Welcome to the fourth installment of iGaming Kati Yetu, our interview series spotlighting key figures in the iGaming world. Today, we’re delighted to feature Maha Otu, an innovative leader and the youngest director in Nigeria’s iGaming industry, with over four years of experience in digital technology, product development, and gaming. Let’s delve into Maha’s iGaming journey and her expert insights.
Maha Otu’s Journey in iGaming
Maha’s entry into the iGaming industry was rooted in direct customer engagement. As she explains:
I began my journey in the customer service department, directly engaging with customers and resolving their concerns. Being ambitious and driven, I continuously invested in expanding my knowledge and skill set. This dedication helped me secure the role of Team Lead at Betwinner. Through consistent hard work and diligence, I progressed further and was appointed as a Director.
The best career decision – Embracing challenges
For Maha, the best decision was accepting the role of Director when the opportunity arose. She states:
The best decision I made was accepting the role of Director when the opportunity came. At that moment, I had doubts about whether I was truly ready, as the responsibilities seemed overwhelming. However, I chose to embrace the challenge rather than let fear or uncertainty hold me back. I pushed past self-doubt, focused on growth, and committed to proving myself through hard work and dedication. Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t let negative thoughts dictate my path. Taking that leap not only shaped my career but also reinforced my belief in resilience, adaptability, and continuous self-improvement.
Reflections – Skill acquisition
Looking back, Maha emphasizes the importance of acquiring versatile skills early in her career. She says:
If I could go back in time, I would focus more on acquiring in-demand skills while in university. At the time, I was solely focused on my field of study, assuming my career path would naturally align with it. I didn’t explore other opportunities or consider how versatile my skills could be. However, after graduating and realizing the limited job prospects in my industry, I took action, adapted, and pursued new opportunities. Looking back, I’m grateful for that decision, but I now understand the importance of skill acquisition from an early stage.
Advice for aspiring iGaming professionals
Maha’s advice for those entering the iGaming industry is straightforward:
Stay adaptable and informed. The industry is evolving rapidly with new regulations, technologies, and player expectations. Whether you’re entering as an affiliate, marketer, developer, or operator, continuously learning and staying ahead of trends will give you a competitive edge. Also, connect with like-minded individuals and people who are already manifesting the success you hope to achieve. This will motivate you, and you can learn as you grow in the industry.
Building a personal brand in iGaming affiliation
When it comes to building a personal brand in iGaming affiliation, Maha recommends the following strategies:
- network strategically – utilize platforms like LinkedIn and attend industry events to expand your network,
- find your niche – connect with people with similar interests to learn from and collaborate with,
- tell your story – share your journey and experiences whenever you have the opportunity. Don’t hold back,
- be intentional – define what you want people to know you for and how you want to be perceived, and align your actions accordingly.
Strategies for responsible gaming
Maha underscores the importance of responsible gaming practices:
- Set a budget & stick to it – determine a budget for gaming and adhere to it strictly.
- Use responsible gaming tools – utilize responsible gaming tools if available on the gaming platform.
- Never chase losses – avoid trying to recover losses by gambling more.
- Track spending & time – monitor both the money and time spent on gaming activities.
- Entertainment first – remember that your entertainment and happiness should not depend on gaming.
Maha Otu’s journey and insights offer valuable guidance for navigating the iGaming industry. Her emphasis on embracing challenges, continuous learning, and responsible gaming provides a roadmap for success.
Stay tuned for more interviews in the iGaming Kati Yetu series!
