Show Notes from Knup Sports Show

Show #161 – Rory Credland of iGamingNEXT on the Knup Sports Show

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Rory Credland of iGamingNEXT joins the Knup Sports Show to talk about the NYC 2022 event taking place May 12-13.

Rory Credland of iGamingNEXT joins the Knup Sports Show to talk about the NYC 2022 event taking place May 12-13.

Ryan Knuppel

Hey, what’s going on, everybody. How you’re doing today? My name’s

Ryan Knuppel

Welcome to the Knup Sports Show, episode 161. Man, we are moving up there in shows. We really appreciate you tuning in and giving support to this show. We have a lot of fun. As you know, we like to talk to people in the gaming, sports business, igaming, sports betting, that world. We love to talk to leaders, influencers, people that are making a difference in that space. And today we have another guest that I think you’re going to love to hear from and I’m excited to dive in, to hear a little bit about this guest, hear a lot about the event they have coming up and kind of go from there.

Ryan Knuppel

Hey, if you do have questions, put them in the comments. We will address them later. We can come back and take a look at those. But thank you so much for tuning in. Without further ado, I’m going to bring on our guest. Today we have

Rory Credland

of iGamingNEXT with us.

Ryan Knuppel

Rory, thanks for joining me.

Rory Credland

Pleasure to be here. Pleasure to be here. Thanks for having me.

Ryan Knuppel

Yeah, I’m surprised we haven’t had you on in the past because Rory, you’re quite a veteran to this industry. I know you’ve been doing things here. So first of all, give us a little bit of your background and kind of what led you to iGaming NEXT?

Rory Credland

Veteran is probably the right word actually. I’ve been there in the industry for quite some time. I feel quite old when I look at the young people walking around ice nowadays who’ve got a million dollar suits on their back. But look, I literally fell into it. I was in the financial industry before, a company called CompliNet which looked at regulatory compliance for the financial industry. And one of the founders there set up a company you might want to know is Gambling Compliance. I think now called VIXIO Compliance.

Rory Credland

He asked me to come over there and I sort fell into the game industry really, organizing their events. Unfortunately, recession hits. So was made redundant quite quickly after that. But then, yeah, long story short, started my own business and then got my main stimulus probably at Clarion where I learned most of my trade, where I am in terms of my experience today. So going through the conference production route to then director route, and yeah. And then my now time is at iGaming NEXT which I’m thoroughly enjoying.

Ryan Knuppel

That’s awesome. That’s an amazing journey. And a lot of really cool experiences there. And as you alluded to, you spent a lot of time in the event space and with companies that have been doing great things in the event space. And as you know, we really feature things that are happening in the US. I mean, not that I’m biased to the US, but I live here and that’s what we really focus on, a lot of things that are happening. And with sports betting really emerging here in the United States, there’s been events popping up and things happening. And iGaming NEXT is putting on event as well. And we’ll talk a little bit about that specific event here in the future, but first of all, give me a little, like a high level. Because iGaming NEXT is a … I think of it as a fairly new company. Is that correct? Is it a newer company?

Rory Credland

Yeah, that’s a fair statement. I think we were born, probably one of the first companies to be born. It was an event in the gambling space to be born out of the pandemic really I’d say. Pierre and Martin who set up the company did very good things probably about two months prior to the pandemic hitting. And then obviously everything just went to zero. So they sort of reinvented themselves with a couple of podcasts, which Pierre is incidentally is doing is 100th podcast very soon. So 161 is quite an achievement for you guys as well.

Ryan Knuppel

Of course. I better speed up.

Rory Credland

So he’s catching up. So yeah, and then, as the pandemic slowly subsided, he brought a number of people on including myself, and we’ve now decided to launch a number of sort of live, in-person and show. So yeah, we’re relatively young, I suppose, in events experience, but hopefully with the people we get on board, we hope to project ourselves quite quickly into the future, so.

Ryan Knuppel

Yeah. Yeah, that’s-

Rory Credland

It’s a fun company, sorry, to work for. It’s very young and growing. So it’s what I love doing.

Ryan Knuppel

Where are you based out yourself and the company itself? Where are you based out?

Rory Credland

So the headquarter’s based out in Malta. We’re fully remote actually. So we have people in Bulgaria, Sweden, UK, Malta obviously, and Denmark as well was one of our former employees was based. So within about two or three hours of Malta, we are fully remote in that sort of sense. Yeah, it’s been good to adapt. Interesting getting used to. But it actually works weirdly better in some sort of ways. Although we still like that connectivity and that interaction, so we do occasionally meet up.

Ryan Knuppel

Well, that’s amazing. That’s cool. I got to sit down with Pierre at one of the last events that we were at, I believe was an SBC event or something, and got to sit down and talk him. And he’s like, “Hey, I’m going to do this event in New York City. What do you think?” And I’m like, “Heck yeah. That sounds awesome. That sounds great.” And so here, you guys are. You’re only what now, less than a month away from iGaming NEXT, New York City, 2022. We’re media partners of yours. We’re excited to help you guys grow this. We’re excited to attend it and be a part of it.

Ryan Knuppel

Give us a little bit of information about this event. I’m going to pull it up next to us here, but just give us the rundown of what iGaming NEXT 2022 in New York City is going to be like.

Rory Credland

Yeah. So look, I’ve always been interested in the US space. I think it’s always a market that has always been on the brink of something big and massive. So when it finally exploded a couple of years back, it was one of those events I suppose, or certainly subject matters that we wanted to look at. And coming on board with Pierre, we sort of talked about it. The iGaming NEXT, I suppose, database is very much igaming-focused, but also investment-focused. We get a lot of investors from the Scandinavian region supporting what we do.

Rory Credland

So we thought it would be quite smart to bring those or marry those two industries together. And we recognize obviously with the amount of M&A activities that’s taking place over in the US at the moment, which is just crazy. Every day you see more and more, more and more multiples of multiples taking place. We thought it’d be quite a good idea to host something in the heart of Manhattan because we think that’s where actually the investment sector is. And also the igaming sector, although being in New Jersey where a lot of them are based, we thought it’d be quite a good opportunity to bring these people all together and connect and mingle and hopefully facilitate more mergers and acquisitions and connections as the event’s going on.

Ryan Knuppel

So it’s May 12th, May 13th coming up less than a month away. I think you’ve kind of alluded to this just through your comments there that you talked to, but some people ask, “Oh man, another event.” What’s the difference between iGaming NEXT and maybe some of the other events? I mean, what either angle or what’s really the difference between this one and some others?

Rory Credland

Well, I think what differentiates iGaming NEXT from a lot of our other parties in the industry is that we are very content-heavy, we’re very focused on the content educational part, if you like, and we’ve sort brought that to New York as well. It’s a two-day event, very much talking about for leadership and sort of the future of igaming and sports betting and indeed the metaverse as well, because we think that’s another third angle that we want to sort of bring and introduce to the industry. But we’re asserting a lot of discussion and debate, I suppose, around the angle of what’s happening in the US, not so much focused on the exhibition side, because we feel that the networking and content is enough as it is to facilitate all that. So that’s our main differentiator.

Rory Credland

And I suppose the second one is that we do have quite a large following on the investment side. So bringing those two industries really close together to meet in person. Yes, they probably do it traditionally at other events, but there’s no dedicated event that I suppose focuses on the igaming and investment and sports betting sector or under one roof all in one place.

Ryan Knuppel

Very cool. And as we scroll down through the list of speakers here, the list of names and people, I mean, it’s like a who’s who of this industry, Rory. I mean, you guys did a great job lining up speakers and talent, and just people that really understand this space. We’ve had several of them on our show. We’re very connected with a lot of these people already and we know they know their stuff. So props on that. I’m excited to see where this leads. Good job with that speaker line-up.

Rory Credland

If you asked me three months ago, I would’ve been … If we had this discussion three months ago, it’d be a different story, but it’s … I don’t confess to know everything. I rely on a lot of people in the industry to help talk about and facilitate those introductions. So this is much more an event put on by the industry as well as ourselves. I think we’ve even talked about some speaker suggestions.

Rory Credland

So I think, collectively we work together and we pride ourselves on bringing the best of the best, it was not necessarily the most famous, but certainly we’d rather those people who are knowledgeable in their field to be able to talk about what’s happening. And we’ve got quite a broad spectrum of content that we’re covering from SPACs that some people say is probably outdone itself, but actually had a bit of resurgence recently, M&A, obviously, looking at the affiliate side of things, blockchain responsible gaming, which is a very important aspect that suddenly comes to the forefront in the US.

Rory Credland

So it’s been very hard to actually put 35 minute slots in because we could be doing probably a four-day event with the amount of speakers, quality line of speakers that we’ve got. And I’m very grateful for everyone who’s committed themselves, and it bodes well for next year.

Ryan Knuppel

Exactly. That’s what I was going to say. Hey, you start with two days this year, go with two days next year, and then all of a sudden you got a full day.

Rory Credland

Oh, look, this gray beard, these gray hairs, it’s two days worth-

Ryan Knuppel

Oh, that’s how I feel as well, the same way, the same way. When I think of events and maybe this is just me being a social butterfly, I love to talk and connect and be around people. When I think of events, I think of hand in hand, oh, what are the activities and the social events that go along with it? Do you guys have anything planned as far as networking events or social pieces that go along with it?

Rory Credland

Yeah. I think if anything, that’s probably up there is one of the most important opportunities for people to meet. Yes, there’s that opportunity on the show itself. But they’re there to learn content and actually listen to the speakers we’ve got on board. So you want to also be able to facilitate some sort of networking around the show. We very much want to make sure that the peripheral events, as we call them are just as good as the content itself.

Rory Credland

So we do have Yankee Stadium booked, which is invite-only session, but we do have that booked, which is very exciting to bring some people together. We also got our pre-reg, and then on each day we’ve got something going on in the evening for our attendees to connect and network. And they’re pretty much taking place straight after the event, because we recognize New York’s very much a buzzing city and we don’t want to keep people too much away from the lovely steaks that probably get delivered in Benjamin’s I imagine every night.

Rory Credland

So yes, we are there to facilitate that and what we can do, we will put on as much as possible. So we’ve got amazing team behind us in the ops team and everyone, and we’re actually going to be splattered all around New York, trying to help network and facilitate everyone to connect with the right people.

Ryan Knuppel

That’s awesome. Well, I can’t imagine anybody listening to this show has not already signed up for this. I can’t imagine because most people that I’ve talked to in the industry are, “Oh yeah, I’m going. Are you going? Are you going?” And so there’s a lot of buzz. A lot of people have signed up. But in that rare occasion that somebody hasn’t signed up already, igamingnext.com is where they go to get a ticket. Is that the easiest way to sign up?

Rory Credland

Yeah, that’s exactly it, igamingnext.com. You’ll be able to look and we’ve highlighted the New York show on there, prime and center piece on the website. I must stress that we’re doing it with a lot of partners such as yourselves. We’ve got Morgan Stanley, got Spectrum Gaming Capital, so that there’s a lot of people there and around that are helping support this show. So they’ll be sending emails out as well. So yeah, that’s ultimately the best place or DME me on LinkedIn or something like that.

Ryan Knuppel

Yeah, absolutely. How do they DM you, LinkedIn? Where is your best channel?

Rory Credland

LinkedIn. And if they have my number, call me.

Ryan Knuppel

Oh, there you go.

Rory Credland

But yes, no-

Ryan Knuppel

It’s private for now but … That’s awesome.

Rory Credland

I’m not going to give my number out just yet, so.

Ryan Knuppel

Not on the show. Okay. No. We’ll put those links to sign up. We’ll put those in the show notes. And of course, on any of our media sites that we have out there. We have banners and links and all the above out there to sign up as well.

Ryan Knuppel

That’s exciting, Rory. I’m really excited for this event. I think it’s going to be awesome. I think it’s really cool what you guys are doing and to see the growth that you guys have had from kind of startup over COVID now to now, I’m really excited to see what you guys head in the future.

Rory Credland

We’re very much excited about it and we are already planning 2023. So that bodes really well for us. And I’m looking forward to seeing you on your session as well, which you succumbed to saying yes to. So I think your brother, actually, talked you in, didn’t he?

Ryan Knuppel

Absolutely. I was going to say my brother gets the honor of moderating a panel, but I’m still hopeful I can be there. I got some family things I’m dealing with, but I am hoping I can get there. Regardless, he’ll be there supporting it and representing our company. And I know he’s moderating a panel for you guys, so for me-

Rory Credland

Yeah, exactly. So we look forward to all that. And look, if you can make it, we would love to have you there and showcase for everybody.

Ryan Knuppel

Hey, tell us a little bit about, just real quickly, a little bit about, and you may not know but about the future. I mean, you already said looking forward to 2023. I mean, is this just going to be an annual New York-based event, or are you looking to possibly expand in the United States?

Rory Credland

Yeah, look, I think the question is yes, we are looking to expand, I think. As on where that is, we don’t know yet, but we’re very much focused on the organic growth. We don’t want to just put on an event for the sake of putting it on. We’ll put it on if the customer or if the industry would like us to put it on. But we are constantly doing our research. We’re definitely obviously doing New York next year. There are obviously other areas that we’re looking at in the US that may facilitate a next working event. So we can build up through that way. And there’s various other events around the US that we might want to sort of have our own presence at as well. So we’re talking to a number of parties. Florida might be one of them, so-

Ryan Knuppel

I mean I’ve heard Orlando is a decent area to have an event. Just saying. I’ve heard it’s a decent place-

Rory Credland

You never know. You never know. If some of us had our way in our organization, we might be partying it all over the place, but-

Ryan Knuppel

It’d be a little warmer as well.

Rory Credland

Yeah. Yeah, exactly. The pre-reg, we do a pre-reg weekend.

Ryan Knuppel

I’m wearing my Bets Florida shirt today. So I’m hopefully that we can get betting in Florida legalized here sooner than later.

Rory Credland

Yeah. I mean, look, wherever it takes us. But we’re very interested in the market with, like I said before, it’s an upcoming market. Obviously you guys doing a lot over there. I think we originally talked. We actually originally met when you hosted a gathering in Florida. I think that’s where I first came across your name. That’s where we first touched base. So there’s obviously, where those things happen, we will look at it. But yeah, we’re planning a few things, but at the moment we just focus on getting New York out of the way and next year … I love your enthusiasm though. It’s good. It’s good.

Ryan Knuppel

Awesome. Awesome. Cool. Well, Rory, I’m going to let you go. I know you’re a busy guy. You got to get out there playing, get going. But any last words, anything that we maybe missed to chat about? Anything else you want to say?

Rory Credland

No. Look, I think we covered most of it. Look, we’re excited to host this event. I think it’s hopefully be one that’s going to be around for many years to come. And we look forward to seeing both yourselves or your brother, if you can’t make it. But yourselves and other industry peers there, and I think it’s going to be excited time. So now it’s the final stretch to get there. And we’re like one of those swans above water where it’s all fine above water, but we’re panicking below. But no, we’re all good. I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s all going good.

Ryan Knuppel

Awesome. Well, I wish you the best of luck. I really appreciate your time here today. This is a great, great chat. And I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the event. So thanks-

Rory Credland

Thanks buddy-

Ryan Knuppel

[crosstalk 001633], and anything I can do to help you, definitely-

Rory Credland

You’ve done plenty. You’ve done enough. Thanks.

Ryan Knuppel

All right my friend, we’ll talk to you soon.

Rory Credland

Cheers, man.

Ryan Knuppel

Thank you. Bye-bye.

Rory Credland

Take care. Bye.

Ryan Knuppel

Hey, that was Roy Credland of iGaming NEXT, episode 161 in the books. Hey, iGaming NEXT, New York City, 2022, May 12th and 13th. Sign up links will be on this post. We’ll have a show notes post that you guys can sign up for, or go out to igamingnext.com. Really appreciate you guys tuning in, giving us support, listening to Rory. If you have any messages for him, make sure to DM him. If you can’t get ahold of him, I’m

Ryan Knuppel

or @knupp out on all the channels. You can find us out there as well. So until next time, stay safe. I hope to see you at iGaming NEXT 2022. Take care, everybody. Bye-bye.

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  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanknuppel
  • Email: ryan@knupsolutions.com

 

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