Interview with Igors Smirnovs, Head of Affiliates at Kawaii Partners

Hey! Thanks for taking the time to interview me. To introduce myself properly, I have to start with my family - they’re my top priority. I’ve got a 5-year-old son and a wonderful wife, and I try to spend as much of my free time with them as possible. We love to travel around Latvia, which, by the way, is a hidden gem. I was born here in Riga, the capital of Latvia, and I’m 34 years old. Fun fact: I studied IT at Riga Technical University and graduated in 2014, but I never actually worked in IT. After university, I took some time to figure out what I wanted to do, and I found myself in the iGaming world. I started in customer support, worked my way up, and now, here I am as Head of the Affiliate Department!

The real excitement (and challenge) is staying ahead of the competition and keeping affiliates happy. Every day brings something new, whether it’s juggling different partnerships, exploring fresh traffic sources, or launching new campaigns. But what keeps me going is building those long-term relationships and watching them grow. The thrill of hitting goals together - that's the real win.

I think what sets us apart is our personalised approach and support. We offer 24/7 affiliate support, which is pretty rare in this industry. We treat every affiliate like a partner, not just a number, and we work hard to adapt to each one’s needs. Sometimes, it's tricky to establish the right connection with an affiliate, but once we do, we build solid, lasting relationships. Plus, we pride ourselves on being flexible and listening to feedback - there’s always room to grow.

Fast payouts and a dedicated manager aren’t just nice features - they’re crucial. Affiliates want to know they’ll get paid on time without chasing anyone, and having a personal manager means there’s always someone in their corner. It shows we're reliable and invested in their success. Over time, that trust turns into a long-term partnership where both sides win. We’re always looking for ways to make this even smoother, too!

At Kawaii Partners and Hugo Casino, player safety and data protection are top priorities. We follow strict compliance guidelines, use advanced encryption (the kind that would make hackers cry), and work with third-party auditors to keep everything locked down. We’re fully licensed and regulated, so players can kick back knowing their data is secure. And don’t forget, we’ve got responsible gaming policies to make sure everyone’s playing safe and smart!

Of course! We're always listening to player feedback and making changes. Recently, we updated our bonuses based on what players asked for, with monthly bonuses for both new and existing players. For affiliates, we’ve made communication and payouts easier. We really value feedback from both players and affiliates - it helps us improve.

Crypto offers players anonymity, faster withdrawals, lower fees, and fewer restrictions. With no middlemen, payments are quicker and more convenient, especially in regions with stricter banking rules. It’s a win for both convenience and security.

Our VIP program is all about personalised service. Each VIP player is treated like royalty, and our team tailors promotions based on their preferences. We even have native-speaking VIP managers for different countries, like Norway, who connect with players daily. As players move up the VIP levels, they get access to exclusive rewards, events, and higher bonuses. It’s not just about giving more - it’s about giving players exactly what they want.

We’re constantly adding new games from top providers to keep things exciting. We also focus on a mix of classic favourites and the latest releases, so there’s something for everyone. Plus, we keep an eye on trends and player feedback to make sure we’re offering what our audience wants - whether it’s new slots, table games, or live dealer options.

Hugo the mascot was designed to bring some fun and positivity to the brand. We wanted something that would stand out but still feel welcoming. Hugo is that quirky, friendly figure that makes our players smile. Think of him as a laid-back, cool bird who’s always up for some adventure - and that’s the kind of vibe we want for the casino, too!

It’s easy to get started! Just register an account on our platform, and one of our team members will reach out to guide you through the process. We’re always open to new partnerships and are happy to discuss how we can grow together. Whether you’re new to affiliate marketing or an experienced partner, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Betpack has been great, they’re total pros. They deliver solid results every time and really know the industry. They’ve been a huge help in boosting our growth, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner. They always go the extra mile, which makes my job way easier!