We kick off with some kind of intro or other, Jon and Fintan talking about something probably [0:00 – 8:56], before meeting the latest author with a book up for the inaugural Gambling Book Awards.

We meet the lovely Connor Hutchinson, a writer whose first novel, Dead Lucky, has won many plaudits. It’s about a young man who works as a professional embalmer, and is also a gambling addict. Yes, you read that right and yes, it’s a very dark comedy. But Connor did his homework on addiction before starting the book, and that’s part of what makes it so interesting and so perfect for the Gambling Book Awards. So while it may be a very funny book, it also contains many raw elements and realities.

Our conversation also gets into grief and funerals, because well, embalming [8:57 – 1:01:13].

Connor Hutchinson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-hutchinson-347528167/

As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are the Santa Claus to our humble reindeer selves.

In no particular order they are: the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. No nosebags for these guys!

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. If Optimove were a reindeer, you know they’d be Rudolph.

Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do. And that’s why they’re Santa, and the industry is the grateful recipient of their mighty gifts.

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/3A57jkR

Subscribe 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...

We kick off with some fluff, nonsense and frippery from Fintan and Jon [0:00 – 10:42] before meeting our exalted guest. Now, apologies for a couple of things on this episode. Fintan’s mic goes weird (most noticeable on the intro), and our guest is a tiny bit quiet.

We discuss the evolving landscape of gambling compliance with James Killsby from Vixio Gambling Compliance, getting into the recent tax changes in the UK gambling industry, the implications for horse racing, the rise of the black market, and the challenges faced by suppliers in obtaining licenses. The conversation also touches on the fragmented nature of the US gambling market and the potential need for federal oversight to create a more cohesive regulatory environment. Finally, they explore the declining popularity of horse racing and the political dynamics that influence its future.

Choice quotes:

1. "It's a dark day for the UK industry."
2. "Horse racing is declining worldwide."
3. "Horse racing is the sport of kings."

James Kilsby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kilsby/

As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are the Santa Claus to our humble reindeer selves.

In no particular order they are: the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. No nosebags for these guys!

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. If Optimove were a reindeer, you know they’d be Rudolph.

Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do. And that’s why they’re Santa, and the industry is the grateful recipient of their mighty gifts.

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/3A57jkR

Subscribe 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:

You can consider this episode an early Christmas present from us. Seriously, it’s that good. I’m not kidding, listen to the whole thing, then you’ll know what Jon and Fintan are eulogising about in the intro [0:00 – 26:44]. And wait til you get to the DHL story! Mindblowing.

This episode’s guest is Keith O'Loughlin, a veteran of the gambling industry and author of a new book Eddie Jordan: Full Throttle. They explore the life lessons learned from Eddie Jordan's experiences, the impact of Keith's book and its charitable contributions, and insights into business and sponsorships. The conversation emphasises the importance of empathy, motivation, and the belief that one person can make a difference in the world.

Keith also explains the huge role Eddie played in former F1 world champion and all-round legend Michael Schumacher’s career, and regales us with some frankly wonderful stories from their friendship and business dealings – including the time they almost bought Playtech… [26:45 – 1:29:34]

Choice quotes:

• "What would Eddie Jordan do?"
• "It's a three-step plan."
• "He was a talent scout."
• "We cycled all over the world."
• "We were fucking doing it."
• "Eddie was the first person to give Michael Schumacher a drive."

Keith O’Loughlin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitholoughlin/

As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. They are truly the Eddie Jordan to our Michael Schumacher. No, hang on, that can’t be right.

In no particular order they are: the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time.

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, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do.

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/3A57jkR

Subscribe 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...