Pierre Lindh: The Visionary Behind the World’s iGaming Community
In an industry saturated with events, platforms, and content, very few manage to rise above the noise. Even fewer manage to create movements. But Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NEXT.io, has done exactly that — transforming a humble podcast into a global iGaming powerhouse, and in the process, reshaping how the industry comes together, learns, and grows.
What began as a content-led passion project has evolved, under Lindh’s cleareyed leadership, into what is now widely recognised as the world’s iGaming community — a curated ecosystem where operators, tech innovators, investors, regulators, and creatives don’t just attend… they connect, align, and shape the future.
At the heart of NEXT.io’s growth story is one thing: Pierre’s ability to think differently — and deliver consistently.
“The future of iGaming isn’t just about the technology or the product — it’s about creating a connected, meaningful community that can navigate change together. That’s what NEXT.io is all about.” — Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder and Managing Director, NEXT.io
From Content Creator to Community Builder
Before founding NEXT.io, Lindh was no stranger to iGaming. He understood the market’s appetite for transformation, but also its fatigue with transactional networking. With a background in digital marketing and a deep-rooted belief in quality content, he launched the iGaming NEXT podcast in 2019 — at a time when long-form, founder-led conversations were virtually non-existent in the space.
The podcast quickly became a touchstone for intelligent industry dialogue, earning the trust of senior stakeholders and forward-thinking professionals. But Pierre wasn’t content to stop there.
Realising that the industry was ready for a more authentic, experience-led format, he expanded the vision. What followed was the birth of iGaming NEXT
Malta, a premium summit that didn’t just repackage existing event models — it reimagined them.
From that moment forward, NEXT. io wasn’t just a brand — it became a community.
Leadership That Builds Trust
Pierre Lindh’s leadership style is best described as deliberate, human-centric, and strategic. He’s not the loudest voice in the room — he’s the one bringing the right people into it. Whether curating panels, engaging regulators, or mapping content to market needs, Lindh applies a high standard of editorial and commercial discipline.
This has become a hallmark of NEXT. io’s success: quality over quantity, substance over spin. It’s why the world’s top operators, tech providers, and policymakers not only attend — they return, sponsor, and speak.
“Leadership is about more than making decisions — it’s about listening, understanding, and bringing people together with a shared purpose. That’s what’s allowed NEXT.io to build a global community — one conversation at a time.”
— Pierre Lindh
NEXT.io under Lindh doesn’t just host events; it sets the tone for the industry’s most pressing conversations. From AI to ESG, regulation to retention, and convergence to capital — the platform continues to stay one step ahead, because the leadership behind it listens first, builds second.
A Global Vision, Rooted in Malta
While NEXT.io now operates in New York, Seoul, and beyond, its roots remain proudly in Malta, the beating heart of European iGaming. Pierre has been instrumental in putting Malta back on the global stage — not just as a licensing hub, but as a cultural and commercial meeting point for the entire sector.
Each year, the NEXT.io Malta summit grows in significance — not simply by attendance numbers, but in reputation. Under Pierre’s leadership, it has become the most curated B2B gathering in gaming, praised for its hospitality, relevance, and energy.
But Lindh has never been interested in scale for its own sake. “More is not always better,” he’s said. “Better is better. And that’s what we focus on — giving people an experience, not just a badge.”
Community Is the Future
Pierre’s long-term vision is clear: NEXT. io will remain the trusted nucleus of the iGaming world. It’s a platform that doesn’t just reflect what’s happening — it guides what’s next. With its year-round digital content, powerful in-person events, and an ecosystem built on trust, NEXT. io is redefining how industries scale with integrity.
As the iGaming world faces new waves of regulation, innovation, and convergence with fintech, media, and beyond, Pierre Lindh has positioned NEXT.io to lead the way — not through noise, but through clarity.
“NEXT.io is more than a platform — it’s a trusted space where leaders can explore opportunities, navigate regulatory landscapes, and prepare for the future of iGaming. We’re here to set the agenda, not just follow it.”
— Pierre Lindh
For the thousands of professionals who came together at this year’s summit, that clarity was felt in every keynote, every coffee chat, every handshake. Because at its core, NEXT.io isn’t about spectacle — it’s about people. And that is Pierre Lindh’s ultimate legacy: building the global iGaming community by design, not by accident.
Pierre Lindh: A Champion for ALS Awareness and Support
While Pierre Lindh’s professional legacy is deeply intertwined with the success of NEXT.io and his leadership in shaping the iGaming community, his impact extends far beyond business. Lindh is also a passionate advocate for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) awareness, using his platform to bring attention to this devastating disease and support those affected by it.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the loss of muscle control. It is a condition that has affected numerous families globally, and Lindh has been a vocal supporter of various initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, funding research, and providing assistance to those living with the disease. His efforts to integrate ALS support into his professional and personal life speak volumes about his character and commitment to making a meaningful impact in areas that matter.
Personal Commitment and Advocacy
Pierre’s connection to the ALS community began several years ago when someone close to him was diagnosed with the disease. This personal connection fueled his determination to raise awareness and help others who were facing similar challenges. While many leaders in the industry might keep their charitable efforts behind the scenes, Pierre has never been one to shy away from publicly supporting causes close to his heart.
“When someone you care about is affected by a disease like ALS, it changes your perspective on life and business. It reminds you that there’s so much more at stake than just the bottom line.”
— Pierre Lindh
Lindh’s dedication to ALS awareness is not just about fundraising — it’s about humanizing the cause, making it relatable, and engaging his network to be part of the solution. His role as a community
leader in the iGaming industry gives him a platform to amplify voices that are often unheard, and he has used that platform to raise awareness for ALS in a way that resonates across different sectors.
Fundraising and Partnerships
Under Pierre’s leadership, NEXT.io has partnered with several ALS charities and organizations to help fund research and improve the quality of life for those battling the disease. The collaboration has resulted in both financial contributions and strategic partnerships that ensure the fight against ALS continues to receive the support it desperately needs.
These efforts have included hosting charity events, such as charity auctions and fundraising dinners, at major industry gatherings like the iGaming NEXT Malta summit. The proceeds from these events go directly to ALS research and care facilities, enabling advancements in medical treatments and better support for families navigating the emotional and financial challenges that come with ALS.
In addition to organizing charity events, Pierre has also used his extensive professional network to build meaningful collaborations with other key players in the iGaming and technology sectors to support ALS-related causes. His ability to bring people together to champion important initiatives is a testament to his leadership style, one that blends business success with social responsibility
Raising Awareness Through Public Campaigns
Pierre’s support for ALS has also been integrated into his broader vision for NEXT. io as a platform for thought leadership. Recognizing the influence he has in the iGaming community, Pierre has made it a point to incorporate ALS awareness into the dialogue at every opportunity. Whether through social media campaigns, blog posts, or discussions at industry events, Pierre has worked to ensure that ALS isn’t just a footnote in charity drives but a significant cause that
receives the attention it deserves.
For Pierre, raising awareness is about normalizing the conversation around ALS — breaking down the stigma and silence surrounding the disease. His personal involvement in sharing his story has encouraged others to speak out and support ALS research.
“There’s power in community. If we can use the networks we’ve built to raise awareness for a cause like ALS, we’re not just helping a few individuals — we’re making a lasting impact that can change lives.”
— Pierre Lindh
Through his work, Pierre has inspired many in the iGaming community to support ALS-related causes, ensuring that the conversation continues long after the event ends.
A Legacy of Impact
Pierre Lindh’s advocacy for ALS is an extension of his broader belief in community, integrity, and progress. His work goes beyond the iGaming industry to touch lives in meaningful ways, reinforcing the idea that success isn’t measured solely by business achievements but by the ability to contribute to the greater good.
As the global iGaming community continues to grow, Pierre’s example of leadership that supports both business and charitable causes serves as a reminder that the industry can — and should — play an active role in supporting important social issues. Through his work with ALS, Pierre is not only advancing his vision for a connected iGaming world but also making sure that his legacy extends far beyond the world of gaming.
Next.io Stuart Crowley
QStuart, in your role as Head of Media at NEXT.io, could you share your journey and how your responsibilities support the platform’s vision?
AMy journey into the Head of Media role at NEXT.io has been a dynamic one. It’s been shaped by diverse experiences across the B2B landscape. I’ve spent many years immersed in the B2B events industry, understanding how to support the bringing together of professionals, and the sheer importance of those connections.
Working with international teams in places like France, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, the United States, and the United Kingdom has given me a global perspective on different markets and how to connect with diverse audiences.
All these experiences converge in my current role. As Head of Media at NEXT. io, my responsibilities are centered on leveraging these skills to support our vision of being The World’s iGaming Community. This means overseeing all our media channels, including our website, social media, content strategy, and how we communicate around our events.
We’re all focused on creating content and experiences that are valuable, insightful, and engaging. Everything we do should resonate with people, spark conversations, and ultimately help people feel part of something in a time when meaningful human connections are needed more than ever.
All this may sound cliche and marketing spiel, but I really do believe
in the importance of community and togetherness, especially when the world feels incredibly fragmented.
You can seemingly find everything you need in the world within seconds now, thanks largely to technology and social media. Yet, with this overwhelming abundance of choice and constant digital noise, I think it’s become increasingly difficult to find a truly stable place where you want to settle, build lasting relationships, and create something of enduring value.
This is precisely the dilemma I’m driven to help solve within the iGaming industry. I want to cut through that fragmentation and provide a place where people can connect on a deeper level. That, I believe, will create a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives and work.
QFor those unfamiliar with NEXT. io, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming event in Valletta, how would you describe the platform’s mission, and why is Valletta such an important gathering point for your global audience?
AAt its heart, NEXT.io’s mission is to be the connective tissue for the global iGaming industry.
We exist to bring professionals together, foster shared understanding, and be a catalyst for progress.
In the lead-up to Valletta, this mission becomes particularly tangible. Valletta is our flagship summit. It’s a culmination of our year-round efforts to unite the iGaming community.
It’s an important gathering point precisely because Malta holds such a central position in the iGaming ecosystem. It attracts a critical mass of operators, suppliers, and stakeholders from all corners of the world.
For our global audience, Valletta offers a unique density of opportunity to forge those crucial connections, gain deep
Stuart Crowley, Head of Media at NEXT.io
market insights that cut through the noise, and experience the latest insights firsthand.
All of this takes place within a focused and vibrant environment that combats that sense of fragmentation I mentioned earlier. We try our best to cater to as many people as possible: the introverts, the extroverts, the ambiverts, and those that have yet to make up their mind.
QNEXT.io is renowned for its community-centric approach within the iGaming industry. How do you define ‘community’ in this context?
AMy definition of ‘community’ at NEXT.io goes beyond just a mailing list or a WhatsApp chat.
Community is about creating a place of mutual respect, shared purpose, and belonging. You want to show up and be a part of it because the community has meaning and purpose to the collective as well as the individual.
Less than 100 years ago, tighter knit communities existed where people would laugh together, cry together, build together, fight together and even with each other. I think this has been lost to some extent.
While we have gained quite a lot from losing this sense of community over the last 20 years or so, I believe we have also lost that sense of meaning and purpose which came along with these closer connections to a community wider than our friends and family. Maybe that’s why run clubs are becoming trendy again?!
Building The World’s iGaming Community is a matter of giving places for people to come to, whether digital and physical, to enjoy shared experiences and interests than can be broad or narrow, professional or leisurely.
That’s why events like NEXT Summit: Valletta has conferences to learn, the expo hall to network, and even sporting
events to compete and have fun. Having “something for everyone” is a big ask, but we’re giving it our best shot to create something meaningful and memorable.
QWith events planned in diverse locations such as New York, Valletta, São Paulo to name a few, how does NEXT.io maintain a cohesive identity while engaging with regional audiences?
AThat’s a really important question. I don’t think it’s about trying to squeeze everyone into the same box or pretend cultural differences don’t exist.
It’s better to acknowledge and celebrate the vast cultural nuances that make each region, country, city, town, and smaller communities unique.
The broadly-defined iGaming industry even has its own nuances across those very same regions, countries, etc.
Respecting these differences is one way to maintaining a cohesive identity.
The other is by recognising the fundamental human need for belonging and togetherness that underpins successful survival in a community and the world.
QBeyond the flagship events, what initiatives keep the NEXT.io community engaged throughout the year?
AThe flagship summits are vital peaks in our year, but the heartbeat of the NEXT.io community continues year-round.
Our digital platform is a constant source of high-quality content: news, podcasts, analysis, interviews, and deep-dive reports into key trends. There’s also our WhatsApp and Telegram community groups to foster connections and solve daily dilemmas people may have.
We also facilitate smaller, more exclusive
gatherings and networking events in various iGaming hubs called NEXT Retreats.
The aim is to provide continuous value, ongoing learning opportunities, and consistent touchpoints for our community members to stay connected, informed, and engaged.
The hope is that we can combat the feeling of isolation that can come with a fragmented industry landscape and world.
QYour media strategy plays a vital role in community engagement. How does your content approach help foster a sense of belonging among industry professionals?
AI would love for every person in the iGaming community and beyond to feel seen, heard, valued, and even challenged.
And fundamentally, our content is underpinned by an integrity-first mindset. We will stand for what we believe in, we will learn from mistakes, and we will adapt to the needs of the community.
This ethos extends across all our content. Everyone is welcome to pitch an idea to me and the NEXT team, regardless of your background or status.
One of my passion projects right now
is NEXT in Marketing. It’s a LinkedIn article series highlighting marketing professionals, their ideas, and their insights. Why? Because I feel that they are often overlooked and underappreciated in most industries - not just iGaming.
It’ll take time, but I want to expand this across as many interest areas as possible.
Striking a balance between established figures and emerging voices is key. How does NEXT.io ensure inclusivity across its platforms?
Ensuring inclusivity is a conscious and continuous effort across all our platforms. We actively seek out and curate voices from all levels and areas of the industry.
For our events, this means deliberately programming sessions that feature both renowned leaders and exciting new talent, and initiatives like the “NEXT Shark Tank” specifically provide a platform for emerging companies.
In our media, we make a concerted effort to cover a wide range of companies and individuals, highlighting insights and opinions wherever it comes from.
It’s about creating an environment where experience is valued, but new ideas and perspectives are actively welcomed and given a platform to be heard, fostering
a more dynamic and representative community.
QCould you share an example where the NEXT.io community enabled a meaningful collaboration or innovation within the industry?
AUnsurprisingly, we consistently see meaningful connections and business emerge directly from the interactions facilitated at NEXT.io.
Specific details of collaborations are often confidential between the parties involved. We respect that privacy.
But on a hugely regular basis, I see people get their questions answered on our WhatsApp community. People want to help people.
But at the end of the day, seeing is believing. If you come to one of our events or join our community channels, you’ll get your problems solved, you’ll have a laugh, and maybe even get into fruitful debate.
QThe curated retreats in destinations such as Cyprus and Cancún offer distinctive experiences. What role do these events play in strengthening community bonds?
AOur NEXT Retreats are designed to complement our larger summits by offering a different, more intimate environment for strengthening community bonds.
In contrast to the scale of Valletta, these retreats provide a more relaxed and focused setting. This allows for deeper, more personal interactions among attendees with less distractions.
It’s in these environments that trust is often solidified, and relationships move beyond just professional contacts to more genuine connections.
I think you’ll see a lot more of these types of events in future because they create those
smaller, more tight-knit communities.
You’ll even see this in other events that NEXT.io curates like the Social Casino Summit which took place during the week of NEXT Summit: New York and will again during NEXT Summit: Valletta.
QLooking ahead to Valletta 2025 and beyond, what developments are you most excited about in the ongoing evolution of the NEXT.io community?
AI’m most excited about how we can continue to deepen the level of meaningful engagement within the NEXT.io community.
From my own point of view, being one year into my journey at NEXT.io, I’m really enjoying getting more involved in the communities and events.
People are beginning to know my name, they know a little of what I’m about, but we’re just scratching the surface.
But you can enjoy this too! That’s the beauty of getting involved in a community. It offers that space for genuine interaction and belonging.
My top tip: If you’re open and honest in your communication, you’ll find your place and people will help facilitate it, too.
Why? Because communication literally means “to make common” and community derives from “sharing in common”.
By choosing to communicate openly and honestly, by sharing your perspectives and being willing to listen, you are quite literally engaging in the foundational act of building and strengthening the very community you are a part of.
And mark my words, we will listen to what you want to get out of this community. We will forge a place for you to enjoy.
That’s what I’m most excited for.
www.next.io