65 Billion. That was the value of the iGaming business in 2023 which is expected to grow further at an annual rate of 11.7% from 2023 to 2030. Within the industry, the vertical of online casino has grown quite a bit as well. This vertical has grown by 110% over the past 4 years, with revenue increasing from $16.6 billion to $34.8 billion. An increased variety of games in the casino vertical and new features as a result of generative AI have contributed to this growth. Additionally, casino average player values also tend to be higher than sportsbetting average player values, which tends to be more attractive to operators and affiliates alike.
These stats might make joining the industry as a casino affiliate a no brainer, but setting yourself up for success might prove to be a challenge considering the density of the market. With that in mind, we've put together this article that provides five simple tips to get you started as a casino affiliate!
Educate Yourself
In the dynamic landscape of the iGaming industry, becoming an affiliate requires a keen understanding of both the industry's mechanics and the preferences of its players. Industry knowledge is indispensable for navigating the complex web of regulations, market trends, and technological advancements that shape the iGaming sector. Equally crucial is a deep insight into player behavior, preferences, and emerging trends, as this enables affiliates to effectively tailor their strategies to attract and retain audiences. By combining industry expertise with an understanding of player dynamics, affiliates can position themselves as valuable partners to gaming operators, driving traffic, engagement, and ultimately, mutual success in this rapidly evolving domain.
Identify a Niche
In the iGaming domain, traffic originates from various platforms such as websites, social media, apps, and display advertising. Given its global reach, the opportunities are abundant. Prior to initiating your business endeavor, it is imperative to meticulously pinpoint your niche in terms of traffic sources, verticals, and geographical regions. This strategic approach is vital to effectively engage and appeal to your desired audience.
A Well-designed Site
Don't underestimate the value of the basics of website development and a well designed site. While basic HTML is sufficient, a deeper understanding streamlines maintenance tasks. Given the ever-changing landscape of online casinos, staying vigilant and making regular adjustments is vital. Fortunately, casino affiliate programs and their committed managers provide assistance, encouraging you to stay updated. For those proficient in programming, running a site from a database guarantees smooth updates throughout. While a keen design eye isn't necessary, ensuring clear, organized, easy to read information is crucial for engaging users.
Gain Visibility
The fourth, and arguably most demanding, aspect revolves around gaining visibility for your site. The intricacies involved in achieving this are vast, emphasizing the critical need for targeted traffic rather than mere quantity. Hence, prior knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is indispensable before venturing into this domain. While Google serves as the primary search engine for gambling traffic, targeting competitive keywords like "online casino" should be deferred until your platform is firmly established. Securing prominent Google placements for such terms typically requires months, if not years, of concerted effort. Nonetheless, your expertise as a player can aid in identifying niche search terms with potential for favorable rankings.
Beginning your SEO journey with resources like Webmasterworld is recommended; investing a day in research before commencing website development can save considerable time in the long run.
Establish Yourself as an Expert
In the iGaming affiliate world, research can give you industry knowledge, but being an experienced player sets you apart. To attract valuable players, you must understand terms like "Reverse Withdrawal" and "Deuces Wild." This shows credibility and helps you avoid attracting one-time bonus seekers. If you've played across multiple online casinos and software types, you're on the right track for affiliate success. Knowledge and experience are the key to strong content. SEO strategies work to optimize your content but player trust is gained by establishing yourself as an expert of the industry. And steer clear of overcrowding your pages with banners and bonus offers, as this practice can negatively impact your site's ranking in the long term and attract the wrong audience.
Key Takeaways
Joining the iGaming Affiliate Marketing industry might feel like a daunting task but ultimately the key is to determine a target audience and remain consistent. Working with brands, rather than against your partner’s interests, will ensure long term revenue and a good reputation among operators. Take on these tips as the first steps in your affiliate journey and you are bound to reach the finish line.
Finally, you will need to identify quality affiliate programs and partners. Income Access can help affiliates with this part and has a network of trustworthy operators looking for new sources of traffic. Contact the IA Affiliate marketing team if you’d like to learn more.