Clemence Dujardin: “Women Want Leadership Positions”

About Clemence

Clemence Dujardin’s journey with MyAffiliates began in 2012, marking a significant shift in her career path from various industry sectors, including affiliate management and affiliate software technology companies. Currently based in Malta, she holds the esteemed position of Group CEO.

Her exceptional leadership and contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including Malta’s Best Gaming Woman Leader of the Year in 2018 and 2019 and CEO Woman Of The Year at SiGMA in 2021. Her influence in the industry was further solidified in 2023 when she was honored by iGB, securing a spot among the Top 10 Most Influential Women.

Being recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Women in the iGaming industry by iGB in 2023 is a remarkable achievement (Congrats!). Can you share what are your top recommendations for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in the iGaming / Sports Betting industry?

Clemence: Stepping into the iGaming/Sports Betting industry can be exciting and rewarding but also very challenging. For individuals looking to pursue a career in this industry, first and foremost, one must familiarise themselves with the landscape in general. Search for the key players and what they do, read about regulations in the different countries, and understand technological advancements and how they have influenced the industry’s development and emerging trends. 

Of course, staying informed about these is crucial given the ever-changing nature of the industry. One must invest in developing relevant skills. The iGaming industry is vast, and understanding data analysis, customer acquisition, and retention, marketing, affiliate marketing, compliance, etc. is critical. Of course, depending on one’s strengths and skills, enhancing competencies in software development, UX design, and finance modeling may also be very useful. While doing that, try gaining some hands-on experience through traineeship initiatives to gain skills and valuable insights about how the industry operates.

Another important aspect of joining the industry is networking. Attending industry events and connecting with people can give you a better understanding of the industry and open new doors to job opportunities.

Lastly, it’s crucial to uphold ethical and responsible gaming practices. The iGaming/Sports Betting industry involves gambling, which can have social and moral implications. Always prioritize the well-being of the customer and advocate for responsible gaming. This commitment to social responsibility is a cornerstone of the industry.

One of Betting Ladies’ past interviewees expressed her dislike for the term “a men’s world” when describing society. Do you believe this perception still holds true?

Clemence: The perception of society as “a man’s world” often comes from the systemic structures of patriarchy, where power and authority, in general, are traditionally held by men. This patriarchal system manifests itself in various manners, including unequal opportunities for women in specific industries like iGaming and sports betting, but not only.

Within these male-dominated industries, women often encounter instances of mansplaining, where their expertise or opinions are disregarded or condescendingly explained to them by their male counterparts. Mansplaining perpetuates gender stereotypes and reinforces the idea that women are less knowledgeable or capable than men in certain domains.

However, we must acknowledge that these perceptions and experiences are not universal. Many women have defied gender stereotypes and achieved success in iGaming and sports betting through their talent, hard work, and perseverance. Efforts to challenge patriarchal structures and promote gender equality are gradually reshaping the industry, creating more inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.

What do you think is missing in the iGaming and sports betting industry today? Where do you see the biggest gaps?

Clemence: I believe the iGaming industry to be one of the most dynamic and fast-responsive to changes; however, of course, nothing is ever perfect and, surely, regulation and compliance are one of the areas where there is still a lot of work to be done. While it is true that regulations exist in many jurisdictions, there are still a lot of inconsistencies and gaps in enforcement, leading to regulatory uncertainty for operators and consumers alike. Harmonizing regulations across different regions and ensuring robust compliance measures is crucial for the long-term sustainability and legitimacy of the industry.

I also see some gaps in the customer experience. When it comes to player attraction and retention, a lot more could be done to improve interfaces and enhance the overall customer experience; this includes personalizing offerings based on player preferences and providing seamless cross-platform experiences.

Also, more effort must be made to create a more diverse and inclusive industry, predominantly in leadership positions. As we have learned by now, promoting diversity not only reflects the diverse interests and preferences of players worldwide but also fosters innovation and creativity within the teams.

What is your betting/gambling style? Do you have a strategy that you follow? And what betting tips do you have for those who are starting out?

Clemence: Believe it or not, I’ve been a part of this industry for a solid 17 years, and yet, I don’t gamble. This unique perspective allows me to approach betting and gambling discussions from a more analytical and objective standpoint.

When gambling, one should not rely on gut feelings or emotions but make informed decisions based on data and analysis. This involves researching teams, players, statistics, and historical trends to identify potential value bets. I also would like to stress the importance of responsible gambling practices, including setting limits on how much to bet and avoiding chasing losses. 

It’s essential to understand that gambling involves risk, and there are no guaranteed outcomes. This comes with managing your bankroll by allocating funds wisely, diversifying your bets, and avoiding putting too much at stake on a single wager. And, of course, stay disciplined! It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of gambling, but maintaining discipline is essential. Avoid making impulsive bets or deviating from your strategy, especially during periods of losses or winning streaks.

Looking ahead, what excites you the most about the future of sports betting and iGaming?

Clemence: Looking ahead, I am looking forward to seeing several aspects of the industry developing, in particular, in the technological innovation sector, where we are yet to see how technology will further enhance the players’ experience through virtual reality and new AI predictive analytics.

With the expansion of market legalization, we should also see growing opportunities for innovation, which should provide access to new markets, foster competition, and drive improvement in regulation frameworks and consumer protection.

What do women want (in sports betting and/or iGaming)?

Clemence: Women want greater representation in the tech sector and leadership positions, starting with education initiatives that inspire younger girls. Encouraging them to see software development and other tech subjects as exciting and full of opportunities not only in our industry but across various fields. Providing responsible gambling support, appealing content, and empowering representation attract female players. By prioritizing inclusivity, empowerment, and diversity and including more women in leadership positions, the iGaming industry can create more engaging and welcoming environments for the future upcoming generation.