"Você deve ter conhecimento local" - Juan Carlos Ortiz Diaz

Juan Carlos Ortiz Diaz, Marketing Director at Unik, joins the latest series of affiliate interviews at Affiliate Grand Slam

Juan Carlos Ortiz Diaz, director of 247 Apuestas Mexico, Unik Marketing, talks about the gambling scene in Latin America, with reference to Mexico. He talks about Mexican legislation and how it affects online gambling. He highlights the importance of knowing the language, culture, and what the target audience wants – follow his story below.

How did 247 Apuestas Mexico take off? What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?

We were looking for a set of affiliate sites to support Spanish speakers in the Americas, including Canada, the USA, and all Latin American countries. When starting out, I would like to have more knowledge of sites with payment methods that work throughout Latin America.

What sets you apart from other affiliates?

We speak the Spanish spoken in Latin America and our entire team is located in Latin America. My entire team and I are from Mexico. We understand Latin America, we understand the sports that people enjoy here, and we are part of that culture.

What makes your traffic proposition/traffic sites unique?

Our websites are built in Spanish and we market real-life Latin American sports and personalities.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing?

To grow organically with Google.

Which markets are you looking at as a priority and why? Do you see any potential in emerging markets?

As our team is Mexican, we departed from Mexico. We are now marketing to Spanish speakers throughout the Americas, with a number of unique websites to cover all jurisdictions.

What is the iGaming landscape like in Latin America?

He is very young and young. It’s just starting out, but it has huge potential with large populations that are increasingly online.

What is the status of Mexican legislation regarding online gambling? How does this affect affiliates?

You need to have a partnership with a local land-based casino to have a legal online offer. The legislation does not have much impact on affiliates at this stage.

Are there any limitations or specific requirements imposed on online gambling operators and/or affiliates in Mexico?

As above, to get paid to work with Mexican currency, you need to partner with a local casino and hold a Mexican license.

Which niches work best for your affiliate marketing, and which are the most profitable?

Organic SEO is a long journey, but it pays off in the long run.

What qualities and skills are essential in an affiliate team/company?

You need to know your SEO, you need to partner with the best operators who treat you as a partner and work with you for the long term.

How does technology play a role in your daily life?

Technology is a big part, from SEO to website hosting, website security, etc.

What does it take for an affiliate business to thrive?

You need to work with trusted partners who have a product that is suitable for the jurisdictions you are promoting, and you must have local knowledge.

What are your predictions for the future of the sector, especially in Latin America?

Everyone is talking about Latin America being the new growth region for online betting; It will grow, but there are a number of different countries, each with its own particular requirements.

How do you choose your carriers and how do you manage relationships with multiple carriers?

We choose operators that offer a local product and that have local payment methods. Trusted partners are also vital, as there are cowboys out there.

What is your approach in the early stages of a new partnership?

We sign them up and promote them based on their expertise and help in each jurisdiction in which we operate.

Have you ever been to SiGMA? SiGMA Europe, Africa, Asia or the Americas – which of these four exhibition programs would you likely book in your diary for 2021, if COVID-19 allowed?

Yes, I have been to SiGMA Europe and if COVID-19 allows, I would also like to participate in SiGMA Americas.

Tell us a little about yourself – after all, business is done with people, not just companies! Your hobbies, favorite book, favorite quote, if you like games, etc.

Well, after a long day of work and Skype meetings, my hobby is watching my favorite soccer team, CBTis 232, train. CBTis 232 is a professional football team in the fourth division whose players are between 14 and 16 years old. We, 247apuestas Mexico, are the sponsors of this team. The dream of these children is to one day play in the Mexican first division and we believe in them. I also love riding my horse whenever possible.

Read more about SiGMA Affiliate Grand Slam here.

SiGMA Virtual Americas 2021:

The SiGMA Americas Virtual show will take place from September 13 to 14, 2021. Features include a fully interactive exhibition floor, networking chat rooms, and a lineup of top-notch speakers. Check the agenda or check who is on the floor plan.