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The Gambling Files

The Gambling Files

By: Jon Bruford & Fintan Costello
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The global gambling industry is fast moving and always changing, staying on top of things is hard for industry professionals. Join Jon Bruford (17 years covering the casino industry) and Fintan Costello (CEO at BonusFinder.com) each week as they discuss with leading international experts the latest issues within the gambling industry. If you want to stay up to date with the gambling industry and have a laugh along the way, then this is the show for you!TheGamblingFiles.com Economics Management Management & Leadership Politics & Government
Episodes
  • RTFM 268: Is 1XCARE the real deal? Simon Westbury says it is

    RTFM 268: Is 1XCARE the real deal? Simon Westbury says it is
    Jul 16 2026
    In another blockbuster episode of the gambling industry’s favourite podcast, Simon Westbury, Chair of 1XCare, discusses industry perceptions around 1XBET and the new project 1XCARE, regulatory challenges, player protection, and the future of responsible gambling initiatives. He shares insights on transparency, research, and collaborative efforts to improve industry standards. Yeah, we talk about a lot of stuff. No Fintan, sadly.What we discuss, in an easily-digestible list: Industry perception and misperceptions of 1X CareRegulatory evolution and licensing strategiesPlayer protection and safer gambling initiativesResearch and data in gambling harm preventionTransparency and accountability in industry practicesCollaborative efforts for industry improvementImpact of regulation on market expansionHolistic approaches to gambling addictionChoice quotes: "Industry wants to work with us and engage.""We need to win the conversation with society.""Gambling has an image problem that needs addressing."Chapters, but add 30 seconds maybe for the lovely music: 00:00 Introduction and Sponsorships09:12 1X Care and Addressing Misperceptions15:00 Player Protection and Industry Challenges22:06 Research and Polarization in Gambling Addiction28:01 Collaboration and Future Directions34:14 Understanding Regulatory Challenges in the Industry40:18 The Importance of Transparency and Accountability52:02 Addressing Gambling Addiction and Its Root Causes58:24 The Future of One X Care and Industry EngagementSimon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonwestbury/Resources & Links:As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support that makes all of this… magic… possible.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago.Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, no hang on World Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do.And the new-ish-est members of the family, the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class Testing, Inspections and Certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery, and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.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/3A57jkRSubscribe 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/
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • RTFM 267: Frank Op de Woerd talks Netherlands industry madness

    RTFM 267: Frank Op de Woerd talks Netherlands industry madness
    Jul 9 2026
    In this episode, Jon and Fintan are joined by the incomparable, inimitable Frank Op de Woerd to discuss the latest developments in Dutch gambling regulation, market challenges, and innovative marketing strategies. They also share insights on international trends, legal issues, and the future of online gambling. As ever, Frank is an absolute legend.What we talk about in a handy, concise list. Why not print it out, keep it in your pocket just in case?Dutch gambling regulation updatesMarket channelisation and illegal operatorsImpact of regulation on gambling addictionInnovative marketing and affiliate strategiesInternational trends in gambling legislationChoice quotes: "Wow, what a week at IGB London.""Mentally, the clarity from fat jabs is extraordinary.""Fifty percent of GGR goes to the illegal market."Chapters – but add a bit because of our beautiful theme music: 00:00 Introduction and Light Banter03:30 IGB London Experience06:16 Sponsorships and Marketing Solutions09:39 Introduction of Guest Frank op de Wood12:11 Discussion on Weight Loss Treatments and Experiences17:11 The State of Football in the Netherlands22:18 Gambling Regulations and Developments30:03 Challenges in Channelization and Market Dynamics35:29 Addressing Gambling Addiction and Support Systems40:53 Public Perception and Future of Online GamblingFrank on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankopdewoerd/Resources & Links:As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support that makes all of this… magic… possible.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago.Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, no hang on World Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do.And the new-ish-est members of the family, the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class Testing, Inspections and Certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery, and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.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/3A57jkRSubscribe 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/
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    51 mins
  • RTFM 266: The Future of Sports, Gambling, & Data-driven Predictions with Matt Bakowicz

    RTFM 266: The Future of Sports, Gambling, & Data-driven Predictions with Matt Bakowicz
    Jul 2 2026
    In this episode, we dive into the fascinating intersection of sports, gambling, and data science as Fintan and Jon are (re)joined by Matt Bakowicz of the brilliantly-named American University. Matt shares insights into how predictive models, AI, and statistical analysis are transforming the ways we understand and wager on sports, from horse racing to the World Cup and beyond. It meanders too, looking at how the World Cup has not succeeded quite so well in cities lacking a traditional tourism infrastructure, betting values on the British Open, and how to best get out of a bunker. A sandy, golfy bunker, obv. What we covered, but in a list: The role of AI and statistical models in sports betting and prediction marketsThe influence of crowd behavior and betting signals on golf and soccer outcomesThe economics of mega-events like the World Cup and Olympics, including infrastructure and profitabilityThe evolving landscape of sports betting regulation and the impact on bookmakersReal-world examples from horse racing, golf, and international tournamentsHow data-driven models shape athlete predictions and betting strategiesThe significance of international sports markets and their cultural influencesPractical insights for sports fans, bettors, and industry professionalsChapter list (but add a bit because of our sexy music)00:00 - Welcome and World Cup chaos 03:16 - Media wires, PR, and headline inflation 09:52 - GLI sponsorship and gaming compliance 11:37 - Introducing Matt Bakowicz 19:16 - Royal Ascot, Kentucky Derby, and AI models 23:30 - Allocating bankroll with two betting strategies 27:13 - AI vs AI in modern betting markets 30:50 - Teaching sports betting and gaming in university 42:30 - World Cup pricing, tourism, and host-city economics 50:47 - Why Americans are embracing the World Cup 57:40 - Penalties, shootouts, and the psychology of endings 62:56 - Futures markets and sportsbook risk 76:11 - The Open Championship and golf betting valueMatt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bakowicz-b016a738a/Resources & Links:As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support that makes all of this… magic… possible.Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago.Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, no hang on World Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do.And the new-ish-est members of the family, the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class Testing, Inspections and Certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery, and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.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/3A57jkRSubscribe 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/
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    1 hr and 31 mins
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