How iGaming Affiliates Get Paid
RevShare, CPA, hybrid and fixed placement fees, and what each one means for the reader of a review.
What Affiliate Marketing Means in iGaming
iGaming affiliates are publishers that send players to online casinos and betting sites and are paid by the operator under an agreement. The agreement decides what the payment depends on: the player’s first deposit, the revenue the player generates over time, or neither. That choice matters to readers, because it shapes what a publisher has a financial interest in.
The Four Common Models
| Model | What it is | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| RevShare | An ongoing share of the net gaming revenue (NGR) from referred players, usually calculated monthly. Earnings move with player activity and bonus costs. | Track360, Scaleo |
| CPA | A one-time payment when a referred player makes a qualifying first deposit. It does not depend on what the player later wagers or loses. | Track360, Scaleo |
| Hybrid | A smaller CPA payment combined with a smaller ongoing RevShare. | Track360, Scaleo |
| Fixed placement fee | A set price for a placement, such as a review or guide feature, that does not depend on player activity. This is how Cocktailspins sells placements; see pricing. | Our own terms |
For the detail behind RevShare, including NGR and negative carryover with a worked example, see our RevShare guide.
Why the Model Matters to Readers
NGR is gross gaming revenue minus deductions, so a RevShare publisher’s income rises when referred players lose more. CPA pays per qualifying player, so it rewards sending players rather than how they play. A fixed fee does not depend on players at all, but it means the brand pays for the placement. None of the three is neutral, which is why a review should say how the publisher is paid.
📌 In our view: the honest question to ask of any review is not “is this publisher paid?” but “does the page say how, and does it still print unflattering facts?” Our placements are sold for a fixed fee and are labelled sponsored, and our reviews print only facts we can source. Details are in our editorial policy.
What We Do Not Publish
We do not publish commission rates, CPA ranges by country or affiliate earnings. Figures like these vary by operator, market and agreement, and we found no reliable general range in primary sources. If a page gives precise numbers without a source, treat it as marketing.
💡 What this means for players: treat any ranking or “best casino” list as a commercial page unless it explains how the publisher is paid. Check the licence on the regulator’s own register (see our licence guide), set deposit limits first and confirm that online gambling is legal where you live. If gambling is causing harm, BeGambleAware and GamCare offer free, confidential support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RevShare in iGaming affiliate marketing?
An ongoing share of the net gaming revenue (NGR) from referred players, usually calculated monthly. Earnings move with player activity and bonus costs.
What is the difference between CPA and RevShare?
CPA is a one-time payment when a referred player makes a qualifying first deposit and does not depend on what the player later wagers or loses. RevShare is an ongoing share of net gaming revenue.
What is a fixed placement fee?
A set price paid for a placement, such as a review or guide feature, that does not depend on player activity. Cocktailspins sells placements this way and labels them as sponsored; see the pricing page.
Do you publish commission rates or affiliate earnings?
No. Rates and earnings vary by operator and agreement, and we found no reliable general range in primary sources, so we do not publish figures.
Sources
↗ Track360 — CPA vs RevShare in casino affiliate programs ↗ Scaleo — Understanding the basics of RevShare for iGaming affiliate programs18+ only. Gambling laws differ by country and change quickly — check the rules where you live.