In life, every move has meaning. This is the same in backgammon. One dice roll can flip fortunes in an instant, while the impacts of seemingly small decisions ripple over time, fundamentally changing the trajectory of the game. For , champion backgammon player, commercial podcast host, and , this age-old game offers a masterclass in risk, resilience and strategy.

In , logic must be married with intuition. The ability to be brave and take calculated risks is essential for success. In an exclusive interview with SiGMA News, Jason talks about how the principles of backgammon can apply to the world of iGaming. He explores how these strategies can improve players’ enjoyment and results, and additionally shape the iGaming industry’s approach to player engagement, market trends, and technological innovation. The lessons learned on the board resonate far beyond the game.

At the recent Malta Open Backgammon Tournament, Pack spoke about his game, mirroring the lessons he champions in life and business. “You don’t always have to be the best,” he shared, reflecting on his . “Sometimes, you just need to calculate that it is worthwhile to take the biggest risks.” In a conversation with SiGMA News, the topics ranged from backgammon to high-stakes betting and iGaming. His Disorder and popular writing about the disordered nature of today’s geopolitics provide a fresh look at handling uncertainty, being flexible, and mastering the appropriate blend of risk and strategy. As the iGaming industry evolves, Jason’s experiences resonate far beyond the game, shaping how players, businesses, and even global markets approach the art of winning.

Moments of risk and reward

Malta was the stage for one of Jason Pack’s favourite backgammon events last November. The Malta Open Backgammon Tournament offers more than just competition. It is a theatre of strategy, resilience, and calculated risk. “I used to want to live in Malta. It was a joy to return,” Pack reflected. “Not just for the sea and sunshine, but for the game itself – a chance to immerse myself in backgammon and leave the noise of the world behind, especially just before the chaos of the American election.”

Yet, the path wasn’t smooth. A string of early losses in the main event tested his resolve, but it was his daring in the cash games that delivered a standout moment. Crowned winner of the Malta High Roller Award, Pack proved that sometimes fortune favours the fearless. “It wasn’t about being the best player there,” he explained. “It was about being willing to risk. In life, as in backgammon, you don’t always need perfection – just the nerve to wisely stand your ground when others hold back.” Across the tables, the idea of grasping opportunities struck a chord. As the chips clinked and the dice rolled, the Malta Open served as both a test of talent and a life lesson.

Diversity and adaptability in the game of life

is a game where culture, calculation, creativity, cunning, craft, coordination, contemplation and competition collide. As Pack observed at the Malta Open, “The tournament wasn’t diverse. It was mostly northern Europeans. Scandinavians and German speakers, drawn here for the off-season sun. Southern Europeans, Turks, and Middle Easterners do not need to escape to Malta for winter sun, and for Americans or Japanese, it’s too far to travel for mid-stakes play.”

In the global backgammon scene, like many aspects of international gaming, the landscape is shifting. In the emerging generation, technology and computer analysis are producing a fairly homogenous breed of players. “Studying with computers tends to make everyone play the same style,” Pack noted. “The distinctiveness of unique playing styles is rapidly fading. Yet those who still have versatility do the best at maximising their edge against different styles and skill levels.” Yet, in this reflection, a broader truth emerges – adaptability is the cornerstone of success, whether in life, business, over the backgammon board, or in the iGaming world. Players pivot, plot, and position themselves through micro-adjustments against their opponents, who are employing largely similar strategies, similar to operators who must increasingly navigate markets shaped by regulatory uniformity counterbalanced by unique local demands.

Events like still draw a wide array of competitors. Players from Argentina to Japan gather for a shot at glory. It is here, amidst this diversity, that Pack says adaptability thrives. “In a place like Monaco or , you’re forced to adjust. You still face players with radically different styles and skill levels, and winning requires an ability to adapt and sharpen your game.” This offers a simple message to the iGaming industry. Embrace the global scene, adapt to its nuances, and maintain the resilience and bravery to change your game. By tailoring strategies to what you confront, success lies in balancing consistency with creative flexibility – a lesson drawn directly from the backgammon board.

Backgammon’s school of thought

Playing backgammon requires substantial statistical thinking. It provides a masterclass in . Pack believes that the principles he learned over the board closely relate to the high-stakes world . “Backgammon sharpens your ability to think spatially and probabilistically,” he explained. “You’re constantly analysing scenarios: I have a fifty-six percent chance of winning if I make this move, but I might get gammoned twenty-two percent of the time. If I make the other move I might win less, say 48 percent of the time, but almost never get gammoned. Approximating this, when deciding what to play, it’s about understanding the implications of those trade-offs and which option is right for the specific match situation and opponent–and doing it all under the pressure of the game clock.”

This is the hallmark of top-level backgammon. It sets it apart from other games of chance. “Poker has its merits, but it’s slower. There aren’t as many decisions or as wide a range of options,” Pack noted. “Backgammon is a dynamic blend of checker-play decisions, cube strategies, and match-score considerations, each layered with the psychological interplay between the opponents.”

Because of its complexity, for Pack, backgammon is the ideal training ground for the gambling and finance sectors. “It’s an excellent microcosm,” he said. “Many successful stock traders and entrepreneurs have roots in backgammon. It trains you to handle a range of decisions in real time, whether it’s calculating odds, managing bankrolls, or predicting outcomes.” This strategic mindset is invaluable in iGaming, where understanding risk-reward balances and predicting player behaviour are essential. “It’s not just about luck. It is about calculated, informed decisions,” Pack concluded. , it seems, extend far beyond the board, shaping how we approach challenges in business, gaming, and life itself.

The Role of computers and human psychology

The rise of computerised gameplay has brought precision and strategy into sharper focus, but Pack believes it has also homogenised the backgammon landscape. “Computers help players find the highest equity move when playing against a perfect opponent,” he explained. “But in human gameplay, sticking to the ‘perfect’ move isn’t always the best choice. Sometimes, deviating from the optimal strategy can unsettle your opponent and shift the psychological dynamic.”

Pack elaborated on how benefitting from complexity and psychological uncertainty is uniquely human. “When you’re playing against another person, it’s not just about math. Read their state of mind. Are they overconfident? Are they reeling from a loss? That’s where psychology comes in. Bluffing or making unconventional moves can confound and shake up their mental state in ways no computer can predict.” For Pack, this interplay of logic and intuition accentuates the enduring appeal of backgammon. It’s a game where strategy meets spontaneity, reminding us that even in a data-driven world, the human and random elements always remain.

Analogies to Global Disorder and regulation

Jason Pack’s ,’ finds a striking parallel in the iGaming world. “There’s a lot of regulatory discrepancy in iGaming,” Pack remarked. “It’s a fragmented system, frequently with each jurisdiction operating on its own terms. This mirrors our current geopolitical landscape, where nations struggle to align their policies or regulatory environments even on critical issues that they agree on.”

Drawing on the research underpinning his Disorder Podcast, Pack explained how this lack of cohesion undermines efficiency. “During the Cold War, we had American hegemony and alliances like NATO that facilitated coordination among nations. Now, whether it’s climate policy or iGaming regulation, there’s no unified framework. It’s a patchwork of conflicting rules that creates chaos.” In the iGaming industry, this regulatory fragmentation hinders growth and innovation. “It’s absurd that the laws governing a global, digital industry differ so dramatically from one country to another,” he said. “The ideal would be a single, unified framework, but achieving that requires a level of trust and coordination that simply doesn’t exist in today’s world. That is the essence of the Global Enduring Disorder.”

Pack’s insights highlight a pressing challenge for operators: navigating this regulatory maze while advocating for greater alignment. In a world defined by disorder, those who adapt and innovate will find opportunities where others see obstacles.

AI and responsible gaming

In the iGaming sector, the relationship between AI and ethical gaming is a hot topic, and Jason Pack’s perspective is both perceptive and cautionary. “The way I see it, AI is going to play a major role in monitoring player behaviour,” he explained. “If someone loses too much too quickly, the system might prevent them from doubling or tripling down. But sometimes that is actually their optimal strategy, so there’s a downside to this level of control.”

Pack raised concerns about how overly restrictive measures could alienate high-stakes players. “We can’t treat professional gamblers the same way as problem gamblers. We should allow those with sufficient funds and a clear understanding of the risks to make informed bets. People are adults. They should have the freedom to make their own decisions.” For Pack, the challenge lies in balancing player protection and personal autonomy. “AI can be a valuable tool, but it needs to be implemented thoughtfully. Otherwise, it risks creating a ‘nanny state’ that stifles genuine skill-based gaming.”

The Human Element: Resilience and Psychological Insight

Backgammon is both a psychological and a strategic game. For Jason Pack, the psychological resilience required to thrive in high stakes matches mirrors the challenges faced by professionals in the betting and iGaming industries. “I wouldn’t say it’s my strongest skill,” he admitted. “But it’s something . Starting the Malta Open by losing three matches in a row, despite marginally outplaying each of my opponents, as shown by later computer analysis, was tough. It happens, though. Frequently, even if you’re better, the dice just don’t fall your way.”

Pack’s approach to these setbacks is both pragmatic and reflective. “In those moments, it’s tempting to throw in the towel completely—to say, ‘Forget it, I’m going for a swim, and can’t be bothered playing the next round.’ That would be self-defeating, though. But stepping away for a brief break can sometimes be the best option. You avoid compounding losses when your headspace isn’t right.” This mindset, often summarised as “a quarterback’s short memory,” is a critical trait for anyone dealing with high-stakes scenarios. “Move on quickly,” Pack explained. “Dwelling on a bad roll or a loss only hampers your ability to make the next decision effectively. You can study what went wrong later, but in the moment, a high degree of emotional detachment is key.”

Building emotional tolerance to volatility is an invaluable lesson for someone drawn to risk. “In backgammon, everything can change with one roll of the dice. One moment you’re dominating and about to make mad bank, and the next, you’re losing badly and about to go bust. It’s a microcosm of life’s unpredictability. I am the first to say that handling these emotional swings is not my strongest suit.”

The ability to adapt is crucial for iGaming professionals, especially those navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of market trends, regulations, and player behaviour. “Many people who haven’t experienced managing large personal financial risk struggle with these situations,” Pack observed. “They find volatility overwhelming because they’re not used to it. But in gambling, as in life, learning to ride those waves is a necessary skill.”

Beyond resilience, Pack highlighted the cultural dimensions of how people handle risk. “It’s fascinating to see how different cultures approach this. For instance, Japanese and Scandinavian players often exhibit extremely even-tempered external personas—it’s part of their upbringing. Those from places like New York, Italy, the Middle East or Malta, where external expression of emotions are allowed to run high, may feel and express their frustrations far more openly.” Resilience in iGaming is not just about grit; it’s about adapting, staying emotionally balanced, and prioritising what’s important, even when things go wrong.

Engaging players with strategy

For Jason, backgammon is a symphony of strategy, psychology, and social interaction. “People love the human element,” Pack explained. “The thrill of reading opponents, predicting their moves, and adapting your strategy. It’s essentially the same skill set we use in the real world, whether negotiating a business deal or navigating human relationships.”

The ability to engage with human behaviour sets games like backgammon and apart from other less interactive forms of gambling. “Slots, for example, lack the intellectual and emotional engagement that comes from playing against another person,” Pack observed. “There’s no bluffing, no reading, no real challenge – it’s purely about the odds, and that’s not nearly as fulfilling.”

For iGaming operators, Pack’s insights offer a valuable lesson in creating engaging experiences. “The best games combine multiple elements – math, psychology, and social dynamics. They challenge players to think, adapt, and engage on different levels,” he said. “That’s what makes backgammon and poker so enduring. They’re games people can play for days on end and still want more because the human element keeps them fresh.”

Pack believes this principle could guide innovation in iGaming. “Games that rely purely on either mathematics or chance will always have their audience, but the most successful platforms will be those that create depth and variety and engage the player on multiple dimensions,” he explained. “Give players the chance to interact socially, to test their skills against others, and to feel like they’re part of something bigger.”

For operators looking to attract both casual players and high-stakes gamblers, the challenge is clear: design games that are as intellectually stimulating as they are entertaining. “It’s not just about the dopamine hit of winning,” Pack concluded. “It’s about creating experiences that resonate with people, that draw on our social nature and that teach skills they can use beyond the game.”

As iGaming evolves, the lessons of backgammon and its mix of logic, psychology, and unpredictability offer a blueprint for building platforms that truly engage players. After all, in both life and gaming, the real joy lies in the journey as much as the outcome.

Strategic moves in backgammon and beyond

For Jason Pack, understanding human behaviour is at the core of backgammon strategy. “One joy of the game is predicting your opponent’s moves,” he said. “If someone is rattled from a previous loss, they might overreach or take unnecessary risks. That’s when you can double late and still get a take or make an unexpected play to throw them off.”

Pack believes these skills are just as applicable in iGaming and life. “It’s about reading the room. Whether that’s an opponent at the backgammon board or a market trend in the iGaming industry, success comes from anticipating moves, adapting your strategy, and seizing opportunities when they arise.”

Advice for the SiGMA stage

The iGaming industry recently gathered at SiGMA Europe 2024 in Malta, with thousands of professionals from around the world in attendance. For Jason, success at an event of this scale comes down to finding your niche. “In a crowded marketplace like this, you need to stand out,” Pack advised. “Identify what you bring to the table that others don’t. It’s about offering something unique, whether it’s a fresh perspective, a new product, or an innovative strategy.”

iGaming is evolving quickly, adding more layers to an already complex industry.

To handle the shifts in geopolitics and new AI tech, operators must be agile. “The fortunes of European gaming operators have been under pressure,” Pack noted. “Market caps are down, and there’s growing concern over regulation. Companies need to adapt—whether that’s pivoting to new markets, embracing cryptocurrencies, or tapping into the preferences of younger audiences who live on platforms like TikTok.”

Pack’s approach to networking also offers valuable insights. “I used to find these events daunting,” he admitted. “But success at a huge conference is not about cold networking or collecting business cards—it’s about genuine curiosity. Engage with people. Find out what drives them, what challenges they’re facing, and what opportunities excite them.”

Pack is Host of the 

Author of  (Hurst/Oxford University Press)

President of 

You can read his article on Backgammon here:

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