In iGaming, strong results are rarely accidental. Sustainable growth, scaling, and long-term partnerships are almost always driven by someone who can build processes, stay focused, and make decisions in a fast-changing environment.

In the new episode of N1 Faces, the N1 Partners team introduces Dmitry Filippov, Affiliate Team Lead (SEO) — a specialist working at the intersection of strategy, team leadership, and partner relationships. Dmitry has grown from traffic-focused roles into managing an affiliate direction, and today he’s responsible not only for performance, but also for the way the team builds communication and trust with partners.

Dmitry Filippov

Affiliate Team Lead (SEO), N1 Partners

How did you get into affiliate marketing, and when did you realize this was the field you wanted to grow in?

I first discovered affiliate marketing back in university and joined a team as a junior buyer in the nutra vertical. Since then, I’ve probably created a thousand variations of creatives for “miracle pills” — for potency, joints, blood vessels, you name it.

After graduating, I applied to around 400 jobs and eventually got an offer as a PR specialist in the Forex vertical. But even during my probation period, I realized I wanted to develop the affiliate direction inside the company.

Affiliate marketing brings together everything I genuinely enjoy: marketing, creativity, speed, people — and of course, the freedom to travel.

What brought you to N1 Partners, and what was the deciding factor?

At the time, I was exploring new opportunities for about two months while working as Head of Affiliate at a gambling affiliate network — and honestly, N1 Partners felt like love at first sight.

What made the difference was the communication and the mindset of our Head of Affiliates, Alexa Bond. After the first conversations, I immediately knew I wanted to work here — and I haven’t regretted it for a second.

I’m grateful for every team I’ve worked with along the way, but this one is hands down the best.

As a Team Lead, what’s harder: scaling team performance or scaling the team itself?

In reality, it’s always a combination. As the team grows, results grow with it. What matters most to me is that people develop both vertically and horizontally — in skills, responsibility, and confidence.

At the same time, the market is full of strong talent: people come in with great ideas, experience, and fresh perspectives.

Both challenges — growing the team and growing performance — are equally demanding, but also equally exciting. Especially because our product side is very strong: the brand portfolio and GEO coverage are constantly expanding, which makes a huge difference for affiliate managers.

How do you support the growth of managers within your team, and what skills matter most in the first few months?

Even at the interview stage, I focus primarily on soft skills. Early on, it’s crucial for me to see energy, initiative, and the ability to absorb information quickly.

The first few months are always about adaptation. And here, the key factor is motivation. Without the right onboarding foundation, results won’t follow — which is why I put a lot of emphasis on that stage.

How do you deliver tough feedback while keeping motivation and strong working relationships?

The most important thing is staying objective.

I give tough feedback quite often, but I do it in a friendly way. In most cases, it works more as a push and a motivator than as pressure.

The only people who never make mistakes are those who don’t do anything. For me, mistakes are part of the job. What matters is how a person responds and fixes the situation. A leader’s role is to explain things in a way that doesn’t kill initiative or the desire to grow.

What helps you stay balanced and clear-headed during high-pressure periods?

Travel and sports.

I played football for 10 years, but had to stop due to an injury. Now I occasionally compete at an amateur level in mixed martial arts, and in my free time I play padel.

As for travel — it’s basically an addiction. I plan my next trip while I’m still on the current one. And if I don’t have anything scheduled, the world feels about 10% less bright.

If you weren’t in iGaming…

To be continued.

But seriously — I’d still be somewhere close to this world: either in a related industry or in marketing overall. I genuinely enjoy working in fast-moving environments where things constantly evolve and every month brings new challenges.

Top-3 Blitz

Which skills will increase the value of an affiliate manager the most in the coming years?

• • Speaking multiple languages (second, third, and beyond)
• • Using AI as a practical tool
• • Strong numbers and analytics mindset
  
  

What should an affiliate pay attention to when choosing between several affiliate programs?

• • How the company shows up in the media and communicates publicly
• • Products and GEOs: what exactly is offered, and where it performs
• • The team: checking LinkedIn and seeing who’s inside — it matters when the people around you are strong drivers and motivators
  
  

What trends will impact the iGaming industry the most in 2026?

• • AI: not a replacement, but a powerful assistant. Those who learn to use it as an ally will stay on top. In SEO specifically, there’s no need to panic — everyone will adapt, including to Google AI Overviews.
• • Smaller GEOs: they will become increasingly important — often with more flexible regulation and stronger average deposits.
• • Consolidation: the trend toward teams merging into holdings will continue, and the market will keep consolidating.
  
  

Join N1 Partners

Partners who want to discuss a launch, explore tailored terms, or test an offer can reach out to Dmitry directly.

N1 Partners provides everything affiliates need to stay ahead: high-converting products, ongoing analytics with optimization recommendations, and hands-on support from managers focused on long-term performance.

N1 Partners is more than an affiliate program. As a multi-brand affiliate platform and direct advertiser, the company unites 14+ casino and betting brands, operates across Tier-1 GEOs, delivers Reg2Dep rates of up to 70%, and offers competitive deals for top partners — CPA up to €700 and RevShare up to 45%. Trusted by 14,000+ partners, N1 Partners is recognized for its transparency, flexibility, and partner-first approach — where people and communication quality remain the foundation of long-term success.