Maksym Baksheiev

Cardmates CEO

Howdy! I’m Maksym, Cardmates CEO and a long-standing iGaming expert. Being in charge here, my key role is to ensure the all-around development of the project. From driving the team toward strategic goals to setting content strategy, my reigning hands are everywhere. Not to brag, but there is a decade's experience in online poker & casino fields behind my back, which gave me a profound understanding of the gambling industry from a player's standpoint. This has become a powerful foundation for building a strong, dynamic iGaming platform.

My Experience

Made my first steps in the world of online gambling long before my time at Cardmates: it all started with poker. The unparalleled experience that I’ve gained over the years in poker sites has allowed me to know the game from the inside. My interests also spread to slots and some fast-paced casino entertainment (heart-to-heart, I love Plinko). Later on, this has become a core part of my professional activity. Got particularly interested in:

• iGaming marketing landscape
• engaging with the audience
• team management
• creating digital content

What I Bring to the Table

Primarily, create a strong and prosperous ecosystem around the brand and space where everyone is part of a single community. This way, I can share my experience and knowledge with anyone who loves the game as much as I do.

I’m also working to ensure that the team is perfectly coordinated and the content is up-to-date, comprehensible, and valuable for UK-based readers. Following industry news and upcoming trends is my kind of religion – no buzz gets by me. Committed to keeping a close eye on any regulatory changes, which is a must for such a strict market as the UK. Involved with day-to-day functions, bring positivity to those around me (our team).

My Work at Cardmates

A CEO’s role doesn’t limit my responsibilities to management alone. (My creative spirit simply wouldn't bear that routine 🥸) Activities are actually quite diverse and cover several directions: strategic growth, content development and partnerships. Here’s what I precisely do as a driving force behind Cardmates:

• Shape strategic direction. Set short-term goals and define a long-term vision that helps boost performance and secure the project's overall growth. If I see that something doesn't flow as planned, a new direction blueprint pops up immediately.
• Oversee content strategy. Ensure that all content published on the site fully aligns with our goals, is valuable and relevant for UK readers. See to it that it complies with safe gambling and advertising standards of the current market. Approve key topics, like online casino reviews, adjust content where necessary.
• Negotiate partnership deals. Coordinate cooperation with iGaming operators and onward affiliate agreements. Consider potential partners based on licensing, brand reputation among the UK audience and feedback. Supervises that partnering brands are presented on the site in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Promote the brand. This comes down to reinforcing the site's image as the trusted portal among users through expert and timely content, assorted initiatives, and constant improvements. Eager to turn Cardmates into a recognisable brand among casino and poker players in the UK.
• Coordinate cross-team efforts. Ensure smooth collaboration between the editorial group, SEO specialists, illustrators and tech department. Check how they manage their own realms, lend a helping hand. We often exchange experience and insights within the team, which fosters new, innovative decisions and strengthens individual backgrounds.

For me, cardmates.co.uk is not just a website, but a dynamic project that evolves with players and the UK market. The important task on my shoulders is to make it strong, modern and effective for everyone passionate about the iGaming world. While so, my sharp perception is that gambling should be responsible before it is entertaining.