{"id":1026,"date":"2025-08-12T10:08:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T10:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bettingjobs.eu.applyflow.com\/?p=1026"},"modified":"2026-02-26T15:57:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T15:57:15","slug":"empowering-women-in-igaming-celebrating-international-womens-day-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/insights\/empowering-women-in-igaming-celebrating-international-womens-day-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Women in iGaming: Celebrating International Women\u2019s Day 2025."},"content":{"rendered":"

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we are excited to showcase the insights and reflections of some of the incredible women shaping the industry:<\/span> Val C. Martinez<\/span><\/a>, founder of<\/span> Betting Ladies<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>https:\/\/bettingladies.com<\/span><\/a>), and<\/span> Nadine Thys<\/span><\/a>, seasoned Customer Relations expert with over 20 years of experience in the iGaming world.<\/span><\/p>\n

At BettingJobs, empowering women year-round is something we’re deeply passionate about. In addition to highlighting the incredible women mentioned above, we’re thrilled to report that we’ve seen a year-on-year increase in the number of talented women we’ve helped place across various roles, including Finance, Marketing, Product, and more at BettingJobs HQ.<\/span><\/p>\n

In today’s article,<\/span> Val C. Martinez<\/span><\/a> shares her inspiring journey through the iGaming sector, offering valuable insights into what led to her founding<\/span> Betting Ladies<\/span><\/a>, a community that provides free betting guides and connects women with a passion for sports and sports betting, whilst also reflecting on the experiences that have shaped her path.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile,<\/span> Nadine Thys<\/span><\/a> highlights some of the incredible resources and networks available to women in the industry.<\/span> Nadine Thys<\/span><\/a> also shares the work-life balance strategies that have worked for her and discusses ways in which companies can better support women in achieving this balance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Val C. Martinez (left) and Nadine Thys (right) join us to share their inspiring journeys as trailblazing women in the iGaming industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Could you share a bit about your background and the journey that led you to where you are today?<\/b><\/p>\n

Val C. Martinez<\/span><\/a>: I\u2019m originally from Italy and spent 15 years living in the UK, where sports betting is a normal and widely accepted part of the culture. When I moved to the U.S. in 2018, the same year PASPA was overturned, I saw the industry beginning to take shape here. But as I followed the market\u2019s growth, I noticed there wasn\u2019t a dedicated space for women bettors to connect. Women who enjoy sports betting exist, but there was no real community for them. So, I decided to create<\/span> Betting Ladies<\/span><\/a>\u2014a place where women can meet like-minded bettors, share insights, and be part of a supportive network.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Why did you decide to set up a betting community for women specifically?<\/b><\/p>\n

Val C. Martinez<\/span><\/a>: Sports betting has always been a male-dominated industry, but that doesn\u2019t mean women aren\u2019t part of it. I saw that women were betting, but they didn\u2019t have a space designed for them\u2014whether it was for discussing strategies, sharing experiences, or just connecting with others who enjoy it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Betting Ladies<\/span><\/a> was born out of the need for a community where women bettors could engage in a space that feels welcoming, supportive, and inclusive. It\u2019s about fostering connections, building confidence, and making sure women feel just as much a part of the industry as anyone else.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How much has the community grown since you first set up Betting Ladies?<\/b><\/p>\n

Val C. Martinez<\/span><\/a>: The response following our launch in 2023 was amazing – since then, we\u2019ve seen steady growth, with new members joining every week. It’s clear there\u2019s a demand for a space where women bettors can connect. Whether it\u2019s through discussions, shared picks, or just supporting each other, the community is growing stronger every day, and I\u2019m excited about what\u2019s ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you name any other inspirational female leaders or advocates that are breaking barriers in the sports betting space?<\/span><\/p>\n

Val C. Martinez<\/span><\/a>: Absolutely! There are so many women driving the industry forward, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.<\/span> Erin Kate Dolan<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> Kelly Hatch<\/span><\/a> are two names that come to mind. These women have been great at bringing betting content to a mainstream audience.<\/span> Amy Howe<\/span><\/a>, the CEO of<\/span> FanDuel<\/span><\/a>, is leading one of the biggest sportsbooks in the country.;<\/span> Megan Lanham<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Rithmm<\/span><\/a> founder) for her innovation in predictive analytics, and pioneers like<\/span> Sue Schneider<\/span><\/a>, who has been instrumental in shaping the gaming industry. The list goes on\u2014there are so many women making waves in sports betting, and it\u2019s inspiring to see.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Do you have any advice for a woman looking to start a career or enter the world of the predominantly male sports betting\/gambling industry?<\/b><\/p>\n

Val C. Martinez<\/span><\/a>: Don\u2019t be afraid to take up space. This industry can seem intimidating because it\u2019s traditionally been male-dominated, but that doesn\u2019t mean there isn\u2019t room for women – and it is changing. My advice would be: Find your niche. Whether it’s content, data analytics, operations, or community building, figure out where your passion lies and own it. Connect with other women in the industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a growing network of women in sports betting\u2014reach out, engage, and don\u2019t be afraid to ask for advice. Stay confident in your knowledge. You belong in this space just as much as anyone else. Keep learning, stay engaged, and don\u2019t let imposter syndrome hold you back. The industry is evolving, and more women are stepping into leadership and influence. The more we show up, the more the industry will recognize the value we bring.<\/span>
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What does the future look like for women in betting?<\/b><\/p>\n

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Val C. Martinez<\/span><\/a>: The future is bright and growing. We\u2019re already seeing more women not just as bettors but as analysts, executives, content creators, and business leaders in the space. There\u2019s still work to be done in terms of visibility and representation, but with communities like Betting Ladies and the incredible women leading the way, the industry is becoming more inclusive and accessible.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I think we\u2019ll see more women entering leadership roles, more female voices in sports betting media, and a broader acceptance of women as key players in this space. We have seen women’s sports growing – and the women’s sports betting space with it. Our goal is not just to participate, but to shape the industry in a way that reflects its full audience\u2014because betting isn\u2019t just for men, and the industry is finally starting to catch on.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What inspired you to pursue a career in the iGaming industry \/ how did you get started in the sector?<\/b><\/p>\n

Nadine Thys<\/span><\/a>: I blame this entirely on my cousin. Her colleague was looking for Customer Support Agents and I fit the bill. I went from managing a busy restaurant to Poker CS and 20 years later here I am.<\/span><\/p>\n

What challenges, if any, have you faced as a woman in the iGaming industry, and how did you overcome them?<\/span><\/p>\n

Nadine Thys<\/span><\/a>: In the first few years it was being the only woman in a room and having my suggestions and opinions heard. I tended to try and show my worth by buckling down and getting the job done well but not promoting or advocating for myself out loud. It took many years, but I have learned that keeping your head down and expecting people to see your worth is not enough, you need to show up for yourself and in turn for other women and ensure that your presence is lived out loud. The other benefit to this is that other women will feel empowered to speak up and support each other which is magic.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Are there any resources, networks, or communities that have helped you in your journey within the iGaming industry?<\/b><\/p>\n

Nadine Thys<\/span><\/a>: My personal and professional networks and communities which mainly consisted of colleagues and friends.<\/span> Women in Gaming<\/span><\/a> (WiG) has also increased my awareness and highlighted women’s achievements in the industry. I had one exceptional manager,<\/span> Lucy Owen<\/span><\/a>, who not only pushed me but also supported me and her contribution to my development will stay with me forever. It was due to her that I was nominated for and won the B2B Excellence Women in Gaming award in 2015. I tend to dismiss my contributions, and I am self-effacing. Being nominated and winning made me realise that what I do matters, and I would not have won without her support, it still means the world! I do my utmost to do the same as much as I can.<\/span>
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How do you feel the industry can ensure equal opportunities for women, particularly when it comes to career advancement?<\/b><\/p>\n

Nadine Thys<\/span><\/a>: Firstly, ask them, include them in the discussion and solutions. Ensure that environments are safe enough for women to be able to freely contribute. Ensure that they are heard and encouraged. I have been in too many situations where women are cut off, spoken over, interrupted or just dismissed. It\u2019s empowering when someone steps up and says something simple as \u2018let her finish, you interrupted what she was saying or that\u2019s exactly what she said you just reworded it\u2019. This is relevant for everyone; equality does not equal equity!<\/span>
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What work-life balance strategies have you found helpful, and how can companies in the industry support women in achieving this?<\/b><\/p>\n

Nadine Thys<\/span><\/a>: No is a complete sentence, easier said than done, I know! I personally help wherever I can which sets a precedent. I ended up doing more than I should have and then drowning and feeling like I failed. Having boundaries from the start is the ideal but learn to set boundaries so that you can have a work life balance. It\u2019s not just about what time you log on or off but the mental load after hours which takes away from your down time and thus your mind, body and spirits recovery time.<\/span>
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Companies need to ensure that they don\u2019t expect one person to wear multiple hats, carry multiple people professionally and still have the brain space to have a life outside of work. Check in on your employees and make sure they can safely and without judgement tell you they are struggling or need help.<\/span>
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Do you have any advice or tips for women entering the industry?<\/b><\/p>\n

Nadine Thys<\/span><\/a>: Show up for yourself, make your presence known and take up space. There have been too many instances where I have kept quiet and had the right answer, best idea or perfect solution and didn\u2019t speak up. Do not believe that everyone is smarter, has more knowledge or better experience than you, believe me, a lot of the time that is not the case! <\/span>Support other women because you never know when you will need support yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

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We would like to extend a special thank you to both<\/span> Val C. Martinez<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> Nadine Thys<\/span><\/a> for joining us in today’s International Women’s Day edition of BettingJobs News, and for everything you do to support and elevate our industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

We would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the talented women at BettingJobs, led by our CEO,<\/span> Jennifer Innes<\/span><\/a>, who was named one of<\/span> iGamingBusiness<\/span><\/a> Most Influential Women of 2024.<\/span>
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\"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we are excited to showcase the insights and reflections of some of the incredible women shaping the industry: Val C. Martinez, founder of Betting Ladies (https:\/\/bettingladies.com), and Nadine Thys, seasoned Customer Relations expert with over 20 years of experience in the iGaming world. At BettingJobs, empowering women year-round…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":1031,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1026","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insights"],"acf":[],"post_author_name":"","post_authors_type":"","post_authors_from_team_members":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1026","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1026"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1026\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1063,"href":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1026\/revisions\/1063"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media\/1031"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1026"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1026"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bettingjobs.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1026"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}