GPWA Times - Issue 21 - May 2012

GPWA AFFILIATE INTERVIEW SERIES How did you become involved in the industry? I own a pri- vate web hosting company. One day, a person working in the res- taurant next door (big-time gambler) asked me if I would build an affiliate site for him. I did, and he changed his mind; but by then I had done my homework about affiliate sites, so I decided to give it a try. I’m still here today, with even more sites! When did you launch your sites? casinoscafe.com on February 23, 2005; gamblingcove.com on March 28, 2005; casinoscafe. co.uk in May 2005; bingomingle.com in April 2006; and ca- sinoscafe.net in 2008. How long did it take for you to start earning money? It took me one month after I launched my first site before I started earn- ing money. March 28, 2005 was the date of my first deposit. Casinos Cafe promotes casino, bingo, poker, racebooks and sportsbooks. Which games draw the most traffic? Definitely casino and poker. Is it a good idea to include racebooks and sportsbooks on a predominantly casino-oriented site? No – not for me, anyway. I am planning to remove racebook and sportsbook slowly, so I won’t lose my visitors and rankings. Your site luckytonys.com seems to have a more personal tone and style than some of your other sites. For instance, you list the casinos where you like to play, then say, “I don’t win all the time but I have a lot of fun.” Another section reads, “The more I play the luckier I get. WHOO HOOOOOO!!!” Have you received any feedback from your site visitors on this approach? Do they appreciate your genuine enthusiasm? Yes, I have been told by many people that they enjoy my personal comments and they appreciate my honesty. I think by being open and expressive visitors can relate better to you. Your sites have a live dealer tab, and luckytonys.com also has a mobile gaming tab. How important is it for affiliates to understand and promote these innovations in the indus- try? I think it is very important to keep up with the trends and promote these innovations. Today, in this fast-changing world, it is imperative to keep up with the times. What traits do you look for in an affiliate manag- er? How about in an affili- ate program? I would like an affiliate manager to keep me up to date on current ad- vertising material and not all banners, PLEASE! As for affiliate programs, I would like to see them update at the same time the bonuses appear on the gambling sites. I do not want to see updates 15 days later. What advice would you offer someone just start- ing out in the industry? I would say it is important to be passionate about any- thing you do if you want to be successful. Put your “all” into your website. With hard work and determination you will reap the rewards. What prompted you to join the GPWA? How has it helped you? When I first started out I Googled “gambling forums” and I came across the GPWA and a few others. It was the GPWA that I found to be the most helpful and informative. When my wife was going through her battle with cancer, so many kind friends supported us and gave us strength. What do you like about the industry? I like having the oppor- tunity of meeting new people from all over the world. I also like being my own boss and working in the convenience and comfort of my home. What don’t you like about the industry? I don’t like the fact that the industry is not regulated and programs can do whatever they want whenever they want to both players and affiliates. I think regulation would discourage the undesirables. I have been hit by programs many times and I have not been paid. What surprised you most about the industry? I was surprised at the way people come together in the industry to help and sup- port others who are going through hardships in life. TONY Tony Age 61 Hometown Florina, Greece Living in Toronto Favorite Food Roast lamb Must Read Book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, by Robert B. Cialdini Sites casinoscafe.com bingomingle.com casinoscafe.co.uk casinoscafe.net gamblingcove.com luckytonys.com The day he got his first deposit, he launched his second site! GPWA Affiliate Interview Series