Affiliate Industry
Why the US is right to licence affiliates
James Ashton from FindMyUKCasino.com says other markets should look to regulate and licence affiliates in order to improve standards
Lawmakers in the USA were absolutely right when they took the decision to require affiliates to apply for and obtain a licence in order send players to approved operators in each regulated state.
While this was and is a divisive issue, I believe it is the only way to ensure that affiliates are meeting the necessary safe gaming requirements and that they are operating responsibly.
In other regulated markets such as the UK, the onus remains on the operator to ensure their affiliate partners are playing by the rules with their licence at risk in the event of non-compliance.
This is a huge task for operators, and I would argue that it is almost impossible for them to effectively monitor and police all of the affiliates they work with.
It makes sense, then, to put the responsibility on the affiliate to meet the required standards and for them to suffer the consequences in the event they fall short.
Of course, there are other benefits to affiliates being licenced.
Affiliates have a clear rulebook to abide by
Regulating and licensing affiliates provides publishers with a clear set of rules and guidelines to follow, something that we don’t have in markets such as the UK.
While the Gambling Commission and the Advertising Standards Authority provide some guidance as to what is considered best practice, it is open to interpretation.
Licensing sets out clear requirements for affiliates to meet, and then on-going regulatory audits make sure they continue to meet these requirements moving forwards.
It would also encourage affiliates to innovate around safe gaming and responsible gambling. As all affiliates would have to meet these requirements, they could become a point of difference.
At FindMyUKCasino.com we are always looking at ways of improving how we protect players, but if we had clear standards to meet, we could then look to take this to the next level.
Only professional affiliates will be awarded a licence
By licensing affiliates, regulators can instantly weed out the bad actors to ensure those active in their market are professional, reputable and responsible.
This is simply not the case in regulated markets that do not licence affiliates – anyone can launch a website, partner with online casino and slot sites and start targeting players.
We have seen instances where affiliates have created content around “Online casinos not on Gamstop” which is hugely irresponsible and morally bankrupt.
Licensing benefits players first and foremost as they can access online casino comparison sites run by legitimate organisations and individuals, but there is a benefit to operators, too.
Because the affiliate has already been vetted and approved by the regulator, operators know they are partnering with a professional organisation that is serious about its role in player acquisition.
One of the affiliate managers we work with once told me that more than half of the sites they work with do not generate any new player sign-ups and FTDs.
For the operator, this is wasted time and resources that could instead be invested with genuine affiliate partners that are able to deliver the results both parties are seeking.
Improved relationship between operators and affiliates
Licensing improves the relationship between operators and affiliates; at present, compliance can be a key point of friction between both sides of the partnership.
Operators are rightly worried about the consequences of non-compliance and when an affiliate breaks the rules – whether intended or not – they often demand rapid resolution.
While professional affiliates go to great lengths to ensure compliance, and to rectify any issues without delay, not all publishers work in this way.
Licensing affiliates takes the responsibility away from the operator and puts it on the affiliate.
This in turn takes away any friction points around compliance and allows operator and affiliate to work more closely on other areas such as improving the way brand(s) are promoted across the site.
Brings all stakeholders together
By licensing affiliates, lawmakers and regulators ensure that all stakeholders are being held to the same standards and requirements, which in turn brings everyone together.
By working to the same rules, everyone knows what is expected of them when it comes to safe gaming and responsible gambling and ensuring that players are fully protected.
You are only as strong as your weakest link, and in markets where affiliates are not regulated those that do not operate responsibly are the chink in the armour.
While regulating and licensing affiliates will always be divisive, if you ask any professional gambling affiliate they will likely say it is something that is needed.
It is something the Find My UK Casino team welcomes as we believe it is the best way to protect players and to ensure that affiliates are working to the highest possible standards.
SOFTSWISS, a global tech company with over 15 years of experience in iGaming, introduces a new Geo-Distributed Redirect feature of Affilka by SOFTSWISS that helps operators improve engagement and conversion rates by reducing user redirect times.
The Geo-Distributed Redirect feature intelligently routes users to destination landing pages via regional clusters closest to their location. This geo-optimised infrastructure minimises redirect times, increasing successful website visits from referral links. The feature is designed for seamless scalability across multiple regions and enhances performance globally, wherever needed.
With the new feature, Affilka by SOFTSWISS reduced redirect duration by 2.5 to 5 times. At one of the regions, for example, extensive simulated tests showed a decrease in redirect times for users from 1.5 seconds to 300-500 milliseconds – this is one of the fastest responses available in the market. As a result, the feature implementation leads to a 3.5% to 7% growth in users successfully reaching casino sites. This increase in site traffic, in turn, directly contributes to more registrations and deposits.
The Geo-Distributed Redirect feature boosts conversions, accelerates redirects, enhances fault tolerance and high availability, and improves service reliability for users globally. Even during unexpected challenges, the system dynamically reroutes traffic to alternative resources, ensuring a seamless experience.
Gleb Bichan, Product Lead at Affilka by SOFTSWISS, shares his excitement: “With the launch of our Geo-Distributed Redirect feature, we are addressing the needs of clients targeting users worldwide. By reducing redirection times and increasing reliability, we enable our partners to deliver a superior user experience that drives traffic delivery and conversions. This feature is a significant improvement for customers looking to expand their global reach.”
Along with affiliate marketing, SEO website advancement helps operators promote their projects. Considering this, SOFTSWISS issued a comprehensive Casino SEO Audit: The Ultimate Guide, providing tips for increasing any iGaming project’s visibility.
The SOFTSWISS team looks forward to sharing the details of the Geo-Distributed Redirect feature and other product updates at the upcoming SiGMA Europe Expo. Current and potential partners can book a meeting with company representatives at stand 2145 through the contact form.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
Affiliate Industry
2025 Tech Trends Report: Info-Tech Research Group Unveils New Insights on the Future of AI, Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity
Info-Tech Research Group’s newly released Tech Trends 2025 report highlights six pivotal trends poised to transform the IT landscape in the coming year. As the pace of technological innovation accelerates and organisations are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the firm’s report provides insights into how IT leaders can harness technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and cybersecurity while mitigating the risks they introduce.
Historically, chief information officers (CIOs) have been tasked with preserving the integrity of an organisation’s past through meticulous recordkeeping. However, in 2025, the global IT research and advisory firm reports that the role of the CIO will evolve as the focus shifts from maintaining the past to forecasting the future. With the rise of generative AI and the impending era of quantum computing, Info-Tech explains that CIOs will need to increasingly adopt forward-thinking strategies to anticipate and simulate future business scenarios.
‘Across the UK, we’re witnessing a transformative shift driven by technological advancements, including in both AI and quantum computing,’ says Nora Fisher, senior vice president of global market programs at Info-Tech Research Group. ‘Sectors such as financial services and healthcare are harnessing the potential of generative AI to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency. As organisations continue to embrace AI-driven innovations, balancing data security, privacy, and governance remains a top priority.’
The Tech Trends 2025 report is informed by Info-Tech’s Future of IT 2025 survey. The survey gathered responses from nearly 1,000 IT decision-makers globally between March and July 2024, with contributions from key regions such as the UK, the United States, Canada, and APAC, and representation from 17 industries, including financial services, healthcare, government, and manufacturing. In addition, expert interviews conducted with representatives from organisations such as the Blockchain Research Institue, Nubinary, Kyield, SAS, Xprize Quantum, IBM Quantum Industry & Technical Services, HP Inc., Voices.com, SWEAR, and the University of British Columbia offer in-depth case studies and real-world examples of how organisations are navigating these trends.
‘At the intersection of digital transformation and exponential AI growth, IT leaders are entering a new era where forecasting probable futures will be just as critical as reporting on the past,’ says Brian Jackson, principal research director and lead author of the report. ‘Our 2025 Tech Trends report provides a roadmap for organisations to harness AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity solutions to stay ahead of the curve.’
The six key tech trends identified by Info-Tech Research Group for 2025 are:
- AI Avatars and Chatbots:
Generative AI is making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between human and AI-generated interactions. AI avatars and chatbots, now integrated into many enterprise systems, are transforming user experiences and the way organisations handle customer service, software development, and marketing. However, the rise of deepfakes presents new security threats, raising the need for robust AI detection and defence mechanisms. According to Info-Tech’s Future of IT 2025 survey, 70% of respondents are already using generative AI chatbots, with Microsoft Copilot leading adoption at 78.84%. - Deepfake Defense:
With the increasing sophistication of AI-generated digital humans, deepfakes are becoming a powerful tool for fraud and misinformation. IT leaders are prioritising AI-powered detection tools and content authentication methods, such as blockchain, to combat the rising threat of AI-powered cyberattacks and ensure the integrity of their data. AI ranks as the second-most disruptive force to business operations, just behind talent shortages, with a disruption risk score of 3.55 out of 5, according to Info-Tech’s findings. - Quantum Advantage:
Quantum computing has moved beyond theoretical exploration and is now accessible through cloud platforms, enabling real-world business experiments. As organisations begin leveraging quantum hardware to solve complex problems, industries such as media, government, and financial services are leading the charge in quantum investments. Thirty-three percent of organisations in the media, telecom, and technology sectors are investing in quantum computing, followed by 27% in the public sector and 20% in financial services. - Post-Quantum Cryptography:
With the threat of quantum computers breaking current encryption methods looming on the horizon, organisations must prepare for “Q-day.” The adoption of post-quantum cryptography is now a critical priority, particularly for industries handling sensitive data, such as finance, healthcare, and government. Info-Tech reports that 31% of advanced IT departments plan to invest in post-quantum cryptography before the end of 2025, compared to 16% of average IT departments. This preparedness is critical as organisations face increasing risks from ‘Harvest Now, Decrypt Later’ cyberattacks. - Expert Models:
As AI matures, organisations are increasingly developing custom AI models tailored to their specific industries. These expert models improve the accuracy and relevance of AI outputs, enabling businesses to derive exponential value from AI investments. Info-Tech reports that 80% of high-maturity IT departments, or “Transformers,” have already invested in AI or plan to do so by the end of 2025, compared to 72% of average IT departments. Higher maturity firms are also twice as likely to expect exponential value from AI by 2025. - AI Sovereignty:
While AI offers significant opportunities, it also poses risks to industries such as music, news, and customer service. The firm explains in the report that organisations are focusing on balancing AI adoption with governance and control to protect sensitive data, reduce costs, and ensure AI performance. By 2026, more companies will run localised AI models to improve cost-effectiveness and maintain control over their AI initiatives. Privacy and security concerns top the list of factors influencing AI investment decisions, with 65% of respondents citing it as a key consideration.
‘Our survey data and expert interviews show a clear path forward for organisations to not only adopt these emerging technologies but also navigate the challenges they bring,’ says Jackson. ‘By understanding the risks and opportunities associated with AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity, IT leaders can make informed decisions that will drive both innovation and security.’
As organisations prepare for the future of IT, Info-Tech’s Tech Trends 2025 report provides the strategic guidance needed to stay competitive and secure. From leveraging AI avatars and quantum computing to safeguarding data with post-quantum cryptography, the firm advises that IT leaders must act now to future-proof their operations in the coming months.
Download and read the full Tech Trends 2025 report for more insights for the year ahead.
For media inquiries or interview requests with Brian Jackson, lead author of the 2024 report and an expert on emerging technology trends, please contact [email protected].
Bally’s Corporation announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger”) pursuant to which Standard General L.P. (“Standard General”), the Company’s largest common stockholder, will acquire the Company’s outstanding shares for $18.25 per Bally’s share (the “Cash Consideration”). The price represents a 71% premium over the Company’s 30-day volume weighted average price per share as of March 8, 2024, the last trading day before the public disclosure of Standard General’s initial cash acquisition proposal of $15.00 per share. In lieu of receiving the Cash Consideration, Bally’s stockholders may elect to retain all or a portion of their Bally’s stock by means of a rollover election. Bally’s stockholders electing to retain all or a portion of their Bally’s investment will continue as stockholders of the Combined Company (as defined below). The transaction values Bally’s at approximately $4.6 billion in enterprise value. The Combined Company will remain a publicly traded registrant under the Securities Act of 1934.
Pursuant to the Merger, Bally’s will combine with The Queen Casino & Entertainment Inc. (“QC&E”), a regional casino operator majority-owned by funds managed by Standard General (together, the “Combined Company”). QC&E is a regional gaming, hospitality and entertainment company that currently owns and operates four casinos across three states, including DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis, IL, the Queen Marquette in Marquette, IA, and the Queen Baton Rouge and the Belle of Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge, LA. QC&E is in the process of executing on transformational redevelopment projects at two of its four properties which are expected to be completed in 2025 and generate meaningful organic growth. The combination will expand the Company’s Casino & Resorts segment to 19 gaming, entertainment and hospitality facilities across 11 U.S. states and enhance the Company’s development pipeline with several exciting projects.
Jaymin Patel, Chairman of the Special Committee, said, “After a detailed consideration by the Special Committee, with the assistance of our outside financial and legal advisors, it was determined that the Cash Consideration from Standard General delivers a meaningful and immediate value to stockholders. We look forward to working with the team at Standard General and QC&E as we move through the process to complete the merger.”
Robeson Reeves, Bally’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our team is well positioned to continue to execute on our initiatives to drive growth across all our segments including in our International Interactive business, North America Interactive and our Casinos & Resorts (“C&R”) segments, while proceeding with our development pipeline, including construction of our permanent casino resort in Chicago, for which we recently announced a comprehensive financing plan. The addition of four complementary properties through this merger to our existing 15 domestic casino properties will add further geographic and market diversity to our portfolio. With QC&E’s development pipeline recently completed or already well underway, we see a path toward additional revenue and EBITDAR growth and value accretion as those projects are completed in 2025. We look forward to bringing our ultimate vision to bear and to working closely with the Standard General team to execute on that vision.”
Soo Kim, Managing Partner of Standard General, said, “The Transaction provides Bally’s stockholders with a significant cash premium along with certainty of value for their investment or, if they elect to retain their shares, the opportunity to participate in the longer-term growth prospects of our expanded portfolio and significant development pipeline. The addition of the complementary QC&E assets builds upon the Company’s attractive growth profile. We look forward to working with the Board of Directors and the Company’s senior management team as they continue to execute on their business plan.”
In connection with the transaction, in addition to Standard General, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (“Sinclair”), and Noel Hayden have committed to support the Merger and to make rollover elections. As a result, at least 47% of Bally’s outstanding fully-diluted equity interests will be rolled over into the Combined Company.
A special committee of independent and disinterested directors (the “Special Committee”) of Bally’s Board of Directors, which has been advised by its own independent financial and legal advisors in evaluating the Merger and the Cash Consideration, determined that the Merger is in the best interest of Bally’s and its stockholders (aside from Standard General, Sinclair and Noel Hayden) and unanimously recommended that the Company’s Board of Directors approve the Merger. Acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee, Bally’s Board of Directors approved the Merger and recommends that stockholders approve the Merger. The factors considered by the Special Committee in arriving at its unanimous decision will be outlined in public proxy filings to be made by Bally’s. The Bally’s Special Committee and Board of Directors are making recommendations with respect to the Cash Consideration and are not making recommendations with respect to the rollover election.
-
Latest News3 days agoFull House Resorts Announces New Leadership for Rising Star Casino Resort
-
Latest News4 days agoArizona Department of Gaming Investigation into Illegal Gambling Leads to Record-Breaking Firearms Seizure
-
eSports4 days agoInfluencers, Content and eSports: Unleashing the Power of Dynamic Strategies in the eSports Ecosystem
-
Latest News1 day agoBGaming pens Brazilian multi-brand agreement with Cometa Gaming
-
Latest News4 days agoAmusnet Expands Latin American Presence Through Strategic Partnership with bet365 in Peru
-
Latest News4 days agoLorraine Bencivengo-Ziff, the “Goddess of Slots,” Takes Gaming World by Storm with Major Milestones and New Ventures
-
Compliance Updates4 days agoChris Christie bets on Texas to approve OSB in 2025
-
Financial reports22 hours agoCommercial Gaming Revenue Growth Continues in Q3 2024, Driving Industry’s 15th Consecutive Quarter of Growth