GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 42 - October 2018

GPWA AFFILIATE INTERVIEW SERIES tipsters and stuff. We still have some unique features, but now there are so many betting tips sites out there, and many betshoot clones. How do you decide what sports- books to promote? I go with the big brands that give the best experience to the players, but also have friendly affili- ate terms and conditions. The combina- tion of these two facts is the main factor when it’s time to decide. But things are not that simple. There are many country restrictions, so if you are an international English-language site, you have to bother with this too. Do you have employees, or do you run your sites by yourself? I have in my office two full-time employees and some part-time editors. Do you gamble? Yes, I do; it’s a part of my life. Mostly football betting and a little video slots. I don’t visit land-based casinos, though. How often do you get to see and inter- act with other people in the industry? Have you attended any conferences? My interaction with other people in the scene is not that usual. I attended the Lon- don Affiliate Conference only once. Most of our communication is done by e-mail. What traits do you look for in an affiliate manager? How about in an affiliate program? I always look for an affiliate manager who can work closely with me. I need to be informed frequent- ly about market changes, bonuses, links changes, country restrictions and things like that. An affiliate program with a rich media gallery and correct tracking and reporting is what I seek, too. What prompted you to join the GPWA? How has it helped you? The fact that there is massive information in the forums, mainly from webmasters’ ex- periences with the affiliate programs, was a major factor in joining the GPWA. It is like you are not alone anymore in the ocean. It helped me learn hundreds of useful things for this industry and to get in contact with many affiliate managers. What do you like most about the industry? I like its diversity and that interest is growing. From the affiliate side, of course, it’s great that you have the free- dom to use your own creativity and ideas, to test a lot of things and see how it goes. If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why? Much stricter regulatory bodies against companies who don’t toe the line, which would get rid of new brands popping out of nowhere, half of them resulting in terrible user experience. If I had to name a second thing to change, it would be the bad affiliates who are spoiling the scene with their “underground” techniques. What do you think the industry will look like in five years? I think there will be more certainty, but there will be a lot fewer brand names and shops out there. The Gambling Commission is get- ting tough, and there is a backlash against gambling adverts, so the reputation of the industry will suffer for a while. What do your family and friends think of your work as an affiliate? Many of my friends don’t really understand what an “affiliate” is and how it works. Most of them, including my family, think that I operate a sportsbook. Either way, I have their sympathy and full support. When you reach more than 20,000 unique visits per day , e-mails and requests are coming like rain. . . . Sooner or later, you will need help if you go big . This means you need more income , so you can pay your extra hands . G P W A t i m e s . o r g