From Poker Player to iGaming Executive

In this interview with Joonas Karhu, CEO of one of the leading gambling affiliate websites, he shares some key learnings he has picked up on his journey from poker player to CEO.

How have you applied poker strategies to your decision-making processes in the iGaming industry?

JK: Poker teaches you to analyse situations deeply and anticipate various outcomes. I use similar analytical skills in business to evaluate market opportunities and make informed decisions. This approach helps craft adaptable and responsive strategies to market changes, much like adjusting one’s play in a poker game.

In poker, managing risk is crucial. How does this translate to risk management in the business side of the gambling industry?

JK: Risk management is vital in both fields. In the gambling industry, we use data-driven approaches to minimise risks and maximise returns, similar to calculating odds in poker. This involves understanding the numbers and interpreting market dynamics and customer preferences.

In poker, reading opponents is vital. How does this translate to reading market trends and consumer behaviour in iGaming?

JK: Understanding the market is very much akin to reading an opponent in poker. We constantly assess market trends to tailor our services effectively. This includes understanding customer needs, monitoring competitor moves, and adapting to technological advancements, which are crucial for staying ahead in the competitive iGaming sector.

In poker, bluffing is a strategy. In business, transparency is key. How do you balance these contrasting approaches?

JK: While bluffing is part of poker, transparency builds trust and fosters long-term relationships in business. We maintain open communication with stakeholders while strategically positioning our brand, ensuring our marketing and service delivery are honest yet compelling.

How do the concepts of patience and timing in poker apply to strategic planning and market entry in the iGaming sector?

JK: Just as in poker, timing is everything in business. We carefully plan our moves, ensuring market entries and expansions are well-timed. This strategic patience allows us to capitalise on opportunities at the right moment, much like waiting for the right hand in poker."

Poker requires emotional control. How important is this skill in managing business negotiations and relationships in the iGaming industry?

JK: Emotional control – and emotional intelligence in general – is critical in both poker and business. It helps maintain composure during negotiations, manage teams effectively, and make rational decisions under pressure. This skill is crucial for navigating the ups and downs of the iGaming industry – which is pretty common as players sometimes win a lot, as I recently discussed in another article.

In poker, every loss is a learning opportunity. How do you apply this philosophy to business setbacks and challenges?

JK: Losses are inevitable but educational in both poker and business. We analyse our setbacks to improve strategies and avoid similar mistakes in the future. This approach fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation within our organisation. SEO, which we focus on, has a lot of similarities to poker, as both are ultimately about constant optimisation.

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