iGaming Real Talk

Surya Palli
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iGaming Real Talk is a podcast where real conversations take centre stage. We speak with founders, creators, and leaders. Most of them come from the iGaming world, and some from beyond. We talk openly about what it really takes to grow, lead, and keep going. If you're building something of your own, leading a team, or simply figuring things out, you'll find something here that resonates. Hosted by Surya Palli, suryapalli.com Join our community on WhatsApp igamingrealtalk.com

  1. 2d ago

    Fake Streamers, Bad Traffic & iGaming Marketing | Part 2 | Levon Nikoghosyan, AffPapa

    In Episode 71 of The Real Roadshow and In Part 2 of our conversation with Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO of AffPapa, we get into the problems behind affiliate marketing, fake streamer numbers, creative campaigns, team building and what it actually takes to scale an iGaming business. Levon explains why relying on one marketing channel is risky, why operators need to verify streamer traffic before spending money, and why traditional B2B marketing is becoming harder to stand out with. What the industry is facing: Fake streamer numbers and inflated traffic Operators relying too heavily on one marketing channel Affiliate fraud and unverified traffic B2B gaming marketing becoming repetitive Companies playing too safe with creative campaigns Teams scaling faster than their internal systems and remote teams struggling without clear KPIs What this conversation explores: Why operators need a multi-channel marketing strategy How AffPapa is verifying streamers and their traffic Why iGaming brands need to experiment with marketing How AffPapa deals with affiliate and operator complaints Why responsibility and curiosity matter when building teams How clear KPIs make remote work possible Why success is a process, not a final number What keeps Levon building AffPapa for the long term Episode 71 of iGaming Real Talk. NOW LIVE on YouTube. Brought to you by: St8: https://st8.io/ Endorphina: https://endorphina.com/ -------- Hosted by Surya Palli Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suryapalli28/ For podcast sponsorship and collabs: surya@igamingrealtalk.com Check out igamingrealtalk.com   -------- Chapters 00:00 – Fake Streamers & Inflated Numbers 01:26 – Why One Marketing Channel Isn't Enough 03:03 – How AffPapa Handles Streamers 05:18 – The Philosophy Behind AffPapa's Marketing 06:18 – Why Traditional B2B Marketing Isn't Working 07:25 – Learning From Other Industries 08:18 – When Marketing Trends Become Mainstream 09:32 – Why iGaming Marketing Is Still Old-School 11:36 – Why Brands Need to Experiment 12:29 – Building AffPapa From the Ground Up 13:39 – Fighting Affiliate Fraud & Bad Traffic 15:23 – Building a 40+ Person Team 17:23 – What Makes a Good Leader? 20:00 – Building Teams in Armenia 21:13 – Remote Work vs Office Culture 22:00 – Why KPIs Matter 23:31 – The Problem With Scaling Too Fast 24:08 – What Does Success Mean? 25:56 – Is There a Number That Means "Enough"? 27:22 – Why Small Wins Keep Us Going 28:16 – What Keeps Levon Building? Part 2 of our conversation with Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO of AffPapa.

  2. Aug 12

    Are There Too Many iGaming Events? | Alex Pratt, Clarion Gaming | iGaming Real Talk

    Are there too many iGaming events and how should companies decide which ones are worth attending? Flexing an initial milestone of Episode 70 of iGaming Real Talk, we are here with Alex Pratt, Managing Director at Clarion Gaming, about the changing landscape of iGaming events. Alex shares his perspective on iGB Live, ICE, event ROI and return on objectives, measuring value through data, the role of technology and fintech, and why an event should be treated as part of a wider marketing campaign. We talked about how the industry is facing: - Too many events competing for the same budgets - Rising costs for exhibitors and attendees - Difficulty proving the real value of events - Smaller suppliers competing with huge exhibition stands - Limited time for follow-ups between events - Growing pressure to measure attendee and buyer behaviour What this conversation explores: - Why iGB Live gives smaller suppliers a level playing field - Why London gives iGB Live a unique advantage - How ICE is expanding beyond the traditional gaming event - Why event success should be measured by clear objectives - How data can help prove the value of events - Why events need to be part of a wider marketing campaign Episode 70 of iGaming Real Talk. NOW LIVE on YouTube. Brought to you by: St8: https://st8.io/ Endorphina: https://endorphina.com/

  3. Aug 10

    The biggest Mistake Companies Make with AI | David Harris and Vlad Bondarenko | ReferOn

    AI can build an app. But can it understand an iGaming business? In Part 2 of iGaming Real Talk, David Harris and Vlad Bondarenko from ReferOn go beyond affiliate tracking to talk about AI, product development, legacy systems, migrations, and what it really takes to build B2B software for iGaming. The industry is moving fast, but some problems are still very familiar: Legacy affiliate platforms that are difficult to move away from Large operators stuck with old workflows and systems Long and complex platform migrations Product teams building features users may not actually need An iGaming industry that can be slow to adopt ideas from other industries The growing pressure to use AI without simply adding it because it's the latest buzzword Finding the balance between automation and human relationships Building software that feels simple in an industry full of complex systems This conversation looks at how ReferOn is tackling some of these problems. Using AI for real tasks like QA, prototyping and creating tracking links Looking outside iGaming to find better product ideas, with examples from crypto, finance and gaming Building around real customer problems instead of guessing what users want Making migrations easier by understanding how operators actually work day to day Showing users how the product fits their workflow, rather than forcing them to learn a completely new way of working Keeping the human side of iGaming alive, even as more parts of the business become automated Using automation to make work easier, rather than using AI simply for the sake of saying a product has AI The conversation also gets personal, with Vlad sharing his approach to hiring, why he looks for the “spark in the eyes,” and why David believes relationships and human connection still matter in iGaming. They also discuss ReferOn's management buyout, the future of affiliate management platforms, and where the space could be heading next. Whether you're an operator, affiliate manager, product leader, or simply interested in the future of iGaming technology, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of the industry's fastest-evolving infrastructure categories. -------- Brought to you by: My Gaming License: https://www.mygaminglicense.com/ 9th Street Games: https://9thstreet.games/

  4. Aug 6

    Regulated iGaming Explained: ST8's Strategy for UK, Ontario & Alberta | David Fall | St8

    Every game aggregator says they have great content. So what actually makes operators choose one over another? David Fall, Business Development Manager at St8 addressed our curiosity here.  The game aggregation market is crowded. Almost every company says they have the best platform, the best technology and the best content. But operators today are dealing with much bigger challenges than choosing another API. In this episode, we talk about: Why regulated markets are becoming the biggest focus for aggregators What operators actually need from a game aggregation partner Why personalization still matters in a technology business The biggest challenges operators face in regulated markets Expanding into Ontario, Alberta, the UK and other licensed jurisdictions How St8 plans to compete with larger, established aggregators Why trust and transparency matter when working with operators The future of casino game aggregation One thing I found interesting was David's mindset. St8 doesn't try to be the biggest company in the room. They openly call themselves the underdog. Their focus is building long-term relationships with operators and growing market by market. If you work with casino platforms, game aggregation, regulated markets or operator partnerships, this conversation gives a good look into how one of the newer players is approaching the industry. Guest David Fall : https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fall-5a3875158/ Business Development Manager, St8 About St8 St8 is a fully licensed casino game aggregator and full-service technology provider helping operators launch, manage and scale in regulated markets.  To learn more about St8, please visit https://st8.io/  Brought to you by: St8: https://st8.io/  Endorphina : https://endorphina.com/

  5. Aug 4

    AI, Fraud & Affiliate Marketing: What Operators Need to Know | Levon Nikoghosyan | AffPapa

    Affiliate Marketing Has a Bigger Problem Than Traffic. The more people I speak to in this industry, the more I realise that the biggest risk isn't finding affiliates. Because let’s assume you find 10 good affiliates, are you sure that all their past results are their own and not some fake screenshots, AI-generated reports or maybe edited screenshots? Presenting you Episode 67 with Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO of  @affpapa  ,where we understand how affiliate marketing is changing, and whether the industry is actually keeping up. In this episode, we discuss: - Why affiliate fraud is becoming more sophisticated - How AI is making fake reports look real - Operators getting scammed repeatedly - The debate around affiliate listing fees - Why trust is becoming harder to build - Where affiliate marketing is heading next One thing I liked about this conversation is that he didn't pretend there was one perfect solution. Levon has seen these problems from every angle, as a platform, working with operators, affiliates, and brands. He made this discussion practical instead of theoretical. If you work with affiliates, manage affiliate partnerships, or run an iGaming business, this episode will help you think about: - How operators can better protect themselves - What affiliates should expect from platforms - Where AI is helping and where it's creating new risks - What needs to change if the industry wants stronger partnerships Follow Levon’s Journey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/levon-nikoghosyan/) Affpapa (https://affpapa.com/) Subscribe to iGaming Real Talk for honest conversations with the people building the iGaming industry. Hosted by Surya Palli. Sponsored by: MyGamingLicense and 9th Street Media. -------- Brought to you by: My Gaming License: https://www.mygaminglicense.com/ 9th Street Games: https://9thstreet.games/

  6. Jul 31

    Are prediction markets the future of sports betting? | Chris Nikolopoulos | BETBY

    What will the next generation of sports betting actually look like? Everyone talks about AI, prediction markets, and new products. But what are operators actually preparing for? And where is player behaviour really heading? We are at episode 66 of iGaming Real Talk. Our host Surya Palli caught up with Chris Nikolopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer at BETBY, to discuss the trends shaping the future of sports betting. From why sportsbooks are now competing with TikTok and Telegram for attention, to the rise of micro-betting, prediction markets, and retention strategies for major sporting events, this conversation looks beyond today's headlines and into what's coming next. We also explore how BETBY approaches marketing differently, including its partnership with Magnus Carlsen and why strategic thinking has become part of the company's identity. Why attention has become the biggest challenge for sportsbooks How operators should prepare for the next World Cup The rise of micro-betting and changing player behaviour Prediction markets and where they fit into the industry Why BETBY partnered with Magnus Carlsen What the future of sports betting products looks like If you're building products, running a sportsbook, or simply curious about where the industry is heading, this episode is worth watching. Subscribe for more conversations with the people building the future of iGaming. —- Brought to you by:  Kensho Media: https://www.kenshomedia.com/  Quantum Gaming: https://quantumgaming.com/

  7. Jul 29

    Lazy Intelligence: A Smarter Way to Build B2B Products | David Harris and Vlad Bondarenko | ReferOn

    Affiliate management platforms are becoming a critical part of iGaming infrastructure, but what actually makes a modern platform stand out? In episode 65 of iGaming Real Talk, Surya Palli is with David Harris and Vlad Bondarenko from ReferOn to discuss the philosophy behind building an affiliate management platform that's designed for today's operators and affiliates. Instead of simply replacing legacy software, ReferOn is rethinking how affiliate management should work. From reducing unnecessary clicks to creating flexible reward structures and dynamic reporting tools that scale with growing businesses. In this conversation, we discuss: - Why many operators are moving towards third -party affiliate platforms - The biggest problems with legacy affiliate management systems - How ReferOn approaches product development differently - The importance of simplicity in SaaS products - Flexible commission structures and dynamic reporting - Why iGaming can learn from other SaaS industries - How product ideas evolve from real customer problems Whether you're an operator, affiliate manager, product leader, or simply interested in the future of iGaming technology, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of the industry's fastest-evolving infrastructure categories. Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-harris-405a4576/ Connect with Vlad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bondbvs/ Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the future of iGaming from business and technology to the ideas that influence them. -------- Brought to you by: My Gaming License: https://www.mygaminglicense.com/ 9th Street Games: https://9thstreet.games/

  8. Jul 24

    What does it really take to build games for Brazil? | Fabíola Jaeger | Caleta Gaming

    Building iGames might not be the easiest thing but there’s something much harder. That is building games for BRAZIL. We are here to learn about this from someone who used to write codes, products and now has built one of the leading gaming studios in Brazil. In Episode 64 of iGaming Real Talk, our host Surya Palli had a talk with Fabíola Jaeger, Co-founder & CEO of  @caletagaming , to discuss her journey from software developer to building one of Brazil's leading game studios. The conversation also explores how Brazil's regulated market is evolving, what game providers need to understand about Brazilian players, and why community and local culture are becoming key parts of game development. We talk about: - How Fabíola founded Caleta Gaming - Why poker inspired her career in gaming - What regulation has changed for game providers in Brazil - How Brazilian player behaviour differs from other markets - Why community-driven games perform better - The importance of localised and customised content - What's next for Caleta Gaming and Brazil's gaming market If you're interested in Brazil, game development, localisation, or the future of regulated iGaming, this conversation is worth watching. - - Brought to you by: Evoverse - Custom crypto casino source code provider. Launch your crypto casino with full control. https://www.evo-verse.com Blokotech - Your go-to platform provider for the LATAM market - https://blokotech.com

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About

iGaming Real Talk is a podcast where real conversations take centre stage. We speak with founders, creators, and leaders. Most of them come from the iGaming world, and some from beyond. We talk openly about what it really takes to grow, lead, and keep going. If you're building something of your own, leading a team, or simply figuring things out, you'll find something here that resonates. Hosted by Surya Palli, suryapalli.com Join our community on WhatsApp igamingrealtalk.com

Information

  • Creator
    Surya Palli
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Surya Palli
  • Show Website
    iGaming Real Talk