Sept. 3, 2025

TGF RTFM 224: The upcoming NFL season with Optimove

TGF RTFM 224: The upcoming NFL season with Optimove

We kick off – see what I did there? – the new episode by greeting the return of our hero, Fintan Costello, to these shores. Some say his return is what inspired Christopher Nolan to make his new epic ‘The Odyssey’ because he’s a fan; I can’t speak for that nice Mr Nolan but let’s just say it’s possible. We discuss the newly-announced Gambling Book Awards (www.gamblingbookawards.com), talk a bit about sponsors, and many other things [0:00 – 13:25].

Then we meet guest Sam Zerfoss, VP of Customer Success for the Americas, at Optimove. His appearance is in no way connected to that company’s financial support as our corporate overlords, by the way.

Anyway, we talk about the upcoming NFL season and its significance for sportsbooks and operators in the US and elsewhere. We get in to market trends, the evolution of bonuses and promotions, and the importance of personalisation in engaging customers. We explore the role of data in sports betting, the challenges of retaining fickle fans, and the cultural impact of sports and betting in the U.S. The episode concludes with insights into the future of sports betting and upcoming events in the industry [13:26 – 59:10].

Choice quotes:

  • "This is the most tingly moment."
  • "It's a big week."
  • "Personalization never hurts."


Sam Zerfoss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-zerfoss/


As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. Rhythm may be a dancer, but our sponsors are the funky funky beat.


In no particular order they are:  the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is so, so sweet…


Optimove, who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people sunshine… Well, I say sunshine. I may mean rain, but it’s all weather, am I right? Oh, and tell them you came via us and you get your first month free!


Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys BIGGER THAN THE SKY.


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/ 

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