Affiliate Interview Series: Tony

[GPWA Aaron]

Age: 61
Hometown: Florina, Greece
Living in: Toronto
Favorite Food: Roast lamb
Must Read Book: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, by Robert B. Cialdini

Sites:
casinoscafe.com
bingomingle.com
casinoscafe.co.uk
casinoscafe.net
gamblingcove.com
luckytonys.com

How did you become involved in the industry?
I own a private web hosting company. One day, a person working in the restaurant next door (big-time gambler) asked me if I would build an affiliate site for him. I did, and he changed his mind; but by then I had done my homework about affiliate sites, so I decided to give it a try. I'm still here today, with even more sites!

When did you launch your sites?
casinoscafe.com on February 23, 2005; gamblingcove.com on March 28, 2005; casinoscafe.co.uk in May 2005; bingomingle.com in April 2006; and casinoscafe.net in 2008.

How long did it take for you to start earning money?
It took me one month after I launched my first site before I started earning money. March 28, 2005 was the date of my first deposit.

Casinos Cafe offers casino, bingo, poker, racebook and sportsbook. Which games draw the most traffic?
Definitely casino and poker.

Is it a good idea to include racebook and sportsbook on a predominantly casino-oriented site?
No – not for me, anyway. I am planning to remove racebook and sportsbook slowly, so I won’t lose my visitors and rankings.

Your site luckytonys.com seems to have a more personal tone and style than some of your other sites. For instance, you list the casinos where you like to play, then say, "I don't win all the time but I have a lot of fun." Another section reads, "The more I play the luckier I get. WHOO HOOOOOO!!!" Have you received any feedback from your site visitors on this approach? Do they appreciate your genuine enthusiasm?
Yes, I have been told by many people that they enjoy my personal comments and they appreciate my honesty. I think by being open and expressive visitors can relate better to you.

Your sites have a live dealer tab, and luckytonys.com also has a mobile gaming tab. How important is it for affiliates to understand and promote these innovations in the industry?
I think it is very important to keep up with the trends and promote these innovations. Today, in this fast-changing world, it is imperative to keep up with the times.

What traits do you look for in an affiliate manager? How about in an affiliate program?
I would like an affiliate manager to keep me up to date on current advertising material and not all banners, PLEASE! As for affiliate programs, I would like to see them update at the same time the bonuses appear on the gambling sites. I do not want to see updates 15 days later.

What advice would you offer someone just starting out in the industry?
I would say it is important to be passionate about anything you do if you want to be successful. Put your “all” into your website. With hard work and determination you will reap the rewards.

What prompted you to join the GPWA? How has it helped you?
When I first started out I Googled “gambling forums” and I came across the GPWA and a few others. It was the GPWA that I found to be the most helpful and informative. When my wife was going through her battle with cancer, so many kind friends supported us and gave us strength.

What do you like about the industry?
I like having the opportunity of meeting new people from all over the world. I also like being my own boss and working in the convenience and comfort of my home.

What don’t you like about the industry?
I don’t like the fact that the industry is not regulated and programs can do whatever they want whenever they want to both players and affiliates. I think regulation would discourage the undesirables. I have been hit by programs many times and I have not been paid.

What surprised you most about the industry?
I was surprised at the way people come together in the industry to help and support others who are going through hardships in life.

What effect do you think that regulated U.S. online gambling will have on affiliates when (if) it comes?
I think regulation will make the industry more accountable, which is the way it should be.

In one of our weekly polls, you asked people not to contact their hosting companies to inquire about their policy on hosting sites that promoted online casinos. Why do you think that's a bad idea?
Like the old saying goes, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” Those days were panic-stricken days for the gaming industry. You don’t want to start something with the hosting industry now, do you?

How long do you give yourself for answering e-mail? What e-mail tips can you offer?
Important e-mail is answered immediately and the remainder as I feel is needed.

How do you manage your “to-do” lists? Do you use any special software to help you out?
No special software here. I use old-fashioned pencil and paper and my PC. I’m trying to incorporate some particular software that could remind me of everything I forget; it’s called “My Wife,” but she is not keen on it.

How much time does it take to keep your site updated?
It usually takes me a few hours a day, unless I am making changes to my websites; then it takes me longer.

How much time do you devote to SEO and/or social networking in order to drive more traffic to your site?
I devote about an hour every day to social networking. I always go to Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Several of our affiliate interviewees for this issue are cat lovers – including you. Please tell us about your cats – how you got them, what they’re like, and whether you’re getting any new additions!
I didn’t adopt my cats, my cats found me. Sox and Baby are both strays. We found Baby in the garbage at McDonald’s and he was so small, he fit in the palm of my hand. Shortly after Baby came into our home, we realized he was deaf. You would never know it though because he is as smart as a whip. As for Sox, he showed up one day in our yard and he has been here ever since. We put up posters, but no one responded. These guys bring us such joy! We can’t imagine life without them both. Sox and Baby are not pets, they are members of our family. We often refer to Baby as Dennis the Menace because he is like a young child that gets into EVERYTHING.

If someone were visiting you, what’s the one place you’d definitely take them to see?
I would definitely take a visitor to the CN tower because it is one of the tallest buildings in the world.

What’s your favorite vacation spot?
I don’t do much traveling now, but in the past I visited New Brunswick and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. I particularly liked the way on one side was the ocean and on the other side was fresh water. I was able to fly fish and I found the people very friendly and hospitable. One couple even invited us for dinner shortly after meeting us.

If you could have one “superpower,” what would it be?
I wish I had the power to heal because I would like to heal everyone who has cancer and is afflicted with any other ailment or disease.

What’s your favorite TV show or shows – any programs that you make it a point to see when they’re aired for the first time?
I am not really an avid TV watcher, but when I do watch TV I like the Discovery channel or any channel that I can learn from, whether it be scientific, technical, health, etc.

What’s your all-time favorite movie?
I don’t really have a favorite all-time movie. I do like to watch old black and white movies. I prefer these because they are lighthearted. I like the old movie stars and I enjoy the music.

If you were shooting your autobiography, whom would you cast to play you?
The only person I can come up with is deceased – Jimmy Stewart. I would choose him because he is quiet and mild mannered like me.

If you could invite any five people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be?
My wife is always my first choice – I can’t even imagine myself doing anything without her. My grandpa Tony, who passed away before I was born – I just want to meet him and talk to him once. Pablo Picasso because I love his work and we have something in common: we are both artists. David Suzuki because he is into ecology and science and I admire him. Lucille Ball because she was very talented and hilarious, too.

What are three things that nobody knows about you?
I am very sensitive, which I cover up by being a barking dog at times. I am an artist. I am technically inclined – I can fix anything.

[GFPC]

Great Interview Tony! So your a handy man huh? - I have lots of stuff to fix - haha!! Was really nice to read some of your comments! Stay well my friend and give your wife a big KISS - call me anytime buddy!

[Maria F]

Nice interview Tony. Love your superpower

[smackness]

I agree with Maria, Great interview Tony and fantastic Superpower to choose!

[Tony]

Thank you all, any time Steve just give me a call.

[Guy Goldberg]

Hi Tony

Nice to E-meet you, my Name is Guy Goldberg.

I really enjoyed reading your interview and i found your traffic to be most fit with my site

I would love to to get in touch with you and explore ways for starting cooperation.

Guy Goldberg.

[samantha.pacquiao]

Handy man, yes you are!! Nice one Tony!

[Louis - Income Access]

Great interview and credit to Aaron as well for great questions.

Tony, if you ever come to Montreal you should stop by the Income Access office. We're just a few blocks from the Place Des Arts if you happen to come through for Jazz Fest.