GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 57 - November 2023

If a 25-year-old friend of yours told you he or she was going to try and become a full-time iGaming affiliate, what would your reaction and advice be? My immediate reaction would be a mix of excitement and caution. “Go for it,” I’d say, “but know that it’s going to be a lot of hard work.” The industry is ever-changing, so continuous learning, especially about digital marketing and SEO, is crucial. Patience is another key aspect. Results don’t always show up overnight. Many nights might be spent working hard with little to show, but it’s the persistence that eventually pays off. Building relationships and connecting with others in the same field can offer priceless advice and opportunities. And importantly, managing finances is vital. Keeping some savings for slower times and having a specific budget set aside, especially for building links quickly, can be a game-changer for a site’s success. With passion, dedication, and smart strategies, the iGaming world can be both challenging and rewarding. How do you decide on which affiliate programs to work with? What have you learned over the years about picking and choosing the right affiliate programs for your sites? When deciding on which affiliate programs to collaborate with, the trustworthiness of the program stands out as a paramount consideration. Through my years in the industry, I’ve understood the significance of partnering with reputable programs. Checking feedback from fellow affiliates, looking into the program’s track record, and gauging its standing in the community are all ways to gauge its credibility. Transparency is another critical factor. I lean toward programs that lay out their terms and conditions clearly and maintain open channels for communication. It’s always a red flag if I find myself constantly chasing answers or left wondering about the details of a partnership. Moreover, having a dedicated account manager makes a world of difference. An account manager who’s responsive and genuinely invested in our shared success has often been a defining factor in my decision-making. It’s vital for me that my queries, concerns, or suggestions get timely responses, and that I’m not left hanging. In summary, over the years, I’ve learned that trustworthiness, transparency, and strong support from account managers are the pillars for successful affiliate partnerships. What’s the present state and future of online gambling in Australia? Online casinos in Australia face some tough rules. Our Interactive Gambling Act from 2001 doesn’t allow these casinos to operate or advertise here. Even with this rule, many Australians play on overseas online casinos because it’s not illegal for them. The Australian Communications and Media Authority, or ACMA, works hard to enforce these rules, often blocking these foreign sites. Looking ahead, there’s talk that the government might relax these rules because of the high interest from players and potential tax money. But right now, there’s no clear sign of change. If they do change, they’d likely add strong rules for safe and responsible gambling. Despite the tight rules at home, many Australians are still eager to play, turning to platforms outside the country. When you were growing up, what profession did you dream about getting into? When I was young, I loved MacGyver and wanted to be just like him! But more than that, I always knew I wanted to work with computers. They fascinated me, and I saw so many fun and exciting things you could do with them. What are your hobbies? What do you do when you are not working? With three kids around, there isn’t a ton of free time on my hands! (Laughs). But when I do get a moment away from family and working on my sites, I enjoy heading to the gym for some CrossFit. I train about two to three times a week. It’s a great way for me to relax and keep fit. Speaking of your kids, congrats on the recent birth of your third child! How’s everything going? Please tell us more about your family. It’s going wonderfully! Having already raised two kids, the third one feels like a breeze. My eldest is a 10-year-old son who’s passionate about soccer and cross-country skiing. Then there’s my 8-year-old daughter who’s absolutely smitten with horses - and let me tell you, that’s an EXPENSIVE hobby! I often joke that I need to earn more from my sites just to support her equestrian dreams. My wife, who’s been my rock for the past 10 years, is a teacher. We’ve been married for a decade now, and she’s been an incredible support through all of life’s adventures. But in all seriousness, it’s a joy watching our kids grow and pursue their interests. They, along with my wife, are the center of my world. They keep me on my toes, that’s for sure! GPWA AFFILIATE INTERVIEW SERIES In such a dynamic field, there are always new strategies, tricks, and trends emerging. Staying on top requires a continuous commitment to education and adaptability. I’ve come to appreciate the saying, “The more you learn, the more you realize there’s so much more to learn.” G P W A t i m e s . o r g 56

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