iGaming
Affiliate Interviews: Sirp de Wit of PokerListings.com (HighLight Media Group)
Today you get the chance to meet Sirp who is the Managing Director of PokerListings, the world’s most comprehensive online poker guide with in-depth reviews of online poker sites and exclusive bonuses, promotions, tournaments and freerolls, Sirp is active in Igaming since 2009.
Name: Sirp de Wit
Age: 34
Hometown: The Hague, THE NETHERLANDS
Living in: Sliema, MALTA
Favorite Food: Italian/French cuisine
Must Read Book: Papillon (Henri Charrière)
Job title: Managing Director at HighLight Media Group
GAV: Hi Sirp, first of all tell us and our readers as well, a little bit about yourself, we want to know who Sirp really is. How did your career start in the iGaming industry? Since when are you active at PokerListings?
SDW: I graduated in 2008 in the UK and moved straight over to Stockholm, SWEDEN, after receiving a call to join a Lead Generation company (HighLight Media Group) that is active primarily in the iGaming vertical. My career started as a Site Manager for the Dutch Market and I have been with the company ever since, taking on different roles throughout the last 8.5 years and currently the Managing Director running the Poker side of the business. We control many different poker affiliate sites that generate traffic from Europe to North/South America and Asia. The biggest brand in my portfolio is PokerListings.
Out of office you will find me a lot in the park, spending time with my 2.5 year old baby girl. Other than that I will try to watch as much football as possible and enjoy good food/drinks with my better half.
GAV: Do you still remember when you first heard about poker or played it?
SDW: Yes, this was during my time as a under graduate student in the USA. We played quite some poker on campus and around that time I also got introduced to the online version.
GAV: Since there are thousands of websites and portals in this niche out there, where do you think PokerListings stands at this moment and what is that plus that the other poker portals don’t have?
SDW: PokerListings is up there with the other big players. We still hold a leading position in the industry while looking at traffic numbers, returning visitors, and value per lead. With the latter being the most important KPI.
PokerListings has a true identity which is the key to lasting in this industry. There are more poker portals that have one, but the majority of the websites don’t. They focus only on the business side, while not catering for the primary need of the customer. We, as well, are running a Poker portal that focuses on the business side in order to exist, but we do focus more on delivering for the true need of the customer, even though in most cases this is not directly connected to our business model. We cater for all different types of poker players, delivering the best strategy articles to introduce players to the game, bring the latest industry news, have the most in depth reviews, the rules covering all the different poker games, an extensive video section and even have our own annual live tournament, The Battle of Malta, taking place in Malta with a guaranteed prize pool of 500k EUR. From a business perspective we could deliver the same bottom line without half listed above, but we don’t, as we know that we fill a gap that nowadays others are leaving behind which gives us the opportunity to take on a leading role.
GAV: How do you see the online poker market/industry at this moment?
SDW: Poker industry is not what is was, and for smaller affiliates a tough environment to gain market share. However, there will always be a place for online poker affiliation within the iGaming vertical and it is now all about adjusting to a new level of normal.
GAV: What are the strong points of PokerListings and what makes it stand out from the other niche websites/guides?
SDW: Identity, history, value. We are a poker guide that is over 14 years old and has something to offer for all kinds of poker players.
GAV: We have analyzed PokerListings and found some great content. Are you writing it by yourself or do you have a team of people writing for you? How about the blog section?
SDW: We have a Content Team in place in HQ in Malta and have freelancers located all over the world. In order to be top of the game in poker affiliation, you need to deliver top notch content. You won’t survive long enough to tell the tale if you try to do this with half work. Content is King in the world of SEO. In order to keep the visitors engaged and thus the Search Engine valuing you, you need to see this as an investment rather than a cost.
GAV: Tell us about the online marketing and SEO of PokerListings, do you have someone inhouse for that our you outsourced it?
SDW: Also the marketing team is situated in HQ in Malta. We focus primarily on onsite SEO strategies. On top of that we spend time on email marketing, social media marketing, and PPC where allowed.
Our Marketing/SEO strategy has changed over the years, as we needed to adjust due to updated guidelines from the biggest Search Engines. Important to keep up to date with the latest trends as no strategy last forever and you need to keep adjusting.
GAV: How do you manage to keep the website fresh and relevant, when a lot of fluffy and nonsense appear on the Internet non-stop?
SDW: We run our own content agenda. Yes, from time to time stories need to be covered as they are too big to skip, but most of the fluffy nonsense we don’t touch. The online media landscape is changing to focus primarily on clicks and traffic in order to justify the media budgets. We keep it simple, focus on the world of poker, strategy, bonuses and a bit of fun. So far this has been serving us well.
GAV: We are pretty convinced 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. What are your thoughts on how a real Affiliate Manager-Affiliate relationship should be built, and how not?!
SDW: Yes, we do. I think –honesty- is still most important. We have worked with almost all poker brands available. And no matter how good your product pitch is, sooner than later your real performance will be public.
GAV: How does the online poker affiliate ecosystem look at this moment, how about the future? Let us in on a few secrets…
SDW: The affiliation part has seen a negative market trend over the last 7 years. However all about adjusting and setting a new strategy with new goals to reach. Still big upsides on the horizon: US market to open, South America/Asia is emerging, possible liquidity sharing between some Southern European countries etc.
GAV: Tell us one change that you want to see in the online poker industry?!
SDW: I would like to see the US open up and get the ball rolling with California. This will happen eventually and this will give a boost to the industry. Politicians should to stop talking BS, and start doing their jobs. Too much talk, too little actions. It does not make sense to me that now in 2017 the fast majority of the US landscape is blocked from online poker. Not only are you depriving the US citizens from such a fun game, you are also missing out on extra income you can strike up on a state/federal level. This so called land of the free is not so free after all.
GAV: Do you have any advice you would like to offer to newbies who are looking to venture into this majestic industry!?
SDW: Whatever segment within iGaming you go into, keep the full focus on the visitor. Keep adding value to the chain. It might be a slower and more costly path to success, but once you are there it will last way longer.
GAV: How about iGaming/online casino conferences, do you attend any of them? If so, which one is your favorite and what is your most fun experience?
SDW: I myself only go to those in London and Berlin. I normally skip Amsterdam, Barcelona and the Nordic Conference but then have my Account Managers on the ground. London and Berlin both are special cities. I enjoy coming down every year for some days.
GAV: What do you think the chances are for Eastern Europe to become a potential gaming hotspot in the near future? Where do you think the region must still improve upon?
SDW: It will take time. These things won’t just happen overnight. Not only does the IT infrastructure need to be in place but capital as well. This is still lacking in most of these countries on a scale that it would be interesting to invest. We always set up products in new places where we see potential in the future so that we are ready when needed, but for now keep the marketing spend to a minimum.
GAV: Where would you like to travel in Eastern Europe, any favorite country or region?
SDW: Big fan of Prague. Still has the vibe of a medieval town while excellent place to party and enjoy good food.
GAV: Where you wouldn’t want to travel in Eastern Europe 
?
SDW: No place comes to mind.
GAV: How about a favorite celebrity or a mentor, do you have one?
SDW: Tommy Cooper
GAV: Tell us your opinion about the Gambling Affiliate Voice?
SDW: Fine site. I check the site from time to time for industry latest news headlines.
GAV: Thanks for your time Sirp, we really value it.
If you would like to suggest subjects for future affiliate interviews, be sure to send your suggestions to: [email protected] .
The post Affiliate Interviews: Sirp de Wit of PokerListings.com (HighLight Media Group) appeared first on The Gambling Affiliate Voice.
Source: GamblingAffiliateVoice
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CEO and Founder of SBC
SBC Summit North America: 5,000 Decision-Makers to Convene for Industry-shaping Talks
SBC Summit North America is gearing up for another edition, set to gather 5,000 senior decision-makers for a dynamic event filled with learning, networking and business opportunities.
The leading iGaming and sports betting event in North America will return to the Meadowlands Exposition Center in New Jersey (May 8-9). Preceding the core event, a pre-day conference (May 7) will unfold in New York City and showcase the well-regarded Player Protection Symposium and Compliance & Leadership conferences as well as the newly-established Earnings+More: Capital Markets Forum, organized in collaboration with +More Media.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC said: “The goal is to leverage the momentum we gained last year when we gathered the key operators, affiliates, suppliers, regulators, and media from the North American region. We anticipate a 66% surge in delegate numbers and are focused on attracting both industry newcomers and those who missed out on the opportunity to attend last year. The early numbers are promising, and the exhibition floor is approaching full capacity, even though we had added 15 extra booths this year to meet the demand.”
The exhibition floor is set to showcase a diverse lineup, with over 75 prominent companies taking the spotlight. Standout exhibitors include leading game providers like White Hat Gaming and Relax Gaming, alongside notable affiliates such as Better Collective, MediaTroopers, Spotlight Sports Group, and KeyAffiliates. Key payment providers like Trustly, PayNearMe, TransUnion, PXP Financial, and PayBrokers, operators like Betsson, risk management platforms like Kinectify, real-time content and data providers such as SportsDataIO and hosting providers like Internet Vikings will further enhance the comprehensive range of offerings, making the exhibition a must-visit for industry enthusiasts seeking the latest innovations.
The conference, spanning five stages and featuring over 300 expert speakers, will showcase a diverse selection of tracks: Leaders, Sports Betting, iGaming, Affiliates & Marketing, Payments & Tech, and Compliance & Regulation.”
In terms of themes, the conference will delve into several crucial topics shaping the multifaceted nature of the industry, highlighting its intersection with technological advancements, regulatory considerations and the critical balance between innovation and responsibility. These include the recent trend of revising existing sports betting bills instead of introducing new ones, the strategic considerations for second movers within the saturated sector, the influential role of social media personalities, and the challenge of interpreting extensive big data to gain insights into customer behavior across diverse channels. Furthermore, discussions will center around the role of artificial intelligence in promoting responsible gaming practices, the ongoing expansion of iGaming in new states, the evolving dynamics of sports integrity, and the ongoing regulatory deliberations in regions such as California and Canada.
Some of the speakers that will grace the stage include Kim Barker Lee (EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Bally’s Corporation), David Denenberg (SVP, Global Media Distribution & Business Affairs, NBA), Matthew Sunderland (SVP of iGaming, Caesars Digital), Dave Rivers (SVP Marketing, PointsBet Canada), Sarah Brennan (Senior Director-Compliance, BetMGM), Justin Barrett (Treasurer, Eastern Shawnee Tribe), Noam Klivitzky (VP US Marketing, 888 Holdings), Jon Steinbrecher (Commissioner, Mid-American Conference), Michael Golub (Deputy Attorney General, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement), Catherine Meade (VP Community, Sustainability & Social Responsibility, OLG), Jacob Coin (Director of Public Affairs, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians) and more.
Alongside other notable event features, the SBC Awards North America* ceremony will be back on the final day, celebrating outstanding industry talent across various categories and verticals. Additionally, the third annual SBC First Pitch competition will be a key highlight, providing a platform for five industry startups to showcase their innovative ideas to a panel of judges specializing in investment and innovation. Another addition to this year’s roster will be the so-called Tribal Symposium—a series of conference panels dedicated to exploring the intricate landscape of tribal gaming. One session will focus on the regulatory roadblocks in California and another one offering advice on identifying and effectively addressing signs of human trafficking in land-based casinos.
In the evenings, attendees can seize the chance to network before the main event by attending the Pre-Registration & Networking Drinks at Slate NYC on May 7. Furthermore, they can shift discussions away from the exhibition floor to a more laid-back setting at the Official Networking Party and Sports Betting Hall of Fame on May 8, followed by the Official Closing Party on May 9.
Coindraw is excited to announce the official launch of TurboPay, a groundbreaking withdrawal solution engineered for the growing iGaming space. Fusing speed, reliability, and security, TurboPay is set to redefine the landscape of crypto transactions, with it delivering near instant withdrawals unlike any other option out there.
Empowering Customers with Swift Fund Access
Collaborating with top-tier partners including Dreams and Prism, TurboPay guarantees that a staggering 90% of all withdrawal requests are processed in mere 20 minutes. All transaction requests wrap up within the hour, providing both businesses and customers an unparalleled, seamless transaction experience.
“The demand for near instantaneous withdrawals is huge, and sadly something many iGaming brands seem to overlook. By working with our partners we’ve created a product that meets this need for speed, TurboPay is the plugin solution that lets a site deliver almost instant withdrawals with minimal fuss.” said Alexander Bowring, Head of Marketing.
90% of Transactions Processed in Under 20 minutes
While many in the iGaming world have made ‘instant withdrawals’ a catchphrase rather than a commitment, TurboPay emerges as a genuine solution for swift, transparent transactions, establishing a new benchmark in the gambling space.
- Setting the Industry Benchmark: Statistics show that most online casinos take an average of 48 hours to process player withdrawals. TurboPay shatters this norm by completing 90% of transactions in under 20 minutes, raising the bar for the industry.
- The Need for Speed: Research underlines that over two-thirds of online gamers value withdrawal speed when selecting a platform. TurboPay’s dedication to completing all transactions within 60 minutes caters precisely to this demand, empowering businesses to deliver on player expectations.
- Uptime and Liquidity Guaranteed: In the gaming world, downtime equals lost opportunity. TurboPay’s 100% uptime promise guarantees uninterrupted operations, fortifying credibility and dependability. Both brands and players alike are assured unquestionable liquidity, 24/7 fund availability, eradicating any concerns about liquidity shortages.
“TurboPay isn’t just about speed. It’s a shift in how customers handle and access their funds in today’s digital world. Recognizing customer challenges, we’ve collaboratively crafted a solution with our iGaming partners.” added Bowring.
Ready to Launch
In the rapidly changing world of online transactions, TurboPay distinguishes itself through its unyielding focus on transparency and trustworthiness. By basing its services on factual insights and real player feedback, TurboPay fulfils the promise of ‘instant’ in the withdrawal world. “Built on the pillars of speed, reliability, and transparency, TurboPay heralds the future of transactions in the iGaming sector,” states Bowring.
TurboPay will initially launch at Dreams, CryptoLoko, and Prism, with other Coindraw partners set to introduce TurboPay throughout 2024. The demand for TurboPay is high according to Bowring, “We’ve had countless enquiries about TurboPay implementation, so we are starting the rollout immediately with three of our most trusted partners”.
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