Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO and Founder of AffPapa, shares insights into the company’s journey since its launch in 2020 and its growing impact on the iGaming affiliate ecosystem. He discusses how AffPapa has evolved from a simple connection platform into a comprehensive hub that brings together affiliates, operators, and B2B providers through both digital tools and in-person networking events.
Since its founding in 2020, how has AffPapa evolved to meet the changing needs of the affiliate marketing industry?
AffPapa has come a long way in six years. We launched at a time when iGaming affiliates and operators didn’t know where to find each other, and even when they did, there was no neutral space to ensure fair interactions. That’s exactly what we had in mind when we decided to create AffPapa: to bridge that gap with a platform where direct iGaming connections could finally happen without any middlemen. It made the whole process of closing deals independently smoother, and people started coming back. AffPapa now includes multiple brands under its umbrella, including AffPapa Conference, iGaming Club, and VenturePapa, as well as TheGamblest as a sister project.
What role does AffPapa play in connecting affiliates and operators within the iGaming ecosystem? How does AffPapa help affiliates and operators create stronger and more sustainable partnerships?
I’m happy to say that AffPapa goes far beyond being a simple directory. Since the Dashboard first launched in 2020, it has welcomed more than 300 operators and 2,300 affiliates, creating a central hub for the iGaming community to discover, connect, and collaborate.
Now we know that the real value comes from bridging online interactions with offline engagement. That’s why we created AffPapa Conferences and iGaming Club networking events: to provide affiliates, operators, and B2B providers with opportunities to meet, build trust, and establish sustainable partnerships face-to-face.
We also continue to invest in the online experience. In late 2025, we launched AffPapa Dashboard V3 to elevate the platform’s capabilities, making it easier than ever for users to find the right connections and collaborate efficiently. But at the core, our mission remains the same: helping the iGaming community form meaningful, lasting relationships, both online and offline.
What is the main purpose behind launching the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026?
The AffPapa iGaming Awards are designed to recognize and celebrate the people and companies that set new standards in the industry. This year, the Awards mark their fifth edition, and to celebrate this milestone, we’re introducing a special theme: “The Test of Time.”
Through the concept of a “time machine,” we’ll highlight the wins, milestones, and companies that have stayed relevant, continued innovating, and consistently pushed the industry forward. Additionally, we’re introducing 4 new exclusive categories to recognize not just company performance, but also the people behind the progress. The goal is to honor those shaping iGaming today while inspiring the community for the future.
How important is industry recognition for affiliates, operators, and B2B providers today? What impact do you hope the awards will have on the industry as a whole?
I don’t look at industry recognition as a pat on the back or a generic “good job” comment. I see it as proof that your work, your ideas, and your strategies actually make a difference in the bigger iGaming ecosystem. For affiliates, operators, and B2B providers, being acknowledged shows that they’re not only performing well but also that what they’re doing moves the industry forward and sets a standard for others to follow.
With the AffPapa iGaming Awards specifically, our hope is that the recognition our winners get inspires the whole industry to push for better performance, stronger partnerships, and more creativity.
From your perspective, what are the biggest opportunities and challenges for affiliates in the iGaming space today?
I had the chance to think about this, and I would say the biggest opportunities today depend heavily on the market affiliates operate in. In regulated countries, casinos hold stronger positions due to stricter rules and limited licenses, while in less regulated markets, affiliates have more power and flexibility. Strong affiliates can still dictate terms where there is real competition, and new operators often reach out to them directly, showing the market is growing and looking for quality connections. In Tier-1 regions, CPA and hybrid models dominate, offering stability and long-term value.
At the same time, it feels like the challenges might be bigger than the opportunities, with stricter conditions making compliance and traffic verification non-negotiable, and AI and automation reducing transparency and creating disputes. To put it short, an affiliate’s bargaining power now depends on factors like traffic quality, data, retention, brand, and volume. And with the market becoming more concentrated, it’s getting harder for new players to enter top markets under all these conditions.
What were the key factors that influenced the concept and agenda of AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 this year?
We always keep the focus on creating opportunities for meaningful connections, learning, and networking. Our events are centered around the affiliate-first approach, with every panel and networking session designed with affiliates in mind. Because it’s AffPapa’s biggest affiliate-led conference to date, the Madrid edition will be especially exciting, not just for us but also for every single attendee.
Attendees will get everything AffPapa Conferences are known for: insightful panel discussions, branded and customizable booths, and interactive speed-dating sessions to connect operators and affiliates. We will also elevate the experience beyond the conference floor with exclusive pre-networking side events. These include our first-ever padel tournament sponsored by Bazoom and a guided tour of the Santiago Bernabéu, including access to the Real Madrid Museum, sponsored by JoinAff.
What role will panel discussions and expert sessions play during the conference, and what topics are likely to attract the most attention? Can attendees expect exclusive announcements, partnerships, or product launches during the conference?
We’ve lined up conversations on every hot topic, from scaling in competitive markets and building smarter operator-affiliate partnerships to how AI is reshaping acquisition and retention. These sessions give you the kind of practical knowledge you can take back and actually use, instead of just looking at trends on a slide.
But AffPapa Conferences are not only about what’s on stage. We designed the Madrid conference in a way that allows attendees to act on ideas immediately, meet the people behind the strategies in speed-dating sessions, and make connections during side events or over drinks at the networking parties.
And yes, you can expect a few surprises along the way; we’ll be bringing in media platforms and podcasts like YOSA and other industry voices to bring more live content and deeper conversations on the conference floor.
Why should industry professionals make it a priority to attend AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 and the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026?
Let me proudly announce that attending an AffPapa Conference means you’re investing in real connections, actionable insights, and long-term growth. Everything, from the attendee ratio to the agenda, is carefully designed so participants leave with measurable value. Combined with the offline networking at conferences and awards, it creates a full cycle of opportunities for affiliates, operators, and B2B providers.
With thousands of affiliates and operators already listed, what do you see as the next stage of growth for your platform? Are there any upcoming projects or expansions the AffPapa team is currently working on?
We’re always committed to growth, and the continuous improvement of all our projects, including the AffPapa Dashboard, is proof of that. The next step for us is making the ecosystem we’ve built stronger and more connected as a one-stop shop for the iGaming affiliate industry. At the same time, we’re expanding our focus on the LATAM market, building deeper connections there because it’s an exciting market with lots of opportunities.
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