News
5 rules to starting an online casino or sportsbook (anywhere in the world)

If you’re looking to invest in a business sector that can outrun large-scale economic downturns, including a global pandemic, then look no further than online gambling. It’s a shining example of resilience in the face of strife – and that’s because gambling will never go out of style. This thought has occurred to many entrepreneurs, attested by the seemingly endless stream of new online casinos and sportsbooks.
But the internet is a very big place and there’s plenty of room for new ventures of all sizes. Getting started is the hard part, but turnkey platform providers like WiseGaming step in to help you avoid common mistakes that can result in unfortunate cash burnout. Here are five rules to keep in mind:
- Don’t try to do everything. This might seem like backwards advice but launching an online gambling business involves several moving parts that can become quite burdensome for a startup. Choose a solid online gaming platform provider, such as WiseGaming [https://wisegaming.com], who do all the hard stuff for you. This will allow you the time to focus on an extended business strategy, market analysis, finincial projections, and marketing plans.
- Partner with the best providers. Players look for games they recognize as this assures them that your site is a safe option. Using an aggregator will guarantee you make an impactful first impression with the best game library and sports markets from day one. WiseGaming [https://wisegaming.com] offers sportsbook software with over 100 sports, and has also teamed up with world famous providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming and Play’n GO, allowing you to onboard a winning selection of over 10,000 games without the stress of multiple contracts.
- Pick a memorable brand and leverage it. A weak marketing plan is often a huge stumbling block for many fledgling brands. In a crowded and competitive space, you need to stand out with copy and design that appeals to your target demographic. Whether that’s something traditional or novel, choose your lane and commit across all your branding material. Your iGaming platform must be white-lable enabled, so you can make a first impression that generates sign ups and conversions.
- Get your finances right. You need a considerable amount of capital to get started, but your financial obligations don’t end there. Annual income projections, break-even worksheets, projected cash flow statements, and balance sheets – there’s a lot to keep your eye on both before and after launch. Smart financial planning allows you to benchmark your progress to success, which is why offloading platform responsibilities to a reliable provider can be crucial in those early days.
- Choose your license carefully. The law comes down hard on casinos and sportsbooks recently, and while safer gambling is a great thing, it can also result in nasty fines. If you’re new to the scene, it’s probably a smart move to stay out of heavily regulated jurisdictions. It’s faster and easier to launch with an iGaming platform on a Curaçao license, where you’re subject to less scrutiny and have access to several, diverse markets. WiseGaming software is compliant with the majority of regulated jurisdictions, giving you the freedom to decide.
WiseGaming isn’t your only option when it comes to choosing an online gaming platform provider, but they come with an unparalleled understanding of today’s gaming market and a wealth of hands-on experience. Check them out here and decide for yourself.
Affiliate Announcements
ReferOn Expands Offering with New Support Packages, “ReferOn Assist”

ReferOn, an innovative affiliate management system, has experienced significant growth in 2024, with multiple technical and quality-of-life improvements to the platform. As a result of an influx of new operators and affiliates, ReferOn has introduced ReferOn Assist.
ReferOn Assist offers tailored support packages in three distinct tiers: ReferOn Assist, ReferOn Assist Plus, and ReferOn Assist Premium. Each tier provides enhanced support, cost-effective hourly support rates and more to help users meet their affiliate marketing strategy goals.
ReferOn Assist, the entry-level subscription package, includes a number of benefits, such as guaranteed support hours, faster response times and a higher resolution priority compared to ReferOn Basic users. All ReferOn Assist subscribers also receive direct channel support for easy access to our agents. Lastly, subscribers to this tier also enjoy more cost-effective out-of-hours support prices and affordable review reports for business analysis purposes.
ReferOn Assist Plus offers a further guaranteed response time, a larger bundle of support hours included and extra training time to help maximise affiliate operation efficiency. This subscription tier includes a quarterly review report packed with valuable insights and dedicated resolution priority for any pressing queries or issues. All subscribers also receive even further reduced out-of-hours support rates.
The last tier, ReferOn Assist Premium, provides operators and affiliates with the most comprehensive dedicated support package. Subscribers receive the highest response time and a large bundle of inclusive support hours at reduced rates. Premium users have access to a dedicated support manager for tailored assistance and the most cost-effective prices for after-hours support.
Each of these support packages are tailored to continue to provide the best possible customer service for Referon clients, whilst also helping reduce costs.
David Harris, ReferOn’s Operation Lead, commented on the new support packages, saying, “ReferOn prides itself on providing top-quality support for all operators and affiliates. The release of the ReferOn Assist packages allows us to prioritise helping our valued partners to ensure that they can make the most of our platform at all times. We look forward to seeing how the ReferOn team can work closely with all our users to achieve their business needs.”
Awards
Casino Guru shortlisted for AffPapa iGaming Awards due on May 28

Casino Guru is part of the upcoming AffPapa iGaming Awards due to take place in Malaga, Malta on May 28, with the company shortlisted in both the “Branding of the Year” and “Casino Affiliate of the Year” categories.
This marks another major milestone for Casino Guru this year, as the company has been shortlisted for both the iGB Affiliate Awards and the SBC Awards Europe.
These achievements have clearly demonstrated Casino Guru’s lasting influence in the iGaming industry and the prominent status it holds thanks to its ongoing efforts to make the sector more transparent, responsible, and safer for players.
Daniela Silva, Public Relations and Creative Projects Director, said: “The nomination for the ‘Branding of the Year’ category is an exceptional achievement for Casino Guru. The company has worked tirelessly to establish itself as a brand synonymous with player trust and recognition, and I am confident this nomination exemplifies exactly that. Our creative projects extend beyond Casino Guru alone, as the brand continues to expand and promote best practices in iGaming that help players stay safe, informed, and responsible.”
Casino Guru’s nominations for the AffPapa iGaming Awards reflect the painstaking work the company has put into ensuring that it builds a brand that is synonymous with player trust and confidence.
Through the Complaint Resolution Center and Safety Index, Casino Guru has consolidated its presence in the industry as the foremost authority on guiding players to the best casinos.
Casino Guru uses the world’s most advanced evaluation process and regularly reviews entries into the database to ensure impartiality and objectivity in offering players the opportunity to choose from a list of established and carefully-assessed brands.
Awards
Industry praised as finalists announced for July’s iGB Affiliate Awards

Stephen Carter, Clarion Gaming’s Head of Affiliate Content and internal judging lead for the IGB Affiliate Awards has praised both the number of submissions received and their overall quality.
Speaking as organisers published the list of finalists across the 20-strong categories, he confirmed: “Our external industry judges who are selected for their expertise and their depth of knowledge of the iGaming affiliate sector have been hugely impressed by the overall quality of the individual submissions and the number of companies that have chosen to participate in the 2025 edition of the Awards.
“Both metrics are indicative of how seriously the Awards are taken and how they are widely recognised for being the most prestigious and transparent merit-based awards in iGaming.
“It’s also significant that 40% of the submissions which have progressed to the finals are from businesses not previously shortlisted. This level of engagement demonstrates the relevance and reputation enjoyed by the iGB Affiliate Awards across the iGaming ecosystem.”
Madrid headquartered Betandeal has achieved the most shortlisted entries, making the cut in five categories. The affiliate agency is closely followed by Gambling.com Group, which has put itself in the running across four categories, for best affiliate in casino, sports and bingo (via its WhichBingo brand) as well as Affiliate Employer of the Year.
Newcomer WagerWire has also been shortlisted in four categories across sports, Safer Gambling Initiative of the Year, Employer of the Year and Best Affiliate Campaign.
Interest is mounting in the showpiece black-tie event, with the industry celebration being presented by broadcaster and musician Myleene Klass MBE.
The critically acclaimed television personality, part of the original Britpop era, will host the Cool Britannia-themed event being held 3 July at the Troxy, the stunning Art Deco masterpiece situated in the heart of East London.
The Troxy has an 80-year musical heritage and has featured performances by Liam Gallagher, Jarvis Cocker, Garbage and the Cure.
Members of the iGaming affiliate community can still participate in the public vote for Game of the Year by following the link found at https://www.igblive.com/igb-affiliate-awards-2025. Votes must be cast before 3 June.
The iGB Affiliate Awards shortlist can be viewed at: https://www.igbaffiliate.com/en/articles/121752/igb-affiliate-awards-2025-shortlist-revealed/
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