Mastering Regulation: Keynote Speeches - Kathy Griffin & Josh Hodgson

It was a privilege to host some of the industry’s leading visionaries at the recent iGF Supper Club, where professionals from both within and outside the gambling sector convened for an evening of fruitful networking and stimulating discourse. Over an exquisite selection of food and beverages, attendees engaged in rich conversations that shed light on contemporary challenges and innovations in the gambling marketplace.

Among our distinguished guests was Josh Hodgson, Senior Associate at H2 Gambling Capital. His presentation was replete with insightful statistics focusing on regulated markets and their profound impact on channelization within the gambling sector. Hodgson’s data-driven analysis emphasized the need for operators to adapt to evolving regulations and market dynamics to optimize profitability and sustainability.

We were also fortunate to host our keynote speaker, Kathy Griffin, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at Uber, who is regarded as a guru in tech compliance. Drawing upon her extensive career that spans significant roles in both technology and fintech, particularly at Uber and Monzo Bank, Kathy shared invaluable insights tailored for the iGaming community.

Her presentation focused on compliance and player protection, pinpointing challenges that are not only prevalent in the gambling industry but also in broader consumer sectors. Kathy’s unique perspective prompted attendees to consider compliance challenges through a fresh lens, which is seldom addressed in our field.

Key takeaways from Kathy’s presentation included:

Enhancing Regulator Relations: Establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with regulatory bodies is essential for operational continuity and growth.
Leveraging New Technology: Embracing advancements in technology can streamline compliance processes and improve user experience, offering a competitive edge.
Industry Education: Ongoing education is crucial for keeping pace with regulations and evolving consumer expectations.
Identifying Similarities Across Sectors: Drawing parallels between iGaming and other consumer industries can unveil innovative solutions and collaborative opportunities.
Overcoming Legacy System Hurdles: Many in the industry struggle with outdated systems; transitioning to modern solutions can facilitate compliance and enhance operational efficiency.

Through her dynamic presentation, Kathy Griffin inspired the attendees to rethink compliance and player protection strategies, emphasizing that the road ahead involves not only adhering to regulations but also innovating in a rapidly changing environment. As the gambling landscape continues to evolve, the integration of insights from diverse sectors will be crucial for fostering a resilient and compliant future.

This event not only highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge but also reinforced our commitment to driving industry standards through collaboration and strategic thinking.