Affiliate Industry
Handling Player Disputes with Non-Licensed Operators: Online Poker Case Study
At brick and mortar casinos, poker players can get into all kinds of disputes ranging from the wrong amount of rake taken from a poker pot to someone breaking the rules at the table. The procedure for solving the dispute goes as follows: The floor is called to evaluate the situation and then a final decision.
Itâs easy to notice most cases of a player breaking the rules when you have security cameras all over the place. At online poker tables, the situation is different though. You canât see what the players are doing at their computer while playing cards. Recently, cases like using various tournament hand charts or real-time assistance software during gameplay have been discussed widely in the poker community. While itâs almost impossible to completely prevent those, handling player disputes should be relatively straightforward in case someone is found cheating. You ban the cheater and reimburse lost money to players who have played at the same tables with them.
What if youâre playing on a non-licensed poker room instead? The case gets much more complicated right away. While every operator has interest in protecting their players from cheating at the tables, having any kind of guarantee of that is nearly impossible. Worse yet, if affiliates are working with non-licensed operators as well, they might get into a tough spot if their players lose their money in against colluders or users of RTA software.
In this article, team members of Beastsofpoker.com discuss various aspects of solving player disputes as an affiliate and what kind of safety measures you should have with non-licensed poker operators. Letâs start with monitoring the games:
Monitoring the games for potential risks
The most common cases of fraudulent activity at the online poker felts are collusion and use of prohibited software. The third significant risk is the counter-party risk on unlicensed poker clubs. Depending the rules of the poker room, players might be able to use software like trackers during gameplay but any software that directly assists you in the decision-making is strictly out of question.
Collusion
Detecting collusion is much easier than detecting real-time assistance software usage, especially if the colluders do not use sophisticated strategies to hide what theyâre doing. By monitoring a cash game or tournament table for 10-20 minutes, you can usually notice if something doesnât add up with players’ actions.
Forbidden software
Thereâs not much you can do as an affiliate for detecting forbidden software unless you happen to play the games regularly and notice weird patterns by yourself. RTA users might try to play on licensed poker sites as well, so this risk is present no matter where you choose to play online poker. The only practical way to prevent your players from getting abused is to make sure the gambling operator has a security team to monitor the games for these cases.
Before you choose to promote a certain brand or an online poker club, itâs recommended to do a bit of research. Browsing through a few internet forums is not enough in this case. You should reach out to players and other affiliates on how itâs like to work with this brand, and if possible, meet the people behind the brand in person. Even after everything seems to click on paper, you might have to give your players a guarantee on their deposits, which can obviously be a big risk. Still, you donât want to end up in a situation where a player has a dispute and nobody is able to reimburse them or handle the complaint properly.
Leveraging industry relationships to solve disputes
Weâve countered several cases where players have been unable to claim their winnings from a poker room. On licensed poker sites, the cases are usually about the player breaking some of the site’s T&Cs, which results in their winnings being frozen or the operator being shut down due to running out of cash.
While thereâs counter-party risk in every business, with non-licensed operators the players will have a hard time to get reimbursed in case the operator runs out of money or refuses to pay a player if they conclude some T&C s have been broken, since thereâs no regulatory body to handle the disputes. This leaves affiliates with just one option with player disputes: Negotiating with the operator.
From playerâs point of view, having their account opened under an affiliate brings added safety. If something goes wrong with the gambling operator and the player feels like he is out of luck, the affiliate can try negotiating with the operator to get things sorted out. Again, there are no guarantees that the negotiations end up with a satisfying result for all parties involved. Yet, itâs definitely worth a try.
Final words
In general, preventive measures are easier to set in place than and preferrable to handling player disputes & trying to fix damage that has already occurred. As an affiliate, you should be prepared to help your players with any disputes, whether they were abused by other players breaking the rules or an operator confiscating their winnings. Lastly, itâs never a bad idea to keep up-to-date with the latest dispute resolutions procedures by following industry news.
Affiliate Industry
Affiliates in Stricter Gambling Advertising Landscape
Belgium’s regulation on gambling has extended to the advertising landscape, although it’s not slowing the industry down. This is due to the help of affiliates. Learn how they influence people to play casino games in Belgium, and how these affiliates have adapted to the regulations.
When counting European countries that are very strict on gambling, Belgium is sure to make the list due to the regulations the industry has to work with. Following a decree by the government, gambling advertising is no longer allowed across multiple platforms in the “Battle Field of Europe”. However, this has also given affiliates a chance to regain their momentum in the industry. Let’s explore how they help gambling companies reach their target audience amidst the regulations that restrict their reach.
Exploring Belgiumâs Ban on Gambling Advertising
On July 1st, 2023, King Philippe signed a Royal Decree that sharply restricted all forms of gambling advertising in the country, which still stands today. Due to the decree, it’s no longer legal for gambling companies to advertise their brands on TV, radio, cinemas, print, digital media, and public spaces. But there’s more to come, as the industry may also witness a ban on advertising in stadiums, starting from January 1st, 2025. Furthermore, January 1st, 2028 would mark the end of gambling companies sponsoring professional sports clubs in games like soccer.
What could be the reason behind this development? According to Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne in a statement he made concerning the ban, the Belgian society was exposed to a huge amount of gambling advertising, and the government was concerned about the impact that came with it. According to him, the tsunami of gambling advertising would pose a challenge to those who want to overcome their gambling addiction. The Belgian government also argued that scientific research proved advertising promotes addiction and gambling-related debts. However, the ban could be in the favour of affiliates, which will be discussed in the next point.
How Affiliates are Bouncing Back After the Ban
Despite the limitations, Belgian players can still hear about online gambling platforms, especially on Betrouwbaar Casino, where they can get detailed reviews about online casinos to make informed decisions. This may serve as an example of affiliate programs bouncing back after having to deal with restricted marketing channels, higher compliance risks, and loss of revenue, especially those who earn commissions from driving traffic to these gambling sites. With this development, affiliates have proven that there are always opportunities in every situation, no matter how grim by being creative with how they promote gambling companies.
Increasing Shift Towards Content Marketing and SEO
Instead of conventional promotional methods, affiliates are now leaning towards content marketing and search engine optimization (SEO). These days, it’s easy to find gambling-related blogs, vlogs, articles, and guides that go beyond promoting a brand. Instead, they provide content that gives players more insight/information on gambling topics, such as game strategies, responsible gambling practices, and industry news.
Players can show their appreciation for the value offered by visiting site links embedded in the content, which in turn, promotes more organic search traffic for affiliates while being compliant with the regulations. Even better, affiliates use keywords that Belgian gambling enthusiasts use frequently in their content. This SEO strategy keeps affiliate websites’ search engine rankings higher, allowing the intended audience to find them easily.
Creative Use of Social Media
Direct social media advertising may be risky and attract legal consequences, but this hasn’t stopped affiliates from being more creative with these platforms. Now, they are all about organic social media strategies, as they do the promotional job effectively without legal hassles. With that being said, many affiliates choose to share game strategy tips, industry regulation updates, responsible gambling tips, and other helpful content on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms.
However, it doesn’t end here – they can even build a loyal fan or follower base of people who are interested in a particular gambling subject, niche, game, and the like by sharing exclusive game tips, insights, and news. This way, they can boost engagement among players and encourage them to gamble responsibly, which are things that a direct ad can do. The difference is that they’re not breaking the law.
Partnerships With Gambling Operators for Special Deals
Since both parties aren’t spared due to the ban, affiliates are now partnering with gambling operators to give their audience value that they may not get elsewhere. Now, they can sign agreements that allow affiliates to introduce exclusive gambling offers or promotions on their platforms. However, they are more like informative and value-giving content than in-your-face ads that could go against the gambling advertising ban.
Through this exclusive content with features from gambling operators, affiliates can quickly become trusted voices that help customers when they need to find and choose reputable operators in Belgium. Moreover, these symbiotic relation between both parties ensures that they remain relevant and generate good revenue, no matter how long the ban remains.
Personalized Experience Through Data Analytics
Personalized experiences keep customers or clients loyal to a brand, and affiliates are beginning to use this to their advantage by working with data analytics to figure out user behaviour and customizing their content to suit them. For instance, if their largest audience is into poker or roulette, they can create more content on tips to help them win games and win money. Or they can teach their audience how to manage their bankroll and tips on securing bonuses.
It’s important to note that data analytics can also tell affiliates what style or structure of content their audience likes. For instance, they may want more âhow toâ content instead of industry trends. With this being said, affiliates offering personalized experience via data analytics is a veritable tool for the Belgian gaming industry going forward in the heavily regulated Belgian gambling industry. Regardless of the preferences, affiliates can keep delivering what the people want, allowing them to drive more traffic and advertise gambling operators legally.
Belgium’s gambling advertising ban may have become stricter than ever in its bid to protect its citizens from irresponsible gambling and its impact. But affiliates are also rising up to the challenge by being creative with how they promote gambling companies. However, they are also interested in their audienceâs well-being, as they provide valuable content that encourages responsible gambling practices. Although the ban may be around for a while, affiliates will still continue to thrive.
Affiliate Industry
Increase Redirect Speed by 5 Times with Affilka New Feature
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 â 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 companyâs 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
Noxwin Elevates Its Game: From Operator to Premier Affiliate Platform
In a bold move within the online gaming industry, Noxwin has transformed from a traditional gaming operator to a leading affiliate platform. This strategic pivot positions Noxwin.com as the ultimate destination for users seeking honest and comprehensive information about casinos and bookmakers, as well as expert tips and tricks in the iGaming sector.
A New Identity for Noxwin
Previously known primarily as a gaming operator, Noxwin has redefined its mission to better align with the evolving needs of todayâs players. By transforming itself into an affiliate platform, Noxwin is now dedicated to delivering meticulously reviewed and evaluated information on top online casinos and sports betting sites. This shift empowers players to confidently navigate their options ensuring a superior gaming experience every time.
A Strategic Shift to Better Serve Players
Noxwinâs transition from a gambling operator to an affiliate platform stems from its commitment to serving the modern online gamer. With increasing competition in the industry and players demanding more transparency and reliable resources, Noxwin saw an opportunity to meet these needs. As an affiliate platform, it now offers an unbiased, all-encompassing guide to the best betting and casino sites, empowering users with well-researched reviews, exclusive promotions, and responsible gaming tools.
Honest Information at Your Fingertips
Noxwin.com, having previously struggled with its reputation as an operator, has made significant efforts to rebuild trust and credibility in the industry. Recognising the importance of integrity, they now place a strong emphasis on honesty and transparency with their users. This renewed focus on clear communication, fair play, and responsible operations reflects their dedication to providing players with a reliable, clear, and responsible gaming experience.
In an industry where many platforms advertise enticing bonuses that often do not exist when visiting the actual casino or bookmaker site, Noxwin stands out. The platform verifies all offers, ensuring that users have access to genuine promotions and exclusive deals that enhance their gaming experience.
Noxwin’s rigorous evaluation process includes:
- Licensing and regulation: Ensuring that all listed platforms operate under valid licenses and comply with industry regulations.
- User Experience: Evaluating the design, functionality, and overall user satisfaction of each site.
- Game variety: Analysing the range of games available, including slots, table games, and live dealer options.
- Bonuses and promotions: Reviewing the attractiveness of bonuses, while ensuring that terms and conditions are reasonable and user-friendly.
- Payment methods: Evaluating the variety of secure payment options available for deposits and withdrawals.
- Customer support: Testing the responsiveness and availability of customer service channels.
Empowering Players with Information
Noxwinâs transition to an affiliate platform is not just about listing casinos; itâs about empowering players with information. Through detailed reviews and comparisons, Noxwin helps users make informed decisions based on their gaming preferences. Whether youâre a seasoned player or new to online gambling, Noxwin offers insights that enhance your overall experience.
Exclusive Offers and Promotions
In addition to its comprehensive evaluations, Noxwin prides itself on featuring exclusive offers that players wonât find elsewhere. By partnering with top online casinos, Noxwin provides access to unique bonuses and promotions that can significantly enhance your gaming experience.
A Commitment to Responsible Gaming
As part of its dedication to player welfare, Noxwin emphasizes responsible gaming practices. The platform actively promotes responsible gambling in its reviews, helping players maintain a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
Conclusion
Noxwin’s transformation from a gambling operator to a premier affiliate platform marks a significant milestone in its mission to provide valuable resources for online gamers. With comprehensive evaluations, exclusive promotions, and a commitment to transparency, Noxwin is now the ultimate destination for betting enthusiasts.
Noxwin’s shift towards a more transparent, honest, and ethical approach is a transformative move that not only enhances its brand reputation but also positively impacts the broader online gambling industry. By prioritizing honesty, integrity, and responsible gaming practices, Noxwin sets a new standard within the iGaming industry. This shift not only enhances its brand reputation but also fosters a culture of trust and accountability, benefitting players, operators, and affiliates alike.
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