iGaming Daily

SBC Media
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Nov 24, 2025 • 24min

Ep 654: Evoke's 'Cold Hard Business' as William Hill Exits 13 Markets

In the latest episode of iGaming Daily, host Fernando Noodt is joined by Charlie Horner and Joe Streeter, to analyse William Hill's monumental decision to exit markets including Nigeria, Vietnam, and Bolivia, a move described as "cold hard business". Parent company Evoke is scaling down the UK's oldest gambling brand, choosing to focus Hills on its domestic presence. The trio discuss the reasons behind this shift, including navigating regulatory turbulence and political volatility in global markets, and how Evoke plans to leverage William Hill's strong UK retail portfolio (over 1,300 locations) while relying on the 888 and Mr. Green brands for international online expansion. Additionallly, the three explore whether prioritising the brick-and-mortar segment over international online growth marks a new chapter for the brand.To read more about what was discussed on today's episode, click on the following links:- https://sbcnews.co.uk/europe/2025/11/21/william-hill-13-exit/- https://igamingexpert.com/regions/asia/william-hill-africa-asia-exits/Host: Fernando NoodtGuests: Charlie Horner & Joe StreeterProducer: James RossEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.
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Nov 21, 2025 • 26min

Ep 653: Flutter’s Sky Bet Seeks Ultimate Tax Efficiency in Malta

In this episode of iGaming Daily, supported by Optimove, Charlie Horner, Ted Orme-Claye, and Joe Streeter, discuss Sky Bet’s decision to relocate key commercial and marketing decision-making roles from Leeds to Malta.The primary motivation is tax efficiency. The move is estimated to save Flutter tens of millions in tax. Independent estimates calculate corporation tax savings alone at approximately £31m, moving from the UK’s 25% rate to Malta’s 5% rate. Further savings of £15m to £20m annually may come from joining an EU VAT group.The timing of the announcement, just ahead of the Labour budget, has sparked controversy, fuelling trepidation about the UK economy among operators. Although the Leeds office remains open, the relocation of roles is seen as a setback for the northern tech hub. The practice of shifting domicile has received political scrutiny, including being raised at Prime Minister's Questions, where it was framed as a move to dodge tax. The trio question whether Sky Bet, a "very British institution" due to its EFL sponsorship and Sky Sports links, is simply late to adopt the low-tax jurisdiction model used by many major operators.To read more on the discussions had in today's episode, click on the following links: - https://sbcnews.co.uk/featurednews/2025/11/19/flutter-sky-bet-malta/- https://igamingexpert.com/features/flutter-sky-bet-uk-malta/Host: Charlie HornerGuests: Joe Streeter & Ted Orme-ClayeProducer: James RossEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.
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Nov 20, 2025 • 25min

Ep 652: FanDuel and DraftKings Divorce the AGA

In this engaging discussion, Jessica Welman, a managing editor and industry reporter, breaks down the split between FanDuel and DraftKings from the American Gaming Association. She highlights the operators' pursuit of prediction markets, emphasizing how this reflects deeper industry divides. Additionally, the podcast delves into Baltimore's lawsuit against the two companies for overzealous advertising practices, shedding light on the legal ramifications for the industry's future. Welman’s insights illuminate the evolving landscape of sports betting and consumer protection.
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Nov 19, 2025 • 28min

Ep 651: Could Slot Shock Lead to Last Call for Wetherspoon?

The latest episode of iGaming Daily, supported by Optimove, tackles the imminent UK autumn statement and the anticipated tax hike set to impact the gaming sector.Host Fernando Noodt welcomes iGaming Expert and SBC News's Senior Journalists Conor Porter and Viktor Kayed, to analyse the uncertainty surrounding the figures, noting that the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) proposed a jump in the Machine Gaming Duty (MGD) from 20% to potentially 50%. This potential hike has already sparked alarm across the gambling and hospitality industries. The experts discuss how chains like JD Wetherspoon warn that such a change could see their post-tax profits fall by almost 50%.The conversation delves into why evidence from firms like PWC, which suggests jurisdictions with online tax rates above 25% produce lower overall tax revenue, may be ignored by Treasury officials. The team also debates the industry’s campaign against the increases, focusing on warnings from the BGC about potential job losses and the growth of the unregulated black market if the licensed sector loses its competitive edge.Tune in to analyse the vulnerability of the UK market and discuss whether the industry can maintain a working relationship with the government beyond the budget statement on November 26th.Host: Fernando NoodtGuests: Conor Porter & Viktor KayedProducer: James RossEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.
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Nov 18, 2025 • 24min

Ep 650: Europe's Regulatory Reset – Italy's Tough New Fees and Romania's Age Debate

This episode of iGaming Daily explores why Europe is preparing to introduce stricter gambling regulations in 2025. Host Charlie Horner is joined by Ted Menmuir, SBC Media’s Editor-at-Large, and iGaming Expert's Editor, Joe Streeter, to unpack major regulatory shifts across two key markets: Italy and Romania.The team first examines Italy’s overhaul of its online gambling industry, driven by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. Central to the reform is a significantly higher entry barrier, with a new nine-year concession priced at €7 million, resulting in fewer available licences. Italy aims to streamline the sector, strengthen oversight, phase out the fragmented skins model, and position itself as Europe’s most secure and tightly regulated market. The episode also touches on new compliance requirements, including mandatory digital ID verification for player account registration.Attention then shifts to Romania, where the Liberal Party is pushing to increase the legal gambling age from 18 to 21. The guests debate whether this measure meaningfully enhances player protection, especially given the stark contrast between Romania’s relatively volatile regulatory landscape and Italy’s push for structured control.This episode is supported by Optimove, the creator of positionless marketing and the leading player engagement platform.Host: Charlie HornerGuests: Ted Menmuir & Joe StreeterProducer: James RossEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.
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14 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 29min

Ep 649: FanDuel, DraftKings & More Go All In on Prediction Markets

Tom Nightingale, a Senior Journalist at SBC Americas with deep insights into betting and regulatory affairs, joins to discuss the surge of prediction markets in the US gaming industry. He highlights how major players like FanDuel and DraftKings are pivoting to sports contracts as a strategic entry into new states, notably California and Texas. The conversation dives into the implications of this move, integrity risks amid recent scandals, and the contentious exit of big operators from Nevada. Will regulators challenge these giants or let the market thrive?
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Nov 14, 2025 • 25min

Ep 648: Flutter… Heavy Lies the Crown!

In today's episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, host Fernando Noodt, is joined by SBC's Editor-at-Large, Ted Menmuir, and SBC's Senior Journalist, Tom Nightingale, to break down the latest developments at Flutter Entertainment following its Q3 performance update.In this episode, we unpack how the global gambling giant absorbed a $500 million impairment linked to the closure of its Junglee business after unexpected regulatory changes in India. The team also explores the mixed signals coming from the US market: while FanDuel’s margins have been hit by unfavourable sports results, its iGaming division continues to surge, up 44% last quarter.The three also examine the mounting pressures on the PLC, including stagnant UK growth and rising group debt (now nearing £10 billion). Finally, we discuss Flutter and FanDuel’s bold move into sports contracts and prediction markets through the new Project Predict platform, an ambitious push to unlock opportunities in large, non-regulated US states such as California, Texas, and Florida.Tune in to find out whether Flutter’s operational strength can offset its growing financial and regulatory headwinds.
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Nov 13, 2025 • 26min

Ep 647: Another Betting Scandal: MLB’s Integrity Under Fire

In today’s episode of iGaming Daily, SBC Media Manager Fernando Noodt is joined by Tom Nightingale, Senior Journalist at SBC Americas and Canadian Gaming Business, as the duo discuss the latest U.S. sports betting scandal involving MLB players Clase and Ortiz, the growing integrity crisis in sports, and what it means for the future of regulated wagering.Tune in to today’s episode to find out:Who has been charged in the latest U.S. sports betting scandalHow the scheme operated and how much was fraudulently wonWhat potential jail time Clase and Ortiz could be facingHow the Cleveland Guardians, MLB, and DOJ have respondedWhether this marks a turning point for player prop bets and betting integrity in U.S. sportsTowards the end of today’s episode, we’re joined by SBC News Business Journalist Viktor Kayed, who joins us live from Gaming in Germany to share his key takeaways and the latest insights from the event.Host: Fernando NoodtGuest: Tom NightingaleProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: Anaya McDonaldLinks to relevant articles:https://sbcnews.co.uk/featurednews/2025/11/11/gaming-in-germany-2025/https://sbcnews.co.uk/marketing/2025/11/07/betting-ads-ban-australia/iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.
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Nov 12, 2025 • 20min

Ep 646: Australia at Breaking Point on Gambling Advertising

In today’s episode of iGaming Daily, SBC Media Manager Fernando Noodt is joined by SBC Editor-at-Large Ted Menmuir and SBC News Editor Ted Orme-Claye as the trio discuss Australia’s deepening crisis over gambling advertising and the political fallout facing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government. Tune in to today’s episode to find out:Where the Labor government truly stands on gambling reform and its unfulfilled election promises.Why Nine Entertainment is demanding government compensation over a potential ad ban.How the Murphy Report’s recommendations were sidelined and what that means for policy.Why gambling advertising has become a national flashpoint, dividing sports and media sectors.Whether Australia is heading toward a fragmented state-by-state regulatory future and what this means for 2026.Towards the end of today’s episode, we’re joined by SBC News Business Journalist Viktor Kayed, who joins us live from Gaming in Germany to share his key takeaways and the latest insights from the event.Host: Fernando NoodtGuests: Ted Menmuir & Ted Orme-ClayeProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: Anaya McDonaldLinks to relevant articles:https://sbcnews.co.uk/featurednews/2025/11/11/gaming-in-germany-2025/ https://sbcnews.co.uk/marketing/2025/11/07/betting-ads-ban-australia/iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.
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Nov 11, 2025 • 26min

Ep 645: Is Your Supply Chain Fine, or Fine Worthy?

Warren Russell, CEO of eyeDP, and Neal Luke, Principal Consultant at Luke ARC, dive into the crucial importance of supply chain due diligence in iGaming. They discuss regulatory and reputational risks posed by weak supplier checks, emphasizing that due diligence is as vital as customer KYC. The duo explores the UKGC's expectations for operators and how AI can enhance compliance processes by streamlining document reviews. Additionally, they highlight the need for a hybrid approach combining technology with human oversight to tackle complex cases effectively.

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