Affilka and Gaming Operations Academy Launch Affiliate Training 2026

Affilka unveiled a new partnership with Gaming Operations Academy, a specialist training provider for the global iGaming sector. The collaboration strengthens affiliate management expertise through a three-day programme running from 13 to 15 January 2026, giving iGaming professionals hands-on insight into building, scaling, and optimising affiliate programmes based on real operational experience.

The Affiliate Management Course is primarily aimed at affiliate managers working on the operator side, covering the full scope of responsibilities involved in managing affiliate programmes – from partner recruitment and deal negotiation to performance analysis and long-term relationship building.

At the same time, it provides value for marketing managers, business owners, HR professionals, and affiliates seeking a deeper understanding of how affiliate channels operate and how traffic quality can be assessed more effectively.

Anastasiya Baravaya, CEO at Affilka by SOFTSWISS, comments: “Affiliate management today requires much more than traffic acquisition. It spans strategy, trust, data, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing market. Partnering with Gaming Operations Academy allows us to share practical experience from working with hundreds of brands and affiliate teams, helping participants build programmes that are sustainable, transparent, and commercially successful.”

The programme combines operational best practices with strategic insight, guiding participants through the practical decisions involved in managing affiliate programmes. Using real-world examples, it examines how affiliates are selected and engaged, how deals are negotiated under different constraints, and how performance is measured in a sustainable way.

It also covers risk management and commission structures, with a strong focus on building affiliate programmes that align commercial objectives with regulatory and responsible gaming requirements.

Elaine Gardiner-Ruddock, Managing Director at TAG Media and Affiliate Management Academy Course Director, comments: “Affiliate managers today are expected to perform a constant balancing act – driving growth in an increasingly competitive market while navigating regulatory pressure and a rapidly evolving affiliate landscape. The real challenge isn’t scale, but sustainability: building strategies that attract the right partners, adapt to changing engagement models, and remain resilient over the long term. This course empowers affiliate managers to make informed, data-driven decisions using proven methods for recruiting, scaling, and optimising affiliates. Partnering with Affilka allows us to bring these methods to life through real-world scenarios, giving managers the tools and insights needed to execute smarter and more effectively.”

Gaming Operations Academy delivers CPD (Continuing Professional Development)–accredited, industry-led education tailored to the global gaming sector. Its programmes support companies at every stage of growth – from start-ups to established operators – across affiliate management, online gaming, sports betting, compliance, AML, and responsible gaming.

As part of its wider commitment to supporting affiliate professionals, Affilka by SOFTSWISS will also attend iGB Affiliate Barcelona on 20-21 January. Current and prospective partners are welcome to meet the team at stand 81-K30 to discuss affiliate strategy, programme optimisation, and how Affilka by SOFTSWISS supports scalable, data-driven affiliate management.