Affiliate Announcements
Global Gaming names new head of affiliates appointment
Global Gaming has bolstered its affiliate department with the appointment of Elaine Gardiner as the new head of affiliates.
Gardiner will be responsible for leading and developing the company’s affiliate department, as it prepares to expand the operations of its B2C brands, including the multi award-winning Ninja Casino, Kotikasino and Viking Slots. She will also ensure the division maintains the highest standards of best practice to deliver a fair and inclusive program for to its affiliate partners.
“I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to head Global Gaming’s affiliate division and I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career. Myself and the company share the same ambitions, and it’s an exciting time to join such a fast-growing business. We have a number of interesting projects in the pipeline, so watch this space.” – said Gardiner.
Gardiner joins from Cherry Group, having worked for the operator’s affiliate division since 2013, most recently holding the position of senior affiliate program manager.
She played a key role in the development of its affiliate tracking software Omarsys, and has been shortlisted twice for Best Casino Affiliate Manager at the iGaming Business Affiliate Awards.
The development of the affiliate program follows the listing of Global Gaming’s shares on Nasdaq First North in Stockholm.
The trading of shares will support the company’s long-term expansion plans for both its award-winning B2C brand Ninja Casino, and its bespoke payments solution PaynPlay, which offers faster payments and a simpler registration process.
“It’s a coup for us to welcome Elaine to the Global Gaming team. She has strong track record and knowledge of the affiliate industry, helping improve the performance of Cherry Affiliates during her spell with the operator, which was a major factor in our decision to appoint her as our new Head of Affiliates.
“This is an investment in our affiliate department and it is just one of the many areas we are developing to support our future growth strategy.”- commented Global Gaming CMO Morten Madsen.
Affiliate Announcements
Catena Media readies for online sports betting launch in North Carolina
Catena Media is well positioned to record a solid launch of online sports betting affiliation in North Carolina when the state opens for licensed sports wagering.
The group’s national brands, led by LegalSportsreport.com, are attracting North Carolina bettors with dedicated content, as is Catena Media’s state-focused NCSharp.com website. Alongside Catena Media’s own brands, the group has also published content in collaboration with media partners including Advance Local, owner of NJ.com and other news websites.
In the countdown to launch day, Catena Media held several top rankings for key organic search terms used by potential bettors to find relevant sports-betting-related content and offers.
Prior to the official go-live, the group has deals in place with five major operators offering sports betting platform access to North Carolinians. The customer agreements in North Carolina consist of a mix of revenue share and cost-per-acquisition (CPA) agreements.
North Carolina, with an adult population of 8.5 million, allows anyone aged 21 and over to place sports bets online.
Ryan Harper, Catena Media Vice President North America, said: “We have had a solid run-up to the launch date and are pleased with our efforts so far. We also expect the March Madness NCAA college basketball tournament later this month to be a big driver of new depositing customers in North Carolina.”
North Carolina expands Catena Media’s operational footprint in North America to 29 state and regional markets.
Affiliate Announcements
QMRA to enter Belgium, Poland and Estonia: Game Lounge joins immediately with Belgian website, Place2bet as well
QMRA was launched recently. QMRA is a Quality Mark for international iGaming affiliates, servicing the following markets initially: The UK, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Spain and USA Michigan.
Various websites joined already. Among which Leadstar Media with 4 German websites, BetterWorldCasinos.Com (UK, launching member), Unilead with a Swedish website and the Gaming Innovation Group with websites for three markets (UK, Germany, Sweden).
As of now, QMRA will be active within the following three markets as well: Poland, Estonia and Belgium.
For Belgium, the situation is interesting. All advertising, including affiliation, was initially banned under a Royal Decree. Recently though, the government decided to allow search engine affiliation (https://gamingcommission.be/nl/operatoren/kb-reclame) under the terms of article 10 of the named Royal Decree.
Compliance will be of high importance within the Belgium market. QMRA received applications for this market immediately.
Two new QMRA applicants:
Game Lounge, a well-known and large iGaming affiliate company (over 200 employees), applies with GuideCasino.Be. Place2Bet applies to QMRA as well, with Place2Bet.Be.
Affiliate Announcements
Catena Media appoints Manuel Stan as new CEO
Catena Media’s board of directors today announces the appointment of Manuel Stan as CEO, an experienced business executive in the online sports betting and casino gaming industry.
Manuel will lead Catena Media’s North American and global market operations from Las Vegas, where he is based. He will assume his position on July 1, 2024.
A veteran of almost 20 years in the industry, Manuel spent 16 years at Kindred Group, where he led marketing teams and served as Senior Vice President North America. At Kindred, Manuel led marketing teams for six years and played a core role in shaping the group’s affiliate marketing programme. He also has experience of customer marketing, business development, financial planning and analysis, and corporate governance.
Manuel holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Economics from Bucharest University of Economic Studies and an Executive Management Programme Diploma from Yale School of Management.
He said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to drive Catena Media forward on the next stage of its journey as the group takes on new challenges while further advancing its presence in North America. This is a strong business with talented employees and I look forward to working with the teams to capitalise fully on the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Göran Blomberg, Catena Media Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “Manuel was the outstanding candidate for this position among the names considered and we are extremely pleased that he is joining us. He is a leader with proven leadership skills and wide-ranging experience within our industry. His close knowledge of the North American market and of both the operator and affiliate sides of the business will be a significant asset for Catena Media and our North America-focused organisation as we begin this new chapter for the group.”