INTERVIEWS
June 2026
The New Strategic Value of Gaming
In a context of constant transformation, the gaming and online betting industry faces new challenges and opportunities that redefine growth and positioning strategies. In this column, Federico Rodríguez Aguiar, a marketing analyst with more than 35 years of experience in the gaming industry in Latin America and the Caribbean, analyzes how technological, regulatory, and business evolution is shaping a new strategic value for companies in the sector.
"Industry Referees for a Day" Boosts Networking at AffPapa Madrid 2026
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026, held May 18–20 in Spain, SoloAzar once again embraced interactive formats that brought together executives, operators, affiliates, and suppliers from the online gaming industry. This year, the media outlet introduced “Industry Referees for a Day”—a social media video series inspired by soccer and refereeing. Sector leaders were invited to use red, yellow, and green cards to highlight practices that either benefit or harm the iGaming ecosystem, while also sparking fresh networking opportunities among attendees.
Sportradar explains Why the 2026 World Cup Could Transform Betting in Latin America
(St. Gallen, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Rodrigo Cambiaghi, Senior Sales Executive, Digital Advertising LatAm at Sportradar, explains how artificial intelligence, real-time data, and “always-on” strategies are transforming advertising and user acquisition ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that could redefine the global sports betting market.
Accountability in Gambling: Insights from AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026, panelists Šimon Vincze, Lars Kollind, Darina Nikolina, and Catie Di Stefano engaged in a candid discussion about responsible gambling, player protection, compliance, and accountability across the gaming industry. The session, titled “Who’s Really Responsible for Gaming?”, explored real-life experiences, the growing role of data and AI, and the ethical accountability of operators and affiliates in balancing commercial performance with player safety.
May 2026
The Future of Operator-Affiliate Partnerships at AffPapa Madrid 2026
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026, industry leaders gathered to discuss the evolving relationship between operators and affiliates during the panel “The Future of Operator-Affiliate Partnerships.” Moderated by Nugzar Ramishvili, the discussion featured Nikoleta Hristova, Havard Lehn, Nemanja Lazarevic, Gjorgje Ristikj and Armin Aganovic. The session explored key industry challenges including transparency, listing fees, AI adoption, streamer marketing, and the future sustainability of affiliate partnerships.
Nordic.Partners Eyes the Future at AffPapa Madrid 2026
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- During last week's AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026, SoloAzar spoke with Sara Hägge, CEO at Nordic.Partners, about the company’s participation in the event, the evolution of affiliate marketing within the global iGaming industry, and the strategic role of technology, branding, and community-building in today’s increasingly competitive market. In this interview, Hägge shares her views on affiliate needs, operational efficiency, AI integration, and the future opportunities shaping the affiliate ecosystem.
AI Is Redefining Acquisition, SEO, and Retention in iGaming
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026, industry leaders gathered for the panel “From Algorithms to Advantage: How AI Is Reshaping Acquisition, Retention, and Risk in iGaming,” where experts explored the growing influence of artificial intelligence across marketing, SEO, CRM, localization, and business operations. Moderated by Viorel Stan, the discussion featured insights from Shahar Attias, Assaf Stieglitz, Julia Logan, Efe Baysal, Frederico Camara, and Aris Vrakas.
AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026: “The Next Generation Doesn’t See a Border Between Gaming and Entertainment”
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026, industry executives and product specialists gathered for the panel “Gen Z & Gen Alpha: Designing Products For the Next Player Generation,” a discussion focused on changing player behavior, digital habits, gamification, prediction markets, and the future of iGaming products. Moderated by Thomas Carvalhaes, the session featured insights from Filip Koubek, Natalia Roitonen, Laura Gago, Henk Wolff, and Artak Ashkhatoyan. Throughout the conversation, speakers debated how younger audiences interact with gambling-related products and why operators must rethink product design, engagement, and responsible gaming strategies.
FIFA World Cup 2026: the sports betting market is set to break all records
(Buenos Aires, SoloAzar Exclusive).- The rise of online gambling, the expanded 48 team format, and the growth of regulated markets position the 2026 World Cup as the largest global stage for the betting industry. This article explores a market already associated with record figures, while also addressing mounting concerns over gambling addiction and the risk of match manipulation.
AffPapa Conference 2026: Premier iGaming Event in Madrid concludes today
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 brings together more than 1,500 participants, including affiliates, operators, and B2B providers, for three days of dynamic sessions, sports activities, and networking opportunities. With panels on market trends, regulation, innovation, and exclusive events like the Bernabéu Stadium tour and the AffPapa iGaming Awards, the conference delivered a vibrant mix of learning, connection, and celebration before closing with a high‑energy party at Casino de Madrid.
AffPapa Conference 2026 Opens in Madrid with Expanded Agenda
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Madrid welcomes the biggest edition of AffPapa Conference yet, bringing together over 1,500 affiliates, operators, and B2B providers for three days of networking, sports, and iGaming insights. The official welcome takes place today, and SoloAzar is on site to deliver the latest updates.