Advertise on podcast: Martin Lycka's Safe Bet Show

In this episode of Martin Lycka’s Safe Bet Show, Martin is joined by Dr Mary Donohue, CEO of the Digital Wellness Center, for a powerful conversation on how neuroscience, technology, and behavioural science can reshape the future of responsible gambling. Dr Donohue shares the personal story behind founding the Digital Wellness Center after surviving a life-threatening illness caused by stress, and explains how that experience led her to develop digital tools that can reduce stress in under three minutes. The discussion explores how mood management affects player decision-making, why proactive mental health support is critical in gambling environments, and how technology — including AI and behavioural data — can help prevent harm before it happens. The conversation also covers Dr Donohue’s work with casinos, healthcare providers, and major platforms, her educational partnership with TikTok, and why responsible gambling needs to be treated as a core business strategy rather than a PR exercise. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why stress and mood have a direct impact on gambling behaviourHow the Digital Wellness Center uses neuroscience to reduce stress in minutesWhat proactive responsible gambling actually looks like in practiceWhy AI and “human touch” must work together in player protectionHow technology could predict and prevent harmful gambling behaviourWhy responsible gambling must evolve beyond compliance and PR #ResponsibleGambling #iGaming #MentalHealth #AI #GamblingIndustry #PlayerProtection #Wellbeing

Marlene Warner, CEO of the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, joins the show to discuss her career path, responsible gaming (RG) advocacy, and crucial industry issues. Warner holds a BA in sociology and an MA in women's studies/communications, grounding her approach in studying people, using data, and advocating for underserved populations.  In a timely update, she reveals she is currently pulling papers to run for City Councillor in her ward, following previous roles as student senate president. Key Discussion Highlights: • Career Recognition• Council Name Change• GameSense• National Helpline Barrier• RG in America• Industry Standards Warner concludes by stressing that putting the right safeguards in place does not hurt business, and encourages everyone to promote the helpline and eliminate barriers

Welcome to an improvised episode of the Safe Bet Show, where host Martin Lycka welcomes SBC Leaders Magazine Editor, Steve Hoare. The discussion centres on the SBC Player Protection Hub, which Steve is also Editor of. The Hub is positioned as a, "one-stop shop" for responsible gaming resources, offering news feeds from across the SBC universe and a research hub dedicated to collecting RG studies. Crucially, the site is members-only, aiming to be a necessary "safe space" where people can talk about player protection issues and share personal stories without fear of exposure. Martin and Steve discuss the immense power of "lived experience" stories. They highlight how these human and humane narratives, such as a story about a girl who used gambling to "turn off the noise", or the painful recollection of a Seahawks fan who lost his family’s money betting on the Super Bowl, provide critical perspective for the industry. The conversation then shifts to Martin’s career, tracing his time at BetFair starting in 2009. This period coincided with the genesis of regulated markets in Europe (Italy, France, Spain). They analyse the failure of the dream of European harmonisation and contrast it with the rise of the US state-by-state regulation, which some prominent lobbyists initially dismissed as "madness".  Martin also shares his experience living through major industry mergers, including the BetFair/Paddy Power union (Flutter) and GVC/Ladbrooks Coral (Entain).

In this episode of Martin Lycka’s Safe Bet Show, Martin sits down with Leonardo Baptista, CEO of Pay4Fun, to explore the evolution of Brazil’s gaming and payments industry. Leonard shares his journey from his early days at Bat Motion in 2004 to founding Pay4Fun in 2017. The discussion covers Pay4Fun’s unique positioning in the market, thanks to its regulatory expertise, advanced API solutions, and deep understanding of local needs, as well as the complex path toward a regulated gambling framework in Brazil. The conversation also dives into how Pay4Fun is helping to combat illegal gambling through KYC, transaction monitoring, and close collaboration with regulators.  Leonardo highlights the importance of responsible gaming, detailing initiatives like deposit limits and financial monitoring, alongside Pay4Fun’s charity work. 

In the latest episode of the Safe Bet Show, Martin Lycka is joined by Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), who returns to the show after four years to share invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of gambling and gaming.  Grainne discusses how the UK gambling industry has become "bigger, better, more responsible, and more responsive," representing over 90% of the regulated market—including local betting shops, iconic land-based casinos, online bingo operators, and major global brands.  Learn about Grainne's personal connection to gambling through family traditions like the Grand National sweepstakes and her enjoyment of horse racing, political betting, blackjack, and online roulette—showcasing the diversity of the BGC’s membership and services. In addition, Grainne reveals the BGC's ongoing mission to modernise UK casinos, enforce the Gambling Act Review White Paper reforms, and address challenges like the new tax consultation from the UK Treasury that could unintentionally drive players to the dangerous black market.  With £4bn already staked on unregulated sites by 1.5 million Brits, the BGC’s fight against this threat includes launching global roundtables and advocating for smart, "frictionless" affordability checks that protect consumers without pushing them offshore.

🎙️ In this episode of Martin Lycka's Safe Bet Show, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Shatley, Executive Director of Roga (Responsible Online Gaming Association), for a conversation on the future of responsible gaming. With a unique academic background—especially her communications degree rooted in research and statistics—Dr. Shatley brings a data-driven mindset to her work. She reflects on her tenure at Caesars, where she led initiatives like Responsible Gaming training and the creation of the Responsible Gaming Ambassador role. 🌍 Dr. Shatley also shares global insights from her consulting work, particularly in Japan, emphasising the need for culturally sensitive and targeted responsible gaming programs. She explains why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work, highlighting the importance of tailoring messaging to resonate with different demographics and cultural values. Throughout the discussion, she underscores the central role of research—emphasising the need for actionable insights that translate into real-world, adaptable policy solutions.  🧠 As the head of Roga—formed by eight major US gaming operators representing 90% of the market—Dr. Shatley outlines the organisation’s five-pillar mission: actionable research, best practices, education (including the “Know Your Play” campaign), a national data clearinghouse, and a certification program to set industry standards. Looking ahead, she shares Roga’s vision to integrate responsible gaming across the entire player journey, shift the narrative from problem gambling to player well-being, and use shared data to drive personalisation and prevention.

In the latest episode of Martin Lycka's Safe Bet Show, Martin chats with Monica Shafaq, CEO of Gordon Moody, delving into her extensive charity sector background spanning housing and mental health. Monica shares her journey, including her 14-year tenure as CEO of Kaleidoscope Plus Group, a mental health support organisation.  A crucial part of the conversation explores the significant interplay between mental health and problem gambling, with Monica highlighting that over 70% of Gordon Moody's clients have a diagnosed mental health condition. As a mental health first aid instructor, she also shares key skills for providing initial support. Beyond the charity sector, Monica discusses her allegiance to Wolverhampton Wanderers and her passionate involvement in football governance, driven by a desire to destigmatise mental health in sports and champion equality and diversity. Monica also outlines exciting future plans for Gordon Moody, including increased social media presence, service diversification, and international expansion.

Join Martin Lycka on another episode of his Safe Bet Show as he welcomes Simon Vincze, Head of Sustainable and Safe Gambling at Casino Guru.  In this insightful conversation, Simon shares his experiences growing up in the post-Czechoslovak environment, reflecting on the unique dynamic between Czechs and Slovaks and his personal connection to both cultures. He provides an in-depth look into Casino Guru's mission to offer reliable information about online casinos, explaining their rigorous process for establishing the safety index and their efforts to act as a "Wikipedia for online casinos". Simon delves into the crucial topic of responsible gambling, sharing his thoughts on player education and the need for gambling companies to bring their players "out of the shadow". He also discusses his spearheaded project to develop universal recommendations for online self-exclusion practices.Beyond his professional life, Simon reflects on how fatherhood influences his career and travel.

In this episode of the Safe Bet Show, Martin Lycka is joined by Sarah Ramanauskas, Co-Founder and CEO of the The Game Safety Institute, to discuss her early life and career, experiences at Betfair and William Hill and the evolution of online gambling. Sarah shares her insights on why safer gambling starts with respect, the evolution of customer behaviour and the importance of community support through initiatives such as Bet No More. Also on the agenda is the role of Gambling Integrity in promoting safer gambling practices, the unique challenges posed by the US gaming industry and why there needs to be a shift in focus from individual responsibility to product safety.

In this episode of the Safe Bet Show, Martin Lycka interviews José Francisco Manssur, a key figure in the regulation of the gambling industry in Brazil. The duo discuss the realities of Brazil beyond common myths, Manssur's journey in sports law and the challenges he faced in regulating the betting industry. Also on the agenda are the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions, the importance of combating the black market and the role of football in Brazilian culture, highlighting how partnerships between football clubs and sports betting operators can contribute positively to social issues in Brazil.

 In this episode of the Safe Bet Show, supported by the Player Protection Hub, Martin Lycka is joined by Daniel Trolaro, Co-Managing Director of Education and Training Services at Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360), who details his journey from prison to gambling harm prevention educator. Trolaro speaks about how he used gambling as a coping mechanism after witnessing the terror attacks of 9/11 and also the fulfilment he has found in educating college athletes in his roles at EPIC Global Solutions and IC360. The duo also discuss the latest initiatives of the New Jersey Council, the merits of using the term safer gambling over responsible gambling and why education on gambling is needed throughout all stages of the US schooling system. The Player Protection Hub is a membership-only news discussion and research hub dedicated to the global player protection and responsible gambling space.  Designed to be the home of player protection news and multimedia content, and one-stop-shop for all relevant research, and to facilitate discussion led by our high-level membership base.  The Player Protection Hub aims to raise industry standards across the board. Register here https://playerprotectionhub.com/ (00:00) - Introduction to Dan Trelaro and New Jersey (03:04) - The Impact of 9/11 on Dan's Life (05:52) - Coping Mechanisms: Gambling as an Escape (08:46) - Recovery and Advocacy in Gambling (12:06) - Current Initiatives in Gambling Education (14:59) - The Role of IC 360 in Gambling Integrity (17:51) - The State of Responsible Gambling in the US (20:47) - Sports Betting and Its Challenges (23:52) - Key Messages and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the Safe Bet Show, supported by the Player Protection Hub, Martin Lycka is joined by Lou Rogacki, Deputy Director and Assistant Attorney General at the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) who talks about his background, experience working in the legal field and his role in the regulation of the gambling industry in New Jersey. The duo also discuss the NJDGE’s commitment to responsible gambling, the Seton Hall Law School gambling compliance bootcamp and why collaboration is crucial between different states and jurisdictions. The Player Protection Hub is a membership-only news discussion and research hub dedicated to the global player protection and responsible gambling space. Designed to be the home of player protection news and multimedia content, and one-stop-shop for all relevant research, and to facilitate discussion led by our high-level membership base. The Player Protection Hub aims to raise industry standards across the board. Register here https://playerprotectionhub.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background07:41 Lessons from the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control11:26 Key Role in Internet Gaming and Sports Betting19:23 Working with Director Rebuck and Highlights of Their Interaction24:00 Commitment to Responsible Gambling and Continuous Improvement29:02 The Seton Hall Law School Gambling Compliance Bootcamp33:08 Sports Teams and the Role of Luck in Gambling36:16 Final Thoughts and Collaboration Among Regulators (00:00) - Introduction and Background (07:41) - Lessons from the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (12:01) - Key Role in Internet Gaming and Sports Betting (20:19) - Working with Director Rebuck and Highlights of Their Interaction (24:56) - Commitment to Responsible Gambling and Continuous Improvement (29:58) - The Seton Hall Law School Gambling Compliance Bootcamp (34:04) - Sports Teams and the Role of Luck in Gambling (37:12) - Final Thoughts and Collaboration Among Regulators

The latest episode of Martin Lycka’s Safe Bet Show is out and features Aaron GlynWilliams, Chief of Staff at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). Martin and Aaron discussed the similarities between his previous roles lobbying for transport in Toronto and his current work with OLG, how changing consumer behaviour is shaping OLG’s offering and why the globalised nature of the gaming industry means that regions can learn from each other. The duo also spoke about the “strong multicultural fabric” of Ontario and why operators need to remain culturally relevant as Ontraio’s gaming market becomes open to an increasingly diverse player base. The Player Protection Hub is a membership-only news discussion and research hub dedicated to the global player protection and responsible gambling space.  Designed to be the home of player protection news and multimedia content, and one-stop-shop for all relevant research, and to facilitate discussion led by our high-level membership base. The Player Protection Hub aims to raise industry standards across the board. Register here https://playerprotectionhub.com/ 00:00Introduction and Background 04:05The Reputation of Pearson Airport 07:57The Role of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation 10:41Transformation and Growth in the Gaming Industry in Ontario 17:25The Future of the Gaming Industry in Ontario 23:15Regulatory Developments in Alberta 26:12Diversity and Inclusion in the Gaming Industry 30:40The Toronto Maple Leafs and Sports 32:55Key Messages and Conclusion

In the latest episode of the Safe Bet Show, supported by the Player Protection Hub, Martin Lycka returns once again to the hot seat and is joined by Valerie Spicer, Founding Partner at Trilogy Group. The Player Protection Hub is a membership-only news discussion and research hub dedicated to the global player protection and responsible gambling space. Designed to be the home of player protection news and multimedia content, and one-stop-shop for all relevant research, and to facilitate discussion led by our high-level membership base. The Player Protection Hub aims to raise industry standards across the board. Register here https://playerprotectionhub.com/ 00:00Introduction and Overview04:04Valerie Spicer's Role in Tribal Gaming09:25The Regulatory Landscape in Arizona16:19Tribal Gaming in Other States26:49The Future of the National Council on Problem Gambling32:21Closing Messages

Former professional hockey player turned broadcaster Luke Gazdic was the latest guest on the Martin Lycka Safe Bet Show, supported by the Player Protection Hub, filmed live at the recent Canadian Gaming Summit in Toronto. Gazdic recapped his time in the NHL and the minor leagues, before discussing his current role as a hockey analyst and how sports betting has changed in Canada from the start of his career until now. The Player Protection Hub is a membership-only news discussion and research hub dedicated to the global player protection and responsible gambling space. Designed to be the home of player protection news and multimedia content, and one-stop-shop for all relevant research, and to facilitate discussion led by our high-level membership base. The Player Protection Hub aims to raise industry standards across the board. Register here https://playerprotectionhub.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Luke Gastic's Journey 01:30 Draft Day and Early Career Challenges 04:43 First NHL Game and Scoring a Record Goal 08:23 Family Influence and Growing Up in Hockey 10:39 Evolution of the Game: Skill vs. Physicality 15:42 Transitioning from Player to Sportscaster 19:57 The Impact of Sports Betting on Hockey