Help a Noob! List of noob quesitons

[Randy]

So I bought 2 casino websites today, both with some content. I have no clue where to start. I have a good budget to get a lot of content up and I plan on making these my next big projects. I know poker, I know what converts etc. With a casino, I have no clue!

So here are some starter questions -

1. Do reviews for specific casino's work well? In poker an in-depth review gets you $$$, I've heard casino players like straight meat, should I keep reviews short and sweet?

2. I see a lot of casino sites do a lot with specific games, slots, roulette, BJ, etc. Should I do reviews for each of those games, with subcategories? Do these convert or are these just for extra long tails and such?

3. Poker players many times are pretty smart and savvy about finding rakeback and bonuses. Is this the same for casino gamblers? Or do they just jump around?

4. Do Casino players bonus hunt?

5. I see more banners on casino sites than I am use too, do banners convert better for casinos then they do for poker, if used properly? Or am I over-thinking this?

I'm also curious about avoiding issues like roger is having, is there a good list of good and bad casinos here? If not, we need to make one.

Thanks in advance for everyone that takes a few minutes to answer these, as you can tell I'm clueless about it all. There is probably better questions to ask, so feel free to tell me if I'm asking the wrong questions.

Thanks

Randy

[mojo]

1. Do reviews for specific casino's work well? In poker an in-depth review gets you $$$, I've heard casino players like straight meat, should I keep reviews short and sweet?

I would say that would be the same. Casino players like reviews too! Do them all. Casino players are definatley not stupid and will be choosey and smart when chooing a casino. They would appriciate your knowledge.

2. I see a lot of casino sites do a lot with specific games, slots, roulette, BJ, etc. Should I do reviews for each of those games, with subcategories? Do these convert or are these just for extra long tails and such?

Yes, do them all. Be warned. Microgaming has over 300 games alone. There is so much to do you will never be out of work. As an affiliate you can choose to do that or not but it will help you compete and have a full service site.

3. Poker players many times are pretty smart and savvy about finding rakeback and bonuses. Is this the same for casino gamblers? Or do they just jump around?

Yes they do! Big time! Some players base their criteria on the no bonus option. Casino players are looking for the biggest bonuses, or if you are targeting high rollers what do you do? I won't give all the answers. Casino affiliates are always in compitition. Casino affiliates know the bonuses, or should if they are worth their salt. There are so many aff programs you really need to research. Bonuses don't mean a thing if the program/casino are questionable. One casino may have a $100 freebie but they are rogue. This is not an overnight thing. Be prepared to have some work ahead of you. When starting out, if your name means anything, you will learn quickly on who to stay away from for the sake of your players. Whatever banner you put up you are endorsing. Personally, I like my visitors to come back, they won't if you lead them wrong.

4. Do Casino players bonus hunt?

Absolutely. I don't know poker much but I did do a Mojo freeroll once. Everyone searched for the code on google. I was so disappointed I never did a freeroll again. It is very competitive with casinos as well. You will see with your searches what players are looking for. I wont give to much away. LOL

5. I see more banners on casino sites than I am use too, do banners convert better for casinos then they do for poker, if used properly? Or am I over-thinking this?

Banner farms! Yes, some have many. I am a fan of banners but many will disagree. I also provide content and my own personal view. I just think back to when I was a new player. While content is good, keep in mind what players are looking for as well and even it out. Do you play at casinos? If you did, what would you look for?

I'm also curious about avoiding issues like roger is having, is there a good list of good and bad casinos here? If not, we need to make one.

There is a need of knowledge and even more research here. I certainly couldn't answer the history of the poor programs. There are so many issues in the casino world but that is what we are here for. It couldn't be taught overnight. Also remember that if you lead a player to a rogue, you are responsable. All you have is your good name.

Ask here and and also Google before you sign up. There are some very questionable programs out there. Save yourself! LOL

Excellent questions Randy. CAL/PAL affiliates are tops.

[Knup]

These are great questions and answers. Thanks to both of you for starting this topic.

[mojo]

TY Knup. I certainly am no expert so other affs giving me their secrets would be much appriciated.

[sipka]

Great questions Randy and great answers Mojo

I can just add a little bit regarding good and bad casinos: you can check if a program is good from the affiliate point of view on the Affiliate Guard Dog website (Casino Affiliate Programs | Affiliate Guard Dog), and check the feedbacks about the program's properties from the player point of view on Casinomeister (Online Casino Information - Player and Casino Advocate - Casinomeister).

I usually do this double-check before I start to promote any casinos.
My quicklist (not in the given order):

- Is the casino/affiliate program around long enough? (-> Google about the company behind the casino, etc)
- Is the casino's affiliate program affiliate friendly and analyzed on Affiliate Guard Dog? (-> AGD)
- Do they carry negatives over? (->AGD)
- If there are more than 1 casino in the affiliate program's palette then do they bundle (i.e. if you have negative at one property will it zero out your earnings at other properties at that affiliate program)?(->AGD)
- What are other affiliates telling about the program? (do they pay fast, or you have to chase your money, are the affiliate managers responsive, or you need to wait weeks for answers, are the affiliate managers proactive and do they send you promotions when they are released (this is a BIG time saver as you don't have to hunt down what is happening at the casinos) - at this step I usually don't care about what others saying about conversions, what can work on other's sites not sure will work on mine (->GPWA, CAL, IGA, AGD)
- What are players saying about the casino? (what do players think about the casino in overall, what do they think about the games there, are the games at the casino boring to them, do they like a specific game at the casino, what are the wagering requirements? (<- this is extremely important for players, you don't want anyone take a $1000 bonus and get 100x wagering (playthrough) requirement - as Mojo said, imagine that you are a player (even better if you deposit at the casino, play a bit and try to withdraw), how hassle-free the withdrawal, how many banking methods at the casino, if the casino accepts US players then how easy it is for them to bank at the casino (deposit-withdraw) (-> Casinomeister)

Hope this helps

[Newjabber]

Thx dident know about red hot

[Randy]

WOW, what kick ass responses! I ended up buying 5 casino sites yesterday, and now I have a decent task list put together. I'm excited and a but intimidated by casinos, mush like I was when I first got into poker. I'm by no means a super affiliate, but I think I have made a mark anyway.

I know I'll have more questions, now I'm going to focus on getting 50-100 good pages up on these sites and I imagine the SERPS will lead me to the next stage.

Thanks again Mojo, and everyone else!

[Matt Geer]

great answers guys...gonna help alot of people myself included! Thanks!

[mojo]

Good ones sipka. Guard Dog is a must and Casinomeister.

CM is very helpful. I always go there when deciding whether or not to promote. Of course every casinos gets complaints but if it repeats itself or there is a 30 page thread you can use your judgement.

Also there are some sharp folks who can get to the bottom of what new software and casinos that pop up are all about.