Simon Westbury time to the leading figures in the gaming industry who were really shaping the future, especially in the online space. At the time, online gaming was growing and many of the companies were learning as they went. They were really halcyon days, where risk taking was encouraged, people understood every initiative would not succeed, and there was no real fear of failure. As the industry has evolved, some may say grown up, some of the desire to take risk and be different has been lost. However, part of the growing up of the industry has had positive effects such as increased gender diversity and a more global outlook on the industry. You joined 1xBet as the company began sharpening its focus on global expansion. In your view, what role should affiliates play in supporting a brand’s international growth strategy? Affiliates are a crucial part of any operator’s global growth plan because they act as both a bridge and a local amplifier. They often understand local nuances, player preferences, and cultural expectations better than anyone. Their ability to tailor content and messaging so that it resonates in-market is invaluable for scaling quickly and sustainably. The best affiliate partnerships are not just transactional; they are collaborative, sharing insights that allow us to refine our offer for each territory. In that sense, affiliates are an extension of our marketing, customer acquisition, and even retention strategies. What trends do you see shaping the future of affiliate marketing in iGaming, especially across emerging markets? The shift we’ll see is toward greater sophistication in data-driven affiliate marketing, particularly in how operators and affiliates work together on player value metrics rather than just acquisition numbers. Also, a sharper focus on compliance and responsible marketing, especially in jurisdictions where regulation is still developing. With so many operators out there, what makes 1xBet stand out to affiliates right now? Our scale, product depth, and agility make us stand out. We offer one of the industry’s most extensive portfolios, adapt quickly to trends, and give affiliates the tools, terms, and support needed to succeed. If you were launching an affiliate site today, where would you focus your time and energy? Launching an affiliate site today means navigating an increasingly complex landscape — from regulatory shifts to evolving player expectations. Success comes from embracing that complexity. Knowing that flexibility and deep market understanding will be your greatest assets. That mindset has always been key in my experience, and I believe it’s what sets those who thrive apart in this industry. Outside of your professional life, what are some of your hobbies or interests that help you recharge? I have always been an enthusiastic cricketer, by that I mean I love playing the game, but I am not sure that the games loves me playing it. I have recently returned from a cricket tour with my local club. It was the 49th annual tour and, as always, it was full of laughter and the traditional village cricket incidents. To me, cricket is the pinnacle of all sports, as it is a team-based Considering the scale and size of 1xBet, the insatiable desire for continuous growth and improvement was something that definitely appealed to me . . . . It was a marriage that seemed to be made in heaven and came along at the right time for both parties. 65 GPWAtimes.org
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