Affiliate Industry

Exclusive Q&A with Alex Windsor, Director at Apps4 web media Limited

Published

5 years ago

March 15, 2021

Let’s begin with some introductory details about yourself. How did you enter the gaming sector?

I first got in to the gaming sector back in 2012. I was working in a call center at the time in a very different role that I do now; I was in B2B sales.

I was looking online for some info on betting apps and couldn’t really find what I wanted so thought why not make a website about it. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing at first. I started out with a WordPress site and just began slowly adding content. From there I really got in to marketing and started to read up online, visiting forums, downloading online courses, and generally reading whatever I could get my hands on to further my knowledge.

1 website eventually grew to 2, then 3, then 4 and I ended up with 12 sites in total, all aimed at the UK market.

Did your professional background in mobile communication industry help in the gaming sector? On this topic, how important do you think it is for a potential gaming entrepreneur to have hands-on experience some other unrelated field?

Yes I would say by background did help. I’ve always been a big fan of technology so this definitely made things a bit easier for the transition from sales to marketing. I have always been a bit of a tech geek and love apps, mobiles, tablets, computers and anything with a screen and buttons on.

I saw the potential in mobile betting very early and knew it was a good niche to get in to as apps were very much the thing of the moment back in 2012.

I wouldn’t say experience plays a massive role. I had absolutely no idea about marketing when I got in to the industry initially. I would say a desire to learn, innovate and try new things is a few must have traits if anyone wants to succeed. We all need to start somewhere. You also need a never say die attitude and a hunger to work, work and then work some more.

What is the background of founding Apps4web Media? Enlighten our readers with some stories, please!

Apps4 web media is actually my 2^nd iGaming company. I sold my first portfolio of sites in 2015 and had 2 years out of the industry due to a non-compete agreement.

As soon as I was allowed to work again I registered the company and immediately got to work. I really missed working on sites, going to conferences, and chatting with other people in the industry.

I actually couldn’t wait to get started again and registered the company at 12.01am the day my non-compete expired. I had always worked on my own in the past but this time I decided I wanted to put a small team together. I now have 5 full time employees and we work with several other companies as well for design needs.

As well as running our own sites, we also do link building and marketing for other iGaming companies. We work with some of the biggest companies in the world and its an area we are currently growing and recruiting for.

For the uninitiated among our readers, could you describe the major services that Apps4web Media provides?

The main services that we offer is affiliate marketing. We have over 12 sites that we run, most are now in the US, but we also have sites for the UK, Spain, and Italy.

As well as content for our own sites, we also provide content for a lot of other affiliates as well, on top of the link building services that we do also.

On to affiliate marketing now. The field is quite crowded, especially in the gaming sector. How do you manage to carve your niche amidst such tight competition?

The market is a lot more crowded than it was 8 years ago that’s for sure. When I first started out, there was only a handful of sites promoting in the niche I worked in so there wasn’t a lot of competition. Fast forward 8 years and the landscape is a lot different. There are some enormous iGaming companies now with hundreds of sites and staff that just fill and dominate the SERPS.

Standing out from the competition is not an easy thing. I have always been good at offering my own unique spin on content and topics. I look for areas that other sites don’t cover and try and offer genuine help and experience. The UK market is very saturated now and its extremely hard to launch and make a new site successful.

What are the major revenue streams for Apps 4Web Media?

Our main revenue stream comes from the agreements with have from operators. In the UK this is through rev share, but in the US its all CPA agreements.

We are also doing well with our link building services. A lot of our clients we have worked with for several years and appreciate our timely service and professionalism.

You started out in the UK and then entered the US market. How is it going in the US? Could you share some stats? In how many states are you licensed to operate now?

The US is such an exciting market to be in right now. It seems like every week there is a new state that has just legalized sports betting, or is just about to.

So far I am really happy with how things are going over there, but we can always do more. Our main site gamble-usa.com is our largest site and covers all the states, although it is still fairly new. The market is that diverse and you really need to almost treat each state as a separate country. What you can and can’t wager on varies from state to state and whilst sports betting is being legalized in most states, online casino and poker is only available in a handful.

The company is licensed in 6 states at the minute, those being New Jersey, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Colorado, and Michigan. We have an application pending with the Virginia lottery that we hope to have available soon.

Because of these big state by state differences, we have launched state specific sites in a few states. In Indiana for example, we have our gamble Indiana site and gamble Colorado for the Colorado betting market. Tennessee is the latest state we launched a state specific site with gamble Tenn but this is still very new.

There are also states like Iowa and Illinois where no license is required that we operate in. For Illinois we have another new state specific site called gamble Illinois, which again is pretty new. There just literally aren’t enough hours in the day to do as much as we want with the sites.

What are the good, bad and ugly, if any, about doing business in the USA?

The good is definitely the speed at which the market is moving. The US has a population of over 330 million people and they are nearly all sports mad. The legalization of sports betting only come back in to effect in 2018 so the market is still brand new.

I would say the bad is that sports betting isn’t legal in all states. There are over 20 states now with some form of legal sports betting but these states aren’t all open to affiliates. Some only have in person sports betting, whilst others only have 1 operator that is run by the lottery. As more states open up it will get better and better.

The ugly would be the licensing process. I am not against licensing at all as I think it is a good way to regulate the market. My issue is as a UK business we have to jump through a lot of hoops in some states. No application is the same, they vary from state to state. NJ for example is very easy to do. PA was more complicated. Most states you need a registered business address so things take a bit longer than say the UK where anyone can be up and running in a few hours.

We believe there are others who would be planning to enter the US gaming market in some form. What are the common mistakes that European gaming entrepreneurs could do well to avoid in the USA?

The market is so new in the US for both affiliates and operators so we are all learning and all making mistakes. My biggest piece of advice is don’t take too much on. Focus on one state as each state has different rules about what you can and cant bet on, and also what forms of gambling are available.

With the arrival of vaccines, Covid-19 is slowly moving out of our daily lives. Looking back, was the outbreak a problem or an opportunity for gaming industry as a whole?

Our sites all focused on sports betting so we were affected quite badly. A lot of Affiliates and operators I have spoken to, whose main verticals were casino and poker, have actually come out having done very well. Most sport was stopped including football and horse racing which had a huge impact on the UK economy as a whole. The same thing happened in the US with sports shut down.

Thankfully things seem to be getting better now and hopefully we are near the end of this dreadful period that the whole world has gone through.

The pandemic may have actually sped up the legalization of sports in a lot of states in the US. Like everywhere, governments are looking for ways to recoup the money they have laid out during the pandemic and raising funds through taxes is a very good way of doing this. Several state have actually pushed forward with looking to legalize sports betting as they are relying on the tax benefits.

Finally, what is your take on the role of automation and AI in the affiliate industry?

I’m always a tad skeptical about AI. I think it will definitely have its benefits to some industries but affiliate marketing, I am not so sure. I have seen content written by an AI that is very very good.

If Machine learning can be used to help spot and detect early problem gamblers then I am all for it in that respect.

Affiliate Industry

Alberta’s Next Step into a Regulated Commercial Gambling Market: What it Means for Operators and Affiliates

Published

2 weeks ago

April 14, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

alberta’s-next-step-into-a-regulated-commercial-gambling-market:-what-it-means-for-operators-and-affiliates

Alberta is set to become Canada’s second commercial online gambling market, following in the footsteps of Ontario, which went live in 2022. With a summer launch expected, Alberta will soon shift from a single-operator market (PlayAlberta) to a competitive market in North America.

The change comes in the form of Bill 48, otherwise known as the iGaming Alberta Act. The measure was introduced in March 2025 to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta by Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally. The bill later received royal assent in May.

As seen with the emergence of new markets in the US, Alberta will be no different for operators and affiliates, offering more than just new gaming opportunities, but also the progression of a digital marketing ecosystem.

Understanding the Regulatory Shift

Alberta represents a big shift from one operator to many. With an evolving market comes more opportunities for operators, but also concerns regarding addiction and the cannibalization of retail venues.

Alberta’s new framework introduces a system that protects players, especially in the offshore gambling market, and also outlines ways in which iCasinos and land-based casinos can operate in relative harmony.

Looking more closely at Bill 48, it’s clear that the measure takes on similarities to Ontario’s established market but tweaks and expands on it to focus more on Alberta and how operators can thrive in the province, separate from Ontario.

To start with, the measure would create a new regulatory framework under the watchful eye of the Alberta iGaming Corporation, while the province’s current regulator, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), would continue issuing licenses to prospective operators.

The Alberta Government also released its Standards & Requirements for Internet Gaming in January, an 85-page document that laid out the new regulatory framework. As part of this framework, it detailed mandatory licensing fees for operators and an 80/20 revenue split, with operators keeping 80% of the revenue they generate.

Why Alberta Matters Strategically

Alberta represents an ever-evolving and expanding iGaming-regulated market in North America. Focusing on Canada, it also provides insurance for other provinces to follow suit and expand their own markets to include commercial operators.

Alberta is home to five million residents, and according to a report from Canadian law firm BLG, it has one of the highest per-capita gambling spend in the country. While that is sure to entice operators to join the newly regulated market, reports also suggest the market is poised to generate $400 million in annual revenue.

Another reason Alberta has legalized commercial iGaming is to combat offshore operators. According to Nally, the province’s offshore market was estimated to have taken up 70% of Alberta’s online gambling market.

Another report commissioned by Ontario gambling regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), revealed that prior to the province’s regulated market, the offshore market was also expected to account for 70% of all iGaming. A year after the regulation, AGCO found that 86% of respondents preferred using regulated sites.

The growth of iGaming in Ontario can serve as a model for how Alberta will progress over the coming years.

Marketing and Affiliate Opportunities

Media Troopers is set to play a crucial role in Alberta’s new regulatory framework, especially in player acquisition. With Media Troopers’ assistance, operators can trust they are in reliable hands.

As a leading digital marketing and customer acquisition group, its presence in Alberta’s market can provide operators with up-to-date tools to capture players, including localized marketing channels, access to affiliate partnerships, and acquisition strategies structured around Alberta’s regulatory environment.

Media Troopers is dedicated to providing operators with the resources to grow in new regulated markets, with affiliates positioned as the key to building brand recognition in those markets.

Alberta’s Regulatory Standards

As Alberta shifts from a closed to an open market, it brings new regulations. Operators need to adhere to the province’s licensing, auditing, and advertising standards.

The Alberta government has also reiterated its commitment to responsible gaming, introducing a range of measures to protect players.

As part of these protections, the government partnered with Responsible Gambling Canada, and, through them, operators must achieve and maintain the organization’s RG Check accreditation to ensure platforms are up to date with responsible gambling measures, including gambling help and responsible messaging, among other things.

Those operators who take the new regulations in stride are sure to have the most success in the region.

Alberta’s Position as a Catalyst for iGaming in Canada

Alberta’s transition into a regulated commercial market is sure to be the cornerstone of iGaming in Canada. Following Ontario’s lead and curating its own gaming ecosystem, only time will tell whether other provinces follow suit.

That said, securing Alberta early should be important to operators, as it is already showing signs of becoming a major market in North America.

By: Shmulik Segal Founder and CEO of Media Troopers

The post Alberta’s Next Step into a Regulated Commercial Gambling Market: What it Means for Operators and Affiliates appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Affiliate Industry

Catena Media Launches MRKTPLAYS+ to Expand Strategic Partnerships in North American iGaming

Published

3 months ago

January 20, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

catena-media-launches-mrktplays+-to-expand-strategic-partnerships-in-north-american-igaming

Catena Media announced a strategic evolution of its successful MRKTPLAYS subaffiliation platform, designed to meet market demand and deepen long-term partnerships across the regulated North American online casino and sports betting markets.

The launch of MRKTPLAYS+ enhances Catena Media’s existing subaffiliation model, introduced in 2025, by adding a modular partnership framework built to accelerate partner growth for publishers and adjacent digital businesses that have demonstrated product-market fit.

Alongside standard campaign access, MRKTPLAYS+ will offer tailored marketing and operational support including content and marketing advisory services, as well as working capital solutions and minority equity participation – all in accordance with partner needs and maturity.

The expanded offering will help high-potential partners scale more efficiently while strengthening long-term collaboration within Catena Media’s partnership network.

Pierre Cadena, Catena Media Chief Operating Officer, said: “MRKTPLAYS+ is a natural evolution of our subaffiliation model. It enables us to work more closely with selected partners by combining access to campaigns with operational support and, where appropriate, strategic capital. This approach is designed to support sustainable partner growth while reinforcing the quality, resilience and diversification of our revenue streams.”

The MRKTPLAYS+ launch aligns with Catena Media’s broader strategy of diversifying revenue streams, deepening strategic partnerships and building scalable platforms that support long-term value creation. The platform will be open to partners globally, with a core focus on North America.

The post Catena Media Launches MRKTPLAYS+ to Expand Strategic Partnerships in North American iGaming appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Affiliate Industry

Beyond Bonuses: Shaun Decesare’s Mission to Redefine Affiliate Integrity in iGaming

Published

5 months ago

November 25, 2025

George Miller

beyond-bonuses:-shaun-decesare’s-mission-to-redefine-affiliate-integrity-in-igaming

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Vision & Motivation

You mentioned this was a “pipedream 10 years in the making.” What finally gave you the push to take the leap into owning and rebuilding an affiliate site?

It was always a dream of mine to have my own business and ‘be my own boss’ so to speak. I’ve taken an interest in the iGaming sector from a very young age and I knew this was instantly a passion of mine. What gave me the impetus to take the leap was twofold. The first being that I had been delaying this for too long, I decided that this is it, I will take the leap of fate and live and die by my decisions. The Second being I wanted to get out of the monotonous 9-5 routine. Having a young family, I want to prioritise spending as much time with them as possible. Doing this has allowed me to do that.

What does success look like for you with CasinoBonus360—not just in terms of traffic or revenue, but in how the brand is perceived by users?

Taking the site back to its glory days of the late 2010s, having witnessed first hand the success of this whilst at my former role within Catena Media, I know its potential is through the roof. I want CB360 to be a trusted, well reviewed site that users can check out all brands with confidence that this is not just a money grab. The users are being put first.

Why is trust such a central pillar in your vision for the site? What do you think has eroded trust in this space, and how do you plan to rebuild it?

Trust is at an all time low in this industry, scams are everywhere you look. As a consumer, this is evident in all forms of the gambling industry. I want to right the wrongs of others and attempt to restore the faith back to what it once was. We plan to rebuild it through various means, such as delivering a top quality service to all our new and existing users. One that is meaningful and long lasting. This will triumph over any quick financial gain.

Editorial Direction & Content Strategy

You’ve emphasized tougher editorial standards and evergreen content. What does your editorial process look like now compared to the previous version of the site?

We are not comparing ourselves to anyone else because we do not know how other teams operated. The shift has to happen inside the own workflow. In the past, things were faster, more intuitive and less documented. Today the process is far more deliberate with clear research steps, structured fact checking, internal reviews, consistent criteria and a final quality pass. It is a more mature and more disciplined version of how we used to work, still personal but with higher standards and better control.

How are you ensuring your reviews and guides are genuinely useful to users rather than just SEO-driven?

We start with real user questions and not with keyword lists. Every claim needs a source or a test reference. If a keyword does not fit naturally, we leave it out. The content must read smoothly and help the reader get clarity and make a decision. Useful content performs better in the long run than keyword tactics.

Can you walk us through how your team scores or tests casinos? What makes your approach different from competitors’?

We play for real. We register, verify, deposit, withdraw and talk to support. We score what happens, not what is promised. No gut ratings and no hidden deals. Every score follows the same criteria and the same pressure test. If a casino fails on trust or transparency, it gets called out.

What are some examples of content you’ve either removed or completely rewritten during the rebuild—and why?

Anything that wasted space or repeated nonsense is gone. Old fluff bonus pages, outdated lists, weak guides and duplicated topics were cut. Only the content that delivers real answers survived. Everything else was removed because it did not deserve attention.

SEO & Technical Evolution

You’ve worked with an SEO/site manager to shift toward a more data-driven SEO approach. What’s been the biggest mindset shift in how you approach SEO now?

We stopped chasing keywords and started aiming for accuracy. SEO is now a data tool, not a shortcut. We choose topics where we can deliver real value and real testing. No more trying to win fast. The goal is long term authority, not temporary spikes.

You’ve spoken about moving away from “keyword stuffing.” How do you balance SEO goals with writing content that feels natural and user-focused?

We write like humans and fix anything that sounds robotic. SEO helps with structure, but it never dictates the voice. If the text feels fake or over optimized, it gets rewritten. Users come first. Algorithms follow later.

What are the key technical improvements you’ve made (or plan to make) to the site’s infrastructure to support long-term stability and performance?

We stripped the site down and rebuilt it in a way that does not break every time the internet sneezes. The code is cleaner, the plugins are trimmed down, caching is actually doing its job and every asset is optimized instead of thrown in raw. The structure is modular so we can grow without creating a monster we cannot maintain.

We also stopped pretending that Google is the only gatekeeper. Search is shifting toward AI driven answers, so the site needs to be fast, clear and machine readable. That means better schema, tighter linking, cleaner layouts, consistent data structures and content that is easy for AI systems to interpret. The goal is not just ranking but becoming the source that AI tools pick because the information is solid and well structured.

Industry Insights & User Perspective

With your background in the gaming industry, what are the biggest misconceptions affiliate sites have about what players want?

Number 1 is surely welcome bonuses, these are a thing of the past. The average consumer is now smart enough to know that welcome bonuses are traps. They actually have the opposite intended effect of what they were originally designed to do. In fact, we are targeting brands that have as low of a wagering requirement as possible. We do not enlist brands that have over 20x wagering requirements. This is completely unrealistic to anyone to ever obtain any chance of a withdrawal. Gambling should be fun, it should not increase the anxiety of the user.

What red flags do you think users should be aware of when reading affiliate content on other sites?

Always check out the authors on site and see if they are real people, most sites put down fake characters for one reason or another which just erodes the authenticity of the brand. This is by far away my number 1 red flag.

How are you collecting feedback from users, and how does that inform your content and design decisions?

We are conducting surveys with our users on a monthly basis and asking for what they like and what they don’t like. This will allow us to adjust our articles and content accordingly. We firmly believe in consumer first at CB360 and this is the motto will stand by for the lifespan of our site.

Looking Forward

What challenges are you expecting in the next 6–12 months, and how are you planning to tackle them?

The number one challenge is to increase the traffic on site. Whilst we have overhauled all the outdated content with brand new, relevant, beautiful pieces of work, we are still struggling to see a big increase in traffic. This may be due to google updates that have hampered SEO of late. We are looking at all avenues into new avenues to increase traffic.

Do you see CasinoBonus360 expanding into new verticals, formats, or markets in the future?

For now, we shall take things one step at a time, we have a 12 month plan which we are executing, and should it come to fruition, we will examine our options further down the line.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering launching or rebuilding an affiliate site today, what would it be?

Get ready for a lot of work, it is easier said than done, but the rewards will be worth it.

The post Beyond Bonuses: Shaun Decesare’s Mission to Redefine Affiliate Integrity in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.