Right to the Source has welcomed its first guest in some time, with Dan Phillips, the CEO and Founder of NEL Advisory, joining hosts Robin Harrison and Ed Birkin ahead of iGB L!VE. The discussion focuses on product innovation and the ongoing debate surrounding the grey market.
Dan reflects on his beginnings as a dealer at a basement casino in Soho in 1996, offering insights on whether the industry has truly innovated over the decades. Ed argues that product changes, such as bet builders and prediction markets, are merely repackaging old ideas. He believes live casino offerings have been around for ages. Robin counters by suggesting that genuine innovation stems from iterative problem-solving instead of flashy product launches. Dan finds a middle ground, suggesting that the industry excels at blending existing concepts rather than generating entirely new ones. He emphasizes that once something exists, it cannot be uninvented, so adapting to it is the sensible path.
The trio finds common ground regarding the role of AI, with Dan asserting that its true potential lies in personalization, beyond simple recommendations similar to those made by Amazon. Ed concurs, noting that while the industry has discussed personalization for 15 years, it has yet to see substantial implementation.
As for the grey market debate, a question arises: do operators who started in unregulated markets deserve acknowledgment for eventually transitioning to legality? Each participant holds differing views on this topic, and the discussion reveals a lack of complete agreement among them.
Looking towards iGB L!VE, the Open Space session is set to take place on Wednesday, 1 July, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the South Gallery at ExCeL London. This session, which is part of iGB Executive, will gather operators, suppliers, and product leaders in a format designed to facilitate open conversation rather than standard panel discussions. With around 70 attendees signed up, discussions will be guided by Dan moving between breakout tables. In a pre-session survey, 36% expressed interest in AI, 12% in customer engagement and retention, and 11% in payments. This session aims to foster exchanges that typically do not occur in panel settings, featuring live voting and idea sharing.
The hosts of Right to the Source will also participate in various panels at iGB L!VE. Ed will be on the taxation and channelization panel at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 1 July, during the Africa Summit, and on a prediction markets and World Cup panel at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, 2 July. Robin will be hosting a fireside chat at the Startup Accelerator on 30 June and serving as MC for the Africa Summit on 1 July. Attendees are encouraged to greet the hosts if they see them at the event.
