Affiliate Interview Series | GambleRoad

[GPWA Dan]

Age: 44

Living in: Toronto, Ontario

Favorite Food: Mediterranean cuisine

Must Read Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey

Sites:
GambleRoad.com
U20card.com

When did you launch your sites?

GambleRoad.com was launched in April 2001, during the good old days (without those Pandas and Penguins).

How did you become involved in the industry?

My exposure to the affiliate world started with my first website, where I promoted products that help people quit smoking. I ended up finding the online gaming niche through affiliate networks, forums, etc. I saw a huge potential in the online gaming industry so I pursued it. In the last 14 years, even with my experience in many different affiliate niches (like coupons and video-sharing), two original websites are still my major ones. At that time, I didn’t know that it would become part of my life.

How long did it take for you to start earning money?

It didn’t take that long to receive my first check. I don’t remember exactly how long – but definitely within the first three to six months. And, after one year, I understood that this wasn’t just a hobby anymore but a real business.

You recently redesigned GambleRoad.com. Tell us about the redesign process. How much time did you spend on it? Are you happy with the results? And what impact has it had on your traffic and affiliate earnings?

Thanks to my IT background and a number of years in the eMarketing world it was actually easy and fun to work on this project. The redesign took a few months to complete; the aim was to achieve a modern design and introduce a mobile version of the site. I am happy with the results, as the goal was to remain the best source for all things online gambling related.

You recently began offering your players a new payment solution, the TruCash U20 Reloadable MasterCard. Could you tell us about what was involved in setting this up and whether it is proving to be an attractive payment alternative for your players? Are transactions using this new payment method accepted on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border?

Being in the online gaming industry, we all understand the importance of reliable payment solutions for programs, affiliates and players. In partnership with a group of Canadian financial organizations, we designed the TruCash U20 Reloadable MasterCard to give players the freedom to spend their money wherever they want with peace of mind, guaranteed by the industry-leading secure payment system. It’s a prepaid credit card accepted online and at millions of locations worldwide. At the same time, it acts as a personal debit card that can be used for purchases or ATM access. Our approach is very different from that of our competitors, as U20card.com offers a unique B2B custom-tailored solution specifically created for affiliate programs.

Are you a one-person shop or are you part of a larger organization?

Unfortunately I prefer to do everything by myself, but we know that’s impossible in the real world. So I’m left with no choice but to delegate some work to others.

Describe your work environment. Do you work from home or in an office? If you work from home, how often do you get to see and interact with other people in the industry?

I do work from home but that doesn’t stop me from interacting with other people in the industry; whether at a lunch with an affiliate manager, chatting on the GPWA forum or meeting up at industry events.

What traits do you look for in an affiliate manager? How about in an affiliate program?

It is vital for me to do research before joining any affiliate program because this long-lasting relationship will make or break the revenue potential. For some programs, I still have the same affiliate manager I had five to seven years ago. When I am debating whether or not to join an affiliate program, my focus is on the reputation of the program, the people behind this program and how secure the payment process is. It is also mandatory that the affiliate program is accredited by the GPWA or similar.

What’s your preferred method of communication with affiliate managers? Do you like to talk on the phone, by e-mail or via Skype?

My preferred method of communication is through Skype. With Skype, you are able to talk to anyone, anywhere in the world. And if you can't reach them, you can simply a leave message.

What prompted you to join the GPWA? How has it helped you?

The GPWA is a great source for all webmasters and affiliates as it provides a platform for sharing knowledge and ideas that are ultimately used to improve our understanding of this industry. The GPWA community is excellent, and I like spending my mornings going through the latest posts. I confess, I read more than I write. I plan to contribute more to the community – maybe that will be my New Year’s Resolution.

What do you like about the industry?

I like that there are endless possibilities to grow, and that you are a member of a global community.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

I don’t know how to fix this but one thing that bugs me in this industry is how affiliate programs can disappear with all of your players. The funny part is that the program will reappear after some time under another name, and sometimes the same people will ask you to join again.

What do your family and friends think of your work as an affiliate?

It’s hard to say exactly what they think, but so far no one is complaining.

Do you gamble online? If so, what do you play?

I like to sometimes play slots online. And I also don’t mind spending a few bucks at a land-based casino.

How long do you give yourself for answering e-mail?

I try my best to answer within 24 hours, and I expect others to do the same.

How do you manage your “to-do” lists? Do you use any special software to help you out?

Over the last 10 years, I’ve come to the realization that I cannot rely solely on my memory and thus I write things down. That’s why all those Reminders, Calendars, Notes and MindMaps apps are all a must-have for me. It’s crazy to admit to yourself, but more and more, I realize that I am controlled by my iPhone and MacBook Pro – and that is one habit I cannot (nor do I want to) break!

How much time do you devote to SEO and/or social networking in order to drive more traffic to your sites?

We all understand the importance of social networking, and we try our best to be active on major social platforms. As for SEO, we try to align ourselves and follow the best SEO recommendations.

What’s the most difficult thing about running your sites?

Probably lack of time. What’s the best thing about running your sites? The best thing in this industry, no doubt, is being notified about "payment received" in my eWallet.

What do you do to stay in shape – both physically and mentally?

We have a beautiful trail behind our house where I like to take walks. Also, this year, I started going to yoga classes two times per week, and am doing my best to go to the gym at least twice a week.

What’s your favorite kind of coffee, and how many cups do you drink each day?

My favorite kind of coffee is dark roast. But to be honest with you, I prefer juice or green tea in the mornings.

If someone were visiting you, what’s the one place you’d definitely take them to see?

I would take them to Niagara Falls, Ontario to see the Falls and to test their luck at the famous local casino.

When you need to get as far away from work as possible, where do you go?

I love back-country camping with my family and friends.

What’s your favorite vacation spot?

It’s a simple answer: Anywhere in the Caribbean.

What’s your all-time favorite movie?

It’s hard to pick an all-time favorite, but this past summer I enjoyed watching Suits (a USA Network TV series) on Netflix.

If you could invite any five people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be?

Robin Williams, Jon Stewart, my wife, Warren Buffett and Steve Jobs.

[wolfie]

I always enjoy these interviews a lot. Great stuff.

[Renee]

If I had to re-do my 5 people to dinner list, I would also invite Robin Williams.

Great interview. Good to see some of the personality behind someone I've been working with for so long

[sweetbet]

Great interview and website. I remember your site GambleRoad.com from way way way back

[AE-Stephen]

Great interview Oleg

[didi.playgrand]

Great Interview Oleg and a nice redesign of GambleRoad.com !

[Miles_FTA]

Great Interview Thanks for your Humorous take on life as an affiliate

[Excel.Shruthi]

Great interview!!

[duwayne tropica]

Nice interview!!

[Doolally]

Good interview! Thanks.

For some reason your U20card.com site isn't working for me and can't be found. I was going to have a look and see what it's all about.

Is the URL correct?

[eenzoo]

Great Interview Oleg and a nice redesign of GambleRoad.com !

Öhm maybe i use a wrong url but i just see the WP twentyfourteen default theme?!

[Doolally]

Öhm maybe i use a wrong url but i just see the WP twentyfourteen default theme?!

I just tried and it worked ok for me. Nice theme!

[GambleRoad]

If I had to re-do my 5 people to dinner list, I would also invite Robin Williams.

Great interview. Good to see some of the personality behind someone I've been working with for so long

Thank you Renee! ... say HI to Celia please

[GambleRoad]

Good interview! Thanks.

For some reason your U20card.com site isn't working for me and can't be found. I was going to have a look and see what it's all about.

Is the URL correct?

Thank you Doolally,

LOL, we didn't realize earlier and now experiencing some trademark issues with Mastercard. Hope things will be resolved soon. Keep in touch!

[Ejames]

Great interview. Sounds like you're enjoying life, It really is rewarding to turn a hobby into a business.