Affiliate Success

Affiliate Interviews: Chris, CEO of Allfreechips.com

Published

8 years ago

December 16, 2016

In this weeks affiliate success story you’ll get to know Chris Trenka, CEO and web developer of Allfreechips.com, a great website which gives you insights on the operators, but it’s also a good source to get latest no deposit bingo and casino bonuses!

GAV: First of all thank you very much for the opportunity Chris! Could you share your profile with us so our readers can get a better idea of who you are?

Name: Chris Trenka
Age: 44
Hometown: Hudson
Living in: Hudson
Favorite Food: Ribeye
Must Read Book: The Stand
Profession/Job title: Pretend CEO and web developer

GAV: Hi Chris, first of all, tell us and our readers as well a little bit about yourself. How did your career start in the industry? What was the key idea of developing this great online gambling casino guide/community ?

CHRIS: It all started in 2004, I found you can play slots online with no deposit. This was the coolest thing and I cashed out $350 from a Micro gaming casino plating the double magic slot from a $10 bonus. At this same time 1and1 was offering a free domain name and web hosting as their promotion for just launching and a co-worker told me to get it, its free! Well this started a thought of what kind of website do I want to have as I had no idea how to make one. Then it hit me, I can make a site telling people how to plat casinos for free, and I hoped if I sent them players I could maybe get a few more free plays from them. At this point I had no idea what an affiliate was so things were going to change real fast. I got the Allfreechips domain name and learned how to make a table on the web with the casinos, a link and the amounts. The rest is databases and history.

GAV: Since there are thousands and thousands of websites in this niche out there, where do you think Allfreechips.com stands now?

CHRIS: I think I have really made a brand name. I have a monthly contest I run that pays out $300 to $500 each month for my members. My forum Mod Catlicker does a great job coming up with new contest each month and making the forum a fun family feeling area. So between the great loyalty of my members and great SE rankings on Google we keep moving forward.

GAV: How do you see the online slots market/industry at this moment?

CHRIS: I see it getting overwhelmed with white labels and fly by night operators. I also see retention falling with so many options out there. Do people get tired of going to new casinos for $5 bonus at this point is the question. Also the affiliate community is growing of course, many great people from 2004 are no longer in the game but many many more are. We also see a lot of blackhat operations that come and go that take up a lot positions that I just can’t compete with doing things cleanly but then again I have done well since 2004.

GAV: How did you start and most of all what bumps did you have to overcome at the beginning?

CHRIS: Getting users obviously and learning what html is. Users was a funny thing as back then there were a lot of casino forums on free hosts, and they had a lot of friends on the forum pages. This was great as I would drop little posts in there and add something about their site to my 2 page website. Also seems like simply making a site ranked in Google pretty easily then as I had no deposit poker and bingo in top 10 pretty fast for some reason. The next big bump was updating offers, what a pain it is to update a static table all the time!

GAV: We have analyzed Allfreechips.com and found some great quality content. Are you writing it by yourself or do you have a team of people writing for you? How many slots are there on your website? How about the forum, tell us a bit more about it?

CHRIS: I was very stubborn about anyone doing anything with my site forever, but once I started adding slots I needed help. A good friend now, my content writer Doug has done a great job of writing for my 4200 slot machines now on Allfreechips. I keep thinking I’ll catch up to them all one day but it seems impossible. The forum is remnant of the old days, but that is what really turns Allfreechips into a family, its amazing what you learn about people and the real life bonds that are formed there.

GAV: How do you manage to keep the content fresh and relevant on your website, when a lot of fluffy and nonsense appear on the Internet on a daily basis?

CHRIS: Well with new bonuses and new slots appearing all the time the content is pretty fluent. Right now I have 35 slot reviews I need to add so there is very little time to not have new content. I also added a daily list of casino promotions that runs on the homepage and leaves the last 10 on each casinos review page to give my players all the possible info I can. I also started posting the games and bonuses to Facebook, Google plus and Twitter.

GAV: We are pretty sure 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; but what are your thoughts on how a real Affiliate Manager-Affiliate relationship should be built?

CHRIS: Well I have a group of managers I consider friends now, and that goes a long way. I don’t respond well to emails as they get lost really. I also won’t update a casino every 2 days, or work real hard for one that is not converting. If they want my attention Skype is the way to go.

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

CHRIS: I do believe its already global, what I am more afraid of is more local run operations like New Jersey, they not only want a piece they want a monopoly, a true government operation. East Europe will hopefully continue to grow and hopefully Canada becomes more open.

GAV: Tell us one change that you want to see in the casino affiliate ecosystem?!

CHRIS: Real regulators. I mean I want them to ensure the software can not be manipulated for payouts to protect the players, and also insure the affiliate numbers are not editable by they operators. I have had 3 very large whales since 2004, all 3 times they deposited 50K plus in one month and either decided not to play anymore or asked to have their accounts closed. I can see that happening but not all three, and I would also assume since they came from me they would re-appear at some point?

GAV: Do you have any advise you would like to offer for the newbies who are looking to venture into this great industry!?

CHRIS: Today you better know what your doing, when I started it was not difficult to get players and conversions. I think today you better have a solid plan, knowledge and real expectations to produce something competitive. I am building multiple other sites still but my main focus is still Allfreechips because it does take that much time and resources to keep going.

GAV: Do you attend any iGaming/online casino conferences? If so, which one is your favorite and what is your most fun experience?

CHRIS: With 2 kids in school I nerve had much of a chance to travel a lot, and 4 years ago I had a real job. I have managed to go to the CBG Canadian get together twice, both times I had a great time meeting the people in person.

GAV: What do you think the chances are for Eastern Europe to become a potential gaming hotspot in the future? Where do you think the region must improve upon?

CHRIS: As I stated before I think that’s the big new area, Russia can be very large as they become more open. I think the industry really needs more structure and proof that it is not the crooked sham that many people still think it is today.

GAV: Where would you like to travel in Eastern Europe?

CHRIS: I would love to visit Germany and Russia, I think the old architecture is amazing, and married to an architect we would have a great time. At this point with the refugees in Germany I think I will wait a few years before traveling though.

GAV: Where you wouldn’t want to travel in Eastern Europe?

CHRIS: I’m up for anything as long as its safe, see some Rugby games and have fun.

GAV: How about a favorite celebrity, do you have one?

CHRIS: I don’t really waste a lot of time with TV or movies, I also think the celebrity mindset of you should do what we think because were famous is a real turn off. I would like to hang out with the boys from ‚Trailer Park Boys‘ something my son got me into watching when I need a break.

GAV: Tell us your opinion about the Gambling Affiliate Voice?

CHRIS: I think it is a great idea to focus on the affiliates, we are a great bunch of people that are all very helpful with each other. We of course have our secrets and strategies we wont share but when in need its a great group. Giving a voice and view into the personal side is a great idea.
GAV: Thank you very much for your answers and time Chris, we appreciate it! All the best to you and if you have some news or updates that you’d like to share, feel free to contact us!

If you would like to suggest some more questions or subjects for future interviews, be sure to send your suggestions to: [email protected] .

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Affiliate Success

EEGS Webinar: Affiliates Face New Demands in Balancing Compliance and Conversion

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

George Miller

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

Affiliate Success

First iGB Affiliate Manager Academy to shine a light on effective AI-Driven affiliate recruitment strategies

Published

1 month ago

April 14, 2025

George Miller

First iGB Affiliate Manager Academy to shine a light on effective AI-Driven affiliate recruitment strategies

Organisers of July’s edition of iGB L!VE – the first to be held in London – have announced the launch of the AI focussed iGB Affiliate Manager Academy which will be held July 1 as part of London iGaming Week.

The training and mentorship program which is being curated in partnership with Affiverse, founded by veteran affiliate marketer Lee-Ann Johnstone – and which guides businesses on how to launch, scale and grow successful affiliate programs, has been designed to help organisations of all sizes understand how to leverage new tactics and simple AI tools to recruit, retain and activate affiliates more effectively.

The Academy will offer a mix of practical learning, tactical assessments and personalised coaching providing affiliate managers with an invaluable opportunity to learn from industry leaders. Each unique session will include topical insights drawing on the dominant trends in the market.

Looking ahead to the Academy Lee-Ann Johnstone said: “I’m delighted that Clarion has invited Affiverse to develop a bespoke training academy specifically for iGaming Affiliate Managers.

“In an industry that’s constantly evolving, and which is powered by the early adoption of new technologies, businesses and affiliate managers have to keep learning in order to remain competitive. The only way we get to understand the affiliate space and all the complexities it entails is on the job – from others!

“It has always been important to me that those who have knowledge pay it forward and I’m really excited to be given the task of leading the curation of this unique event bringing the best of the best together in order to teach, train and coach affiliate managers as we move forward.

“The gap between AI-empowered affiliate managers and those relying solely on traditional methods is widening every month. The iGB Affiliate Manager Academy will provide the bridge to ensure businesses are on the right side of that divide.”

Reflecting on the importance and objectives of the iGB Affiliate Manager Academy, Global Portfolio Director Naomi Barton said: “Our live events are all about delivering real value to our international community of stakeholders. Lee-Ann and her team at Affiverse are spearheading the academy syllabus and content stream alongside IGB’s events production team to provide tailor made training and mentoring for new and existing affiliate managers as well as those who want to learn and scale their affiliate programs faster.

“The workshop will provide insider access to the exact AI-driven techniques that are assisting brands to deliver real results. Most significantly this isn’t just theory — instead it’s a hands-on expert-led roadmap focussing on immediately implementable tactics that will transform your program performance.”

Affiliate Success

SOFTSWISS Affiliate Software Platform Wins at IGA 2025

Published

4 months ago

January 21, 2025

George Miller

SOFTSWISS Affiliate Software Platform Wins at IGA 2025

SOFTSWISS, an international tech company with over 15 years of experience in iGaming, announces that Affilka by SOFTSWISS wins Affiliate Company of the Year at the International Gaming Awards 2025. The comprehensive software platform helps manage, track, and analyse affiliate performance in the most convenient way.

The event recognises leading industry experts, both online and land-based. This achievement came as a well-deserved gift for the platform’s 7th anniversary. The award reflects the platform’s dedication to optimising affiliate program management and elevating the operational efficiency of its clients. By helping operators optimise affiliate partnerships, Affilka by SOFTSWISS has established itself as a technology-driven leader in the iGaming realm.

Powering over 440 iGaming brands, the platform currently has more than 360,000 affiliate accounts and 85 million registered players. One of its most impactful updates is the Geo-Distributed Redirect feature. This innovation accelerates redirects up to five times, reduces bounce rates and increases conversions by up to 7%. By enabling players to access casino sites faster, the feature drives higher registrations and deposits.

Other notable platform functionalities include built-in payment processing, which helps streamline financial operations with trusted payment systems and bank transfers. The flexible commission constructor and near real-time reporting features enable operators to tailor their strategies according to constantly evolving business needs.

“We are honoured to receive recognition at such a prestigious level,” said Anastasia Borovaya, Head of Affilka by SOFTSWISS. “This award reflects our unwavering dedication to delivering the best affiliate management solutions in the industry. With over seven years of expertise, a highly professional team, and a passion for innovation, we’ve built a platform that ensures exceptional service and continuous product enhancements for our clients. We’re committed to maintaining this momentum and supporting the growth of our partners worldwide.”

Now, Affilka by SOFTSWISS is showcasing its latest features and achievements at iGB Affiliate in Barcelona. On 21–22 January, the team welcomes partners and clients at stand C10.