GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 44 - July 2019

Use social media to bring more traffic to your affiliate website and increase your online presence. Nowadays, social media is an integral part of most affiliates’ success. Social media platforms allow affiliates to connect with their customers, increase engage- ment and build a community in a very organic way. Engaging players and creating relationships through social media is the best marketing approach they could ever have. Keep up with industry trends, follow and contribute in affiliate forums, and keep a close eye on what online gambling analysts are saying. Do you gamble yourself? I used to gamble for fun in land-based casinos, but not anymore. However, sometimes the idea of making some spins on Book of Ra comes to my head, but common sense dominates it. Free time is too valuable to spend it on gambling. I prefer spend it with my family or for self-development. Where do you think the industry will be in the next five years? I imagine further innovation in simple things, like cash out and in-play betting. The nature of this industry is that products will continue to improve, new channels will be further developed, like augmented reality and virtual reality, which will create an entire new way for players to interact and be part of the online gambling platforms. Mobile and social gaming will continue to have a huge effect on the online gambling industry, and more people will keep turning to this option. We should expect an increasing number of free-to-play gaming options to be introduced in the next few years. While free-to-play games do not generate direct revenue, an affiliate platform built in-house, which has all the essential tools that an affiliate might need. On your website, it says “a good reputation is the foundation of success and prosperity in the betting industry . . . This is why transparency and honesty are the main principles of our work.” How does MelBet Affiliates stay true to these words? We just do what we say. MelBet always pays. MelBet Affiliates’s speciality is sports betting. How has the sports betting industry changed in the last five years, and how will it continue to evolve going forward? Yes, but we also have a strong focus on casino games and esports. We have seen several changes in the last few years. Nowadays, the sports betting industry is not only covering traditional web platforms, it is also attracting a new generation of players using mobile devices. Gambling on the go is on the rise, as players now want immediate access to betting options. As the number of social gamers has grown substantially, we are now seeing many operators develop innovative social gambling games, allowing players to socialize and interact while participating in tournaments and contests. Online gamers are now looking beyond traditional gambling and seeking a more exciting user experience. Operators have been simplifying their UI design and improving the UX, which has enhanced how players interact with online gambling websites. Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the gambling industry by mitigating concerns around transparency and trust in the online gambling industry. There has been an increased number of regulated markets, mainly in Europe, but also in the U.S. and a few LatAm coun- tries, which reduces uncertainty and is one of the key drivers for sector growth. Regulated markets present opportunities such as public advertising, which lead to an increase in brand awareness. How does MelBet Affiliates work to retain players sent by affiliates? We have a retention center, which does calling, sending SMSes and sending e-mails to players who weren’t active for the last seven,14 and 21 days to reactivate them using several promotions. We also have lotteries, and soon we will add a reload bonus. What would be your advice to an affiliate just getting started in the business? Provide genuine and accurate information. This makes it easy for players to make informed decisions about where to play. Consistently create and deliver great content to get people to come to your site. Great content will boost the credibility of your brand and encourage further exploration of the site. Be proactive and stay close to your affiliate managers. Consider them like your agent – someone who knows the industry, has resources and can help you find the ideal match for your style. 67 G P W A t i m e s . o r g Gambling on the go is on the rise, as players nowwant immediate access to betting options . As the number of social gamers has grown substantially , we are seeingmany operators develop innovative social gambling games , allowing players to socialize and interact while participating in tournaments and contests .