Welcome to the second installment of our exclusive interview series, iGaming Kati Yetu, where we bring you in-depth conversations with key figures from the iGaming world. Today, we’re thrilled to feature Job Weku, Business Development Manager Africa at FAZI. Get an inside look at Job’s journey, career decisions, and expert advice on navigating the dynamic iGaming industry.
Job Weku’s Journey in iGaming
Job’s entry into iGaming began with a tech-focused company.
It all started in a company which we used to provide tech services, and the team was young, vibrant and willing to explore any business related to tech. We could study betting business, create a pool of funds and place bets with companies with the aim of learning the business
This exploration led to developing systems capable of handling deposits, matching stakes with odds, and managing payouts.
Eventually we ended up with a betting engine and proceeded with license acquisition.
Early tasks were focused on learning and securing the right providers. As the company, Betika, grew, Job’s responsibilities evolved to include customer service and game guidance. He recalls,
To be honest, the first few days of the stuff we did were very messy. We didn’t know any better and at that time, resources were very limited, but it paid off eventually.
Over the years, Job has worked with various iGaming companies, expanding his industry knowledge.
The best decision
For Job, a pivotal moment was a temporary shift to IT management.
Partway into my product career, I made a temporary switch to IT management. The organization needed help with Business Development Management, so I applied and got the role. This put me in more direct contact with customers than ever before — gathering up their concepts, solutions and I was exposed to products like mobile banking, ticketing systems, payment solutions and project management. From then on, I wanted more.
This experience broadened his understanding of customer needs and informed his approach to product prioritization.
If he could turn back time
Reflecting on his career path, Job acknowledges some uncertainty.
Looking back over my career, I would not say it has been an ideal fit for my personality and interests. Still, I occasionally wonder, what if I had chosen differently or fate had dealt me a slightly different hand?
However, he also emphasizes the importance of time management.
I as well would have learned time management strategies from the beginning. About 6 years ago, I read a fantastic book on time management at work that really helped me come up with strategies that worked for me. I now have a great system that helps me prioritize tasks and break large projects down into smaller goals.
Advice for newcomers
Job encourages those entering the iGaming industry to recognize its depth.
The gaming industry is more than what meets the eye. It’s a dynamic field with endless possibilities for creative and ambitious individuals. Remember, your unique skills and passion can shape a fulfilling career in this ever-evolving sector. So gear up, get ready to learn, and embrace the exciting journey ahead in the world of gaming!
He stresses that success requires the right skills, qualifications, and mindset, along with a commitment to staying updated on industry trends.
Building a personal brand
Job advises transparency and alignment when building a personal brand in iGaming affiliation.
It’s important to be transparent with your audience. Make it clear that you may receive compensation for promoting certain products or services; to help build trust and ensure that you’re only promoting products that you truly believe in. Choose products and services that align with your personal brand and values. Build strong relationships with your partners.
Strategies for responsible gambling
To help players control their budget and avoid gambling problems, Job recommends:
Establish personal limits on the amount of time and money spent on gambling. Stay aware of any signs that may indicate a developing gambling problem. If gambling starts to feel out of control or becomes a source of distress, seek help promptly.
What mistakes do influencers make most often?
Job highlights several common mistakes:
- they focus more on user registration rather than deposits,
- they work with fixed commission commercial models instead of betting on a RevShare model,
- they reach for deceiving tactics of promising what they cannot deliver, to lure users into converting,
- they often miss out on timing by either starting too early, or again too late, and therefore miss the most valuable traffic and volumes, especially important to bear in mind when launching a campaign tied to a specific sports event,
- using the wrong language within creatives; written in a language that’s not the official or spoken language of the country they are running your campaign on,
- they often fail to include call to action (CTA) on landing page and making landings too stiff, thus failing to convert users.
Summary iGaming Kati Yetu #2
Job Weku’s journey from tech enthusiast to Head of Business Africa at FAZI Online Casino offers valuable insights into the iGaming industry. His emphasis on customer understanding, responsible gambling, and strategic brand building provides a roadmap for success in this dynamic field.
Stay tuned for more interviews in the iGaming Kati Yetu series!
