From Newcomer to Power Player: A DepToWin Partners Affiliate Success Story
- Maria Emmanuelle Arnidou
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
What does it take to thrive in the fast-paced world of affiliate marketing without prior industry experience? At DepToWin Partners, we believe success comes from a mix of the right environment, strong support, and a little bit of fire.
Meet Karolina Bondarevits: one of our top-performing Affiliate Managers. When she first joined us, she was a complete newcomer to the iGaming space. Today, she’s building powerful partnerships, closing high-value deals, and proving that drive and curiosity can go a long way.
We sat down with Karolina to learn more about her journey, her challenges, and her tips for anyone looking to break into the industry.
Getting Started: Starting Affiliate Marketing Without Experience
Karolina, tell us a little about your background before joining DepToWin.
For over five years, I worked in SMM, promoting projects in the crypto, beauty, and lifestyle industries. Affiliate marketing was completely new to me, but I decided to give it a try — and ended up discovering a field that truly inspires me and aligns with my interests.
How did you find your way into the affiliate marketing world and iGaming especially?
It all happened quite unexpectedly. A friend invited me to an Estonian startup event where I met our CEO. He offered me the chance to try a new role in a completely unfamiliar field, and that’s how my journey in affiliate marketing began.
What were your biggest learning curves when starting out?
Everything was challenging at first — I understood absolutely nothing. From learning the terminology to understanding the industry itself, it was all completely new. But thanks to our amazing team, I slowly started to grasp how it all works. I’m still learning every day and know there’s so much more to discover.
Leveling Up: Skills, Growth, and Affiliate Wins
Was there a moment when you felt things clicked and you started seeing results?
The moment everything clicked for me was when I managed my first deal on my own—from sourcing the client to closing it. That experience gave me confidence and helped me gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
What skills helped you grow the most as an Affiliate Manager?
Strong communication skills were the foundation of my growth, but my eagerness to learn and develop played an equally important role. Thanks to the support of our amazing team, I gained confidence in negotiations and built stronger relationships with clients.
Can you share a proud moment from your time at DepToWin Partners?
One of my proudest moments at DepToWin Partners was closing several deals in a row successfully.
Advice for Future Affiliate Marketing Professionals & DepToWin Partners Opportunities
What do you love most about working in affiliate marketing?
What I love most about affiliate marketing is that it’s fast-paced and full of opportunities to make real connections and close big deals. It’s never boring, and I’m always pushing myself to learn more and win bigger.
What advice would you give to someone with no experience who wants to start a career in this field?
My advice is to just try, even if it feels scary. You never know how it will turn out, and this could be your true calling or the start of something great. Be curious, stay open to learning, and don’t be afraid to ask for help — growth comes from taking risks and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.
Lastly, what’s something you wish more people knew about working in iGaming Affiliate Marketing and DepToWin Partners?
I wish more people knew that iGaming Affiliate Marketing is not just about numbers and deals — it’s about building real relationships and being part of a creative, fast-moving industry. At DepToWin Partners, the team is very supportive, and everyone is encouraged to grow and try new things. It’s a place where you can truly develop both professionally and personally.
Karolina’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and the right team, anything is possible. Whether you're an aspiring affiliate manager or a brand looking to scale, success starts with the right network.
Join DepToWin Partners: the premium affiliate network where performance meets potential. With over 100 trusted online casino brands across Europe, we connect advertisers with high-converting deals and top-tier talent that gets results.
Ready to start your story?