This week, Right to the Source welcomes Dan Phillips, CEO and Founder of NEL Advisory, as he joins hosts Robin Harrison and Ed Birkin ahead of iGB L!VE to discuss product innovation and the ongoing grey market debate.
Dan reflects on his early days as a dealer in a basement casino in Soho in 1996, offering a seasoned view on whether the gaming industry has truly innovated over the years. Ed argues against the notion of substantial innovation, claiming that bet builders and prediction markets are merely rehashed concepts, while live casino offerings are not new. In contrast, Robin posits that true innovation stems from iterative problem-solving rather than flashy product launches. Dan finds a middle ground, suggesting that while the industry excels at merging existing ideas, genuine originality remains elusive.
Regarding AI, Dan expresses that its potential lies in true personalization rather than generic recommendations, a sentiment echoed by Ed, who notes that the industry has discussed personalizing experiences for 15 years without meaningful progress.
The trio also tackles the grey market debate, pondering whether operators from unregulated markets deserve recognition for transitioning to legal practices. Each host has a distinct viewpoint, with no consensus reached.
Looking forward to iGB L!VE, the Open Space session will take place on Wednesday, July 1, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM at ExCeL London, focusing on informal, audience-led discussions under Chatham House rules. Dan will facilitate the session, encouraging dialogue among approximately 70 attendees. Ahead of the meeting, 36% expressed interest in discussing AI, 12% in customer engagement and retention, and 11% in payments. The goal, as Dan notes, is to foster conversations that typically do not occur in standard panels.
Ed is scheduled to participate in the taxation and channelisation panel at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, and will appear on the prediction markets and World Cup panel on Thursday, July 2. Robin will be hosting a fireside chat at the Startup Accelerator on June 30 and will act as MC for the Africa Summit on July 1. Attendees are encouraged to approach them for conversation. Previous episodes can be revisited through the Right to the Source series.
