The Next: Volume 8, with XST Capital Group

XST Capital Group presents The Next, a recurring series featuring founders, CEO’s, and key industry thought leaders to discuss the companies shaping innovation with the digital gaming sector. In this edition, XST Capital Group founder Joel Simkins speaks with Jonathan Aiwazian, CEO of idPair. This interview originally appeared on the XST Capital Group website.

“Could you tell us a little bit about the genesis of idPair and what brought you into consumer protection and data solutions?”

Back in the summer of 2019, I received an offer to join a gaming company to help lead the sportsbook team as they prepared for launch in New Jersey. This was back before remote work was normal, so it required a full relocation. In a move that people always question when it comes up, we left southern California for New Jersey. I’ve since grown to love New Jersey, but there was an adjustment period to the weather.

What followed after our app launched in New Jersey was several other state launches: Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Virginia. Due to differing requirements and the need to get to market fast, many operators’ products had limitations, one of which was that player databases had no connectivity across states, so a player had to download a separate instance of the app in each state, for example ‘Sportsbook NJ’ or ‘Sportsbook PA’.

Compounding matters, many operators used third party platforms for risk management, and these third parties had no way of knowing that account 1234 in NJ was the same person as account 2345 in PA, leading to a lot of difficulties in classifying the player accounts for potential responsible gaming issues. This fragmented system within operators, but also across operators and states, inadvertently allowed players to fall through the cracks of identification and many who may have needed support may not have gotten it. It was frustrating to see technology limit our ability to provide the best level of protection for our players.

People aren’t confined to geographic boundaries or individual operators, so we needed a system where player protection wasn’t either. That was the seed that inspired the launch of idPair.

“idPair's mission is to strengthen responsible gaming through advanced data anonymization, security, and analysis. What role do these play in responsible gaming, and what benefit can they have in the gaming industry?”

Every decision we make is rooted in data privacy. Data anonymization is central to creating a confidential system where people don’t have to worry about their information being exposed. Any time we are dealing with financial or wagering data, all Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is removed through the creation of anonymized user IDs. The beauty of this is that the operator still can identify who their player is if they need to provide some assistance, but idPair only holds an anonymous ID that is not traced back to any person.

By ensuring data is handled with the highest level of security, we’re not only protecting sensitive information but also building a foundation of trust. Players need to know that when they engage in self-exclusion or set limits, their data is safe. We thoroughly test our security and have third party evaluations done regularly to stay ahead of the latest threats.

With respect to data analysis, our technology represents a major shift in the capabilities of player protections software. Recent data suggest that sportsbettors use an average of 4 apps for their play (with some using as many as 15 apps), and why wouldn’t they? Odds checking sites give you the best odds for any bet, and a difference in odds of +110 on one app to +120 on another would lead to $10 more in winnings on a $100 bet. Even it people have their favorite apps, $10 is $10!

The clearest example of the issues this fragmented data causes can be shown quite evidently by a NJ requirement. The Division of Gaming Enforcement mandates that when a player reaches $2500 in cumulative deposits on an app, a notification must be sent to the player acknowledging that they are aware of the total deposited. The problem is that with the average of 4 apps, a player can deposit nearly $10k before ever getting that alert. This is why it is important to have data connectivity so we can provide the best protections.

“I'd love to hear more about your single platform solution for aggregating user data across operators. What kind of data does it collect and how can operators and regulators use this information? What is the implementation process like for operators wanting to be involved?“

When looking for signs of harm from gambling, it is important to understand that every player’s situation is different, but there are a few key data areas that can be evaluated to give a foundational risk assessment. It should be noted that the data collected is anonymized before it leaves the operator, so while the operator can identify a player at high risk, idPair never has access to their personal information. To evaluate the risk level of the player, the primary data needed is wagering history and deposit/withdrawal transactions. From here, we can look at their risk tolerance changes over time, canceled withdrawals, time spent gambling, loss chasing behavior, total win/loss, credit card usage, and much more. Other information such as player interactions with the operator RG tools and age/demographic data can all add context to the player’s overall risk level.

We spent a lot of time making the implementation as low-touch as possible from the operators’ side, understanding the operator roadmaps are typically set for the next 12-18 months. We even set up a zero-integration mechanism to receive operator data in batches to get up and running immediately, while waiting for roadmap to free up for an integration.

“You recently rolled out The National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP). Can you tell us a little about the development process of such a huge initiative?”

Developing NVSEP was both a massive challenge and an incredible opportunity. We knew from the beginning that this initiative had to go beyond what individual states or operators were doing—it needed to provide national protection that could protect players seamlessly across jurisdictions and platforms. That meant tackling a lot of moving parts, from regulatory differences to technical complexities, while keeping player protection at the forefront of every decision.

The first step was about understanding the gaps. We saw that players could self-exclude in one state or with one operator, but still be vulnerable in another. We spent a lot of time consulting with regulators, operators, and advocacy groups to ensure we were building something that was not only effective but also practical for everyone involved.

From there, the technical development was incredibly intricate. We needed to design a system that could work across multiple states, each with its own rules, while ensuring that the data remained secure and compliant with state and federal laws. Data privacy and security were non-negotiable priorities, and we implemented cutting-edge solutions to ensure that personal information was protected at every stage of the process.

But it wasn’t just about the technology. We wanted to make opting into NVSEP as simple and user-friendly as possible. The program had to be accessible to players, and we had to make it easy for operators to adopt without adding a lot of friction to their processes.

I think what really sets NVSEP apart is the collaboration it represents. It’s a unified approach that brings together regulators, operators, state councils, and players to create a system that works for everyone. At its core, this program is about giving players control over their gaming habits, no matter where they are. Seeing it come to life has been incredibly rewarding because we know it will make a real difference in the lives of people who need it most.

“The Coalition for Fantasy Sports just recently partnered with this initiative as well. Can you give us some insight into this partnership and how it will be implemented?“

The partnership with the Coalition for Fantasy Sports (CFS) is a really exciting development for NVSEP. It represents a significant expansion of our player protection efforts into a growing segment of the gaming industry. Fantasy sports, especially daily fantasy, has exploded in popularity, and we recognized early on that players there need similar protections to other gaming products.

Our collaboration with CFS began with a shared goal: making sure that players who struggle with gaming or who simply want to take a break can easily exclude themselves across all fantasy sports platforms that are part of the coalition. This alignment made the partnership a natural fit.

What’s really encouraging about this partnership is that it’s setting a precedent for the broader gaming industry. By these fantasy sports operators proactively coming into the fold, we’re showing that responsible gaming is a universal priority, no matter what the form of gaming. This partnership also highlights the flexibility of NVSEP—we can adapt it to different sectors of the industry, whether it’s lotteries, casinos, sports betting, or now, fantasy sports.

Ultimately, this partnership is about giving players more control over their gaming experiences and creating a safer environment for everyone. I’m thrilled to see the fantasy sports community embrace this initiative, and I believe it’s a sign of more to come as we continue expanding NVSEP to protect as many players as possible.

“idPair partners with numerous research institutes to analyze transactional wagering data. What is the goal of your research, and what do you hope to utilize the data for?”

The US has such an amazing university system, with world-class researchers everywhere you turn. Gambling research has only caught on in a couple places so far, but the interest we have seen from our partners in accessing and studying meaningful data to understand how their populations, and particularly the students they see wagering in class, are affected by gambling is growing rapidly. By studying this data, we aim to identify early indicators of problem gambling and develop more effective self-exclusion strategies and responsible gaming tools. The insights we gain allow us to design interventions that are preventive and personalized to individual players, helping them gamble sustainably.

“How do you see regulations evolving over time? Do you see more consumer protection down the road, and do you see it in a more universal arrangement or possibly operator by operator? I would love to hear some of your thoughts on the topic.”

Regulations will evolve to increasingly prioritize consumer protection, especially as understanding of responsible gaming policy effectiveness (or lack thereof) grows. Historically, regulations have lagged technological advancements, but this trend is changing as governments and regulators respond to the risks more proactively. In the future, I anticipate a shift toward more universal frameworks for consumer protection, rather than relying on an operator-by-operator approach. As gambling becomes more cashless and borderless, collaboration between regulators in different states or countries is likely to increase. A universal arrangement could simplify compliance for operators and ensure that consumers, regardless of where they play, have access to the same protections.

Another key area where I expect change is in the use of centralized databases or cross-operator systems with regulatory oversight, which could reduce harms from gambling for multi-app users, regardless of where they play. Stronger data privacy and compliance standards will accompany these changes, ensuring that player data is protected while adhering to state and national regulations.

While these changes will undoubtedly unfold in a universal way over the course of years, single jurisdictions and operators can be proactive and be leaders in accelerating these positive changes.

”As responsible gaming and regulation grows in the gaming ecosystem, more and more competitors are entering this space and looking to create the best solution. How do you view this competition, and what sets idPair apart?”

When idPair first launched, we were told by really smart people that the vision was too bold, that operators would never collaborate on data sharing, or that a pure Responsible Gaming company was not viable. It is this same thinking that gave us a major head start among those who would now be considered competitors. Having safer gaming in our DNA means that we are not just rebranding an existing product and adding ‘RG’ to its name. Our technology was conceived and built with a 100% RG focus. That being said, we are proud to have played a role in changing attitudes toward player protection, which had historically been an a box-checking compliance exercise.

As for competition, I view this as a positive for both the industry and our company. Real innovation is coming to protect players from a variety of sources, with much of it being complementary. Not only is there plenty of room for collaboration, but the competition also inspires new ideas on how we can push technology even further to help reduce gambling harm.

“What advice would you give to operators today making challenging decisions regarding responsible gaming and protecting their consumers?”

Think long term. Consider the person on the other end of the wager and what would best protect them, even if it means working with competitors to provide better safeguards. Many operators, including those we have partnered with, are getting proactive because they see better player protection tools as not just the right thing to do, but something that is good for business, building loyalty among their players.

”What does the roadmap for idPair look like? What can we expect to see from you in the coming years?”

The roadmap for idPair is all about pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible when it comes to player protection. In the coming years, you can expect to see some very exciting technological innovations that will transform how the industry approaches responsible gaming.

We’re not just keeping pace—we’re accelerating the advancement of technology in areas where it’s traditionally been said that current technology can’t support robust player safety initiatives.

Our focus is on creating tools that don’t just respond to known risks, but that actively predict and prevent them across all gaming platforms. Our goal is to link gaming products, jurisdictions, and operators into one cohesive system that identifies and mitigates risk in real-time.

We’re also working on innovations that will empower operators to take more proactive measures. We’re advancing the use of machine learning, cross-platform data integration, and user-friendly self-exclusion mechanisms that will change the way operators think about protecting their players.

”You are expanding greatly within the OSB/DFS industry, but do you have any plans to move your technology into other wagering platforms, namely iLottery, lottery, or sweepstakes, to give a full holistic view of player wagering habits?”

We were founded with a mission to bring stronger safeguards to consumers in the gaming world, wherever they’re needed. Our success in the online sports betting and daily fantasy sports space is just the beginning. The reality is, while most people in all types of gaming play responsibly, there are still individuals across every platform—whether it’s Lottery, horseracing, land-based casinos, or sweepstakes—who would benefit from better protections. That's why we’re actively working to expand our technology into all areas.

Research recently released out of New Jersey identified approximately 15 distinct forms of gambling in the state. This reminds us of the diverse ways people engage with gaming, and reinforces our belief that no matter the platform, safeguarding players is a universal need. Wherever people need us, we will go. Whether it’s across different gaming products, jurisdictions, or operators, the future of safer gaming will be achieved through technology that unites these spaces.

“Thank you for this interesting conversation. idPair is clearly growing rapidly - when you step back to take a quick breather, what do you like to do in your downtime?”

Spending quality time with family, including attending the kids’ sports is basically my downtime. I am a very competitive person by nature, so I am usually the only one keeping score in my head at my 6-year old’s soccer match. Spending time with my kids reminds me of why idPair’s mission is so important. Even at such a young age, they are already aware that there are games where adults lose money. Especially in this age of mobile gaming, it is important that the younger generation has a bigger arsenal of tools that provide better education and protection from potential harms.

Jonathan Aiwazian - Biography

Jonathan Aiwazian is founder and CEO of idPair, an award-winning data anonymization and analytics firm that operates the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP) and specializes in analyzing large transactional gambling datasets across operators to strengthen Responsible Gaming protections for consumers. Recently, idPair was chosen as a winner of the Flutter and RGC (Responsible Gambling Council) Play Well Challenge for its data anonymization and connectivity product, which removes a consumer’s identifiable information while preserving the ability to connect and analyze cross-operator data for high-risk gambling behaviors. Aiwazian’s previous experience includes executive roles at multiple sports betting and online casino operators and suppliers, where he was part of the initial sports betting rollout in New Jersey and half a dozen other states where he launched and operated licensed gambling operations.