In an industry that runs on relationships, timing, and trust, the places where those relationships take shape matter almost as much as the deals themselves. Conferences and networking events still sit at the heart of the iGaming calendar, but a new initiative is taking an innovative and looser approach.

That initiative is the iGaming Golf Club (IGGC), a newly launched community built around bringing industry professionals together on the course, where conversation tends to happen more naturally. The idea is simple: combine business with leisure and create a global network where partnerships are built not across boardroom tables, but between tee shots and putts.

With a target of 1,200 members in year one and more than 50 senior iGaming leaders already signed up as founding members, the club is gathering momentum fast. The club was born global and international expansion is already on the horizon, which suggests the concept is resonating well beyond its initial base. So what is behind this shift towards golf as a networking platform, and is it really accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level?

We spoke with co-founder Neill Simpson about the thinking behind the iGaming Golf Club, where it fits into the wider industry, and why golf may be one of the best business tools around.

What inspired the creation of the iGaming Golf Club, and why golf specifically as the foundation for this community?

It started with a conversation, and unsurprisingly, that conversation happened on a golf course. I’ve been running events out of Malta for a number of years, and the feedback from those events, combined with Grant Fraser’s ideas about building a wider community through an app, really sparked the first version of this.

Was there a particular moment or gap in the industry that made you think, “this needs to exist”?

I’ve known Grant for a number of years, and we’ve always shared the same passion, not just for golf, but for the kind of business that can grow from it. I reached out to him while he was already exploring ways to build a community around that, and from there it all moved pretty quickly.

How does the club differ from traditional iGaming networking events or conferences?

Golf tied to gaming conferences has usually felt like an afterthought. There’s a real difference between an event run by golfers and one delivered by an experienced event management team. We want to bring both together, add more structure, and create a better overall experience. That means making the events enjoyable for golfers of all abilities, while also making sure sponsors investing valuable marketing budget get as much out of it as possible.

Do you think deals are more likely to happen on a golf course than in a boardroom?

In gaming especially, business is built on relationships. You’re far more likely to get a deal done after spending real time with people on a golf course and around these events, where there are fewer distractions. Everything moves fast now, and I think senior decision-makers are looking for a more personal approach to partnerships. Golf absolutely creates space for that.

How does the club aim to bring together different sectors of iGaming, operators, affiliates, suppliers, and investors?

The club has been shaped by a founding group with deep experience across the iGaming industry, including operators, affiliates, suppliers, investors, and senior leaders from across the sector. That breadth of experience is important because it means the community has been built with a clear understanding of how different parts of the industry connect and where real value can be created.

Through the app and the wider club model, we want to make that network accessible across iGaming, regardless of company type or size. That could mean an individual consultant joining on a single membership, an affiliate looking to grow their network, or a major operator coming in through company sponsorship. Whether you’re new to golf or have played for years, the aim is the same: to create a community that feels relevant, accessible, and open to everyone.

With more than 50 founding members already on board, how did you choose that initial group, what kind of senior profiles and companies does it include, and how are those members helping shape the direction of the club as it grows globally?

We carefully hand-picked the senior iGaming leaders who would make up the founding member group. That came down to a few things: their passion for the sport, the respect they have within the industry, and where they’re based. We also wanted a strong mix of companies from across iGaming, and we made a point of identifying the leading affiliates and inviting them to be part of the founding group too.

It’s important to stress that all members are able to help shape the direction of the club. We’ve been born global from day one, and because these founding members are so well connected across the sector, the community is already growing through word of mouth.

One of our key missions is to get more women working in iGaming into golf and to make them feel confident about coming to IGGC events. We also have big plans in place to help all members improve as golfers.

Is the club more about serious golf, casual play, or purely networking?

The aim is to offer all of it as the community grows. One of the great things about golf is that the handicap system makes it a real leveller competitively. So yes, we’ll run competitions for people who want to play great courses and compete properly. But we’ll also run beginner camps, where people who are new to the game can learn from professionals in a comfortable setting. Beyond that, we’ll host selected events that aren’t strictly on the course. Virtual golf through simulators is something we’re developing, along with things like poker and regional networking events for the community.

You’re forecasting 1,200 members globally by 2026, what’s the roadmap to achieving that?

A big part of it is helping members grow the community alongside the work we’re doing at IGGC ourselves. We want this to feel welcoming, and there’s no better way to build that than through word of mouth. Alongside that, we’ll keep building our presence at industry events and focus on creating experiences people genuinely remember and enjoy. That will be central to the club’s success.

As we run more events and activities in more locations, we’re confident new members will keep coming in. Just as important, though, will be listening to the community and using that feedback to guide where IGGC goes next.

Have you personally closed any memorable deals or partnerships on a golf course?

Yes, there have been several times when I’ve been fortunate enough to build partnerships on the golf course. The one that stands out most was securing ambassador deals ahead of the Euros in France back in 2016. Grant’s company Digitonic has generated significant revenue from golf events or four ball introdcutions. He also reported that an operators budget went from an average order value of £35,000 to £250,000 post a round at the Old Course in St Andrews.

If you had to compare running an iGaming business to a round of golf, what would the analogy be?

There are a lot of parallels, which is one reason I think golf is the greatest game in the world. For me, it comes down to decision-making. You have to make a lot of decisions in a short amount of time and often under pressure, so you focus on controlling the controllables. There are always variables you can’t manage, the weather, the lie, things like that. It’s the same in iGaming with regulation and political shifts. You can’t control everything, so you have to stay focused on what you’re doing and commit fully. Pick your shot and go for it.

Quickfire

Best golf course you’ve played?

There are plenty to choose from, but so far I’d say Wentworth in the UK

Dream fourball (any 3 people, dead or alive)?

Tiger Woods, my son & my dad

Early morning tee time or late afternoon round?

Either, it’s golf. I once played 81 holes in a day as a junior, so I’m happy to play whenever I can.

Biggest similarity between golf and iGaming?

Their unpredictability.

Last but not least, what’s your current handicap, and how inclusive is the club when it comes to players who are new to golf or still working on their game?

I’m off 6 at the moment.

And in terms of inclusivity, we want this to be open to everyone. I’m not saying that happens overnight, but as we run more entry-level events, I think new members will start to see both the enjoyment of the game and the benefits that come with taking it up. It’s also something they can keep playing for the rest of their lives.