SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Ahead of the highly anticipated Affiliate Leaders Summit, an integral component of the SBC Summit in Lisbon, SBC engaged in a detailed discussion with Aleksandra Andrishak, Editor-in-Chief of Slotsjudge, a premier online resource for slots and casino site reviews. Andrishak is also scheduled to speak on the “Slot Trends: Designing for the Future Player” panel, which forms part of the Casino & iGaming zone content.
Andrishak provides a comprehensive overview, covering Slotsjudge’s origins and its current global scope, the evolving trends influencing slot game design, and the crucial role of transparency in affiliate marketing. Finally, Andrishak offers a comprehensive look at how Slotsjudge is enhancing player engagement and driving industry innovation.
SBC: To begin, could you walk us through the inception of Slotsjudge? Which regions does Slotsjudge primarily serve, and what unique niche does it aim to fulfil within those markets? Additionally, how does Slotsjudge set itself apart from its competitors?
Aleksandra Andrishak: Slotsjudge was conceived as a platform for gambling enthusiasts to discuss games, share their feedback, and learn more about various features.
Today, fans of slots have more than just a platform to read about casino games. Slotsjudge keeps gamblers engaged with tools like SJ coins, which players earn for leaving comments describing their experiences on certain games.
The site is global, so players from different regions are welcome. Our aim was to create a virtual space where everyone could be entertained and could communicate with others, rather than just read about promoted casinos. I hope we did it well.
SBC: As Editor-in-Chief at Slotsjudge, could you highlight some of the most significant trends in slot game design that you’ve observed recently? How are these trends shaping the future of player engagement?
AA: I firmly believe the iGaming market is now well saturated with slots covering different themes and features, and providers keep on releasing new ones. This translates into similar games being developed by different providers.
As a result, casinos may not add every single game like they used to, instead focusing on games with a more specific approach to entertaining the audience.
I hope that AI will solve this issue and help providers find a more targeted and personalised approach. Players will easily find what they want and won’t get confused with endless libraries of similar content.
SBC: With the increasing sophistication of players’ expectations, how do you think game developers should approach integrating bonuses and features to enhance player satisfaction while maintaining profitability?
AA: In my opinion, players shouldn’t get everything at once.
Expectation and receiving something rare yet desirable should rule the market since players who get an infrequent bonus will remember this excitement and appreciate it more than a range of simple, yet accessible, bonuses in a row.
The current system built by providers strikes a middle ground, and I think it will remain relevant for some time.
SBC: Slotsjudge provides comprehensive reviews and insights into various online casinos. What criteria does your team prioritise when evaluating and recommending casinos to your audience?
AA: We have a ranking system applied to evaluate each online casino. These are “reliability,” ensuring our readers have a secure experience; “usability,” because it’s important not to spend hours searching for a particular casino section; “promotions,” especially low-wagering ones; and available software, including slots and other types. We also consider payments, mobile optimisation, and customer support, including response time and how the team solves players’ issues.
SBC: Affiliate marketing plays a significant role in promoting online casinos. From your perspective, what are some effective strategies for affiliates to engage with their audiences and drive conversions in the competitive iGaming market?
AA: Our strategy is built on being not only a professional affiliate but also a player’s friend—a real person who not only provides information but also shares a fair opinion, even when casinos or games have pitfalls.
I believe that the modern market demands relatability, and this is true not only for iGaming. That’s why we provide information about everyone involved in the project, including authors, streamers, and the board. Transparency and sincerity are fundamental to successfully promoting online casinos.
SBC: Could you elaborate on the role of player feedback and data analytics in shaping the editorial and content strategies at Slotsjudge? How do you ensure your content remains relevant and valuable to your audience?
AA: Our live streams demonstrate that any falsity is quickly noticed and judged by our audience, so sincerity is a must in our industry.
We read comments from players and consider their complaints or wishes. In other words, the key elements are maintaining a two-way dialogue, being unbiased and fair, and having a transparent editorial policy.
SBC: As a speaker at the SBC Summit, what are you most excited to discuss or share with the audience?
AA: I will discuss the topic of “Slot Trends: Designing for the Future Player.”
When talking about trends, we need to shift the focus from the slots themselves to the needs and preferences of the audience, considering players’ tastes, needs, and consumer and behavioural habits.
It’s time to deliver customer-centric products, and it’s our duty to address this topic and drive the market forward in this way.
SBC: With the introduction of a dedicated Affiliate Leaders Summit at this year’s SBC Summit, how do you anticipate this development will enhance Slotsjudge’s conference experience and contribute to your lead generation efforts?
AA: I can’t wait to meet our existing partners and strengthen our relations. Of course, I’m also waiting for new partnerships, and most of all, I expect new meetings which will provide us with new business development opportunities and lead to fruitful collaborations.
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Join the SBC Summit at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa from September 24-26, where 25,000 sports betting and iGaming industry professionals will converge for three days of networking and educational sessions led by over 450 senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now (Early Bird Deal is currently available).
Affiliates can apply for a free pass.
Operators can also apply for a complimentary ticket.
