With thousands of betting sites competing for attention, customer acquisition costs in the casino industry are astronomically high.
Instead of spending millions on traditional TV ads, casinos pay independent website owners to send them traffic.
The Mechanics of Getting Paid
If a player clicks the affiliate’s link, registers an account, and deposits money, the affiliate earns a commission.
Under a RevShare deal, the marketer becomes a partner with the casino, taking a cut (usually 25% to 45%) of the referred player’s net losses for life.
- Affiliates only get paid on the ‘Net Gaming Revenue,’ meaning the casino deducts the cost of bonuses and licensing taxes first
- If a referred player wins a massive jackpot, it can push the affiliate’s account balance into the negative
- Most programs implement a ‘No Negative Carryover’ policy, wiping the slate clean at the start of every month
The Dark Side of Promoting Gambling
Because RevShare ties the affiliate’s income directly to the financial ruin of the player, it is a highly controversial business model.
Responsible affiliates heavily promote safe gambling practices and only partner with strictly regulated, legitimate operators.
| Affiliate Tactic | Ethical Approach | Unethical Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Casino Reviews | Honest breakdown of terms and RTP | Hiding predatory bonus rules |
| Marketing Angle | Promoting as entertainment | Promoting as a way to get rich quick |
While the industry is incredibly lucrative, it is highly competitive and closely scrutinized by government regulators.
