It's been a banging first day at ICE 2024; the place is absolutely heaving, ExCeL is buzzing and if you're not here, why not? We're doing an episode a day in theory, as our benevolent wonders Clarion Gaming kindly found us a room to record in. So, the intro is Fintan and Jon talking about stuff including Optimove, the other wonder sponsor, as the room is very close to their stand (which is at the entrance to N5, you can't miss it, go and mention the podcast for an amazon voucher. But also, get a demo. You will not regret it.) [0:00 - 11:17]. First guest is Jon's friend Reda Seiliute, to talk about how people use ICE in different ways; Reda is looking for her next project in gaming, so is here for the networking and is pounding the floor in sensible shoes [11:18 - 23:11]. Next up is Stuart Simms of Fair Play Sports Media, talking about their growing presence in the gambling industry and the world of Oddschecker, among their many brands. It's a many-tailed conversation that occasionally rambles, in a good way [23:12 - 51:19]. Finally, we are graced by the magnificent combination of Mark Flores-Martin and Adam Davis of XGENIA. These guys are part of a team creating AI software so that the end user can customise their own slots for the ultimate in personalisation. The conversation takes in the need for AI regulation, and what the gambling industry should bear in mind on this path. It brings up some hard subjects (that's what she said). Also, is the CMO role really dying out? [51:20 - 1:25:07] This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome. More tomorrow!

Jon and Fintan are joined in a star-studded intro this episode – it’s a bit like guest stars coming on Kojak, I suppose, or one of those Agatha Christie movies from the 1970s where it’s got all the big names in – as they’re joined by two of podcast sponsor Clarion’s top cheeses. Sadie Walters is the genius behind ICE Vox, and Andy Ventris is ICE Event Director. They discuss whether books are available outside London, how keeping a good work-life balance results in a healthy head of hair, and more! Not least the highlights you can expect to see in London next week at ICE [0:00 – 28:31]. Then Jon is joined by the brilliant Howard Stutz, a long-time reporter covering the Las Vegas beat, Now with The Nevada Independent, who comes to discuss the evolution of gambling in the US and the transformation of Las Vegas. He shares his background in reporting and covers the expansion of gambling beyond Nevada, including the growth of tribal casinos and the legalization of sports betting. The conversation also explores the changing perception of gambling and the challenges faced by the industry. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of Las Vegas and the potential for new developments and events [28:32 – 1:26: 00]. This podcast is presented by Optimove, which is used by 56% of the EGR Power50 to personalize player experiences. Visit Optimove here for more info, not least because it helps to support independent podcasts like ours. Go on, click it! Find out! It’s awesome.