01 · Watch the episode
The full conversation
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02 · The guest
Dan Phillips
CEO, Playnetic
Over three decades, Dan has built a distinguished career that has taken him from the casino floor in London to senior executive positions within some of the world’s leading regulated betting and gaming organisations. His experience spans online, retail, and social gaming across both B2B and B2C sectors, establishing him as a respected figure in the global gaming industry. Before joining Playnetic in 2023 as CEO and subsequently as a Non-Executive Director, Dan held a series of Director, Vice President, and C-level roles with major groups including Playtech and what is now the Entain Group. In these positions, he oversaw end-to-end product, service, and operational portfolios, managing large-scale teams and P&Ls while driving innovation, regulatory compliance, and expansion into new markets. Alongside his corporate leadership, Dan acts as a trusted adviser to a range of global Tier 1 operators and SMEs, leading initiatives across sports betting, iGaming and casino operations, technology, regulation, product & people development, M&A, and market entry strategies.
Follow Dan on LinkedIn →03 · Inside this episode
Moments worth queuing up
In his own words
“I don't know is powerful. I would rather someone says, 'no, I don't know. Here's how I'm gonna find out.'”
“It's kind of lonely at the top. There's still a feeling that as the leader of any business, you are kind of infallible.”
“I hate surprises. If you don't know, tell me, it's not a problem.”
“I've done a number of commercial deals by saying no 10 times until it becomes yes.”
04 · Key takeaways
What to actually take from this one
Admit Your Limitations Early
Admitting you don't know something builds trust and allows you to seek expert advice.
The Reputation of an Exit
Managing a transition professionally preserves long-term industry reputation. Stop Trying to Get 100%
Alignment
Use the 50/25/25 framework and focus on moving the 75% forward.
Hire for the Pivot
You need people who can handle sudden strategic shifts without dragging their heels.
The Strength of Non-Creativity
Recognising you are an operator rather than a visionary lets you build the right creative mix.
This episode is sponsored by
Sumsub
The leading identity verification provider for iGaming operators.