Marga Fernandez on Adapting to Industry Trends and Leading Amigo Gaming’s Growth

CasinoRIX brings you an inside look at the dynamic world of iGaming through the lens of Marga Fernandez, Business Development Director at Amigo Gaming. With a career spanning both land-based and digital gaming, Marga shares her journey from launching one of Spain’s first online casinos to driving growth at Amigo Gaming.

Q: Hello, Marga! We’re here to talk about you, your experience in the iGaming industry, and your role as Business Development Director at Amigo Gaming. You have one of the longest backgrounds in the iGaming industry that I’ve encountered. How did it all begin? Can you describe your journey?

A: It’s been quite a journey! I began at Cirsa, helping launch the company’s first online casino, Cirsa Digital, now known as Sportium. What was supposed to be a one-month stint turned into a long-standing career in eGaming. Since then, I’ve worked with various B2C and B2B companies, learning everything from the ground up. Along the way, I’ve had incredible colleagues who have played a big role in helping me reach where I am today.

Q: Every industry goes through cycles of growth and decline. Right now, we’re seeing growth in iGaming. Have you experienced any decline cycles, and when was that?

A: The iGaming industry faced a decline around the early 2010s due to tighter regulations and increased taxation in key markets like France, Italy, and Spain. But once the regulations were well established, the iGaming industry grew up again. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the eGaming sector in Europe experienced significant growth. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, more people turned to online gaming for entertainment. Esports, in particular, saw a surge in viewership and participation as traditional sports events were canceled. However, some regions faced challenges related to regulatory scrutiny, especially around gambling behaviour, leading to tighter restrictions on online betting platforms. Overall, the pandemic accelerated the digital shift and boosted eGaming’s popularity across Europe.

Q: Why did you choose Amigo Gaming?

A: It was a real challenge for me because I had always worked in traditional, land-based gaming companies where online was just one aspect of their business. At Amigo, though, it’s 100% eGaming, and being a brand-new company, almost everything had to be built from the ground up.

Q: Three years ago, when you joined the Amigo team, what goals were set for you? Have you achieved them yet?

When I joined the Amigo team three years ago, my main goals were to contribute to the company’s growth in sales, marketing, and account management. I’m pleased to say that I’ve achieved most of these objectives, helping to expand our market presence and strengthen our overall strategy.

Q: Can you provide some data on the company’s growth, such as team size and partners?

A: Three years ago, our team at Amigo consisted of just four people. Since then, we’ve significantly expanded, with a dedicated support team in Bosnia and a total of 17 employees in our Barcelona office. This growth reflects our success and increased capacity to manage and enhance our operations.

Q: With technological progress and AI, how have you adapted your working processes? How do you use these features?

A: In game development, AI helps create more personalised user experiences and optimise player engagement. These tools have enhanced efficiency, allowing more focus on creativity and innovation in the eGaming process.

Q: What is your proudest collaboration or partnership at Amigo, and why is it so important?

A: I take pride in all the collaborations and partnerships at Amigo, as each one plays a crucial role in our success. Every partnership is important to me because they collectively contribute to our growth, innovation, and industry presence, making a significant impact on our achievements.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work at Amigo Gaming, and what would you like to change?

A: At Amigo Gaming, what I enjoy most is the creativity and innovation involved in developing engaging gaming experiences. Collaborating with talented teams to bring unique game concepts to life and seeing players enjoy them is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of the industry keeps the work exciting.

As for changes, I’d like to see even more focus on expanding into emerging markets and diversifying game offerings to cater to a broader global audience. Increasing investment in player feedback integration could also enhance the overall gaming experience.

Q: Based on your experience, what advice would you give to people starting their careers?

A: I would advise them to stay adaptable to changes, do a lot of networking, be costume focused, understand regulations, and above all, they must learn to deal with frustration.

Q: What are your hobbies? How do you like to spend your free time?

A: I actually dance in a company. I love dancing because it allows me to disconnect from daily problems and immerse myself in the moment. Being part of a company adds to the joy, as I can share the passion with others, express myself creatively, and find freedom through movement and rhythm.

Q: And our last must-ask question: Do you play at the casino? What’s your biggest win? And which game is your favourite?

A: I’ve never played at an online casino, but I did try my luck once with a $1 bet at a Las Vegas casino. It was more about the experience than winning. I don’t have a favourite game since I’m more focused on the industry from a professional standpoint.