Business of Betting with Jason Trost

E235 - Steven Salz from Rivalry

On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason is joined by Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry, a Canadian company focused on serving a new generation of bettors with a mix of eSports, traditional sports, and gaming products.Hear them discuss:01:53 - Steven’s view on Canada’s current state, including challenges in healthcare and housing02:10 - The cost of living in Canada and its impact on citizens10:49 - Why Rivalry avoided an RTO and opted for a direct listing20:05 - The struggles of managing a public company on quarterly reporting cycles26:40 - Rivalry’s transformation to prioritize profitability and player KPIs30:30 - The benefits of using crypto as a payment processor in the gambling industry33:40 - How blockchain analysis tools help Rivalry ensure compliance with crypto transactions34:40 - Why fiat regulations make payment processing more frustrating than crypto28:40 - Rivalry's innovative approach to catering to a younger, internet-native demographic30:47 - The challenges and lessons of building Rivalry's tech from scratch⚡️ 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

E234 - Office Hours with Jason

On this episode of the Business of Betting Podcast, Jason hosts an office hours session to kick off 2025.Hear him discuss:03:40 - DraftKings’ latest attempt to monetize through subscription fees and his perspective on the move05:30 - Bet365’s impressive revenue growth and its controversial market practices08:50 - Reflections on the U.S. election results and expectations for Trump’s new administration14:30 - Jason's New Year’s resolutions, including healthier habits and reduced screen time16:30 - Predictions for the sports betting industry in 2025Tune in to hear Jason’s candid insights and plans for the year ahead!⚡️ 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

E233 - Adam Krejcik from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC

On 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

E232 - Nigel Eccles from BetHog

On 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

E231 - Jeff Ifrah from Ifrah Law

On 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

E230 - Rob Davies from PowerPlay

On 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

E229 - David Hill

On 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

E228 - Jeff Benson from Circa Sports

On 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

E227 - Liam Forde from The Zone

On 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

E226 - Sue Schneider from Defy the Odds

On 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.