Gamblers Connect
- Founded
- 2021-01-01 in North Macedonia (Balkans)
- Headquarters
- Sliema, Malta
Gamblers Connect is an award-winning, independent B2B media platform serving the global iGaming industry. Founded in 2021 and bootstrapped from day one in the Balkans, the company has grown into a trusted source for fact-checked news, market intelligence, and verified business directories. Its editorial output spans daily news articles, long-form interviews, case studies, original research, and podcasts, covering regulation, market data, and responsible gambling innovations. The platform maintains several publicly indexed directories including online casinos, sweepstakes casinos, demo slots, game providers, B2B companies, payment solutions, and affiliate programs. Gamblers Connect also publishes three openly documented methodologies: the Responsible Gambling Index, Proof of Play operator testing, and the iHub Five Gate Verification system, which score providers, audit operators, and verify listed companies. With a lean team of 2–10 employees and headquarters in Sliema, Malta, the company has been recognised by leading industry organisations such as SiGMA, iGB, SBC, and AffPapa. In mid-2026 it completed a full technology rebuild and refreshed its brand identity under the tagline 'Gamblers Connect 3.0'.
Detailed Review
Business Model & Products
Gamblers Connect operates as a two-sided media and directory business. On the editorial side, it produces daily industry news, regulatory analysis, market reports, podcast episodes, and video content. All articles are accompanied by a “Verified Sources” panel that links factual claims directly to primary documents on the original issuer’s domain, reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency. On the directory side, the platform offers searchable, categorised listings of online casinos, sweepstakes casinos, demo slots, game providers, B2B suppliers, payment solutions, and affiliate programmes. Each listing is vetted through the iHub Five Gate Verification system, a five-point audit process that checks licensing, financial stability, responsible gambling provisions, data security, and user experience.
Key Methodologies
- Responsible Gambling Index: Scores game providers across 12 responsible gambling criteria. - Proof of Play: Hands-on testing of operator payment rails and bonus mechanics. - iHub Directory: Five-gate verification for all listed companies.
History & Growth
Gamblers Connect was founded in 2021 by Gjorgje Ristikj. The company was built entirely without external funding (bootstrapped), initially relying on pre-set content management templates. Over five years it accumulated a readership of operators, suppliers, and industry professionals across regulated markets. In June 2026, Gamblers Connect completed a full technology rebuild, launching a custom-built website with new architecture, typography, colour systems, and navigation. The same month it unveiled a refreshed brand identity (Gamblers Connect 3.0), a new logo, and a dedicated “Policies” hub that includes an Editorial Firewall, Editorial Policies, Brand Asset Library, and responsible gambling commitments.
Market Position & Recognition
Gamblers Connect is recognised by SiGMA, iGB, SBC, and AffPapa as an award-winning independent platform. Its partnership roster includes major B2B suppliers such as Slotegrator and NeverEnding Tech. The platform’s emphasis on editorial independence, verified sources, and openly published methodologies distinguishes it from traditional affiliate or media outlets. Its lean team (2–10 employees) and bootstrapped journey underline a focused, high-impact operation.
Headquarters & Operations
- Current Headquarters: Sliema, Malta - Headcount: 2–10 employees (as per LinkedIn) - Official Website: https://gamblersconnect.com/ - License / Type: Privately held, independent B2B media company.
Key Products
Gamblers Connect Media Platform
Core B2B media site delivering daily iGaming news, interviews, case studies, podcasts, and original research. Features verified directories of online casinos, sweepstakes casinos, demo slots, game providers, B2B companies, payment solutions, affiliates, and affiliate programs.
Responsible Gambling Index
Openly published methodology evaluating operator commitment to responsible gambling practices.
Proof of Play
Methodology for verifying game fairness and data integrity claims.
iHub Directory
Curated directory of B2B service providers, including game developers, payment processors, and compliance tools.
Gamblers Connect 3.0
Rebranded version launched in 2024, featuring a modernised logo, redesigned homepage, expanded news section, dedicated slot providers page, and a new advertising page with instant quote capabilities.
In-House Custom Platform
Fully custom-built website launched in June 2026, replacing pre-set templates. Includes enhanced user experience and refreshed brand identity.
Verified Sources Panel
A feature that links factual claims directly to named primary documents on the original issuer’s domain, improving transparency.
Gamblers Connect Platform
A fully custom-built, in-house website launched in June 2026, replacing earlier template-based versions. Provides all editorial content and directories.
Daily News & Editorial
Fact-checked industry news, long-form interviews, case studies, and podcasts covering iGaming regulation, market data, and insights.
Indices & Directories
Curated, verified directories of online casinos, sweepstakes casinos, demo slots, game providers, payment solutions, B2B companies, affiliates, and affiliate programs.
iHub Directory (Five Gate Verification)
A five-stage verification framework for listing B2B companies, ensuring they meet standards of legitimacy and transparency.
GC Contributors Program
A program launched in 2026 to engage guest writers and industry experts in content creation.
Podcasts & Video
Regular podcast episodes and video interviews with industry leaders.
Online Casino Directory
Verified listings of licensed online casinos, searchable by market and features.
Sweepstakes Casino Directory
Directory focused on sweepstakes-model casinos.
Demo Slots Directory
Index of free-play slot games for research and testing.
Game Provider Directory
Listings of B2B game developers with company profiles.
B2B Supplier Directory
Directory of payment solutions, platform providers, and other iGaming vendors.
Affiliate & Affiliate Program Directory
Listings of affiliate programmes and affiliates.
iHub Directory & Five Gate Verification
A curated B2B directory where each company is audited against five verification gates (licensing, financials, responsible gambling, security, user experience).
Policies Hub
Public repository of editorial policies, the Editorial Firewall, brand asset library, and responsible gambling commitments.
Offices & Headcount
6 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
Gjorgje RistikjFounder