News
SiGMA 2018 Launches in 2 Weeks
As a well-established staple on the iGaming calendar, it is unsurprising that the interest from the iGaming industry has been intense. In 2 weeks time the super-show plans to welcome 12,500 guests, including 400 sponsors and exhibitors and 200 speakers through its doors. To keep pace with demand, the sold-out MFCC floor space has been expanded and an extra day added to the Summit dates – SiGMA will run from the 28th until the 30th of November and will be held at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali.
SiGMA will also be bolstered by a glamorous evening on the 27th – the iGaming Awards will seat a 1000 guests and pay tribute to companies who are shaking up the industry in Malta. Elevating the charitable event is Her Excellency, Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca, President of Malta and tenor Joseph Calleja, one of the most recognisable faces in the opera world.
Following the black-tie event is a Poker Tournament. Held at the Portomaso Casino, the friendly-competitive event will offer an evening of relaxed networking to delegates looking to unwind before the start of the Summit.
SiGMA Pitch will make a triumphant return, providing a space for innovative young start-ups to gain valuable exposure. Finalists will gain a unique opportunity to win a space on the expo floor, score valuable invites to networking events and reel in potential funding and mentoring from industry veterans.
Since its inception, the flagship show has evolved from a local event capitalising on an untapped niche of opportunity, to a global influencer on the iGaming world stage. If last year’s numbers are any prediction, 2018 is set to smash all previously held records, giving the company’s ambitions plenty of space to play out.
In keeping with the global theme, SiGMA 2018 will host 6 conferences and workshops, several of which will tackle the evolution of the industry from a broader perspective, with highlights including a focus on pan-African regulation and sports gambling in the USA.
Starting on the 28th of November, the Regulatory Conference will cover important aspects of Malta’s iGaming Act, as well as iGaming Law in a broader sense – including its influence on sister topics, such as AI. The Conference will feature prestigious speakers, such as Heathcliff Farrugia, CEO at the MGA, AI guru, Angelo Dalli, and an introduction from the Honourable Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta.
The first day of the show will also host a conference for Blockchain, with Mark Suwan, CEO of Blockchip taking the chair. Taking the panels to the next level is a line-up of elite guest speakers. Individuals such as Brock Pierce, an Advisor on Open Data Exchange and Joseph F. Borg, a Partner at WH Partners, will tackle complex issues, such as transparency and the right to be forgotten, blockchain investment and ICO regulation.
The second day of the Summit will see a further two conferences play out, the Conference for Payments, which is hosted by BitBay and the Conference for Affiliates and CMO’s, hosted by InternetVikings.
The Payments Conference also offers a global perspective; from building smoother transactions in Sub-Saharan Africa, to navigating the licensing regime in Scandinavia. Other highlights include a panel on banking the unbanked and a feature on AML and social responsibility.
Chairing the Conference for Affiliates and CMOs is Richard Vikström, Founder at InternetVikings, who will also offer a welcome note and a talk on SEO brand protection. Other interesting topics include Humanism in Technology and a panel discussion on the Italian ban on marketing for gaming.
Kicking off the last day of the conference is the DGaming Conference, which offers an overview of a decentralised gaming industry, as well as creative AI solutions to optimise language. Hosted by DGaming Media, the conference will feature prominent speakers such as John Kamara, Director of Development at Global Gaming Media, and Marc Lesnick, President at Ticonderoga Ventures.
Rounding off the Summit is the final conference of the day – the eSports Conference, chaired by Ivan Filetti, Head of Business Development at Gaming Malta.
The Summit calendar will also provide delegates with plenty of opportunity for networking and entertainment. A fiercly competitive Hackathon has already drawn interest from developers through a generous $50k prize pool, whilst lavish dinners will feature throughout SiGMA. The Summit will also host a Crypto Cruise, and a phenomenal Closing Night event. A decadent Champagne Brunch brings things to a close on the 1st of December.
There can be no doubt that SiGMA has been a boon to the Maltese economy, operating in tandem with local growth and encouraging business to flourish on the islands. We’re not resting on our laurels however, SiGMA 2018 is all set to carry on this tradition of quality and, as Malta continues to position itself as a haven for industry, can expect to continue outgrowing their limitations.
Last minute tickets are still available. Visit the website to book a pass now.
Conferences
Mondoplay to sponsor Gamblers Connect at ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona
Gamblers Connect, the award-winning iGaming media and affiliate platform, has revealed that Mondoplay will be the official conference sponsor of its delegation at the upcoming ICE and iGB Affiliate Summit in Barcelona, Spain.
This sponsorship marks a significant collaboration between two innovative forces in the iGaming sector as the industry gathers for its most prestigious annual event. This partnership serves as another prime example of how strategic alliances can amplify impact within the community.
Both Gamblers Connect and Mondoplay share a unified vision of prioritising quality and user experience above all else. This sponsorship perfectly reflects that shared belief and commitment to excellence.
The summit in Barcelona represents a new chapter for the industry, and this partnership ensures Gamblers Connect can connect directly with operators, affiliates, and industry leaders from across the globe with greater resources and presence.
Mondoplay has established itself as a dynamic operator brand known for its comprehensive sportsbook and casino offering. Its platform is built on delivering seamless player experiences, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the editorial standards of Gamblers Connect.
Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “By supporting our delegation, Mondoplay is directly investing in independent media coverage and the fostering of transparent industry dialogue. This partnership is more than just a sponsorship agreement. It is a celebration of shared ambition and mutual growth. Together, we can continue to prove that meaningful collaboration and genuine value creation are what truly move the iGaming industry forward.”
News
Taking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner
N1 Partners is heading to iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona with a clear focus on partners and the grand finale of the global N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event dates, N1 Partners will welcome partners at the booth and host an exclusive evening side event in Barcelona, where the winner of the promo will be announced and awarded the grand prize: a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.
At iGB Affiliate 2026, N1 Partners will welcome industry colleagues at booth 80-C80. Conversations at the stand will focus on performance, traffic strategies, and the key priorities for growth in 2026.
At booth 80-C80, visitors will find an exclusive “The Sky Is Not the Limit” merch drop created specifically for iGB Affiliate 2026. A cocktail bar will be part of the booth experience, making it a convenient meeting point throughout the day. The N1 Partners booth is designed as a space where partners can easily stop by, start a conversation, and spend time, combining a relaxed atmosphere with the right setting for discussing deals and strategies.
Interactive elements with prizes will add an engaging touch to booth visits. Most importantly, partners will be able to speak directly with N1 Partners affiliate managers about current market dynamics, upcoming trends for 2026, traffic performance, and individual cooperation terms.
N1 Puzzle Promo Grand Finale Party
The N1 Puzzle Promo has been running globally from April 21 to December 31, 2025, bringing partners together around a long-term competition built on performance and consistency. Over the course of the year, participants progressed through the promo step by step, moving up the leaderboard and unlocking rewards as they advanced toward the final stage.
On January 20, N1 Partners will host a private party in Barcelona to mark the grand finale of the N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event, the company will announce the top three partners and the winner of the grand prize, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.
The evening is designed as a celebration of a year-long promo journey. It brings together partners, invited guests, and the N1 Partners team in an informal setting that combines recognition, entertainment, and shared moments. The program follows a structured show format with live performances and curated experiences created specifically for the N1 Partners community.
Find out who the special guest of the evening will be and secure your spot: https://n1puzzle.promo/en.html
Why Meet N1 Partners in Barcelona
iGB Affiliate 2026 is an opportunity for partners to reconnect with the N1 Partners team and benefit from:
- 14+ licensed casino and sportsbook brands with Reg2Dep up to 70%
- Top deals across 10+ Tier-1 GEOs
- CPA up to €700 for partners with top-performing traffic, RevShare up to 45% + NNCO, and hybrid models
Book your meetings with N1 Partners affiliate managers at booth 80-C80 and join the N1 Puzzle Promo finale in Barcelona.
After all, why drive when you can fly?
Be number one with N1 Partners.
News
N1 Faces: Daria Maichuk — “Communication as the Key to Strong, Effective Partnerships in Affiliate Marketing”
In iGaming, many things start with a simple “hi” in chat. Messages turn into long conversations, calls follow one after another, yet the goal remains the same — to make traffic profitable. Behind every dialogue is a person with their own background, approach, and communication style — and that’s exactly what defines the success of any partnership.
Partners need to see more than just a messenger account — they need to see a real person they can trust with their traffic and their goals.
N1 Faces is a series of short and lively interviews where N1 Partners introduces the managers behind the affiliate program: their values, their workflows, and their unique management styles.
Today’s spotlight is on Daria Maichuk, Affiliate Manager at N1 Partners, who shares her journey into the industry, her approach to building reliable long-term partnerships, and how she maintains internal balance while working at a fast pace.
Daria Maichuk
Affiliate Manager, N1 Partners
Daria is the kind of manager whose calm mindset, attentiveness, and quick reaction become obvious within the first minutes of communication. She maintains a fast pace, yet always leaves room for a genuine conversation — and that’s what makes working with her both easy and productive.
How did you get into the affiliate industry, and when did you realize it was the right fit for you?
I entered the industry in 2019, starting as an account manager at an advertising network. We worked with push, pops, native — and I had the chance to dive into each vertical.
After four years, I felt the need to focus on one direction and look at the market from another angle — to understand how different traffic sources operate. The role of an affiliate manager offered exactly that: an opportunity to explore the product in depth, build long-term relationships with partners, see campaign launches from the inside, and directly influence performance.
Why N1 Partners? What aligned in terms of values and approach?
I had known about the company for a long time — since 2020. We ran push-traffic tests together, and met often at conferences. I always noticed the team’s energy, openness, and genuine passion for their work. N1 Partners felt like a place where people truly love what they do.
When the opportunity to join the team appeared, I immediately felt that the rhythm and atmosphere matched me perfectly.
What advice would you give yourself in your first month on the job?
Don’t be afraid of the information flow — trust yourself more. At first everything may seem overwhelming, but over time each puzzle piece falls into place, especially once real practice begins.
How do you usually start communication with a new partner? What’s important to understand in the first five minutes?
It’s ideal when both sides have time for a quick call — to meet, exchange expertise, and discuss all details and expectations for upcoming launches. We share the results we aim to see by certain deadlines, while the partner outlines their vision — which GEOs they want to run now and what conversion they expect.
For me, it’s important to understand how open the partner is, how willing they are to share details about their launch plans, and which approaches they intend to use. Our goal is always the same: find terms that are mutually beneficial.
How do you build trust with a partner to ensure productive cooperation?
Personal communication is key, and conferences help immensely. Face-to-face interaction allows you not only to discuss business but also to learn more about the person. Small details can significantly improve future communication and make it more trusting.
Sometimes one meeting is enough for the dialogue to become smoother, faster, and more efficient.
This personal contact becomes a bridge that simplifies any further work.
Are there cases when you need to give tough feedback? How do you do it while preserving trust and a good working relationship?
Yes, it happens — and in such situations I always rely on statistics and concrete data. Numbers speak for themselves, which keeps the conversation transparent, grounded, and efficient. We look at facts together and make decisions based on them.
Constructive feedback with clear recommendations often becomes the most valuable tool for mutual growth.
What personal communication rules help you maintain speed without sacrificing quality?
I follow several principles: be polite, listen carefully, ask the right questions, avoid interrupting, and clarify anything that may cause misunderstanding.
These simple rules help keep both the pace and the quality of communication high.
What energizes you outside of work, and how does it help in working with partners?
Anything connected to movement and social interaction: sports (three workouts a week), yoga, walking my dog, warm moments with family and friends.
Time spent outside work helps me recharge, stay balanced, and maintain my energy levels. Thanks to this, I remain attentive, calm, and ready for constructive dialogue with partners.
If not iGaming, then… who would you be?
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a flight attendant — I loved the atmosphere of travel and the feeling of being close to the sky.
Speaking of my current interests, I would probably choose marketing — maybe performance or targeted advertising. I’ve always been drawn to its dynamics and opportunities for creativity.
Name the Top-3 tools you can’t imagine an affiliate manager working without.
CRM systems and convenient communication channels
They structure daily workflow, simplify interaction, and help keep important details organized.
Monitoring dashboards and analytics tools
They make it possible to evaluate traffic quality, build reports, and make data-driven decisions.
Work devices & messengers
The backbone of daily communication — calls, quick discussions, approvals, and keeping constant contact with partners.
Phone, laptop, Telegram, and MS Teams are my essentials.
Join N1 Partners
To discuss a new launch, choose the right terms for your traffic, or test an offer, you can contact Daria directly.
N1 Partners provides everything partners need to stay ahead and achieve results: high-converting products, regular analytics with optimization recommendations, and full support from the team.
Become a partner: https://n1.partners/
N1 Partners is more than just an affiliate program. The company brings together 14+ casino and betting brands, operates in 10+ Tier-1 GEOs, delivers Reg2Dep rates of up to 70%, and offers competitive conditions for top partners — CPA up to €700 and RevShare up to 45%.
More than 14,000 partners trust N1 Partners for its transparency, flexibility, and an approach where people and communication quality play a central role.
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News5 days agoTaking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner
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News5 days ago
N1 Faces: Daria Maichuk — “Communication as the Key to Strong, Effective Partnerships in Affiliate Marketing”
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Conferences6 hours agoMondoplay to sponsor Gamblers Connect at ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona


Daria Maichuk