Casino affiliates frequently experience a recurring problem in the iGaming industry—FTDs (First Time Deposits) being removed from their accounts. This issue has become so prevalent that even some of the most respected brands in the industry are not immune.
Affiliates invest significant time and resources into driving traffic and converting leads into FTDs, only to find that these deposits vanish from their accounts with little or no explanation.
Why is This Happening?
Several factors contribute to FTDs being removed from affiliate accounts:
1. Fraudulent Activity: Operators may flag suspicious activity if they believe that the players referred by an affiliate are engaging in bonus abuse or fraudulent behavior. This can lead to FTDs being removed.
2. Player Chargebacks: If players request chargebacks on their deposits, these FTDs are typically removed from the affiliate’s earnings, as the operator has to absorb the loss.
3. GEO-Restrictions: Affiliates may inadvertently promote to regions where operators cannot legally accept players, resulting in FTDs being canceled.
4. Affiliate Program Terms: Some programs have clauses that allow operators to withhold commissions for reasons such as inactive players, unmet performance thresholds, or even arbitrary decisions without full transparency.
Lack of Communication
One of the major issues contributing to this problem is the lack of clear communication from operators. Affiliates are often left in the dark about why their FTDs are removed. This lack of transparency damages the trust between affiliates and operators, creating frustration and raising concerns about the integrity of the business relationship. At the very least, operators should communicate the reasons behind the removal of FTDs to restore confidence and trustworthiness within the affiliate community.
A Risky Approach in iGaming
An additional challenge that affiliates may face is an aggressive approach employed by dominant iGaming operators. In this strategy, operators divert all their FTD traffic to specific geographical regions or payment methods, often destabilizing the market and payment networks.
This not only impacts smaller operators but also leaves affiliates in the lurch, failing to recover lost earnings when mid-tier operators collapse or when FTDs stop being recognized from certain regions.
While this strategy might secure short-term gains for major players, it often results in long-term damage to the financial and traffic ecosystems on which affiliates depend.
This trend once again highlights the need for affiliates to choose their partners carefully, avoiding programs that use unsustainable tactics that could jeopardize their income.
Expert Consulting and Data-Driven Decisions
In contrast to these aggressive strategies, some affiliate programs, like Bojoko, take a more consultative and data-driven approach.
By offering personalized advice and user-focused feedback to operators, Bojoko has helped improve conversion rates and ensure that FTDs are not just increased but also sustained. This type of expert consulting is be a game-changer for affiliates who want to build long-term relationships with operators, helping them avoid the pitfalls of disappearing FTDs.
What Can Affiliates Do to Avoid FTDs Issues?
While the responsibility largely lies with operators, affiliates can take proactive steps to minimize the risk of losing FTDs:
- Choose Reputable Programs: Partnering with reliable casino affiliate programs is crucial. Programs with a transparent track record and fair terms are less likely to remove FTDs unfairly. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 casino affiliate programs for 2024 to help you maximize your FTDs.
- Understand the Terms: Always read the fine print of affiliate agreements. Understand the specific conditions under which FTDs might be removed, such as GEO-targeting restrictions, compliance with local laws, and chargeback policies.
- Track Your Performance: Use advanced tracking software to monitor player activity. Platforms like Voonix or other trackers can help affiliates keep a close eye on traffic quality, player behavior, and retention rates, which are crucial in justifying FTD claims.
- Diversify Your Partners: Relying on a single affiliate program increases risk. Affiliates should work with multiple brands to diversify their revenue streams, reducing the impact of any one operator’s policies.
Top 10 Casino Affiliate Programs for Maximizing FTDs in 2024
Mr Affiliate:
Well-regarded for offering comprehensive tracking and clear communication regarding affiliate earnings and FTDs. Mr Affiliate markets Mr Green Casino, featuring top games from various providers, and uses NetRefer software for affiliate management.
+ Lifetime commissions: Paid based on new referrals per month.
+ No negative carryover: Start each month fresh.
+ No bundling: Only one casino promoted.
+ Low minimum payment threshold: €100 monthly.
– No CPA or alternative commission schemes.
– No sub-affiliation program.
– All commissions paid in euros: Subject to exchange rates for other currencies.
Betsson Group Affiliates:
Offers competitive revenue share models and clear reporting tools to help affiliates keep track of their FTDs. Betsson Group Affiliates promotes top brands like Betsafe and Betsson Casino, offering diverse gaming options and CPA schemes for experienced affiliates. The program operates under Malta’s jurisdiction and uses the Income Access platform for tracking and reporting.
+ No negative carryover: Start each month fresh.
+ No bundling: Earnings tracked separately across brands.
+ 2-tier sub-affiliation: Earn on sub-affiliates’ commissions.
+ Low cashout threshold: €50 minimum for payouts.
+ No admin fees: Full commission payouts.
– Vague minimum activity clause: Potential account closure without clear guidelines.
– Payments in euros only: Subject to currency conversion fees.
Casumo Affiliates:
Casumo Affiliates markets Casumo Casino, featuring a wide variety of games from top providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Play’n GO. The program, operating under Maltese law, ensures timely payments and clear tracking through NetRefer. Affiliates benefit from a straightforward revenue share model without hidden fees or complex structures.
+ Revenue for lifetime: Commissions continue as long as referred players are active.
+ No negative carryover: Negative balances do not roll over to the next month.
+ No bundling: Earnings are tracked solely for Casumo Casino.
+ Powered by NetRefer software: Offers robust tracking and reporting tools.
+ Payments issued within the first week: Fast payment processing.
+ No admin fees: Full commission payout without deductions.
+ Low minimum monthly payment threshold: €100 is a reasonable cashout requirement.
– No sub-affiliation plan: No opportunity to earn from referring other affiliates.
– Payments issued in euros only: Foreign exchange fees may apply for non-Euro affiliates.
Kindred Affiliates:
Offering flexible deals and support, Kindred provides affiliates with everything they need to convert leads into FTDs. Kindred Affiliates manages multiple brands like Unibet, Maria Casino, and Otto Casino, offering a wide range of casino games, sports betting, poker, and bingo. The program, operating since 1997, is licensed under Malta’s government and offers flexible commission plans tailored to affiliates’ performance.
+ CPA and hybrid plans: Available to qualified affiliates.
+ 2-tier sub-affiliation: Earn on referred sub-affiliates.
+ Low payout threshold: £/€100 minimum withdrawal.
+ No admin fees apply: the program pays commissions in full.
+ Powered by NetRefer software: Real-time tracking and reporting.
– Negative carryover: Balances roll over to future months.
Bet365 Partners:
With a global presence and excellent reporting systems, Bet365 allows affiliates to efficiently track their FTDs across different markets. Bet365 Partners, established in 2001, manages Bet365 Casino and Vegas Bet365, offering casino games, sports betting, poker, and more. It operates under UK law and uses proprietary software for performance tracking.
+ Promotes a leading global brand: One of the largest and most popular online gaming groups.
+ Low payout threshold: €100 (or currency equivalent) minimum.
+ No admin fees: Full commission payouts.
+ Wide currency support: Extensive range of available currencies.
– Negative carryover: Earnings can impact future months.
– Bundled earnings: Across all Bet365 brands.
– Minimum activity clause: Accounts may be closed if 5 new players aren’t referred within 3 months.
– No sub-affiliation: No referral commissions.
– No direct e-wallet withdrawals: Payments via bank transfer, check, or Bet365 Casino account only.
Highbet Affiliates:
Highbet Affiliates promotes Highbet Casino, established in April 2021, providing a secure and fair gaming environment. The program offers a multi-tiered commission structure based on new depositing players, along with options for CPA and hybrid deals for long-term partners. The program uses Income Access software for tracking performance and marketing tools.
+ Revenue Share, CPA & Hybrid plans: Flexible commission structures available.
+ No negative carryover: Start fresh each month.
+ Payments in EUR or USD: Convenient currency options.
– Limited payment options: Fewer methods for receiving payments.
– No sub-affiliate deals: No additional earnings from sub-affiliates.
LeoVegas Affiliates:
Known for their transparency and generous commission structure, LeoVegas consistently delivers solid conversion rates with timely payouts. LeoVegas Affiliates manages brands like LeoVegas, Pink Casino, and Bet UK, offering a wide variety of games across multiple devices. The program uses NetRefer software for real-time statistics and performance tracking.
+ Lifetime commissions: Earn for the lifetime of referred players.
+ No negative carryover: Start each month with a clean slate.
+ 2-tier sub-affiliation: Earn on direct sub-affiliates’ earnings.
+ Payout threshold: €500 minimum for payouts.
+ No admin fees: No deductions from commissions.
– Payments: Made in EUR only, within 15 days after month-end.
Energy Casino Affiliates:
Smaller, but well-regarded for excellent customer support and a focus on building long-term affiliate relationships. EnergyPartners markets Energy Casino, offering slots, table games, and more from top providers. The program uses NetRefer software for real-time stats and performance tracking.
+ No bundling: Only one casino, so no bundling concerns.
+ Flexible payment plans: CPA deals and custom plans available.
+ Lifetime commission: Earn on referred players’ net revenue for life.
+ Sub-affiliation: One-tier sub-affiliation program to increase earnings.
+ No negative carryover: Negative balances reset monthly.
+ Multiple payment methods: Three options available.
+ No minimum for e-wallets: Skrill/Neteller payments have no minimum threshold.
– Payments: Made in EUR only, between the 5th and 15th of each month.
– Admin fees: Apply to the commission plan.
LevelUP Affiliates:
LevelUp Affiliates is the official affiliate program for LevelUp Casino and Lucky Elf Casino, offering a diverse range of games from top providers like NetEnt, Betsoft, and Playson. Licensed by the Government of Curacao, the program provides a standard revenue-sharing plan, alongside options for CPA and hybrid deals. Affiliates can access their performance metrics through the SoftSwiss software and utilize marketing tools to enhance player retention and acquisition. The program is designed to support affiliate growth while ensuring timely payments and clear tracking.
+ No negative carryover: Negative earnings reset at the start of each month.
+ Revenue Share, CPA & Hybrid plans available: Flexible commission structures to suit different affiliate needs.
+ Multiple payment options: Affiliates can choose from various payment methods.
+ Low minimum monthly payment threshold: Reasonable €200 cashout requirement.
– Admin fees: Some deductions may apply to commissions.
King Billy Partners:
King Billy Affiliates is the official affiliate program for King Billy Casino and Tomb Riches Casino, featuring a wide variety of games from providers like NetEnt, iSoftBet, Endorphina, and Habanero. Licensed in Curacao, the program operates on a net revenue-sharing model, with an initial commission boost for new affiliates. Payments are calculated monthly, with several payment methods and currencies available. The program’s Income Access software allows affiliates to track their performance and manage their accounts effectively.
+ No bundling: Earnings from different brands are tracked separately.
+ Boost in commission for first 3 months: Affiliates enjoy an increased percentage during the initial registration period.
+ Incentive scheme available: Additional earnings opportunities for affiliates each month.
+ Different payment methods available: Multiple options for receiving payments.
+ Low minimum payment threshold: Reasonable $50 cashout requirement for e-wallet and bank wire transfers.
+ Choice of currency: Affiliates can select from various currencies for payouts.
+ No negative carryover: Negative earnings reset at the start of each month.
– Additional admin fees applied: Some deductions may apply to commissions.
Final Thoughts: How to succeed as a Casino Affiliate and maximize FTDs
Affiliates must adopt a strategic approach to succeed. They can leverage tracking tools, seek support from the right partners, and actively network. By clearly understanding their contractual obligations and staying informed about market trends, they can significantly reduce the risk of issues like disappearing FTDs or delayed payments.
Brands, on the other hand, need to step up by providing transparent communication and fair terms to maintain the trust of their affiliate partners.
We’ve said this before and we will say it again: those who adapt and build resilient, trustworthy relationships, will thrive.