Affiliate Industry
Raketech: Interim report Q2 2021
QUOTE FROM OSKAR MÜHLBACH, CEO
“The second quarter of 2021 was a record quarter for Raketech with general solid performance across most assets and regions, in particular from our Network sales and from our efforts in Japan. Total revenue amounted to an all-time high of EUR 8.8M, corresponding to a growth rate of 25% whereof 25.7% was organic. The EBITDA margin was stable at 38.7%, in line with previous quarter.”
SECOND QUARTER 2021
- Revenues totalled EUR 8.8 million (EUR 7.0 million) representing an increase of 25.0%
- Organic growth amounted to 25.7% (-1.2%)
- NDCs (New Depositing Customers) amounted to 34,839 (40,847), representing a decrease of 14.7%
- EBITDA amounted to EUR 3.4 million (EUR 2.8 million), corresponding to a margin of 38.7% (40.2%)
- Operating profit amounted to EUR 1.6 million (EUR 1.5 million), corresponding to a margin of 18.2% (21.8%)
- Profit for the period amounted to EUR 1.2 million (EUR 1.2 million)
- Earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.03 (EUR 0.03)
FIRST SIX MONTHS 2021
- Revenues totalled EUR 17.1 million (EUR 13.6 million) representing an increase of 25.8%
- Organic growth amounted to 16.0% (-7.1%)
- NDCs (New Depositing Customers) amounted to 74,713 (73,125), representing an increase of 2.2%
- EBITDA amounted to EUR 6.6 million (EUR 5.5 million), corresponding to a margin of 38.7% (40.2%)
- Operating profit amounted to EUR 3.2 million (EUR 2.9 million), corresponding to a margin of 18.5% (21.4%)
- Profit for the period amounted to EUR 2.4 million (EUR 2.3 million)
- Earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.06 (EUR 0.06)
EVENTS DURING SECOND QUARTER 2021
- There were no significant events during the quarter.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE PERIOD
- On July 7, 2021, Raketech announced the acquisition of P&P Vegas Group Inc and all assets from QM Media AB, a sports focused acquisition, delivering growth in primarily the US and Indian markets. The total purchase price amounts to EUR 16 million, payable in cash and through the issuance of new shares as at closing as per 15 September 2021.
- On July 9, 2021, Raketech announced that the Company has signed a one-year revolving credit facility of EUR 15 million with Avida Finans AB. The credit facility includes an extension option and can thus be renewed annually from its first date of utilization subject to certain conditions.
- On July 19, 2021, Raketech announced the acquisition of the organic casino affiliation marketing company, Infinileads S.L. Through the acquisition, Raketech takes a position in several Latin American emerging markets in addition to Spain, Italy and Portugal. The agreed purchase price amounts to EUR 4.5 million of which EUR 2.5 million was settled as per Closing (31 July 2021) and EUR 2 million will be payable as per 31 January 2022. A possible additional earnout payment will be measured over a period of 24 months post-Closing.
- Revenues in July 2021 amounted to EUR 2.9 million (EUR 2.4 million).
CEO OSKAR MÜHLBACH COMMENTS ON THE QUARTER
“The strong numbers from outside of the Nordics made our non-Nordic revenues increase as share of total. Total non-Nordic revenues amounted to 39%, compared to 35% previous quarter and 19% previous year. The development is in line with our ambition to increase our global footprint.
In June we experienced an uplift in terms of traffic and users on our sports related assets in connection with the European Championships in Football (the Euros). In time for the Euros, it is also worth mentioning that we launched our very first Free-to-Play product with which we offered a 100,000 EUR prize pool for the championships as well as several daily game tipping competitions, embedded on our popular TV-sportsguide asset on multiple markets. Being our first, but not our last, Free-to-Play offering, this is a major milestone on our quest of adding even more user-friendly, engaging, and sticky assets to our portfolio.
Following a very strong Q1, our US sport revenues, as expected, declined slightly due to seasonality, landing the overall sports share at 15% of the group’s total compared to 17% during Q1. As highlighted before, the US is expected to be more volatile, not only due to the nature of the market but also due to the fact that the vast majority of revenues is CPA driven.
After the end of the quarter, several important milestones were passed. A key activity was that we managed to secure access to additional funding to help us continue, and to some extent also accelerate our M&A efforts, in the form of a new and increased Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) from Avida Finance. This new RCF will be replacing the existing one during the fourth quarter, but we will also continue to evaluate further long-term financing opportunities, in line with our growth strategy and M&A agenda.
And with regards to M&A, we also announced two acquisitions in July: Infinileads and QM Media. Both are ticking several strategic boxes; giving us new and increased presence on strategically important markets, as well as technical and operational competence in addition to new types of revenue streams. These acquisitions are expected to add approximately EUR 6m in revenue and increase the group’s overall margin by as much as up to 4 percentages after integration. They are furthermore expected to generate additional positive cash flow to the group from day one, including potential future performance based earn-outs.
OUTLOOK
Our focus in the short term is to integrate our latest acquisitions. This to ensure we reap all potential positive synergy effects we possibly can. Mid-term to long-term our focus is however unchanged; we will continue to deliver on our growth strategy which includes product diversification, geographical expansion, increased monetization though R&D as well as M&A, with a specific focus on the US.
In July we saw a somewhat different composition in our overall product mix between Network and traditional affiliation and marketing revenues. This due to slightly reduced Network revenues from Germany as an effect of the Interstate Treaty implemented on July 1st, and strong performance from our other high margin assets, such as Casinofeber which has regained ground again after it’s temporary setback in December of last year. With that said, July revenues amounted to EUR 2.9m with an adjusted margin of 43%, where the increased margin primarily relates to the product mix composition. And for clarity, this does not include recent acquisitions.
Lastly, I wish to highlight that our stable performance and continuous strategic delivery is the result of a true team effort. It is therefore extra rewarding to be able to announce that Raketech has been crowned the EGR Affiliate Employer of the year for 2021.”
Link to report
The full Interim Report is available on https://raketech.com/investors/
Powered by WPeMatico
Affiliate Industry
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
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
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.
-
Akshat Rathee6 days agoManish Agarwal Joins NODWIN Gaming Board as Non-Executive Director
-
AGCO6 days agoPlatipus Gaming secures Ontario supplier licence
-
Bally’s Intralot6 days agoBally’s Intralot Signs New Contract with British Columbia Lottery Corporation
-
Caesars Digital5 days agoRubyPlay partners with Caesars Entertainment in Ontario to advance North American expansion
-
Africa5 days agoTaDa Gaming joins inaugural iGaming AFRIKA Summit in Nairobi
-
Amazons’ Wonders4 days agoSYNOT Games Enters into Partnership with Bulgarian Operator BETVAM
-
Aviator5 days agoSPRIBE Wins Interim Injunction in Brazil – Court Orders Betnacional to Immediately Cease Unauthorized Use of “AVIATOR”
-
Blueprint Gaming5 days agoBlueprint Gaming adds pots mechanic to Cash Strike with Triple Action Cash Strike



Editorial Direction & Content Strategy