PAL Forums 2009 Year End Review

[Greg]

Not since the UIGEA was passed, has a year been so wild for gaming affiliates as 2009. As we take a look back at some of the biggest stories in the industry we’re reminded that we work in a constantly changing environment. We didn’t see all the mergers that were predicted at the end of 2008; but that could be due to several reasons (mainly the global economy).



The past year barely got started before we had our first major shakeup. As you all remember there was a slight altercation at last year’s CAP Euro event in London. Certainly a boiling point had been reached out of frustration on numerous issues. This was a pretty classic example of how keeping things in and not addressing them over time will explode on you. As we approach 2010 one thing I feel safe about is that the conference slate has been cleared; and on that front its business as usual. Too early to make a solid prediction yet, but I’d have to guess there will again be 2 shows in Amsterdam less than 5 weeks apart. Come back to this in 4 months and see if I was right. CAC Amsterdam is a stale, pretty boring show for me, but it’s such a tradition and a fun city so it really is hard to miss.

On a truly sad note, we did lose one of our veteran and most influential affiliates this past year. As you can see the passing of PokerListings founder Andreas Oscarsson was a hit to everyone. However, in his legacy they have pressed on and continue to set a high standard of what a super affiliate business looks like.

iPoker remains one of the most talked about and exciting networks in gaming. There is always something or someone making news there and it trickles down to the affiliate community equally as fast. Several operators have come and gone from iPoker and we’re promised there are more changes on the horizon next year. I’d expect this thread to continue on and grow as more operators make their way over (or leave for a less competitive playing field).

Scandal has always been something we tried to overlook and move away from in the online gaming world. We all watched the meltdown at Absolute Poker and this year we saw it again with Pitbull Poker and Eurolinx closing down. This is where forums like 2+2 and even PAL are influential in helping spread the word and bringing a little accountability to these rogue groups. To be noted, AP is still a quality room in my opinion. People who promote them make money, plain and simple. Let’s hope this trend wont continue into 2010.

Getting paid is still on everyone’s mind. During the poker buzz following the WSOP it appeared that September was the most anticipated month of the year for payments. We had a lot of buzz and anticipation during Q3 as the slow summer was ending and affiliates were hoping to see a turnaround in conversions and deposits. For some there was a bump, for most it was down compared to 2008.

In the Coffee Shop our buddy Sebastian tried to get things started for a new demographic of PAL member. It certainly had to be an interesting week for those Google’rs looking to find out more about their favorite pop star only to be lead to an affiliate marketing forum! What exactly were they looking for? Pretty sure it wasn’t this: Hannah Montana Twitter Feed!

Rick Rolled Award definitely belong here, nice work Sebastian!

So what do we make of it? I think it’s safe to say that there is still some uncertainty. The legal landscape really doesn’t look that much different than it did 12 months ago. We had some UIGEA bills come to the table but as always there are different views (and priorities) and how this gets implemented. If anything I’d say there was a small resurgence in the US market again late this year. Hopefully that trend will continue. As for affiliates in gaming this is going to be the year of diversity. I’ve spoken to several super affiliates on the forums this past week to get their take on the future and it’s pretty consistent. “We’re going to keep growing our existing sites but focus a majority of time of marketing dollars on branching out.” Whether that is into casino, bingo, lotto etc. is a case by case situation. I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see some take their skill set into new verticals as well. Gold and Silver, Health and Beauty, Geo Hosting, Pet Supplies etc. all seem to be emerging with countless other opportunities.

It’s good to be in this industry. We’ve all got competition but the rewards for gambling affiliates can be very lucrative. The people we work with are fun, and the technology is always ahead of the curve. Possibly this is the year mobile gaming takes off? Possibly we see social media marketing start to make sense and new niches form. Whatever it may be we know this; we’re surrounded by creative people who constantly motivate and challenge us.

Thanks to everyone for making this a great year and I’m looking forward to a progressive 2010.

[superiorword]

That famous LOLCAT thread should also be in the top 10