Shows
Gaming News Canada ShowHigh Roller Moves Toward Ontario Online Casino Market DebutSome 3 ½ years into Ontario’s regulated online gambling industry, 51 operators (including the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation/OLG) are doing business with less than a half-dozen departures since the market launched in April 2022. We’ve been told by several sources that more operators are a coming to perhaps the most competitive regulated marketplace on the planet. And we know, because its intrepid leaders have said so publicly, that High Roller Technologies is poised to join the party. Hence, our motivation to have gaming industry veterans Ben Clemes and Seth Young be our guest...
2025-08-2642 min
Gaming News Canada ShowPacking for the Summit: Canada’s Gaming Shake-UpThe latest episode of the Gaming News Canada Show is one of the two-part type as we pack our suitcase and fill up the GNC vehicle before heading to the city below Uxbridge for this week’s Canadian Gaming Summit. Canadian Gaming Association senior executive Amanda Brewer returned to the show for a rapid round on what’s happening across the national gaming industry these days. That includes the slow road to an open market in Alberta, the wait at iGaming Ontario for a new boss and the launch of a centralized self-exclusion program, and lobbyi...
2025-06-1757 min
Gaming News Canada ShowModernizing AML: Canadian Gaming Association Ramps Up Efforts Amid Industry ChallengesThe Canadian Gaming Association has been active for quite some time now in advocating for updates to anti-money laundering laws in our home and native land with the expansion of legal gambling. Dave Briggs addressed the topic at the beginning of the year with CGA boss Paul Burns, who said the uncertain political climate at that time most likely meant no movement until this fall. The CGA established a committee to continue moving ahead with its efforts to update the AML rules and regulations. The chair of that committee, Derek Ramm, was our guest on a ne...
2025-06-1040 min
Gaming News Canada ShowAmanda Brewer on ICE Barcelona, Alberta Gambling Challenges, and FINTRAC’s Online Gaming AlertGambling industry veteran Amanda Brewer returned to Gaming News Canada Show presented by GBG Plc, having just. . . er returned. . . from last week’s ICE Barcelona conference. Brewer shared her thoughts on the move of ICE to the Spanish city from London, and some of the many conversations she had with members of the Canadian Gaming Association and stakeholders from other parts of sports betting and gaming universe. Not surprisingly, Brewer was frequently asked last week what in the world of Connor McDavid is going on with regulated gambling in the province of Alberta.
2025-01-3032 min
Kinectify ConversationsAML Strategies, Partnerships and Vendor Transparency in Tribal Gaming with Jaclyn Woods, BSA/AML Compliance Officer for the Chickasaw Nation Department of CommerceIn Episode 21 of Kinectify Conversations, Jaclyn Woods, BSA/AMLCompliance Officer for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce, joins Sean Topchi to talk about law enforcement partnerships, compliance challenges, and vendor transparency and accountability. Jaclyn shares her journey from operations to compliance and how her experience gives her a unique edge in understanding the complexities that casino staff face when handling compliance tasks. She also shares how fostering meaningful collaborations with law enforcement agencies are crucial in address major threats like Chinese money laundering organizations, and gives us practical advice on building these partnerships and the importance of real-time data...
2024-10-3137 minKinectify ConversationsFighting Financial Crime: Insights from IRS-CI's Former Chief and Current Global Head of Capacity Building at Chainalysis, Jim LeeIn Episode 20 of Kinectify Conversations, Sean Topchi hosts an in-depth discussion with Derek Ramm, Kinectify’s Global Head of Advisory Services, and Jim Lee, Global Head of Capacity Building at Chainalysis and former Chief of IRS Criminal Investigations. Jim Lee shares his extensive 30-year career journey within IRS-CI, where he played a pivotal role in leading some of the most significant financial crime investigations in recent history, including those involving cryptocurrency, darknet markets, and terrorist financing. Now in the private sector, Jim continues his mission to combat financial crime by leveraging cutting-edge blockchain technology and fostering critical public-private partnerships....
2024-08-2243 minKinectify ConversationsEmpowering Tribal Nations through Art and Gaming with DG Smalling, Choctaw Nation Master ArtistIn Episode 19 of Kinectify Conversations, Sean Topchi sits down with DG Smalling, a Choctaw Nation Master Artist, to discuss his unique career journey and the intersection of art and tribal gaming. DG shares his transition from a background in crisis management, focusing on political violence and terrorism, to becoming a renowned artist within the tribal gaming industry. He delves into his innovative single-line drawing method, developed during his time in the Balkans, and how it serves as a meditative and meaningful practice.
The conversation highlights the critical role of tribal sovereignty in addressing complex social issues like...
2024-06-2745 minKinectify ConversationsThe Future of Tech and Innovation in Gaming with Quinton Singleton, President and COO of nVenueIn Episode 18 of Kinectify Conversations, Sean Topchi, Quinton Singleton, and Joseph Martin explore the dynamic evolution of the gaming industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of technological innovation and regulatory compliance. Quinton Singleton shares his journey from working at Deloitte and Lewis and Roca to his entrepreneurial ventures, including founding Betworks. He highlights the significant impact of PASPA's repeal on the expansion of sports betting and the rapid technological advancements that followed. The discussion delves into the challenges of integrating new technologies into a landscape dominated by legacy systems and the importance of regulatory compliance in driving these changes. They...
2024-05-231h 25Kinectify ConversationsNavigating Regulatory Challenges Across Sportsbetting and Gaming with Arpita McGrath, Chief Compliance Officer at SporttradeIn episode 17 of Kinectify Conversations, Sean Topchi hosts Arpita McGrath, Chief Compliance Officer at SportTrade, diving into her multifaceted career path that led her to the forefront of regulatory compliance and AML within the gaming and betting industries. Arpita begins with her auditing roots at Deloitte, transitioning to advisory roles that deeply engaged with BSA/AML auditing, system validations, and consulting, particularly during the nascent stages of cannabis legalization banking compliance. Now at SportTrade, she spearheads the development and implementation of AML and Responsible Gaming Programs, facilitating the company's expansion into new states while maintaining robust compliance and regulatory...
2024-03-2842 minKinectify ConversationsComparative Insights into Gaming Compliance in Canada and the US with Derek Ramm, Global Head of Advisory Services at KinectifyIn episode 16 of Kinectify Conversations, we feature Derek Ramm, Global Head of Advisory Services at Kinectify Advisors, who alongside Sean Topchi, Director of Business Development at Kinectify, discusses his extensive experience in the gaming industry, particularly in anti-money laundering (AML) and compliance roles in Canada and internationally. Derek details his career trajectory, highlighting key roles and shifts in focus from trade compliance to AML and counterterrorism financing post-9/11, his tenure at FINTRAC, and his contributions to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. He emphasizes the evolution of gaming, the complexities of...
2024-02-2946 minKinectify ConversationsSports Betting, Compliance, and Vendor Challenges in Tribal Gaming: A Conversation with Tonya Mathews, Executive Director of the Peoria Tribal Gaming CommissionAs the gaming industry evolves, tribal casinos face unique challenges, particularly with the integration of sports betting as well as the challenges faced by vendors partnering with tribal gaming entities. Our guest, Tonya Mathews, Executive Director of the Peoria Tribal Gaming Commission, joins host Sean Topchi, Director of Business Development at Kinectify, to provide insightful commentary on this subject. They delve into how tribal gaming entities are adapting to these challenges, focusing on compliance and regulatory frameworks. The episode also explores the impact of sports betting legislation on tribal casinos and discusses innovative strategies to overcome vendor-related hurdles.
2024-01-2532 minKinectify ConversationsAML Compliance and Data Protection in iGaming, with Christopher LeBlanc, Senior Director of Compliance at Mohegan DigitalIn this insightful episode of our podcast, we delve into the critical topic of AML Compliance and Data Protection in iGaming. Our guest, Chris LeBlanc, Senior Director of Compliance for Mohegan Digital, alongside host Sean Topchi, Director of Business Development at Kinectify, shares his unique journey from journalism to law, emphasizing the importance of robust AML compliance and data protection strategies in the iGaming sector. We explore the complexities and challenges faced in the iGaming industry, particularly focusing on how to effectively navigate AML compliance and data protection. Chris provides valuable insights into the evolving regulatory landscape, discussing the...
2023-12-2854 minKinectify ConversationsModernizing Sanctions Risk Management in GamingIn this episode of Kinectify Conversation, Ari Tuchman, CEO of Quantifind, joins Joseph Martin and Sean Topchi as they explore the world of AI and risk management.
Tuchman's journey, from atomic physics to utilizing AI for sanctions monitoring, offers a fresh perspective for gaming operators, focusing on refining watchlist, sanctions, PEP, and adverse media screening. The conversation covers the innovative methodology of "name science," natural language screening, and the reduction in false positives during sanction screening with the help of AI and word embeddings.
2023-11-1651 minKinectify ConversationsThe Promise and Challenge of Rural Casinos in GamingIn episode 12 of Kinectify Conversations, "The Promise and Challenge of Rural Casinos in Gaming," Sean Topchi delves deep with guest Alex Dixon, President and CEO of the Q Casino and DRA, to explore the intricacies and nuances of the gaming industry in rural settings. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that rural casinos face, especially in the wake of rapid technological advancements and shifts in the gaming landscape.
From the impact of legislative changes to the role of multinational corporations, this conversation offers a comprehensive look into the state of rural gaming, touching upon its history, c...
2023-09-2852 minKinectify ConversationsThe Changing Landscape of Tribal Gaming OversightIn this episode of Kinectify Conversations, Jamie Hummingbird, Chairman of the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners and Regulators (NTGCR), joins hosts Shannon Adair and Sean Topchi to discuss tribal gaming regulation.
Hummingbird provides background on his 30 years of experience in tribal gaming regulation. He explains the roles and responsibilities of tribal gaming commissions, including oversight of gaming activities, licensing, auditing, and public health and safety. The conversation covers trends in sports betting, evaluating new gaming technologies, working collaboratively with gaming operators, and regulatory agility. Hummingbird also highlights the NTGCR's mission to provide education and share best practices among t...
2023-08-3157 minKinectify ConversationsNavigating the Intersection of Gaming and Behavioral Health: A Conversation with Kindbridge CEO Daniel UmfleetIn this episode of "Kinectify Conversations", host Sean Topchi, Director of Business Development at Kinectify, engages in a deep dive discussion with Joseph Martin, the CEO of Kinectify, and Daniel Umfleet, the founder and CEO of Kindbridge Behavioral Health.
The dialogue centers on their mission of sharing insights from gaming industry leaders, drawing on years of experience navigating the complexities and impacts of compliance. Umfleet elaborates on the dual focus of his organizations: Kindbridge Behavioral Health and Kindbridge Research Institute. Both strive to improve healthcare options for individuals affected by gambling-related harms, but each has a unique a...
2023-07-271h 01Kinectify ConversationsWhat the PCMLTFA Consultation Paper Means for the Canadian Gaming Industry, with Paul Burns, President of the Canadian Gaming AssociationIn episode 9 of Kinectify Conversations, we sit down with Paul Burns, President of the Canadian Gaming Association, to discuss the implications of the PCMLTFA Consultation Paper for the Canadian gaming industry.
The PCMLTFA Consultation Paper is a major piece of proposed legislation that could have a significant impact on the way gambling is regulated in Canada. Burns provides his insights on the key issues raised in the paper, and discusses how the CGA is working to ensure that the Canadian gaming industry remains safe, responsible, and sustainable.
2023-06-2956 min
Gaming News Canada ShowNo summer break for the Canadian gambling industryRemember the days when Canada Day meant the start of a summer slowdown that included early Wednesday afternoon tee times, taking off Friday afternoons to pack up the tent and sleeping bags and drive to a campground, putting off the first meeting on Monday until after lunch so you could get home from the cottage and drop off the laundry and empties. No, we don’t remember them, either. Ok, there’s a slight stretching of the truth here, but not entirely. On the latest episode of the Gaming News Canada Show p...
2023-06-2841 min
Double Down with BresloMoney Laundering through Casinos is a Dirty Business, Impacting Everyone and EverythingDouble Down with James Breslo is an exciting new show focusing on the business of sports betting. Breslo is a former gaming industry executive and host of “Casino Talk with Louie Anderson.” Breslo interviews insiders about everything from Vegas sports books to internet wagering, from fantasy sports leagues to three team parlays, from stock picks to political showdowns.On the June 15, 2023 episode, James introduces Joseph Martin, Founder and CEO of Kinectify, to the Double Down audience discussing the troubling trend of money laundering within the gambling sector and how his company is helping the industry fight back again...
2023-06-1635 minKinectify ConversationsCasinos, Compliance, and Money Laundering Risks in Gaming with Paul Camacho, VP of Compliance at Yaamava' CasinoIn Episode 8 of Kinectify Conversations, Paul Camacho, VP of Casino Compliance for Yaamava' Casino, shares his work experience working with law enforcement to investigate money laundering in casinos. He discusses the challenges of investigating money laundering in casinos, the importance of public-private partnerships in the fight against money laundering, and the need for casinos and law enforcement to work together to share information and resources.
2023-06-0148 minKinectify ConversationsESports, Betting, and Online Gaming Trends: A Conversation with Seth Schorr, CEO of Fifth Street GamingIn this episode of Kinectify Conversations, Sean Topchi interviews Seth Schorr, CEO of Fifth Street Gaming, about current trends in online gaming, esports, and betting. Schorr discusses ways sports book operators will differentiate their products in the future, and how startups that focus on enhancing the end-user experience will drive innovation. In addition, Schorr provides his perspective on potential markets and demographics that have not yet been fully utilized, highlighting the importance of the Latino market both in the United States and internationally. Topchi and Schorr also discuss insights on the importance of empathy in leadership, the need to...
2023-04-2752 minKinectify ConversationsInsights on Sports Betting, Leadership, and Regulatory Compliance in the Gaming Industry with Seth Young, Chief Strategy Officer at FSG DigitalIn episode 6 of Kinectify Conversations, Seth Young, the Chief Strategy Officer at FSG Digital and founding partner at GMA Consulting, joins Sean Topchi, the Director of Business Development at Kinectify, and host Shannon Adair, the Director of Client Success, to discuss his journey into the gaming industry, leadership within the industry, and his startup experience. Together they also explore Seth's thoughts on casino gaming changes and the development of the gaming industry and regulatory landscape, including the most effective ways to stay on top of evolving regulatory environments.
2023-03-3052 minKinectify ConversationsCreating a Culture of Compliance: A Conversation on AML and Compliance in the Casino Industry with Zachary Zarnoch, CCO at Foxwoods Resort CasinoIn the latest episode of Kinectify Conversations, Zach Zarnoch, the Chief Compliance Officer at Foxwoods Resort Casino, and Sean Topchi, Director of Business Development at Kinectify discuss Zach's early career in the compliance and AML industry, including his law background and how he got started at Foxwoods Resort Casino. They also delve into the challenges of AML and compliance in the casino industry and highlight the importance of creating a culture of compliance, Zach's role as a Chief Compliance Officer and the process he followed to roll out a new AML and KYC program at Foxwoods, and his approach...
2023-02-231h 05Kinectify ConversationsA CEO's Perspective on Compliance and the Changing Landscape of the Digital Gaming and Sports Betting Industry's with OpenBet CEO Jordan LevinAn in-depth and comprehensive conversation with OpenBet's CEO Jordan Levin. Here we discuss the life of a CEO leading a global powerhouse in OpenBet and how he thinks about the complexities of compliance within the growing digital gaming space and sports betting space.
2023-01-2644 min
For the Love of Sports with Michael Rasile#336 - Sean Topchi - Director of Business Development at KinectifySean Topchi joins Michael Rasile on For the Love of Sports to chat about his sports betting and gaming career.
Sean grew up in Vegas, giving him a unique perspective on the industry he was constantly around. When others would come to visit for a weekend to live it up, it was just another day to Sean.
He started his career with Caesars Entertainment where he climbed the corporate ladder from intern to managing a piece of their Antimoney laundering department.
Sean currently works as the Director of Business Development from Kinectify, where...
2023-01-0234 minKinectify ConversationsNavigating Compliance in New and Emerging Markets for the iGaming and Online Sportsbetting Industries with Former CCO of wagr, Lauren LemmerIn the latest episode of Kinectify Conversations, at time of recording, former CCO of WAGr Lauren Lemmar, Chief Marketing Officer Devin Simonson, and Kinectify’s Director of Business Development Sean Topchi discuss the role of AML and Compliance in today’s emerging online betting, sports-betting and igaming startups. We dive deep into the challenges frequently facing growing startups within the rapidly growing sportsbetting and igaming industry.
2022-12-0547 minKinectify ConversationsAML and Compliance in the C-Suite: A Conversation with former CEO of MGM Resorts, Jim MurrenIn the latest episode of Kinectify Conversations, former CEO of MGM Resorts Jim Murren and Kinectify’s Director of Business Development Sean Topchi discuss the role of AML and Compliance in today’s C-Suite, including the challenges frequently faced by top executives within the rapidly growing sportsbetting and igaming industry. Murren and Topchi also explore how companies and executives can use compliance as a key driver of growth in 2022 and provide insights on new ways AML requirements can be seamlessly implemented using modern cutting-edge technology.
2022-11-0949 min
Kinectify ConversationsKinectify Conversations - Two Gaming Experts And Their Perspective On Where the Industry Is And Where It's GoingWhile most kids are playing Super Mario, Chris Benton was playing Caesars Palace Deluxe. He is now responsible for managing WynnBet’s AML and responsible gaming program.
Benjamin Floyd’s educational background was in Slavic studies until going in a different direction after school. After 20 years of Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering experience at multiple organizations like T Row Price, Wal-mart, and Caesar’s, Ben is now the President of Kinectify Advisors.
Listen in on a conversation between these two experts about career perspective, current trends, and more on this episode of the Kinectify Podcast.
Kine...
2022-08-1939 min