GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 2 - October 2007

3 8 Meet three of the hardest-working, most conscientious Affiliate Managers in the business. Their backgrounds are diverse and they have wildly different musical preferences, but they are in absolute agreement about what makes for an ideal working relationship between affiliates and programs: it all boils down to trust. We think you’ll like what they have to say. Affiliate manager interviews For Kate, Carlo and Tomas, TRUST is essential. How does Poker Host differ fromother poker affiliates? Our rev share up to 35% is worth mentioning. There is a payout facility in our affiliate program that many affiliates appreciate. A lot of affiliates also like the email confirmation they receive every time there is a new Poker Host sign-up. And affiliates will soon be able to request their own private tourneys through the affiliate program. What songs are on your iPod (or mp3 player)? Right now I listen a lot to the boss of Sweden -- Ulf Lundell -- and various hard rock from the 80´s and 90´s -- AC/DC, Guns and Roses and Metallica. What’s your next big purchase (personal)? First of all I’m going to buy Rebecca at Casino City a shot of tequila when she comes down to Costa Rica. Then I definitely need a mobile phone. Believe it or not, all lines in Costa Rica have been occupied the last nine months so as soon as they release new lines, I’m going to be the first in line. Where did you go to school? Sweden and U.K. What’s the key to building successful relationships be- tween affiliates and affiliate programs? At Poker Host we have four people working in the affiliate program.Sherryconcentrateson the U.S. and Canadian markets. Plus, she is the quickest lady in the industry on answering e-mail. Cano does our private tourneys and also handles the Asian and Spanish speaking markets together with José. I’m doing a bit of everything. But since I’m Swedish, it comes in natural that I’m focusing on the Scandinavian market. In other words, we have a multilingual team that offers personal and knowledgeable service to all affiliates all over the world. Is there an affiliate manager or affiliate program that you’d like to emulate? Not anyone in particular. But there are a lot of good ideas and affiliate programs out there. Poker Host is always looking to improve on all levels and to offer their affiliates the best possible service. Howdid you get started in this business? I was working for Ladbrokes in London in 2001 and got a great overview of the gaming business. I then continued with just poker and moved down to Gibraltar and joined Stan James. One of the highlights from the Stan James time was the Stan’s Poker with Top Models Tour; we traveled all over Sweden and played poker with Top Model dealers. This was also the biggest live tournament ever done in Scandinavia -- it lasted for 8 months. I joined up with Poker Host last year and really love this company and their staff. Costa Rica is a beautiful place and I hope to stay here and with Poker Host for a long, long time. What’s the first concert you attended in person? Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen, in Oslo. tOMAS Poker Host Poker Host’s Tomas: Tequila shots for Rebecca are his top priority GP WA TIMES | Affiliate manager interviews