David Carruthers, principal and CEO of David Carruthers Consulting, shares candid reflections from his five-decade career during the second annual Reverse Pitch session at ICE Barcelona 2026, where startup founders turn the tables and question an industry veteran on their career.
Joined by Tony Keller, CEO of The Casino Factory, Philisiwe Benghu, founder of Research iGaming and Zach Doctor, CEO of WagerWire, Carruthers traces his journey from the shop floor at Ladbrokes to the boardroom and beyond. He describes his early career as a battle against hierarchy and glass ceilings. He notes that his willingness to challenge authority ultimately limited his rise but equipped him with the tools, including an MBA, to reinvent himself.
Setbacks, but not the end
Carruthers describes personal and professional setbacks, including time spent under house arrest and in prison, as formative rather than defining.
“When I was on house arrest, I was preparing myself for the rest of my life,” he says, highlighting discipline, physical health and mental resilience as foundations for longevity.
Carruthers also urges younger professionals to view gambling as legitimate entertainment rather than a “sin industry”. For new entrants, his message is direct – embrace the sector and work hard. “There is no ceiling in this industry,” he adds.
Watch the iGB@ICE Studio live on the iGB YouTube channel for more interviews and insights.
David Carruthers shares lessons from 50 years in gambling, resilience and leadership at ICE Barcelona 2026.