Youtube⚡️ Follow Jason on Twitter/X⚡️ Apply to be a guest here---This podcast is presented by Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry. Since 2012, Optimove has served iGaming Operators from startups to industry leaders. Today, 4 out of the Top 5 US Operators Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. iGaming operators know their growth journey begins and continues with Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry.230. E230 - Rob Davies from PowerPlay
33:24||Season 1, Ep. 230On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason is joined by Rob Davies, COO of PowerPlay.Hear them discuss:01:00 - Rob’s unique background in philosophy and his PhD on religious toleration02:15 - Why Rob will always be a Bolton Wanderers fan, no matter what!03:00 - The importance of accepting fallibility in business and decision-making06:10 - How Rob transitioned from academia to the betting industry through William Hill08:40 - Rob and Jason laugh about always being surprised by the “butler” in mystery plots10:00 - How Rob’s perspective on the morality of gambling has changed over time13:47 - What is “palpable error,” and how PowerPlay handles it transparently15:22 - Jason tests Rob’s philosophy background with a counter-case on bet repricing ethics20:47 - Why not build PowerPlay on top of an exchange model? Rob shares his insights24:20 - Rob’s advice for startups: the importance of customer service and query resolution28:10 - The rise of offshore and crypto casinos and their impact on regulated operators32:18 - Rob’s reflections on his career and aspirations for the future⚡️ Follow BoB on Twitter/X⚡️ Watch BoB on Youtube⚡️ Follow Jason on Twitter/X⚡️ Apply to be a guest here---This podcast is presented by Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry. Since 2012, Optimove has served iGaming Operators from startups to industry leaders. Today, 4 out of the Top 5 US Operators Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. iGaming operators know their growth journey begins and continues with Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry.229. E229 - David Hill
43:50||Season 1, Ep. 229On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason is joined by writer, David Hill to discuss his Rolling Stone feature - "Is the $11 Billion Online Sportsbook Bubble About to Burst?"Hear them discuss: 00:51 - David's transition from a union organizer to becoming a writer and how it shaped his immersive storytelling approach.07:30 - David's upbringing in Hot Springs, Arkansas, a historic gambling hub, and its influence on his interest in gambling.09:00 - The morality of gambling, societal parallels with alcohol, and reflections on how gambling's perception has evolved.12:15 - The intertwining history of gambling and sports, including how gambling shaped early sports in America.15:10 - The industry's current technological challenges, perceived stagnation, and its pricing inefficiencies.20:30 - The debate around sports betting’s sustainability, public perception, and parallels with other industries.30:20 - The societal costs of gambling addiction and the industry's responsibility in addressing problem gambling.37:40 - Broader societal issues, including the impact of social media, and Jason's reflections on the parallels with sports betting.41:10 - What’s next for David Hill after this in-depth exploration of the gambling industry.Read David's Rolling Stone feature here - Is the $11 Billion Online Sportsbook Bubble About to Burst?⚡️ Follow BoB on Twitter/X⚡️ Watch BoB on Youtube⚡️ Follow Jason on Twitter/X⚡️ Apply to be a guest here---This podcast is presented by Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry. Since 2012, Optimove has served iGaming Operators from startups to industry leaders. Today, 4 out of the Top 5 US Operators Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. iGaming operators know their growth journey begins and continues with Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry.228. E228 - Jeff Benson from Circa Sports
29:34||Season 1, Ep. 228On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason is joined by Jeff Benson, Director of Operations at Circa Sports.Hear them discuss:02:10 - How Jeff got started in the sports betting industry03:30 - What brought Jeff to Circa Sports and his early impressions of the company06:40 - The growth strategy for Circa Sports and its approach to expansion08:05 - The unique aspects of Circa’s sportsbook operation model10:50 - How Circa approaches customer service and client relations12:35 - Circa’s philosophy on offering high betting limits and customer-friendly policies15:10 - The challenges of balancing profitability with bettor-friendly practices17:50 - Circa’s stance on responsible gambling and its approach to player protections21:00 - The impact of sports betting legislation on Circa’s business24:15 - Jeff’s perspective on the future of the sports betting industry and exchanges⚡️ Follow BoB on Twitter/X⚡️ Watch BoB on Youtube⚡️ Follow Jason on Twitter/X⚡️ Apply to be a guest here---This podcast is presented by Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry. Since 2012, Optimove has served iGaming Operators from startups to industry leaders. Today, 4 out of the Top 5 US Operators Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. iGaming operators know their growth journey begins and continues with Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry.227. E227 - Liam Forde from The Zone
39:08||Season 1, Ep. 227On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason is joined by his coach, Liam Forde, Founder and CEO of The Zone.Hear them discuss:03:00 - How Jason first met Liam and began coaching with him05:20 - Liam’s views on when strict coaching models may or may not work06:30 - How to motivate employees without anger, and why clarity and responsibility matter09:20 - How Jason’s coaching helped him shift from an “angry coach” approach11:00 - The concept of “flow” and why rest is crucial to reach a flow state12:20 - Why balance between work intensity and mental relaxation improves productivity14:40 - Jason’s shift in perspective on health and wellness after working with Liam20:10 - How Liam encouraged Jason to prioritize health through gentle accountability24:00 - Balancing the demands of being a CEO with family life, and the impact on productivity30:10 - Jason’s reflections on how being a CEO impacts his employees and their families33:30 - The “superpowers” and challenges different types of CEOs typically face36:00 - The ripple effects of a CEO’s energy and attitude on company culture⚡️ Follow BoB on Twitter/X⚡️ Watch BoB on Youtube⚡️ Follow Jason on Twitter/X⚡️ Apply to be a guest here---This podcast is presented by Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry. Since 2012, Optimove has served iGaming Operators from startups to industry leaders. Today, 4 out of the Top 5 US Operators Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. iGaming operators know their growth journey begins and continues with Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry.226. E226 - Sue Schneider from Defy the Odds
29:09||Season 1, Ep. 226On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason is joined by Sue Schneider, Co-Founder at Defy the Odds.Hear them discuss:03:15 - How Sue got started in the betting industry07:42 - The early days of online gaming and betting12:33 - Challenges Sue faced in building an industry presence16:50 - The evolution of regulatory frameworks in online gambling21:17 - Key milestones in the global expansion of sports betting27:20 - Sue’s role and experiences working at SBC29:30 - The role of technology in transforming betting experiences30:45 - Co-Founding Defy the Odds and setting its goals34:12 - Differences in gambling regulations across regions39:45 - Advice for those entering the gaming and betting industry today⚡️ Follow BoB on Twitter/X⚡️ Watch BoB on Youtube⚡️ Follow Jason on Twitter/X⚡️ Apply to be a guest here---This podcast is presented by Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry. Since 2012, Optimove has served iGaming Operators from startups to industry leaders. Today, 4 out of the Top 5 US Operators Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. iGaming operators know their growth journey begins and continues with Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry.225. E225 - Adam Small from Third Planet Affiliates
39:22||Season 1, Ep. 225On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason is joined by Adam Small, founder of Third Planet Affiliates.Hear them discuss:02:01 - Adam’s background and entry into the betting industry02:40 - Election mania and its impact on business sentiment03:24 - The role of affiliates in the betting industry04:23 - Industry insights and trends impacting affiliates13:44 - Reflecting on the affiliate sector's recent challenges14:31 - Examining examples of affiliate revenue "baskets"16:22 - Shifts in cost-per-click and SEO strategies17:40 - Adam's journey into the affiliate industry28:00 - Why Adam chose not to become a betting operator29:30 - The appeal and challenges of being an affiliate34:08 - The future of growth and potential reckoning in affiliates37:00 - What’s next for affiliate marketing in betting⚡️ Follow BoB on Twitter/X⚡️ Watch BoB on Youtube⚡️ Follow Jason on Twitter/X⚡️ Apply to be a guest here---This podcast is presented by Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry. Since 2012, Optimove has served iGaming Operators from startups to industry leaders. Today, 4 out of the Top 5 US Operators Personalize Player Experiences with Optimove. iGaming operators know their growth journey begins and continues with Optimove, the #1 CRM Marketing solution for the iGaming industry.