Affiliate

A casino affiliate is a person or website that promotes online casinos and earns a commission for every player they send. If you've ever read a casino review site that included a "Visit Casino" or "Claim Bonus" button, you were on an affiliate site. When you click that link and sign up, the affiliate earns money.

Affiliate commissions come in several models. CPA (Cost Per Acquisition) pays a one-time flat fee, typically $50 to $300, for each depositing player. Revenue share pays a percentage (25% to 50%) of the NGR generated by referred players, every month, for as long as the player keeps playing. Hybrid deals combine a smaller CPA with ongoing revenue share.

Is this a problem for players? It depends. Affiliate sites have an incentive to promote casinos that pay the highest commissions, not necessarily the best ones. Some affiliates are transparent about their commercial relationships (CasinoWhistle discloses its affiliate status clearly). Others disguise paid promotion as independent reviews. Always check whether a site discloses its affiliate relationships, and treat any "Top Casinos" ranking with healthy scepticism unless the methodology is explained.