#37: The Hidden Force Multiplier in iGaming

I've been thinking a lot about what drives success in our industry lately. Not just the obvious stuff like having a great product or solid marketing strategy, but the deeper, often invisible forces that separate the winners from the also-rans.

One pattern keeps emerging: The most successful people in iGaming aren't necessarily the smartest or most talented (but sometimes they are). They're often the ones who've built powerful networks of mentors and peers who accelerate their learning and multiply their opportunities.

The data backs this up. Harvard Business Review found that mentees get promoted five times more often than those without mentors. But what's even more interesting is that mentors themselves are six times more likely to be promoted. It's a virtuous cycle that lifts everyone involved.

So with ICE on the horizon, I want to give you some things to consider that might act as extra motivation for making strong, meaningful connections at the event.

(And if you’d like to learn how to network like the best, read our full conference gameplan here)

The Hidden Power of Strategic Relationships

Building strong relationships in iGaming isn't about amassing LinkedIn connections or exchanging business cards at ICE. The industry is too complex and fast-moving for surface-level networking to make a real impact.

Think about the challenges we face: rapidly changing regulations, evolving technology, shifting consumer preferences, and intense competition. No single person, no matter how talented, can stay on top of everything. This is where strategic relationships become crucial.

The most effective relationships in our industry tend to cross different domains of expertise. This cross-pollination of ideas and experiences creates insights that wouldn't be possible in isolation.

Look at how the industry operates - we have operators, platform providers, game developers, affiliates, and regulatory experts. Each of these segments has its own complexities and challenges. By building relationships across these different areas, you create a network that helps you spot opportunities and threats before they become obvious to everyone else.

But here's what many people get wrong - they approach these relationships purely from a transactional mindset. I see this at every conference I attend. People are so focused on immediate gains that they miss the opportunity for deeper, more meaningful connections that could provide value for years to come.

Building Your Brain Trust

Building valuable relationships in iGaming requires a systematic approach. Let's break down exactly how to do this:

Step 1: Map Your Knowledge Gaps

Start by auditing your expertise across key areas that drive success in iGaming:

• Technical understanding (platforms, products, integrations)

• Regulatory knowledge (compliance, licensing, market entry)

• Marketing capabilities (acquisition, retention, brand building)

• Operational experience (team building, scaling, efficiency)

• Financial acumen (unit economics, fundraising, M&A)

Step 2: Create Your Target List

For each gap you've identified:

• Research who in the industry excels in these areas

• Look for people who've solved problems similar to yours

• Consider both senior leaders and rising stars

• Don't limit yourself to direct competitors

Step 3: Leverage Industry Events Effectively

At conferences like ICE:

• Research attendees and speakers beforehand

• Schedule targeted meetings rather than random networking

• Prepare specific questions that demonstrate your commitment

• Follow up within 24 hours of meeting someone

Step 4: Build Regular Touchpoints

Create structured ways to maintain relationships:

• Join or create a mastermind group (5-10 people maximum)

• Schedule monthly check-ins with participants

• Participate actively in industry forums and Slack channels

• Share insights and learnings that benefit others

Step 5: Provide Value First

Even as a mentee, you can contribute through:

• Sharing fresh perspectives on industry challenges

• Introducing new technologies or approaches

• Connecting people who could benefit from knowing each other

• Being genuinely enthusiastic about learning and growing

Remember, the goal isn't to collect the most connections but to build relationships that drive mutual growth. Quality always trumps quantity in relationship building.

Closing thoughts…

The real question isn't whether networking and collaborating matters - it's whether we're thinking big enough about their potential impact on our industry.

In iGaming, we're facing challenges that no individual or company has solved before. The rise of AI, the evolution of regulation, the changing preferences of Gen Z gamblers - these aren't just business challenges. They're opportunities for collective problem-solving that could reshape our entire industry.

But most of us are playing too small with our networks. We build relationships within our comfort zones - with people who think like us, work like us, and face the same challenges we do. While this feels natural, it limits our perspective and stunts our growth.

What if instead, we started thinking about networking and collaboration as tools for industry-wide transformation? What if we deliberately sought out relationships with people whose experiences and viewpoints challenge our assumptions? What if we spent less time protecting our "competitive advantages" and more time creating shared knowledge that elevates the entire industry?

These aren't just philosophical questions. They're practical considerations that could determine whether our industry thrives or merely survives in the coming decades. As artificial intelligence continues to commoditise technical knowledge and regulatory pressures increase, our ability to collaborate effectively might become our most valuable skill.

The future belongs to those who can harness collective intelligence. The only question is: are you ready to think bigger about your role in building that future?