As the Norwegian iGaming market continues to mature, platforms like Kongebonus are evolving alongside it. What began as a growing, informal operation has developed into a structured, specialist-driven editorial team focused on depth, accuracy and player-first reporting. With expanding coverage across news, reviews, community and regulatory analysis, Kongebonus has sharpened both its methodology and its standards. We spoke with David Nilsen, Editor-in-Chief at Kongebonus about how the team has transformed in recent years, the challenges of scaling with integrity, and the mindset and capabilities that will define its next phase of growth.
How would you describe the Kongebonus team today, and how it has evolved over the past couple of years?
The biggest shift has been how structured and specialised the team has become. In the early days, like many growing platforms, things were more informal. Over the past few years, we have brought in more experienced writers, researchers and industry professionals, which has significantly raised the quality of our content. Today, we cover every angle of iGaming, from in-depth casino reviews and game analysis to industry news and regulatory developments, and we do it with a clear editorial structure behind the scenes. The content team is where we have seen the most growth, both in size and expertise, and stepping into the Editor-in-Chief role allows me to further strengthen how we work editorially and continue raising the standard of what we publish.
What skills or experience matter most when building a team behind a player-focused iGaming news and community platform like Kongebonus?
The number one characteristic is mindset. We look for people who genuinely want to dig deep, verify facts and put players first in everything they produce. Skills can be developed, but the attitude of wanting to get things right is essential. Many on the team come from iGaming backgrounds such as customer support or operational roles, which means they understand how platforms work and what players actually experience. That practical knowledge is invaluable when we test sites and games across our structured review process, which includes scoring operators and products against a detailed set of criteria. We also benefit from team members with writing, streaming and community management backgrounds, which helps us stay close to how players engage with content.
Kongebonus works across news, community and industry analysis. How do different backgrounds within the team help shape the way you cover the market and engage with players?
Our strength comes from combining different perspectives under one methodology. Some team members understand the operational side of iGaming, others come from content, research or community environments, and that mix allows us to look at the market from more than one angle. We do not just repeat what operators say, we test platforms, analyse mechanics and look at how changes in regulation affect real players. Our methodology is constantly evolving, especially as the Norwegian regulatory landscape develops. That means our coverage stays relevant, practical and grounded in what players actually need to know.
What’s been the biggest challenge in scaling the Kongebonus team so far, and how have you addressed it?
The biggest challenge has been finding people who fit our standards. We set a very high bar for factual accuracy, depth and integrity, and not every writer coming from other environments is used to that level of scrutiny. In parts of the industry, content can be produced quickly with less emphasis on detail, but that is not how we operate. We have had to be selective, sometimes taking more time to train the right people rather than rushing hires. Over time, this has helped us build a team that understands our principles and works within a consistent, quality-driven framework.
Looking ahead, what kind of people or capabilities will be most important as Kongebonus continues to develop its role in the Norwegian iGaming market?
Maintaining and strengthening our editorial standards will be key, and my leadership will play a significant role in that. As the market advances, especially from a regulatory and product perspective, we need people who are comfortable working with detail, who care about accuracy, and who understand the importance of separating editorial judgment from commercial relationships. Continuing to build around that mindset is what will keep Kongebonus distinct in the Norwegian market. Our goal is not just to grow, but to keep evolving while staying true to the principles that set us apart.