News
Sports Betting Thriving Despite Lockdown
Wanna Make a Bet?
The global pandemic put North American professional sports on the shelf for nearly five months but bettors soon found leagues that they never knew existed and, well, if you’re dying of thirst in the desert and someone offers you water, you don’t ask if it’s Fiji. Soon there were millions of experts on Belarusian soccer and Taiwanese paddle ball willing to put up or shut up. Even eSports became a mainstream betting vehicle with everything from League of Legends to Madden NFL simulations.
Sports betting may not be the oldest profession but it is quickly becoming one of the most compelling. After decades in the shadows, it has recently been legitimized due to it finally being legalized in many parts of the United States. But gambling, whether it be legal or illegal, will always be pervasive because it’s fun, and potentially profitable if you know what you’re doing.
Adam Burns, an industry sportsbook director, stated, “Business is booming. “We probably took in 10 times more money than last year on the 2020 NFL Draft. It goes to show people are looking for something to bet on. The draft is always big, but I couldn’t believe how much money [was bet] when I woke up the next morning.”
In April of this year, betting was up 50 percent at New Jersey sportsbooks over last year on sports other than basketball, football, and baseball, to the tune of $21.7 million.
Prior to the reopening of sports in North America, Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayUSA.com network, stated, “The rise in bets on nontraditional sports has been interesting, and with auto racing and golf closer to starting, that trend could increase.”
Books are Booming

Now that the NBA, MLB, and NHL are in full swing, business is booming even more as evidenced by reports from the best online sportsbooks in the industry. But with the king of kings, the NFL, drawing closer, the numbers are expected to soar as long as the leagues can remain open for business.
In August of 2019, a total of $744,065,765 was legally wagered in the United States and $61,762,233 in revenue was hauled in as a result. But industry experts are nearly unanimous in declaring that this August will dwarf last year’s take, not to mention what the offshore books will do as well.
But few believe the take this month will beat the record-breaking month of November 2019, when U.S. sportsbooks handled over $1.8 billion, due to the fact there is no preseason football. “It’s a reach,” opined ESPN gambling writer David Purdum when asked by US Bets whether the month that starts Saturday can break the November ’19 record, “especially without preseason football, which accounts for more than most would believe. Last August, around 25% of the total handle bet in Nevada sportsbooks was attributed to football wagers. The NBA will probably make up for the lack of football, but even then, eclipsing a regular-season football month seems unlikely.”
As Purdum noted, the NBA and NHL are both playing in August which is a first for both leagues and will only add to what should be a robust betting handle this month. SportsHandle Editor-in-Chief, Brett Smiley, echoed Purdum’s sentiments regarding his skepticism of a record handle in August of 2020, “There are so many moving parts here, including players going in and out of quarantine. Over/under on games played for any of these leagues, I mean, who knows? We’re in completely uncharted territory here and there’s too many unknowns in the equation. I think people may watch in record numbers, but hopefully people who have taken a serious economic hit — and that’s an awful lot of Americans — are not using limited resources to gamble on sports. Betting 10 bucks is fine, but that doesn’t impact handle much.”
Purdum referenced the uncertain economic times and the looming election as another hurdle to climb for a record-breaking month, “The U.S. betting market is expanding and growing. We have more visibility than ever at how much is being wagered, which may lead to some record-setting numbers in some states. Records seem to be set routinely these days. But, to me, the pandemic, the pending election, and uncertainty surrounding the economy and sports in general will, at some point, have a negative impact on the betting market.”
Whatever happens this month, one thing we do know is that Americans have a growing passion for the action. Sports betting is now mainstream and records will be routinely shattered for several years to come as more states enter the fray and become beneficiaries of all that additional tax revenue. Legalized sports betting in the USA has been a long time coming but at long last, we’re glad it’s arrived.
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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News1 week 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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News1 week ago
N1 Faces: Daria Maichuk — “Communication as the Key to Strong, Effective Partnerships in Affiliate Marketing”
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Conferences6 days agoMondoplay to sponsor Gamblers Connect at ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona


Daria Maichuk