The move to create a better iGaming industry has affected affiliate websites. Many review hubs are using hard data to learn more about what player preferences are like. Clients want to learn more about how the new iGaming market works; and there is no man better to help steer them in the right direction than Sebastian Jarosch.
The founder of Mithrillium Media Ltd. has all the experience you can possibly need when it comes to online casinos. He works as a judge at Sigma, IGB, and SBC, and has over a decade-worth of experience running some pretty big gambling site reviews. He has also been awarded prestigious accolades during his tenure, including the EGR’s Best Affiliate Programme Award and the Affpapa Affiliate Programme of the Year award.
Interview Questions:
From your perspective, what are the biggest shifts in player preferences you’ve observed through affiliate data in recent years?
From my experience players are moving towards reliability, payout speed, and overall user experience. The pages that convert the best focus purely on the intent of the players. Loyalty is increasingly built on trust rather than promotional offers.
Do players prioritize different factors now (such as payment speed, user experience, or brand trust) compared to before?
Acquisition offers like welcome bonuses are still important, but today payment speed, reliability, and game selection carry significantly more weight. Players want smooth, enjoyable experiences where they feel safe. A reputable operator achieves a much better conversion rate than a shady casino with a big bonus.
What specific data points or behaviors give you the clearest insight into what players value most today?
We can see what players value by analyzing what they search for, which articles they visit, and how long they stay on those pages. Players are looking for casinos with similar traits such as payment methods, licensing, game selection, and payout speed. These behaviors clearly show that trust and usability rank higher than promotions.
Have you noticed any generational differences in how younger vs. older players interact with affiliate platforms?
Younger players are more mobile-oriented, prefer interactive content, and often enjoy watching streaming content from their favorite influencers. Older players are more traditional and tend to favor detailed written guides and comparison tables. Both groups value trust, but they prefer different types of content.
Do players engage more with game-specific content (like slots) or broader casino reviews, and what does that say about their priorities?
Slot reviews often generate higher engagement, showing that players are loyal to games and developers across their favorite casinos. It really comes down to the type of player and what they are searching for. Traditional casino reviews are still important, but it makes sense to balance the content to serve different player types and search intents.
What role does transparency (such as clear bonus terms or complaint resolution) play in influencing player behavior?
Transparency on sites like Casino-Groups has helped a lot in building trust and has led to long-term loyalty. When players see clear terms, balanced reviews, and visible complaint processes, they’re more likely to convert and return. If players have a bad experience, they are likely to visit other affiliates in their next search.
How does mobile usage data affect how affiliates design content and optimize user journeys?
Mobile now represents the majority of traffic, so lightweight architecture and fast-loading designs are more important than ever. Mobile-first optimization is directly tied to retention. If the website is clunky, slow, or difficult to navigate, there is a good chance players will drop off and move elsewhere.
Have you seen regional or market-specific differences in player expectations that stand out in your analysis?
Players in emerging markets are looking for local payment methods and educational content. They trust familiar influencers and are interested in reliable brands. In mature markets, responsible gambling tools, transparency, payout speed, and licensing rank much higher. Affiliates must adapt their approach to each region’s unique player needs.
Do you believe affiliates have a responsibility to share insights with operators to improve player satisfaction and safety?
Affiliates hold valuable behavioral data that can benefit both operators and players. Sharing insights helps optimize acquisition funnels and promote safer gambling. Operators also have valuable insights that affiliates can leverage. When affiliates and operators collaborate, the entire ecosystem becomes more sustainable.
Looking ahead, what do you predict will be the key trends in player preferences over the next 3-5 years?
Players will demand more personalization, faster payments, entertainment, and an optimized UX. Transparency will remain imperative, and gamified features will play a bigger role in driving loyalty. Affiliates that can combine trust with innovation will lead the way.
