Interview with Paul Puolakka

Hello Paul, thank you for taking your time to join our interview. First of all, I’d like to hear about you, your previous experiences, and your role at Mr. Gamble. Overall, who is Paul Puolakka, and how does he spend his days?

Thank you for this opportunity. I began my iGaming journey back in 2014. Leveraging my skills from sales and account management, I ventured into affiliate marketing. My progress was gradual but rewarding—starting as an Affiliate Coordinator, becoming an Affiliate Manager and then taking on bigger challenges as the Head of Affiliates.

With a keen interest in expanding my skill set, I transitioned into SEO and branding roles. This led to consulting opportunities in iGaming, followed by a prominent stint as the CMO of a renowned casino & crypto affiliate.

Currently, as Mr. Gamble’s CMO, I find myself deeply immersed in strategizing our marketing endeavours, analysing ever-evolving market trends, steering our brand in the right direction, and nurturing collaborations with crucial stakeholders in the iGaming sector.

When I’m not immersed in work, my interests range from outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing to appreciating art, exploring diverse cultures, and engrossing myself in business and historical literature.

Hailing from Northern Finland, I feel a deep passion for all things nature, especially winter.

How was 2023 so far for Mr. Gamble? What should iGaming aficionados expect from Mr. Gamble especially in the following quarter?

This year, we’ve had a whirlwind of activity for Mr. Gamble. Our commitment to excellence has driven us to revamp our branding, elevate our graphics, and continuously enhance user experience, keeping in line with UI/UX advancements.

We were elated to receive the Best Affiliate Branding award at the AffPapa iGaming awards in Amsterdam—a testament to our relentless efforts. By actively participating in industry events like iGamingNEXT, iGB Amsterdam, and SBC Barcelona, we’ve not only broadened our horizons but also solidified invaluable long-term partnerships.

As we eye the future, we’re gearing up to make significant inroads into the US market. Our established presence in New Jersey is just the beginning. We have plans to secure more licences in the near future.

We know that Mr. Gamble has been a go-to resource for many players across various jurisdictions. What was the reason for that in your opinion? What makes Mr. Gamble so special to them?

At Mr. Gamble, we believe our unwavering commitment to trust and integrity sets us apart. Our approach is clear—we prioritise sustained brand building over ephemeral gains.

Our exceptional and driven company culture, coupled with a talented team aligned to our ethos, has been our strength. Central to our operations is the end-user; we are perpetually driven to craft a product experience that resonates and invites loyalty.

In recent years, Mr. Gamble won several awards from different organisations. How do you think your team managed that? What is the secret formula behind this huge success?

Our accolades and recognition are the fruit of visionary leadership, complemented by a team that’s passionate about what they do. We pride ourselves on being data-driven, allowing us to consistently fine-tune our offerings.

We might not be the biggest company in the iGaming landscape, but our focus is razor-sharp. Instead of diversifying hastily, we emphasise mastery, ensuring that what we offer stands out in quality and impact.

I think this is one of the keys to our success.

After the covid outbreak, the iGaming industry has been expanding dramatically, and this resulted in new affiliates and operators coming into play. How do you see this affecting the industry? Is there any plan for Mr. Gamble to remain at the top of the competition?

The Covid pandemic ushered in a seismic shift in the iGaming industry. As brick-and-mortar casinos faced closures, the online space experienced a boom. This transformation inevitably intensified competition, with businesses investing time in refining their offerings.

At Mr. Gamble, we’re equipped to navigate this change. Our agility and insatiable appetite for innovation have empowered us to not just adapt but excel.

We’re constantly monitoring industry dynamics, positioning Mr. Gamble to stay a step ahead in the game.

Following the previous question, since you have a vast experience in affiliate marketing, what do you see that today’s iGaming affiliates are doing wrong? What are they missing?

The affiliate landscape in the iGaming industry is intricate. While it’s tempting to pinpoint mistakes, I believe each organisation charts its own course, with unique challenges and learning curves.

That said, it’s essential for affiliates to prioritise long-term value over short-lived tactics. I extend my best wishes to everyone navigating this terrain, hoping they find their own path to success.

Once again, thank you very much for your time Paul. It was a pleasure to interview you. Are there any last words that we can share with our readers?

Do what you love, love what you do.