Affiliate Manager Interview Series: Stefanie Johnson Gould - BetCroc Affiliates

**GPWA Dan** · 14 March 2012, 12:07 pm

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When did BetCroc launch its casino and affiliate program? What kind of feedback have you received from players and affiliates so far? <ins cite="mailto<img src=" images="" smilies="" icon_biggrin.gif="" border="0" alt="" title="Very Happy" smilieid="3" class="inlineimg"></ins>

We have just recently launched. Players are very happy with the betcroc.com gaming experience, service and offerings and affiliates love the support they get. We have personal relationships with our affiliates; we consider them part of the BetCroc family. Our relationships are not just online, but we are also connected through Skype regularly and some of our affiliates have even visited BetCroc in Costa Rica.

One of BetCroc's selling points is that your management, including your president, Rory Hascall, have a background in brick-and-mortar casinos in Las Vegas. How does that experience translate to an online casino environment?

At BetCroc we have a true understanding of what the gambler wants in a gaming experience. Because we’ve been responsible for millions of dollars in revenues at all the best casinos, such as MGM Resorts, Harrah’s Entertainment and Station Casinos, we quite simply know what works. We have a different approach to rewarding our players, celebrating their winnings and developing personal relationships ?all critical to our success.

What prompted you, and other members of the BetCroc team, to decide to take the leap from the brick-and-mortar to the online business?And why Costa Rica?

Las Vegas and its primarily U.S. player base was an amazing career location for every senior member of the BetCroc team. With other projects slated soon in Costa Rica, the global gaming arena seemed a natural next step. With iGaming on the rise, we decided it was time to join this worldwide winning industry.

You've been with BetCroc for only a few months. How would you compare this experience thus far to your time with Harrah's, New York - New York and the Station Casinos?

It has been a learning experience at every turn and I am loving it. While there are fundamentally the same core desires of the players, the delivery of the gaming experience is different. Suppliers, recruiting and the medium itself by which we engage the players have all had to be relearned in some cases. I have had to ramp up very quickly in a new industry, build relationships and deliver results without the massive budgets and support mechanisms of the big boys in Las Vegas.

How did the events of "Black Friday" affect BetCroc's plans? Had you ever planned on accepting U.S. players?

Really they have only helped BetCroc. We have never had a desire to attract the U.S. market and still do not. Affiliates and players have appreciated this by flocking to BetCroc, knowing that we are legitimate and will not risk our integrity, their deposits, winnings and/or commissions and will be here for the long haul.

BetCroc Affiliates offer a 30 percent revenue share plan with no negative carryover. What were the factors that went into the decision to only do revenue share deals with affiliates?

At the end of the day, we want to keep things simple and transparent and not cloud “true?commission percentages with chargebacks, deductions and marketing expenses that are variable in nature, which is why we are offering the 30 percent as an initial offering to give affiliates the ability to try the simple approach as a Croc Affiliate. Affiliates will quickly be able to see what they are really earning, comparing it side by side to other offerings. We are quite certain that BetCroc is a better bet financially for affiliates and their players. Revenue share is something we have chosen as it is also clear and concise. We win-you win revenue share creates the business environment which we like to “share in?with affiliates.

What distinguishes the BetCroc brand from other online gaming companies? And what distinguishes BetCroc Affiliates from other affiliate programs?

The BetCroc brand is one of integrity, innovation and truly personal service. Players and affiliates alike can reach us directly; we will give straight answers and be transparent. We love to hear from everyone, implementing suggestions and great thinking all the time. We do not pretend to have all the answers, and we listen well. We appeal to every type of player. We will maintain a rich portfolio of the best casino games and some will soon to be offered with live dealers. We also have great odds in our sportsbook with Rory Hascall, our president, personally making our lines daily and all major tracks covered for our race enthusiasts complement the casino perfectly.

How do you ensure that payments are sent out on time? And when do your payments go out?

Affiliate payments are to be received by the affiliates by the 10<sup>th</sup> of each month. We monitor this electronically and have a team of dedicated professionals who personally monitor this as well. Check and double-check. We take into account the major worldwide holidays and naturally weekends and adjust our schedule accordingly so that affiliates know what to expect every month like clockwork.

What have you learned in your short time in the online side of the gambling industry? What do you know now that you wish you had known when you decided to make the leap to the online industry?

I have learned that online gaming is a robust industry unto itself with new and exciting professionals with whom to interface. I personally wish I would have started building my iGaming relationships earlier in my career instead of having to develop them after I made the leap.

Where do you think the industry will be in five years?

Thriving, no doubt. With growth year over year still the reality, I do see this trend continuing and wish to have a long career with BetCroc. Some operators will go legitimate and credible companies will survive and be stronger than ever. So, fewer but stronger operators doing the right thing by players and affiliates is what I see.

What are your impressions of Costa Rica? How does it compare to California or Las Vegas?

I love the “Pura Vida?of Costa Rica. The living of life is so important to its people and is evident in their graciousness and warmth. The beach and amazing rain forest on the Central Pacific Coast where BetCroc is located are not bad, either. Las Vegas and California will always be considered home, but Costa Rica is a real jewel.

What are your favorite places to go, whether it be for business or on vacation?

I just returned from a vacation in Montana. Love the wide open spaces, wildlife and breathtaking nature. God’s splendor on display.

What was your favorite part of working on the Las Vegas Strip? Is there anything about Las Vegas that you miss?

Oh, I still love Las Vegas. One of my favorite things about Las Vegas is the culture of “change.?Something is always changing, being built or imagined and then actually executed. It never slows or settles in like some places. My family is all in Las Vegas, so yes, I miss them and Las Vegas because they are all there.

What’s the best movie food?

Fun question. Twizzlers. They are low fat, but you still get some sugar so they are a real treat on special occasions. Okay, that sounded very WeightWatchers didn’t it?

What is the last book you read? Did you enjoy it? And did you read it on an e-reader? Or do you need to have a copy of the physical book in your hand?

I like a physical book, to be honest, but I have been talking Kindle lately because physical books stack up at home. I am reading a series called Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.

What is your favorite movie?

Easy ?Top Gun, of course. What does that tell you about my age?

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

Fergie ?“Big Girls Don’t Cry.?There is so much to be thankful for, why spend your time crying?

If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go?

Tahiti. Love the over-the-water bungalow pictures. Seems my husband and I would have an amazing time.

If you could have dinner with three other people, living or dead, who would they be?

Jesus Christ, Bill Gates and Richard Stearns (president of World Vision).

What are three things that no one knows about you?

I was the center on my high-school basketball team.

I was responsible for a million-dollar party at New York - New York for the grand opening of Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil.

I have a Doberman named Cinder and she is so very loving.

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