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Affiliate Success

Affiliate Interviews: Marina, CEO of Bonusparadise.com

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Marina interview

In this weeks affiliate success story we present to you Marina B. who is the CEO of Bonusparadise.com, the complete guide for those wanting information about online gambling. Their mission is to give you, the player, the best possible advice regarding the best casinos, greatest offers and where you can play for free.

Name: Marina B.
Age: 47
Hometown: —
Living in: Netherlands
Favorite Food: Italian
Must Read Book: Can’t tell which one is a must read. Also long ago that I took time to read a book.
Profession/Job title: CEO

 

GAV: Hi Marina! Please tell us a little bit about yourself. We want to know who the real Marina is – the main person behind Bonusparadise.com. What was the key idea of developing this great online gambling guide and forum?Mike and Marina of BonusParadise

Marina: Hi GAV. OK, so I was born and raised in Austria but it was love that actually brought me to the Netherlands where I now live with Mike – my life and business partner. It was actually through online gambling that we found each other 🙂 .
In answer to your question about the idea of developing BonusParadise.com: We knew from the beginning that we wanted to give new players good information and help them find trusted online casinos with excellent bonus offers.

 

GAV: Since there are hundreds of online gambling guides and forums out there, where do you think Bonus Paradise stands in relation to the competition at this moment?

Marina: Yes that’s true, there are some really great online gambling websites out there and it’s also true that the competition is tough. Where do we stand? Well that’s hard to say. I am not the type of person who checks out search engine rankings every day. It’s more important for us that our members and visitors are satisfied with the information we provide. I always remind myself that our site is made for real people, not for Google and co.!

For a while, we used SEO tools but I found that using them did not alter our site’s success in the long run. I have a basic understanding of SEO and I believe that it is enough for BonusParadise.com’s operations. In my opinion, it is more important to provide good content and useful information for your visitors and focus on that.

GAV: What are the strong points of Bonus Paradise, and what makes it stand out from the other websites?

Marina: Do we stand out from others? Even if that were true, it would feel kind of arrogant to admit that! I tend to focus on the fact that there are always things that can be improved, and there are always new things you need to learn about the business.
You asked about strong points. One of which I am proud of is the fact that we are a very stable site. We’ve been online for many years and we are on active on our forum every single day! Even on weekends and holidays Mike and/or myself are always checking at the forum and keeping abreast of what’s happening in the industry.

GAV: How did you start and what bumps did you have to overcome after the launch of the website?

Marina: When I was still living in Austria, I started a free forum about online gambling. I loved playing online and wanted to create a like-minded community with other players from around the world. I liked the fact we could discuss online gambling and that I could help them with good information on a free forum. After a few months I started making money from this forum.

One day we realized that we were receiving no more traffic from Google. We learned that a free hosted forum is not a good idea and you do not have sufficient access to your website. We also found that Google de-indexed all our pages from the free forum (although we never found out the reason) and so we started to build a forum at Bonusparadise.com. We had to start everything from zero, which meant that could not migrate members from the free forum and also none of the content. That was a tough lesson to learn but we believe that we only improved the second time around!

GAV: We have browsed your website and forum and found great quality content. Do you write it yourself or do you have a team of people writing for you? How many online casino reviews are there on your website?

Marina: I have several excellent contributors to our site, one of them being Renee from Quality Writing Services (qualityws.com). I also write some content myself, although because my native language is German, it’s easier for me to do so in German obviously.  There are approximately 50 casino reviews on our site, but as you know, we add fresh content on a very regular basis so that number will only grow.

bonusparadise.com

GAV: Is it hard to keep the content fresh and relevant, especially when a lot of fluff and nonsense appear on the web on a daily basis?

Marina: Yes, of course. But we do our best and we believe we’re doing a good job providing interesting and relevant information to our readers.

GAV: We are sure that you receive many messages from Affiliate Managers on a daily basis showcasing their products. You, of course, select them by the brands they work with; but what are your thoughts on how Affiliate Manager – Affiliate relationships should be built?

Marina: Honesty is very important! Like all other relationships in life, it wouldn’t work without complete honesty from Day One. I also like to maintain personal contact via Skype. There are some things you just can’t get across via email! What else? It’s very important for me to have a contact for player relations. I was told by one affiliate manager: “Sorry, I can’t help you with this player’s complaint. I am your affiliate manager and I’m not responsible for player support…“ That really upset me, especially since he couldn‘t give me another person to contact about the problem – only the standard casino support.

GAV: How do you see the future of the online gambling industry? For instance, will it become a truly global phenomenon in the near future?

Marina: Definitely! I’ve been long enough in this industry to say with absolute certainty that online gambling will become even more popular than it already is. But don’t only take my word for it. I read recently that analysts predict that the online gambling industry will be worth $4 BILLION by 2020 – and that’s only 3 years away! There is no doubt that gamblers like what they see in online gambling. It is very convenient for players as they don’t need to travel far to visit a casino. They also aren’t limited to the opening and closing hours of the casino, and you can literally play 24/7, every day of the year and from wherever you happen to be. Also, players like the fact that they have literally hundreds of games at their fingertips – you won’t find a range that big in any land-based casino. And of course, we also can’t ignore the fact that mobile gambling is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. As technology improves and graphics and sound features get better, players are able to enjoy incredibly realistic casino experiences in the palm of their hands.

GAV: Would you change something in the online casino legislation?

Marina: Every country has its own legislation and governments are making their decisions based on what they feel is good for the people. I believe that there has to be some regulation when it comes to online gambling, as there should be for any type of industry. However, I feel that sometimes authorities aren’t in touch with what recreational gamblers are after. In their bid to protect problem gamblers (which make up a truly tiny percentage of the industry), the laws and regulations come across as being archaic. It’s kind of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The entertainment factor, as well as the millions of euros that the industry contributes to local governments is sometimes overlooked when laws are made. Anyway, we can’t forget that this is still considered a fledgling industry and the issue of regulation should be seen as a learning curve. I believe that world governments will eventually find a happy medium.

GAV: Name one change that you would want to see in the online casino affiliate ecosystem.

Marina: That would be: Legalization – Regulation – Protection… Unfortunately, we affiliates sometimes have bad experiences because of the lack of legalization, regulation and protection. For example, we’ve come across affiliate programs that change their terms retroactively, and it has been known for some programs to even go rogue …..

GAV: What advice would you offer newbies who are looking to venture into this industry?

Marina: I would say: Build a good website that contains unique and useful content. Make sure to list reputable brands. It is very important that the brands treat players well (and us affiliates too of course!)

GAV: Do you usually attend any iGaming/online casino conferences? If so, which one is your favorite and tell us why?

Marina: I’ve attended a conference in Amsterdam and my plans are definitely to attend more in the future. I’m not a great fan of traveling and as we have a young daughter at home, I’ll keep these plans on the back-burner for now. I’m sure things will change as she gets older.

GAV: What do you think the chances are for Eastern Europe on becoming a potential gaming hotpot in the future? Where do you think the region must improve upon?

Marina: I believe it will take some time still until we will find good player potential in Eastern European Countries. I would predict another decade or so but the market is very dynamic so who knows.

GAV: Alright, now here comes the fun part: do you have a favorite celebrity?

Marina: LOL! Oh… there are so many celebrities! Naah, can’t think of a favorite off the top of my head.

GAV: Name a country or region in Eastern Europe where you’d like to travel?

Marina: As said before, I don’t really have the travel bug. But maybe Hungary would be nice to visit one day.

GAV: Where would you NOT want to travel in Eastern Europe?

Marina: I can’t really think of an Eastern Europe country which I would not like to travel to. I think you can find interesting things and people everywhere.

GAV: What is your opinion about GAV (GamblingAffiliateVoice.com)?

Marina: I’m impressed with the work that you put in to build a community of fellow affiliates and to create a safe and innovative climate for us all to work in. I love the articles on your platform and I always find something interesting to read.

GAV: Thank you very much for your time Marina, we appreciate it, keep up the good work and don’t be a stranger!

Affiliate Announcements

QMRA Launches Italian Quality Mark for Affiliates

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Gentoo Media adds Time2Play and several other websites to QMRA

 

QMRA is a Compliance Quality Mark for iGaming Affiliates, launched by XY Legal Solutions B.V. (XYLS). XYLS launched a Dutch Quality Mark, KVA (https://kva.nl/), in September 2021, now working with numerous operators (LeoVegas, ComeOn, 711, TonyBet, Hard Rock Casino) and 90+ members.

In February 2024, QMRA was launched. Affiliates from the following markets were able to apply for the Quality Mark: Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, USA Michigan, The UK, Ontario and Estonia. As of today, Italian affiliates will be able to join QMRA as well. Applicants will receive:

    • A Compliance Report, containing compliance feedback if needed, in certain cases usable for obtaining a Meta Ads License;
    • A specific Online Certificate about the member website, explaining its compliance (https://qmra.eu/members/affiliates/);
    • Possibility to consult the QMRA team on compliance related questions.

Several joined since launch, representing all available markets so far. Among joining companies were Leadstar, ADM Group, BetFans, Game Lounge and Gentoo. Game Lounge and Gentoo decided to make QMRA official company policy. Sitebee, a Gentoo launched Compliance Tool, announced an official partnership with QMRA on legal support last week.

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Affiliate Success

Casino Guru secures SBC Awards shortlist for Casino Affiliate of the Year

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Casino Guru, the world’s largest and most up-to-date database of online casinos, has landed on the shortlist for SBC Awards 2024 in the Casino Affiliate of the Year category.

Casino Guru, which has processed more than 6,930 casinos, and prides itself on the world’s largest forum community built around informing players, enters a competitive field of 12 contestants all vying for the distinction.

SBC Awards 2024 is due to take place on September 26 at the MEO Arena on the final day of the SBC Summit, celebrating industry-wide achievements. Casino Guru is proud to be shortlisted for this important accolade. The company has worked tirelessly to establish itself at the top of the industry.

In embracing the affiliate business model, Casino Guru has created a groundbreaking and industry-shifting paradigm through the introduction of the Safety Index, a complex algorithm powered by big data, consumer feedback, and a meticulously in-house analyst team that has allowed Casino Guru to not only be the go-to repository for online casinos but also provide players with a credible source of information when it comes to the inherent trustworthiness of each casino brand listed in the constantly-growing database.

In welcoming the nomination, Šimon Vincze, Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling, said: “I am thrilled to see Casino Guru shortlisted for the category again this year! Our competitors for the winner are recognised companies with a considerable impact on the online gambling affiliate business. The criteria for the winner go beyond our unique approach to affiliation and consider growth in multiple areas. I am convinced that we have much to offer in this sense as well, and I am looking forward to the judge’s conclusion.”

The Safety Index in particular has been a dynamic and living ecosystem that has been evolving on a weekly and monthly basis, registering movements in casinos’ overall ranking based on a comprehensive set of factors, such as complaint resolution, terms and conditions, licensing issues and more.

Having those efforts recognized by the SBC Summit Awards is a huge milestone for the company, which has operated with an unwavering commitment to bringing consumers the best possible choices from a database that easily constitutes the world’s largest.

Casino Guru is a trailblazer in building an affiliate business that is fully consumer-focused and consumer-facing, by offering an uncompromising, verifiable and transparent accreditation process that ultimately benefits consumers and helps match their preferences with the best casino brand.

Casino Guru is looking forward to September 26 and is excited about the opportunity to demonstrate to the panel of judges that the company is committed to raising standards for the way consumers engage with the industry in a manner that protects consumers and distinguishes the best operators and brands on the market, helping drive a sustainable and healthy environment for all.

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Affiliate Success

ReferOn Nominated for “Acquisition and Retention Partner” at SBC Awards 2024

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ReferOn Nominated for “Acquisition and Retention Partner” at SBC Awards 2024

 

ReferOn, a state-of-the-art affiliate management platform, announces its nomination in the Acquisition & Retention Partner category at the prestigious SBC Awards 2024.

The inclusion in this category highlights ReferOn’s efforts to create and develop a targeted product for the needs of the iGaming industry, recognizing the team’s innovative approach and notable results in the field of affiliate marketing.

ReferOn’s nomination as an Acquisition & Retention Partner confirms that the affiliate management platform has proven its effectiveness and understanding of customer needs, as noted by the judging committee. Designed with years of iGaming experience its team, ReferOn caters to the specific needs of affiliates and managers, offering a flexible and scalable solution for managing large networks of companies in one comprehensive hub.

Alexia Gauci, B2B Sales Manager of ReferOn, commented on the nomination: “Being mentioned in the ‘Acquisition and Retention Partner’ category at the SBC Awards 2024 means a lot for our team. We are providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of iGaming professionals. We’re continuously enhancing the platform’s capabilities so our clients can solve the issues they are facing & achieve business goals.”

ReferOn brings reporting capabilities, robust back-office functions, and unique reward mechanics, all designed to simplify administration and enhance data control. With features like Sub-Affiliation and Independent Deal Calculations (IDC), ReferOn offers transparency and flexibility, helping users with tracking key metrics easily for quick data-driven decisions.

In addition to its technical improvements, ReferOn started educational initiatives & received good feedback from the audience. The team already conducted two free seminars, “ReferOn Insights” for Operators and Affiliates to provide valuable knowledge and strategies for maximizing affiliate marketing success.

The ReferOn team will be exhibiting at SBC Summit 2024 in Lisbon and will showcase its latest developments and offerings at booth F430 from 24-26 September. Visitors will be able to ask ReferOn representatives questions and learn more about the platform’s advanced features and innovations.

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Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

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