Mr. Gamble’s Exclusive Q&A with Michael Halonen from RevDuck

In this exclusive Mr. Gamble Q&A, we sit down with Michael Halonen, Head of Affiliates at RevDuck, to explore the evolution of the company and his personal journey through the rapidly growing world of iGaming. From starting in customer support to leading affiliate operations, Michael shares valuable insights into the industry, the vision behind RevDuck, and what the future might hold.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into the iGaming industry?
I’ve been in the iGaming industry since 2018. I started as a regular customer support operator for casino projects, later moved into marketing, and since the end of 2019, I’ve been fully focused on it. Currently, I hold the position of Head of Affiliates at RevDuck.

What initially attracted you to the online casino sector?
Honestly, when I received the job offer, I didn’t even know which products I would be working with. But over time, after gaining some experience, I realized the potential and profitability of this industry, its scale and the amazing networking opportunities it offers. I think most people don’t study to become “casino managers” or “affiliate experts.” This is the kind of field where you have to go through every stage yourself, manually, feeling all the challenges and learning from them in practice, not on paper.

How has your role evolved since you started working in iGaming?

I began as a Customer Support Manager, progressed to VIP Support Manager, then moved into the role of Affiliate Manager, and eventually advanced to my current position as Head of Affiliates.

What’s your favorite slot or casino game and why?
I enjoy something out of the ordinary, games like Aviator and Plinko are genuinely interesting to me. I love gamification, when slots feel like more than just slots, something engaging and creative. I also enjoy live roulette and like to study betting strategies for it.

Is there a particular moment or achievement in your career that you’re most proud of?
Definitely the launch of RevDuck. Within just half a year, we became recognizable among all the key partners in our markets, and that motivates me to move forward. I can proudly say that I’m genuinely proud of this achievement.

About the Casino Brand

When was your online casino founded, and what inspired its creation?
Our first partner project was launched quite recently, in February 2025. Observing the market and our competitors helped us identify opportunities and create stronger, more flexible partnerships that benefit both sides.

What was the main vision or mission behind launching your platform?
Our goal was to set a new standard for partner service, not just automated replies or faceless programs, but a system built on trust, profitability, and personalized communication. We aim to be a reliable partner and a valuable solution for every affiliate we collaborate with.

How would you describe your brand’s personality in three words?
Speed, flexibility, and understanding. Many members of our team, including myself, used to work on the affiliate side, so we know what partners really need and expect.

What makes your casino stand out from the competition in today’s crowded market?
Our partner platforms emphasize gamification, personalized communication with players, bonuses, real gifts, engagement, and well adapted payment methods tailored to each region.

Can you tell us about your player demographics, what would be the typical player at your casino?
Our partner brands mainly operate across Western, Southern, and Central Europe.

Localization and Player Experience

How do you tailor your platform to appeal to players from different countries and cultures?
Our team includes native speakers from multiple regions, allowing us to ensure that our partners’ content and user experience meet local expectations and cultural nuances.

What languages and currencies do you currently support?
Our partner platforms support multiple localizations, WW EN, GR, FR, DE, and ES, and currencies including EUR, CZK, HUF, ETH, USDT, BNB, BTC, and LTC.

Do you implement any gamification features to enhance player engagement? If so, what kind?
Yes, together with our partners at plug2win dot com, we integrate gamification tools that increase engagement and improve the player experience.

How does your casino ensure a safe, responsible, and enjoyable gaming experience?
All partner platforms include standard responsible gaming tools, from betting limits to self exclusion options, ensuring a safe and transparent environment for players.

What role does customer support play in creating a localized and friendly experience?
Customer support is one of the key areas in our partner operations, accounting for about 20 percent of total staff. Native speaking agents ensure friendly, responsive, and localized assistance.

Player Retention and CRM

What strategies do you use to retain long term players?
We rely on gamification, AI based tools, and personalized VIP approaches for different player segments, depending on their GEO or traffic source.

How important is CRM in your daily operations?
It’s essential. Without proper structure and CRM systems, it’s impossible to move forward efficiently. CRM is the backbone of all our player management and retention efforts.

Can you share any examples of successful loyalty programs or retention campaigns?
When a player wins, most operators focus on getting them to lose their balance again. We do the opposite, we highlight these wins and share them with the community to show that real success is possible. Our main goal is to turn weaknesses into strengths.

How do you balance acquiring new players with keeping existing ones engaged?
It depends on the product stage. Older brands focus more on retaining VIP segments, while newer ones are built around acquisition and expanding player cohorts.

Future and Vision

Are there any upcoming promotions, campaigns, or partnerships you’d like to share?
We’re not ready to reveal everything just yet, but stay tuned. Let us do the work first, and soon you’ll see the results for yourself.

How do you see the iGaming industry evolving over the next few years?
The market is heading toward consolidation, both on the product side and among affiliates. Regulators are also shaping the industry, introducing new frameworks and restrictions that influence how everyone operates. I believe we’re at a turning point right now, where every company needs to give its maximum effort to achieve the best possible results before the next stage of evolution begins.

Has your casino won any awards or recognitions recently? If so, which ones and what do they mean to your team?
Not yet, but that’s by design. From the very beginning, we chose to focus on being, not appearing. At early stages, many teams spread their energy trying to look successful, while we’ve focused on building real value, strong partnerships, solid results, and a team that grows together. Our achievements aren’t measured in trophies, but in people, the professionals who stand beside us, the teams that evolve with us, and the brands that trust us. There’s still a lot ahead, and we’re just getting started.

Closing Words from Mr. Gamble CBO Silver Portugov

This conversation with Michael Halonen offers a clear view into the dedication, strategic thinking, and passion that drive RevDuck forward. From strong partner relationships to innovative player engagement, RevDuck is setting its own pace in a competitive industry. With ambitious goals and a growing team behind it, the journey is only beginning.