Affiliate Manager Interview Series - Niklas Fagerstrom

**GPWA Daniel** · 22 January 2020, 9:47 am

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(This interview was originally published in the October 2019 issue of the GPWA Times Magazine)

You've been involved in the iGaming affiliate industry for almost a decade with a few different companies. How did you find your way into the industry?

I found my way into the iGaming industry when I made the decision to move to Malta in 2012. I started in customer support and worked my way up. The move to Malta was a random choice. I wanted a change, so I took the globe and spun it and Malta came up. I booked a one-way ticket and a one-week hotel stay. Before iGaming, I was working in an online retail shop in Norway. I had also been working a few years in the adult dating affiliate industry, as I wanted to learn more about other affiliate industries to broaden my experience.

Where are you from, and what else can you tell us about your background?

I grew up in a midsize town called Halmstad in Sweden. Since then I have lived in Norway, I've traveled the world and now I'm currently based in Malta.

What makes Betwinner Affiliates stand out from other affiliate programs?

Real-time statistics, no admin fees. We have an awesome app, weekly payments and partner support (live chat, e-mail).

What do you most like about the iGaming industry?

There are a lot of opportunities and no limits on personal growth. You get to see how the new markets are developing. I like the fast-changing environment and meeting new people. There is never a dull moment in this industry!

How often do you attend affiliate events?

As often as possible. I like to see old and new faces and to meet up with people that you otherwise just have Skype conversations with. I think the personal meeting is very important, and that is what I like the most.

How does Betwinner Affiliates work to retain players sent by affiliates?

Betwinner provides players with new and exciting games and tournaments, and the latest sporting events. We also offer our players popular payment systems, bonuses and lotteries. We know how important it is to retain and to keep our players happy.

What would be your advice to an affiliate just getting started in the business?

Patience, practice and do your research. What GEOs should you target, sports or casino? Look at the competitors. YouTube is a very good resource. Watch videos on how to do basic SEO and link building, how to build your website, see what website templates you should use. Reach out to affiliate managers and ask questions ?we are here to help you!

Do you gamble yourself, either online or in land-based casinos?

I do play for approximately 50 or 100 euros a month. If you never play, you can never win.

Where do you think the industry will be in the next five years?

We are heading to an even more regulated market, with more countries introducing national regulation. The future will be more about compliance and regulations. We as affiliate managers need to be very up-to-date when it comes to new regulations in each country.

I also think AI will definitely shape the future for iGaming operators and will be the key to product personalization. I also think that retention will play a big part in the future, as we see more strict regulations and need to take care of the players and keep them happy. I also believe we will see new big markets opening up in Asia and the U.S. Africa is the next big thing.

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

More responsibility for those who need our help. It would also be nice to remove fraud (laughs).

Tell us about your typical work day.

Usually my day begins at 7:30 a.m. heading to the gym. At 8:30, I have a cup of coffee and check Skype on my cellphone to see how many messages I got during the night and estimate the amount of work ahead of me for the day. Our affiliates are from all over the world, and they may text you at midnight or at 5 a.m. I usually finish at 6 p.m. But it depends. Sometimes my partners need me. It's also a policy of our company to be available for most of the day. And I'm always online late at night anyway, so my days can be long and exciting!

What's the office culture like at Betwinner Affiliates?

Amazing! We all work in different places in the world. We are a remote but united team! We meet at industry events or when we are sponsoring the best events around the world.

If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go?

I would love to take a motorcycle trip around Italy. I love history and I love bikes, pizza, pasta and wine ?a perfect match!

What was the last book you read?

NES-XX-SCN-2 Handboken om NES-Spel (Swedish) ?It's a nerdy book about Nintendo 8-bit games that was released in Sweden.

What's your favorite movie?

Tricky, but two movies comes to mind: Interview with the Vampire and Pulp Fiction.

If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be?

They would be Elvis, Arnold (Schwarzenegger) and Freddie Mercury.

Name one thing that people reading this magazine don't know about you.

I'm a collector of old Nintendo games and a video game nerd. I love history and driving motorcycles.

**sweetbet** · 22 January 2020, 2:43 pm

Originally Posted by GPWA Daniel

If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be?

They would be Elvis, Arnold (Schwarzenegger) and Freddie Mercury.

That'd be one heck of an interesting dinner. I grew up idolizing Elvis and Arnie

and I've always loved listening to Queen.

**newcustomeroffer** · 22 January 2020, 3:31 pm

Originally Posted by GPWA Daniel

What's your favorite movie?

Tricky, but two movies comes to mind: Interview with the Vampire and Pulp Fiction.

Never seen Interview with the Vampire, yet must have watched Pulp Fiction 20 times and would also rate it amongst my absolute favourites. Will make a point to watch the first one

**GPWA Maria** · 23 January 2020, 12:38 am

Thank you for the Interview Niklas! Looking forward to your next one.

**ocreditor** · 23 January 2020, 1:40 am

Thanks great read !

**drifter8** · 23 January 2020, 1:59 am

Interesting interview, definitely. I love the Nintendo part and the meeting with 3 famous persons.

Freddie and Elvis were just geniuses. Arni is genius in another sphere, but not politics

**betwinner_official** · 23 January 2020, 9:41 am

Hehe thanks guys!

**Malikbhai** · 23 January 2020, 12:30 pm

Not sure what your position is up there at 1xbet network, but you guys really need to bring in Bitcoin and/or wire transfer payments for affiliates, for any major partnerships.

Skrill and webmoney is not the way forward.

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