Affiliate Success
Affiliate Interviews: Oren, Manager of OnlineCasinoReports.com

For our newest affiliate interview we caught up with Oren, who’s Manager at Online Casino Reports! Their site was launched in 1997 and is online since then, providing a very sharing community, useful guides, rich-media guides, but also news coverage from across the industry!
GAV: Hi Oren, first we would like to thank you for the opportunity. Could you share with us your profile so our readers can get a better idea of who you are?
Name: Oren
Age: 37
Hometown: Tel-Aviv, Israel
Living in: Tel-Aviv
Profession/Job title: Online Casino Reports Manager
GAV: Since there are thousands of websites and portals in this niche out there, where do you think Onlinecasinoreports.com stands now and what is that plus that the other portals don’t have?
OCR: One of our strong points is our seniority – we’ve been running OnlineCasinoReports.com since 1997, back when the online gambling industry was more or less in its infancy, so in many ways, we’ve grown and matured with this industry, we learned what works and what doesn’t; what players look for, what’s good for them and what’s bad.
GAV: How do you see the online casino market/industry at this moment?
OCR: The industry is at a very good point at the moment – we see brands opening every day and a positive push towards regulation around the world. This regulation means that both operators and affiliates are found in a constant need to adjust to the ever-changing environment, to help players safely navigate – this is where we step in. We’re always adding more content, adapting to the changes and innovations in the industry.
GAV: In your opinion what are the strong points of Onlinecasinoreports.com and what makes it stand out from the other niche websites/directories?
OCR: Apart from our seniority, we’re simply an authoritative site which serves as a guiding light for players; I can say that with the confidence of many players who have gone through our site and had great experiences. We’ve got a good mix of elements that work together in order to enhance that authoritative point, for example – our huge directory which is growing on an everyday basis, with everything related to iGaming covered – from the smallest software developer to the biggest industry events.
We are also very active with iGaming events, forming media partnerships with events all over the globe as well as with lesser known software developers/providers whose names and products we help to get out into the open! Also, our international presence is a strongpoint – as of today, OnlineCasinoReports is available in over 70 locales, in 35+ languages. We provide reviews, news, articles, guides and localized newsletters for readers from all over the world, in their language, the content that is relevant to us.
GAV: Could you tell us a bit about the beginnings of Online Casino Reports?! We know that you (onlinecasinoreports.com) are a very established portal, next year you’ll turn 20 years old! How was the portal started and most of all what difficulties you have to overcome at the beginning?
OCR: The portal started as a news and reviews site for the online casino player, back when the internet was mainly informative and Google had only started; the difficulties we’ve faced were pretty normal for anyone who starts a new site, and we endured. We recognized the need for good, solid info, and filled our site with guides, how-to’s, informative articles and in-depth helpful reviews which were aiming to answer exactly what a player asks.
GAV: We have surfed your website and found some great quality content. Are you writing it by yourself or do you have a team of people writing for you? You currently have more than 70 local sites in more than 35 different languages, is it hard to maintain all of them?!
OCR: Naturally when supporting so many languages, you need people to provide good content. We have a team of committed writers from all over the world who are led by our Chief Editor Amir, who is also responsible for our 70+ local sites, presiding over a great team of dedicated translators and writers who write in their own language for our readers from all over the world. It’s hard, no doubt about it, but the challenge is always welcome – a sense of self accomplishment is great, as well as the fruits of the hard work which are apparent as well.
GAV: How about the online marketing and SEO of the Online Casino Reports websites, do you have someone in-house for that our you outsourced it?
OCR: We think that SEO as we knew it is gone, this is something quite fresh. All we focus on is providing high quality content that is relevant for the player. This has always been our first priority.
GAV: We are pretty convinced that you receive messages from Affiliate Managers on a daily basis showcasing their best products. You, of course select them by the brands they work with. What are your thoughts on how a real Affiliate Manager-Affiliate relationship should be built, and how not?!
OCR: It is of great importance for affiliate managers and affiliates to work together. We do our best to reply to everyone and we try to recognize the affiliate managers that understand that each side has responsibilities and not the affiliate alone or the brand alone can succeed, it’s a team game and if both sides understand that, then a true successful cooperation can be achieved.
An affiliate should have the tools to make the success a reality, but his efforts can go to waste if the affiliate manager does not provide with the substance for the tools. This can range anywhere from being responsive to providing banners and specialized offers. Also, a good affiliate management system is super important! It’s also very important to understand each others needs, like in any relationship.
GAV: As we already mentioned next year, in 2017 Online Casino Reports is gonna celebrate it’s 20th Anniversary, do you have any special events planned for this occasion?!
OCR: Well, we didn’t think about it too much but now that you mention it, we might have a drink for that 🙂 Of course we will do something but at this stage it’s a surprise!
GAV: How do you see the future of the online casino/gambling industry? For instance, will it become a truly global phenomenon?
OCR: It’s already deep in the process of becoming a truly global phenomenon – we’ve seen and are seeing a tremendous shift towards regulation across the world. Regulators simply cannot sit on the fence anymore; you have to make a decision. We’ve seen this with the Romanian case (for which we’ve received a license from ONJN) and on the other hand, we’re seeing places like South Africa where efforts for regulation come up against a hard wall, again and again.
Besides, we have always been advocates for online gambling becoming a global phenomenon.
GAV: Tell us one change that you want to see in the online casino industry?!
OCR: We would like to see more regulation – countries lifting their ban on online gambling and becoming regulatory. This is for the benefit of everyone – revenues for governments, safety for players, business for operators and affiliates, and a way to combat and, ultimately eliminate, the abuse of this industry.
GAV: Do you have any advise you would like to offer to newbies who are looking to venture into this majestic industry!?
OCR: It’s like any new business, work hard, investigate, research, learn, provide a quality product and you shall succeed.
GAV: How about iGaming/online casino conferences, do you attend any of them? If so, which one is your favorite and what is your most fun experience?
OCR: Our favorite events are AAC & LAC which we always try always to attend. We enjoy attending these two, even if the days themselves feel like boot camp 🙂 Meetings from dusk till dawn without a lot of time to soak in the sights and sounds which are always fascinating, brimming with innovation for the industry.
GAV: What do you think the chances are for Eastern Europe to become a potential gaming hotspot in the near future? Where do you think the region must improve upon?
OCR: We’ve been seeing a lot of activity in the Eastern European markets in the past few years, it really does seem like something is booming. From many conferences and events to new brands – we think that it’s a wonderful process and excited to see how it progresses. Improvement-wise, regulation is of great importance. Also, we’ve been seeing a rise of Bitcoin usage among players from Eastern Europe – maybe that cryptocurrency can serve as a true bridge between East and West and to push the Eastern European market further.
All in all, we remain optimistic about Eastern Europe – there’s a great movement towards iGaming in that region now which cannot be put down.
GAV: Where would you like to travel in Eastern Europe, any favorite country or region?
OCR: Never thought about it, every new place is interesting; so anywhere in Eastern Europe, really.
GAV: How about a favorite celebrity or a mentor, do you have one?
OCR: Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld.
GAV: Tell us your opinion about the Gambling Affiliate Voice?
OCR: We’ve only just recently learned of your site, when we were approached for an interview, I think it’s a very nice idea to focus on affiliate voices. From what we’ve seen so far, Gambling Affiliate Voice looks like a serious website that puts affiliates in the center. We look forward to seeing the site grow!
GAV: Thanks for your time Oren, we appreciate it, all the best to you and we would like to wish OnlineCasinoReports.com a happy anniversary in advance!!!
Affiliate Success
ReferOn Wins Prestigious “Rising Star Provider of the Year” Category at the AffPapa Awards 2025

ReferOn, a state-of-the-art affiliate management system, has won the “Rising Star Provider of the Year” title at the 2025 AffPapa Awards — a milestone that recognises the platform’s bold innovation and rapid growth in the affiliate tech space.
This award reflects ReferOn’s ability to deliver fast, transparent and scalable affiliate solutions that answer key industry demands. The category highlights the best rising companies in the iGaming and affiliate marketing industries, celebrating innovation and problem-solving solutions.
The AffPapa Awards is an annual event that recognises greatness in iGaming. The ceremony celebrates developments and innovations among affiliates, operators and B2B providers who have raised the bar and set new standards.
Vladyslav Bondarenko, ReferOn’s Head of Product, commented on the achievement, “ReferOn wasn’t built to impress, it was built to solve. From day one, we challenged how affiliate platforms should work, look and feel — because the existing ones simply didn’t. More than a win, this award highlights the value of asking the right questions and building with purpose.”
2025 has been a crucial year for ReferOn, with the company receiving widespread industry recognition and implementing core product developments. Heading into Q3 and Q4, ReferOn is preparing a range of new features and enhancements focused on elevating the user experience and streamlining affiliate operations. The team will travel to iGB Live in London this July ready to share what’s next, meet with partners and discuss how ReferOn is refining affiliate management.
Affiliate Success
Casino Guru shortlisted in 2 categories for iGB Affiliate Awards 2025

Casino Guru has been shortlisted for the iGB Affiliate Awards 2025, joining a competitive field of contestants in the “Best Casino Affiliate” category and the “Safer Gambling Initiative of the Year.”
The iGB Affiliate Awards recognize companies in the iGaming affiliate space that have demonstrated their value through a range of initiative. This is reflected by the event’s coverage of more than 20 award categories.
Casino Guru is honored to have been shortlisted in two categories for one of the most prestigious industry events that celebrates advances in the affiliate industry and iGaming sector as a whole, and particularly in two areas where Casino Guru particularly excels.
Casino Guru has developed the world’s most comprehensive and meticulously detailed database, which actively evaluates the standing of individual casinos by scrutinizing dozens of different criteria for each listing.
These criteria are dynamic, meaning that Casino Guru is constantly reviewing offers to accurately assign ratings.
The resulting assessment is based on technological, legal, and industry knowledge, helping players make informed choices about their gambling.
Daniela Sliva, Public Relations and Creative Projects Director, said: “The shortlisting reflects Casino Guru’s ongoing commitment to upholding the highest industry standards. The Safety Index and Casino Guru Complaint Resolution Center have consistently delivered real-world impact for players, enhancing transparency and responsibility across the sector by showing operators that when it comes to their offers, it’s the players who decide. At Casino Guru, we ensure that players have all the information they need to make informed decisions. Being shortlisted for the prestigious iGB Affiliate Awards confirms that we’re on the right track.”
Casino Guru is also distinguished for its ongoing commitment to the Gamtegrity platform, which reunites the company’s efforts to make gambling safer and more transparent by advancing research, education, and best practices.
The official ceremony will be held at the Troxy, East London, on July 3, 2025. The iGB Affiliate Awards will be held on the final day of the iGB Live 2025 conference.
Affiliate Success
EEGS Webinar: Affiliates Face New Demands in Balancing Compliance and Conversion

On May 13th, the Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) hosted a dedicated affiliate webinar exploring one of the most pressing challenges in iGaming today: how affiliates can stay commercially effective while adopting an increasingly responsible role in player protection. The session, titled “Balancing Compliance and Conversion: The Affiliate’s Role in Responsible Gaming” featured Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect and Co-Founder & CEO of RankRadar, as keynote speaker.
The conversation unfolded against a backdrop of intensifying regulatory oversight and market saturation, highlighting the transformation of the affiliate segment into an essential part of the iGaming ecosystem. As emphasized during the discussion, affiliates are no longer peripheral actors but full-fledged digital media businesses, operating with considerable investment in content, compliance, analytics, and brand credibility.
Ristikj pointed out that modern affiliates are increasingly absorbing roles traditionally associated with internal marketing teams, from advanced SEO operations and audience segmentation to responsible gaming communications and transparency standards. These shifts are not merely cosmetic. As the speaker noted, operators now rely on affiliates not only to acquire traffic but to reinforce brand integrity, especially in competitive or newly regulated markets.
One of the core themes discussed was the growing expectation for affiliates to support safe gaming environments, both through the content they produce and the brands they choose to promote. In a concrete example, Ristikj introduced a Responsible Gambling Scoring Index, developed by Gamblers Connect. The tool evaluates operators on the presence of key responsible gaming features and publicly displays a score to inform and empower players. This kind of initiative reflects a broader industry movement to embed responsible gaming principles at every stage of the user journey.
Another major focus was the mounting operational pressure faced by affiliates. While operators remain accustomed to revenue-share partnerships, Ristikj argued that fixed listing fees are becoming necessary to sustain professional affiliate operations. Investment in content, platform development, video production, and tracking infrastructure has significantly raised the cost of doing business, especially as privacy regulations and attribution challenges reduce the reliability of traditional performance models.
The webinar also touched on the emergence of video-driven affiliate strategies and personal branding as a differentiator in a crowded landscape. As new players, many backed by agencies or former operator teams, enter the market with aggressive strategies, trust and transparency are becoming the critical assets for sustainable success.
The session concluded with a clear message: affiliates who want to remain relevant must adapt to a new standard of accountability. That means embedding responsible gaming principles not only as a compliance checkbox but as a core part of the brand experience, something players, regulators, and operators will increasingly expect.
The EEGS Affiliate Webinar is part of a broader initiative by EEGS to provide actionable insights and elevate the strategic role of affiliates in the global iGaming industry.
For those who missed the live session, the on-demand video is now available. You can watch the full session here: https://youtu.be/MJeYZfPI6Rs?si=BVp0yA0Vcpu9FDJx
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