Joonas Karhu is among the most notable names in the UK iGaming industry. He is the CEO of Bojoko.com, one of the country’s biggest affiliate platforms. What you might not know is that Karhu’s entrance to the world of gambling was through poker. For years, he was an active tournament grinder.
In this interview, Joonas Karhu will share his fascinating journey from adrenaline-fueled poker tables to the forefront of innovation in the iGaming industry. We will look at the driving forces behind his transition, the principles that shape his leadership, and the aspirations guiding Bojoko.com towards new horizons of success.
Can you share more about your journey into poker and the format you played during that period?
My poker journey began in 2005, primarily focusing on 9-person table tournaments. I was particularly fond of the slower, deep-stack formats, though I also explored small cash games to broaden my experience.
After several years of honing my skills and navigating the game’s intricacies, I transitioned into roles within the gambling industry, including a stint as a croupier for the Finnish monopoly Veikkaus.
However, I always had business in mind. Following my studies at JAMK University of Applied Sciences, I ventured into project management roles within gambling operators. Eventually, I found my way to Bojoko.com, where I first served as the Chief Business Officer and eventually took over the reins as CEO.
That sounds like quite the adventure. What would you say was the most important lesson you learned from your days as a poker player?
One of the most significant lessons from my poker days was mastering pressure management amidst volatile economic shifts. Transitioning to the operator side, I encountered periods akin to the swings in poker, where businesses faced substantial losses. My poker background equipped me with the resilience to navigate these fluctuations, teaching me the importance of calculated risk-taking, analytical prowess, and adaptive strategies, skills crucial both in poker and business.
My background in poker also instilled in me a profound understanding of risk management, decision-making amidst uncertainty, and the paramount importance of adaptability. These principles have profoundly influenced my leadership approach at Bojoko.com. Like poker, the online iGaming market is constantly in flux, necessitating the ability to anticipate and swiftly respond to changes.
Your understanding of the gambling world from your poker days has undoubtedly shaped Bojoko’s approach. Can you elaborate on that?
My journey through the gambling industry has instilled in me a deep appreciation for prioritizing player experience and seamless gambling interactions. Over the years, I’ve encountered numerous subpar user experiences, motivating me to ensure that Bojoko’s platform operates smoothly for users and the casinos we promote.
Bojoko.com has experienced substantial growth under your stewardship. To what do you attribute this success?
Our success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, we’ve always prioritized user experience and transparency, ensuring our platform is user-friendly and provides valuable information. Many companies talk about putting the player first, but we do it through our custom filters that allow users to find the best brands suited to their tastes and needs. Secondly, our team comprises talented individuals who are passionate about their work and dedicated to driving industry innovation. Finally, our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and embracing emerging technologies has conferred us with a competitive advantage.
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