TheGamblest recently spoke with Salvatore Martorana, the co-founder of Casino2k, an iGaming affiliate and comparison company. Casino2k recently secured the "Affiliate of the Year" award at the EGR Italy Awards 2025 and is also shortlisted for the same title at the IGA 2026. Martorana shared insights on how the company achieved these accolades.
"Casino2k is, first and foremost, a project born out of the friendship between me, Stefano Franceschetti, and Matteo Giannone," said Salvatore. The trio, who have been friends for about twenty years, share a passion for gaming. Their journey began with visits to land-based casinos and later transitioned into online gaming in 2011, following the regulation of online casinos by the Italian state authority AAMS.
Martorana recalled that before regulation, the online landscape was fraught with unreliable and often illegal websites. Their negative experiences with misleading information led to the establishment of Casino2k, a 100% Italian company aimed at providing clear and transparent information to users new to online gaming.
Today, Casino2k serves as a comprehensive information platform focused on legal online gaming in Italy, offering reviews of ADM-licensed casinos, guides on bonuses, payment methods, registration, games, and strategic advice. Salvatore believes Casino2k's strength lies in the direct support provided to users through their forum, which serves as a resource for players seeking guidance on gaming-related issues.
When discussing the evolving affiliate landscape, Martorana highlighted the importance of transparency and authority for affiliates in 2026. He pointed out three key trends:
1. Increasing regulatory scrutiny, making it essential for affiliates to navigate advertising and player protection regulations effectively.
2. A heightened focus on content quality, as players are now more informed and seek accurate information.
3. The role of artificial intelligence, which, while beneficial, cannot replace human expertise in understanding user needs.
Reflecting on the significance of the EGR award, Salvatore noted it was a personal milestone for him, affirming that their work is appreciated within the industry. He acknowledged that the recognition strengthens Casino2k's credibility and reinforces trust in their relationships with operators.
The Italian affiliate market, known for its maturity and strict regulations, poses various challenges, but Martorana believes Casino2k’s vast experience, particularly among its founders, gives it a competitive edge. He emphasized the importance of building authority in a market where SEO alone is insufficient and pointed to their forum as a means to genuinely connect with players and assist them with their issues.
Being shortlisted for the "Affiliate of the Year" at the IGA 2026 has also been a rewarding recognition for Casino2k. Martorana attributes this nomination to their consistent quality of work, growth, community relations, and the overall strength of the project, along with the positive boost from being recognized at the EGR Awards.
Martorana is aware that expanding into international markets, like Greece and Switzerland, presents growth opportunities and potential collaborations. However, he cautions that many countries are implementing strict regulations, making management more complex. Still, he sees value in their understanding of the Italian market dynamics and the ability to operate from Italy.
A potential win for “Affiliate of the Year” at IGA 2026 would be an honor for Salvatore and his team, but he maintains that their focus on service improvement and strengthening user relationships remains paramount. While awards provide validation and motivation, they are not the sole drivers of their strategy.
