A TEESSIDE-based agency has got its man – in the form of a five-figure contract with premium bookmaker Fitzdares – delivering its digital strategy and SEO for operations in Canada.
Affili8, which specialises in iGaming and the betting industry, expects to hit £1million turnover in the next 12 months – a meteoric rise for a company started during the pandemic.
Affili8 has burst through the targets set in its initial business plan and is now working with operators, iGaming businesses and affiliates in the UK, USA, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa and Romania, as well as Canada.
Fitzdares which markets itself as the ‘world’s finest bookmaker’ and was started by the superbly named entrepreneur Balthazar Fabricius, who wanted to create a luxury brand that put some of the glamour and excitement back into gambling.
Balthazar gained financial backing from, among others, Ben and Zac Goldsmith, and the firm is now an established as one of the finest betting sites in the gambling industry offering a bespoke personal service to its customers.
While always bearing in mind the need to promote responsible gambling, Fitzdares radiates the essence of the old-style luxury gentlemen’s club – with handshakes, and a classy ‘my word is my bond’ vibe.
The company, based at LevelQ in Stockton, was started by three friends, company directors, Chris O’Rourke, Richard Paget and Chris Sutherland, who all had many years of experience in the industry.
Chris O’Rourke said: “We’re excited to be working with Fitzdares again they are such a unique brand with a great heritage in the iGaming sector. We initially worked on a project with their UK sportsbook back in 2021 and we’ve maintained a relationship ever since.”
“They acquired a Canadian (Ontario) licence in 2022 and we look forward to helping them establish themselves in what has quickly become a very competitive Canadian market.”
Tristan Wootton, Fitzdares’ Director of Growth, said: “We’re delighted to work with Affili8 on our first launch outside of Europe.
“The Team understands our brand ethos and not only solves one of our many headaches as we scale the business, but is also helping to educate our teams on best industry practice.
“We’re passionate about supporting British businesses like Affili8, so this is a win-win.”
Chris said: “Fitzdares is a wonderful brand to represent – it has personality and kudos in a very crowded market. However we’ve been getting fantastic results for all of our clients, enabling them to compete with the more established big-name brands.
“That has enabled us to expand with key appointments, including a new head of SEO, bringing the workforce to 11.
“It has been an amazing and intense journey for Affili8 so far – and long may it continue. “