AffPapa is pleased to announce the release of Episode 2 of “Affiliates vs Operators”, its iGaming conversation series that brings affiliates and operators together for open and honest discussions.
The series gives both sides a chance for open dialogue on expectations in partnerships and the day-to-day realities of working in iGaming. Episode 1, featuring Nikoleta Hristova and Filippo Anzalone, already kicked the series off and opened up conversations around communication in partnerships, red flags, common misconceptions about each other, work-life balance, and more.
Episode 2: Introducing the new guests
Episode 2 welcomes Nataliia Lavruk from Melbet and Martins Lasmanis from Media 24. Throughout the episode, they speak on affiliate-operator relationship dynamics, discussing existing difficulties, potential opportunities, and essentials for effective cooperation between both parties.
Anahit Hovhannisyan, Head of Marketing at AffPapa and host of the series, said:
I loved hearing our guests speak openly, it felt like the conversation naturally built on what we started in the premiere episode. Nataliia and Martins both bring genuinely interesting perspectives. I’m sure our viewers will take lots of practical insights they can actually put to use.
The episode looks at how affiliates and operators really work together, touching on listing fees, contract terms, traffic quality, and trust on both sides. Sharing their own experience, Nataliia and Martins speak on common pain points, including inflated pricing and unclear reporting, and what it actually takes to build long-term partnerships.
Co-Founder and CEO of Media 24, Martins Lasmanis, shared his thoughts on the episode:
Taking part in this debate was a great opportunity to discuss some of the tough topics in affiliate marketing. From listing fees to terms, conditions, mutual expectations and traffic quality. These aren’t always comfortable conversations, but they’re necessary if we want to build a more transparent industry. Strong partnerships require clarity. They require open dialogue. A big thank you to Nataliia Lavruk for representing the operator’s perspective and keeping the discussion professional and constructive.
The conversation also touches on SEO and the direction it’s evolving in, why it’s becoming harder for new affiliates to enter the market, and what both affiliates and operators should pay attention to when choosing partners to work with.
Nataliia Lavruk, Head of Acquisition at Melbet, also commented on her experience:
Representing the operator side in this Affiliates vs Operators format was both fun and very real. We talk a lot about “partnership,” but sometimes it feels more like a quiet cold war. We didn’t sugarcoat anything: manipulation, short-term thinking, and the trust gap that slows growth. At the same time, both sides have to take responsibility from day one: protect their interests, set clear terms, and do proper due diligence. Sustainable scale doesn’t come from trying to outplay each other. It comes from accountability early on and building long-term.
AffPapa invites everyone to watch and share Episode 2 of “Affiliates vs Operators” and stay tuned as new voices join the conversation!
