GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 64 - January 2026

GPWA AFFILIATE INTERVIEW SERIES You grew up in Gmünden, Austria, in a bilingual household. How did your early life and upbringing shape who you are today? Growing up bilingual in Gmünden was my first crash course in adaptability. As a kid, I learned to switch between cultures and mindsets, which became my ace in the hole when dealing with international partners and understanding what players want. In a small town like Gmünden, where everyone knows everyone, I soaked up the value of honesty and trust. Reputation is everything there, and I carried that into my business. Cheat someone? That’s just not me. You are an accomplished poker player, winning the Austrian Masters in 2008. How did that victory change your perspective on professional gambling and your career path? Winning the Austrian Masters in 2008 flipped my view on poker. It’s not just luck — it’s a mix of strategy, psychology, and cold, hard math. The thrill of outsmarting opponents with your brain, not chance? Pure adrenaline! That experience taught me patience and risk management - skills I lean on hard in my affiliate business. Plus, it showed me how easy it is to cross the line from playing to addiction, so now I guide others to play smart. You’ve had some major gambling wins aside from the poker table, including €1.7 million at Mega Moolah. Do you think being a player as well as an affiliate gives you an advantage in understanding your audience? Absolutely! Hitting that €1.7 million Mega Moolah jackpot was a wild ride. I felt it all: the high when the numbers go crazy, the nail-biting wait during verification. I know what it’s like to chase a big withdrawal, trip over fine print in bonus terms, or wonder why a payment’s stuck. That’s not textbook knowledge. I lived it. That’s why my reviews aren’t just words; they’re practical, born from real experience. What first drew you to poker, and how did that journey lead to your career in online casinos and iGaming? Poker hooked me with its intellectual buzz. It’s not just cards. It’s a game where your brain trumps luck. While playing online, I started digging into platforms, comparing them, spotting the catches, and getting the lay of the land. At some point, it hit me: I could help others avoid the same pitfalls. That’s how I stumbled into the world of online casinos. Austrian affiliate “Philipp Ganster” shares how poker, real-world experience, and a commitment to honest reviews shaped his portal site into a trusted guide for local players Over Truth Philipp Ganster - Philipp Ganster Intro image by FabrikaSimf/Shutterstock Tricks GPWAtimes.org 54

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