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RTFM 280: Nick Devor on the gamblification of collecting
Episode 280 • 8th October 2026 • The Gambling Files • Jon Buford & Fintan Costello
00:00:00 01:03:03

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In the gambling industry’s favourite podcast*, we meet immaculately-coiffed journalist Nick Devor to discuss the gamblification of collectibles like Pokemon and baseball cards, the parallels with gambling mechanisms, and the regulatory challenges facing the industry. We explore how these trends impact addiction, regulation, and the future of gambling and collectibles. No bloody Fintan again though, the part-timer.

*other podcasts are available, but they’re not the favouritest ones

Stuff we talk about, in a list:

  • The gamblification of collectibles like Pokemon and baseball cards
  • The psychological mechanisms behind gambling and collecting
  • Regulatory challenges and the lack of federal oversight
  • The link between trading cards and problem gambling
  • The impact of social media on gambling behaviours
  • The rise of prediction markets and their legal implications
  • The role of brands and marketing in gambling and collectibles
  • The influence of regulation and federalism on gambling laws
  • The connection between poverty, gambling, and risky behaviours
  • The importance of industry involvement in research and treatment

Choice quotes:

"Let the content dictate the format, don't force structure."

"Spending money on random card packs is linked to problem gambling."

"Opening packs is about the experience, not just the cards."

Chapters, but add some time because of our beautiful music, used with permission from Mara Carlyle:

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

12:49 The link between trading cards and problem gambling

24:48 The experience of opening collectible packs

36:30 Market dynamics and regulation challenges

48:02 The role of social media and marketing

59:03 Regulatory landscape and federal oversight

Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-devor/

Resources & Links:

As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support that makes all of this… magic… possible.

Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us to keep creating content for an industry that probably thinks we disappeared years ago.

Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, no hang on World Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo and iGB Live! in London. There is simply nobody better at what they do.

And the new-ish-est members of the family, the excellent Gaming Laboratories International.

GLI is a world-class Testing, Inspections and Certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery, and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.

For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.

The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.

Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkR

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Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/

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