iGaming Affiliate Commissions Explained: CPA vs RevShare vs Hybrid vs Fixed

Affiliate marketing is one of the cornerstones of the modern iGaming industry, powering growth for both casino operators and sports betting brands. Affiliates are responsible for bringing in new players through content, SEO, social media or targeted advertising, and their reward comes through a variety of commission models. Yet, for newcomers stepping into this highly competitive space, the way affiliates get paid is not always clear.

The most common structures are CPA (Cost Per Acquisition), Revenue Share (RevShare), Hybrid models that combine the two, and Fixed or Flat Fee agreements. Each one offers distinct advantages, carries its own risks, and appeals to a different type of affiliate depending on their traffic sources, financial goals, and appetite for long-term growth. By understanding these commission models in detail, affiliates can make smarter decisions about which partnerships to pursue, while operators can better manage their acquisition costs and retention strategies.

What Are iGaming Affiliate Commissions?

Essentially, an affiliate commission is the payment made by an operator to an affiliate when new players are referred to a platform. These players may sign up for an online casino, register for a sportsbook, or download an operator’s app. Once the referral conditions are met—usually involving registration and a deposit—the affiliate earns money.

The exact amount and the way it is calculated depends on the commission structure. Some affiliates prefer quick and guaranteed returns, while others are willing to trade immediacy for the possibility of earning long-term recurring revenue.

CPA (Cost Per Acquisition)

How CPA Works

The CPA model appears simple at first glance, but in practice it involves several important qualifications. CPA always applies to First Time Depositors (FTDs) rather than just registered players. This means that for an affiliate to receive a payout, the referred customer must not only sign up but also make their first deposit and often meet specific activity requirements.

For example, if the CPA is set at $150, an affiliate would earn that amount only once a player registers, deposits, and fulfils conditions set by the operator. These conditions can include wagering a minimum amount, maintaining active play, or reaching certain thresholds before the commission is released. In some cases, affiliates also need to deliver a minimum number of qualifying players before they can withdraw earnings.

Benefits of CPA

The greatest attraction of CPA is immediacy. Affiliates can see clear, predictable returns from their marketing campaigns and do not need to rely on long-term player retention. Operators, for their part, know exactly what each new customer has cost them, which allows them to set clear acquisition budgets.

Drawbacks of CPA

The CPA model has clear limitations. Once the affiliate has been paid for delivering a first-time depositor, there is no opportunity to benefit from that player’s future activity, even if they remain loyal for years. This means affiliates may miss out on potentially significant lifetime value.

In addition, CPA agreements usually come with strict qualification rules. Since CPA is always tied to FTDs, not just registrations, operators often require that players not only deposit but also wager through a certain amount before the commission is paid. In some cases, affiliates must deliver a minimum number of active depositing players before they are even eligible to withdraw funds. These conditions vary by operator and can make CPA less straightforward than it first appears.

Best Fit

CPA tends to suit affiliates who focus on high-volume traffic generation and who rely on quick, predictable payments to cover acquisition costs, particularly when running paid media campaigns. For affiliates willing to work within the qualification thresholds, CPA can be a practical way to stabilise revenue, though it does not reward the long-term loyalty of the players they deliver.

RevShare (Revenue Share)

How RevShare Works

Revenue Share is designed to give affiliates a percentage of the net revenue generated by their referred players. For example, if the agreed commission rate is 30 per cent, the affiliate earns nearly a third of the operator’s profit from those players during each settlement period. Unlike CPA, where the payment is one-off, RevShare is ongoing and tied directly to how the players perform.

It is important to note, however, that the length of time a player remains active does not automatically translate into higher affiliate income. A skilled sportsbook bettor, for instance, may regularly win, which reduces the operator’s profit and in turn lowers the affiliate’s share. Operators also factor in bonus costs, promotional credits, and other deductions before calculating net revenue, which means affiliates are exposed to fluctuations that are not entirely within their control.

Benefits of RevShare

For affiliates who can attract loyal, high-value players, RevShare can be extremely lucrative. Unlike CPA, income here is recurring and has the potential to build into a substantial revenue stream over time. This model also aligns the interests of both parties: the affiliate benefits when players stay engaged, while the operator gains a steady source of revenue.

Drawbacks of RevShare

The trade-off is volatility. Monthly earnings can fluctuate depending on player activity, seasonal variations, or promotions offered by the operator. Some programs also enforce “negative carryover,” which means that if players win heavily in one month, the affiliate starts the next month in deficit. This can be discouraging, particularly for smaller affiliates.

Best Fit

RevShare works best for affiliates who focus on content, SEO, or community building, where the audience is more likely to trust recommendations and stay active with a brand for the long haul.

Hybrid Models: CPA + RevShare

Hybrid commission models combine the upfront security of CPA with the recurring potential of RevShare. In this setup, the affiliate receives a smaller one-time payment for every First Time Depositor (FTD) they deliver, while also earning a reduced percentage of that player’s net revenue over time.

This arrangement appeals to affiliates because it provides a guaranteed payment that helps offset the costs of acquiring traffic, especially when using paid media, while still leaving room for long-term earnings if the referred players remain active. Operators also benefit, as the model spreads their risk more evenly. They avoid paying out a high lump sum without proof of player quality, yet they still incentivise affiliates to deliver engaged customers who contribute to ongoing revenue.

For many affiliates, the hybrid model is the most attractive because it balances both stability and growth. It softens the volatility of pure RevShare while offering more upside than CPA alone, making it a popular choice in modern iGaming affiliate programs.

Fixed Fee Commissions

How Fixed Fees Work

Under a Fixed Fee arrangement, the operator pays a set amount to the affiliate, usually on a monthly basis, in exchange for advertising space or promotion. For example, a casino might pay $1,000 each month to feature prominently on a comparison website’s homepage, regardless of how many players actually convert.

Benefits of Fixed Fees

The main appeal of this structure is stability. Affiliates can rely on consistent income, and operators secure guaranteed visibility. For affiliates with a strong brand, large audiences, or premium advertising real estate, Fixed Fee deals can be highly profitable.

Drawbacks of Fixed Fees

The downside is the lack of scalability. An affiliate does not earn more if they send thousands of players, nor do they benefit from particularly high-spending customers. From the operator’s perspective, this model involves risk, since they are paying regardless of whether the exposure translates into deposits.

Best Fit

Fixed Fee commissions are typically negotiated by affiliates with established websites, high SEO rankings, or large mailing lists, who can prove the value of their traffic to operators.

CPA vs RevShare vs Hybrid vs Fixed: Choosing the Right Model

Each model brings its own strengths and weaknesses. CPA provides immediate, predictable returns but cuts affiliates off from long-term player value. RevShare builds recurring revenue and can scale impressively, although it involves patience and tolerance for monthly swings. Fixed Fees offer stability but lack the potential upside of the other two models.

From an operator’s point of view, CPA ensures clear acquisition costs, RevShare creates alignment with affiliates, and Fixed Fee deals are useful for branding campaigns. Increasingly, many affiliate programs combine these structures into hybrid models—for example, a small CPA payment alongside a modest RevShare percentage—allowing both sides to benefit from short-term security and long-term growth.

How to Decide Which Model Works for You

When evaluating commission structures, affiliates should consider the type of traffic they attract, their tolerance for financial risk, and their long-term strategy. Paid traffic campaigns often pair better with CPA because the revenue is immediate, while affiliates who rely on SEO or content marketing may prefer RevShare to capture the lifetime value of players. Fixed Fees are most viable for those with established audiences who can guarantee operators consistent exposure.

It is also crucial to review the fine print of any affiliate agreement. Transparency in reporting, the absence of hidden clauses such as lifetime negative carryover, and a reputation for paying affiliates fairly should all be part of the decision-making process.

If you are looking to put this knowledge into action and join a program that values transparency and strong partnerships, explore Gamingtec Affiliates and see how your traffic can turn into long-term success.