Vlad Chernov of N1 Partner Interviewed

A Chat About the Future of iGaming Affiliates

From Support to Affiliate Leadership

Someone recently shared their journey in the iGaming world, starting as a customer support agent and working their way up. This experience gave them a solid understanding of how everything works behind the scenes. They became fascinated by traffic, conversion, and the affiliate side of the business – the part that really drives growth. Eventually, they transitioned into affiliate management, building relationships with partners and helping improve processes. Now, they’re in a leadership role, helping to streamline management and support the team.

In short, their career has been about understanding the product inside and out and then driving its growth through partnerships.

CPA vs. RevShare: What’s the Deal?

When it comes to payment models, CPA (cost per acquisition) is still the most popular. It’s straightforward and makes it easier for affiliates to calculate their costs and scale campaigns.

RevShare (revenue share), on the other hand, is a longer-term strategy. It has great potential but also comes with more risk, as it depends on how well the brand keeps the player engaged. However, it’s directly linked to the lifetime value (LTV) of a player, which makes it attractive for partners with stable, high-quality traffic.

The best approach is to offer a flexible payout system, allowing affiliates to choose the model that works best for their traffic, location, and goals.

Beyond the Basics: What’s Changing?

Player behavior and regulations are changing the game. Players are more selective and less impulsive, and operators are looking beyond just the first deposit.

There’s a growing focus on retention – keeping players engaged and generating long-term value. This means brands need to focus on creating experiences that keep players coming back.

Monetization Models for the Future

The industry needs to keep innovating and improving payout models. In addition to the standard CPA, RevShare, and hybrid models, flexible options like EPC-based payments and guarantee models are emerging.

Looking ahead, KPI-driven models, like Cost per Qualified Player, could become more common. This approach rewards partners for specific player actions that are agreed upon with the operator.

The Rise of Hybrid Models

Hybrid models are becoming more sophisticated. One example is the adaptive hybrid model, where the fixed component adjusts based on the quality of the traffic.

Volume-based agreements are also used, where the CPA increases if an affiliate reaches a certain threshold.

Skills for Success in the New Landscape

To stay competitive, affiliates need to develop certain skills:

• Communication: Building relationships and finding common ground with partners.
• Analytics: Understanding audience behavior and proving traffic quality with data.
• Compliance: Knowing the regulations and structuring campaigns to minimize risks.

These skills will ensure that partnerships are not only profitable but also sustainable in the long run.