As affiliates strive to expand their reach and build deeper player connections, SBC Summit Malta offers the ultimate platform to learn how to diversify marketing channels, gain access to game-changing technologies, and strengthen their market position.

Education will be a key pillar of the event, with 250 industry experts taking the stage to share their insights. The dedicated ‘Affiliation‘ conference track will take place on Wednesday, 10th June, at the InterContinental Hotel in St. Julian’s. The speaker lineup will feature affiliate professionals, marketing specialists, and operator-side representatives who work closely with affiliates.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, said: “With changing regulations, evolving player behaviours and preferences, and a constant wave of new tech and marketing channels, having the right insights and strategies is crucial to staying ahead in the region.

Advertisement

“If you’ve attended what was formerly CasinoBeats Summit, you already know how dedicated we are to driving progress in the affiliation space. Now, with SBC Summit Malta serving as our gateway to Europe, you can expect to hear from some of the region’s leading affiliates as they tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges.”

Attendees can look forward to a range of sessions addressing key opportunities and pain points for European affiliates, including integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into SEO strategies, leveraging affiliate networks to enhance growth, diversifying content output, and drawing lessons from outside the industry.

The track opens with the ‘Diversify Your Channels Before It’s Too Late!’ panel, which will explore how affiliates can future-proof their strategies in an unpredictable digital landscape. Featuring experts Jarl Modén (CPO, Dilanti Media), Johan Svensson (CEO, Raketech), Mathew Symmonds (CEO, Web Analysis Solutions Limited), Richard Dennys (CEO, Game Lounge) and John Wright (CEO, Statsdrone), the session will examine the shifting social media landscape, the growing influence of AI, and how to manage diverse content types.

The session ‘Explore How Affiliate Networks Drive Growth for Start-Up Affiliates and Operators’ will highlight how affiliate networks can serve as powerful catalysts for growth for both emerging affiliates and operators. Experts Joshua Gamble (Managing Director, Activewins), Vadim Aidlin (CEO, Mamuta Media), Johan Styren (CEO & Co-Founder, Dilanti Media Ltd), Clinton Cutajar (CTO, MediaTroopers) and Brendon Spiteri (Head of Partnerships, AffiliationSpace) will discuss how these networks can be leveraged to help build strategic partnerships, expand market reach, and boost overall performance.

The panel ‘Game Changers: Lessons from Other Industries to Transform Affiliation in 2026’ will explore how the gaming industry can adapt and innovate by drawing inspiration from sectors such as e-commerce, dating, and Nutra. Speakers will examine successful strategies from these industries and discuss how these insights can be applied to reshape and strengthen affiliate models heading into 2026 and beyond.

Advertisement

Additionally, the track will feature a dedicated ‘SEO Trilogy‘, hosted by SEO expert Ivana Flynn. This series of SEO-focused panels will cover key developments, including crafting strategies for optimising AI-driven systems, protecting players against blackhat SEO tactics, and ensuring seamless operations across multiple platforms.

Affiliates looking to dive deeper into the latest marketing trends shaping the European landscape can attend the dedicated ‘Marketing’ conference track on Thursday, 11th June—the second day of the summit. Sessions will cover how to harness AI to create unique content, navigate advertising restrictions, and use data to boost player retention and loyalty.

AffPapa, the ultimate platform connecting iGaming operators and affiliates, has announced the addition of SuperiorShare to its growing directory.

SuperiorShare is an affiliate Programme known for its top-tier marketing solutions. Created by former affiliates, it provides an opportunity to drive traffic to high-converting casinos, expand their reach and earn substantial revenue.

“We are thrilled to begin our partnership with AffPapa. At Superior Share, we continuously strive to align ourselves with industry leaders, and we believe that AffPapa offers an exceptional product that provides significant value to operators seeking growth and expansion opportunities,” SuperiorShare said.

Advertisement

By joining AffPapa’s extensive directory, SuperiorShare gets a chance to reach even more iGaming operators, creating fresh opportunities for collaboration and growth. As both companies aim to connect key players in the industry, the partnership is expected to create significant value for both affiliates and operators alike.

Yeva Avagyan, Head of Commercial at AffPapa, said: “We are excited to welcome SuperiorShare into our directory. AffPapa remains dedicated to creating meaningful connections in the iGaming business, supports growth, and ensures long-term success for both operators and affiliates. SuperiorShare’s addition is another step in strengthening this vision.”

By Dima, Head of Growe Partners

If you’ve been in iGaming affiliate marketing for a while, you will agree with me that things have changed drastically. I’ve been in the industry long enough to remember when conferences felt more like circus shows than business events, traffic quality wasn’t always a priority, and short-term profits were often the main goal. But those days are long gone.

Over the last five to ten years, we’ve seen the industry mature. Flashy gimmicks have been replaced by networking, data-driven decision-making, and long-term partnerships. The game has changed — and so have the rules for success.

Advertisement

From Wild Shows to Professionalism: The Evolution of Industry Events

I remember my first industry events — let’s just say, they were memorable. We’re talking about conferences where organizers brought in wild animals, eccentric performers, and over-the-top entertainment to grab attention. And, honestly, back then, it worked. The industry was still finding its feet, and the focus was more on making noise than making deals.

But if you walk into an iGaming event today, the atmosphere is completely different. The focus has shifted towards high-quality networking, serious business discussions, and insightful panels. Operators, affiliates, and service providers are no longer looking for a spectacle — they want valuable conversations, real partnerships, and data that can help them scale. This shift isn’t just anecdotal; attendance data from major events like iGB Affiliate London and ICE reflects this new industry mindset. 

To put the tendencies in the niche perfectly: “The days of pure entertainment are over. Now, events are about meeting the right people, discussing market trends, and sharing insights that actually drive business forward. Everyone wants to learn, not just party.”

This change also reflects growing competition. The industry has matured, and operators expect affiliates to be strategic business partners rather than opportunistic traffic sources. As a result, industry gatherings now prioritize collaboration over spectacle, allowing attendees to gain actionable insights and form meaningful business relationships.

The End of “Quick Wins” and the Rise of Long-Term Partnerships

A decade ago, the affiliate model was simple: drive traffic as fast as possible, cash out, and move on. High churn rates weren’t a problem, and long-term value (LTV) was barely part of the conversation. The goal was short-term profit.

Advertisement

Now, that approach just doesn’t work anymore. Operators have become much more selective. They want affiliates who bring in high-quality players, not just a flood of short-term sign-ups. Retention has become just as important as acquisition, and brands want partners who can deliver sustainable results. Recent trends indicate that operators are increasingly focusing on retention strategies to maintain player engagement and profitability. 

Some affiliates have completely overhauled their strategies, moving towards content-driven approaches, CRM integration, and player engagement tactics. Email marketing, push notifications, and tailored offers are now essential tools in the affiliate playbook. The shift to lifetime value-driven metrics means that affiliates must analyze data, optimize player journeys, and work closely with operators to maintain long-term profitability.

Raising the Bar: Quality Traffic Is Now the Standard

It’s not just about partnerships — the standards for traffic quality have skyrocketed. Years ago, some affiliates could get away with gray-hat methods: things like incentivized traffic, bots, or misleading promotions.

Not anymore. Operators are demanding transparency and engagement metrics that actually matter. They want players who deposit, play, and stick around, not just one-time sign-ups. 

“We’ve seen a massive shift in traffic evaluation. If your players aren’t engaging, operators will cut you off. There’s no room for low-quality traffic anymore,” commented Mykyta, Head Of Affiliates at Growe Partners. “Everyone is focused on LTV now, and if your traffic isn’t bringing in valuable players, you’re going to struggle to find good deals.”

Advertisement

This heightened scrutiny has led to the decline of black-hat techniques and a greater emphasis on compliance and ethical marketing. Affiliates now invest in data analytics to monitor traffic quality and ensure alignment with operators’ expectations. Some are even forming exclusive partnerships with brands to ensure traffic consistency and build a reputation for delivering high-value players.

The Mobile-First Revolution: Adapting to the New Reality

Ten years ago, desktop traffic dominated. Most players signed up through websites, and mobile gambling was still a niche.

Fast forward to today — mobile is everything. The majority of players now deposit, bet, and interact with brands directly from their phones. Recent studies show that mobile devices account for over 70% of global online gambling revenue, with mobile gambling projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% over the next five years. 

One thing is clear: if your website, funnels, and marketing strategies aren’t optimized for mobile-first, you’re losing a massive percentage of potential players. Affiliates have had to rethink everything, from ad placements and UX design to the way they track and analyze player behavior across different devices.

AI and Automation: The Affiliate Game-Changer

One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is how much AI has changed our approach to marketing. Years ago, affiliate marketing was all about manual testing — setting up campaigns, running A/B tests, and figuring things out through trial and error.

Advertisement

Now, AI-driven tools handle campaign optimization, ad targeting, and even content creation. AI can analyze thousands of data points in real-time, adjusting campaigns to find the most profitable audience segments. According to a 2023 report from McKinsey, AI-driven marketing strategies have increased conversion rates by up to 35% for affiliates who integrate them effectively. 

“AI isn’t replacing affiliates — it’s giving them the tools to work smarter and make better decisions,” said Anna-Mariia, Affiliate Team Lead at Growe Partners . “Today, AI can generate ad creatives, predict user behavior, and even automate entire campaigns. The affiliates who are leveraging these tools are gaining a huge competitive advantage.”

New Markets, New Opportunities: The Rise of LATAM

One of the biggest industry shifts in recent years has been the explosive growth of Latin America (LATAM). Markets like Argentina, Chile, and Mexico have become prime territories for iGaming, offering huge potential for affiliates who know how to localize their approach. Market data shows that LATAM’s iGaming sector is growing at an annual rate of 20%, outpacing most European markets. 

Chile and Argentina, which we are actively working with, have emerged as some of the most promising markets in Latin America. As iGaming adoption continues to rise, these countries present significant opportunities for affiliates who can adapt to local regulatory requirements and cultural preferences. And, of course, affiliates who understand regional payment preferences, player behavior, and localized marketing strategies will have a clear advantage over those applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

What To Expect Next?

Looking back at how the industry has evolved, one thing is clear: affiliate marketing isn’t as easy as it used to be, but it’s more rewarding than ever. The days of quick wins and shady tactics are over. Success now requires long-term thinking, high-quality traffic, and strategic partnerships. Affiliates who embrace AI, mobile-first strategies, and new markets like LATAM will be the ones leading the next decade of growth. The affiliate world has changed, but for those willing to adapt, the opportunities are bigger than ever.

Advertisement