Interview with Christoffer Ødegården, Head of Casino at Bojoko.com
Bojoko.com is one of the most prominent and respected iGaming affiliates in the UK market. Their Head of Casino, Christoffer Ødegården, sat down with us to discuss what sets them apart from the competition and how affiliate programs can increase their revenue through Bojoko's platform.
Can you provide us with an overview of Bojoko and its mission within the iGaming industry?
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower players by giving them the tools and information they need to make informed decisions about where to play.
At Bojoko, we believe in putting the user first, which is why our platform is designed to give players the power to choose. Whether they're looking for the latest casinos, the biggest bonuses, exciting live casino experiences, etc., our comprehensive listings make it easy for players to find exactly what they're looking for.
One of the key features that sets Bojoko apart is our robust filtering system, which allows readers to trim down every list until they are left with the casinos that match their preferences perfectly. Whether they're looking for casinos with specific payment methods, game providers, or even terms and conditions, our filters make it easy for players to find the perfect match.
Our commitment to empowering players doesn't stop there. In addition to covering online casinos, we also provide listings for betting and bingo sites, ensuring that players have access to a wide range of gaming options in one place.
How can affiliate programs leverage Bojoko to increase their casinos' exposure and, ultimately, revenue?
Bojoko works differently than many other affiliates, as we don't accept fees for additional exposure and promote the brands we believe will be most interesting to our users based on extensive data and analysis.
Getting extra exposure is still very easy; you just need to ensure your brand is attractive to our readers. If you are not getting the FTDs you are looking for, we are always open to a discussion and will let you know what steps you can take to statistically increase your FTD.
One of the easiest ways for affiliate programs to boost their casinos' exposure on Bojoko is through exclusive bonuses. By offering unique promotions that are only available through Bojoko, affiliate programs will be placed on the list highlighting exclusive offers. This should have an immediate impact on a casino's FTDs, but if the offer is good enough, it will also give the brand a significant boost across our website and ensure further visibility on other specific bonus pages, maximising exposure and driving revenue.
For instance, we have individual pages dedicated to bonuses of 200%, 300%, etc., and we know from our analysis that any bonus percentage higher than 100% is bound to draw additional FTDs. The fact that we know there will be added interest in your brand will usually give you a nice boost across relevant lists.
In your opinion, what are the key elements of a successful affiliate program in the iGaming industry?
Trustworthiness and flexibility are essential elements of a successful affiliate program in the iGaming industry. In this industry, new affiliate companies are constantly popping up, and it is vital to establish trust and work out the deals that work best for both the affiliate program and the affiliate website. Trust can be established through transparency and communication. The better their affiliate system is, the better. If you do not allow your partners to see certain information on your backend, there may be trust issues down the road.
From our perspective, an affiliate that has no input on how the brands they represent are run also has certain shortcomings in flexibility. We are often asked how they can increase their revenue, and we will provide suggestions, such as increasing the bonus or simply adding specific payment methods. Still, in some cases, the affiliate program is not in a position to make these changes. Being flexible is critical to maintaining the edge in this competitive industry.
How does Bojoko differentiate itself from other online casino directories and affiliate platforms?
Christoffer Ødegården: Bojoko sets itself apart by strongly emphasising our users and giving them the power and tools to choose better. This is a benefit for players and affiliate programs alike, as the players who end up signing up for your brands will do so because they are a great fit. If you check off every item on their checklist, it is more likely that they will stay and keep playing because you are such a great match.
Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, we are always eager to help our partners get insights on how to best appeal to our users. There are often quick fixes that can instantly bring in 10 or more extra FTDs a month with minimum effort from the affiliate program and casino.
Looking ahead, what developments or trends do you anticipate shaping the iGaming industry's future?
As the iGaming industry continues to evolve, I anticipate that we'll see a greater emphasis on responsible gaming practices, regulatory compliance, and player protection. We see this already with the UK white paper, which has several suggestions for responsible gaming that will be rolled out over the coming years. Luckily, it is easy for online operators to navigate this landscape, and the roll-out is slow, with plenty of warning.
These regulatory changes will definitely be the industry's focus over the coming years. Still, I believe we will also see a rise in live game offerings and further variety in the hot new niche of crash games. I am also eagerly anticipating ways to make VR and augmented reality a bigger part of the iGaming experience.
Overall, the future of the UK iGaming industry looks bright, with plenty of opportunities for innovation and growth.