Gross Gaming Revenue, also referred to as GGR, is the bottom line of your casino’s KPI, but how do you calculate and optimize it? Have you ever considered boosting your casino’s earnings while lowering acquisition costs at the same time? 

Affiliate marketing could be the key.

But first, you need to grasp a key concept: Gross Gaming Revenue and how to amplify it.

GGR is vital for your casino’s financial health, it’s important to know how it works. So, let’s ask a question: 

Are you using affiliate marketing to its fullest potential to increase your GGR?

cyber security in igaming partner business

In 2024, the casino affiliate marketing scene is changing fast. Experts say the global casino affiliate market will hit $7.5 billion by 2027, growing 12.4% annually from 2022 to 2027. Also, casino affiliates now earn 30-40% of the player’s net gaming revenue.

These figures show how big a role affiliate marketing plays in your casino’s earnings. By mastering GGR and affiliate partnerships, you can open up new income sources. This will help you stay ahead in the fast-paced gaming world.

Introduction to Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)

Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) is a key measure in the gaming world. It shows the total money bet minus the winnings paid out, which helps show how profitable gaming operations are. Understanding GGR’s impact on the economy is crucial for investors, regulators, and operators.

What is GGR?

GGR is the main revenue for casinos. It shows the money made before considering extra costs. To calculate it, you subtract the total bets from the winnings paid out. This gives the casino the money it keeps.

https://www.scaleo.io/blog/how-to-analyze-improve-ggr-and-ngr-top-casino-kpis-explained/

Importance of GGR in the Gaming Industry

The gaming industry relies on gross gaming revenue (GGR). Stakeholders use this information to make informed decisions, keep up with market trends and comply with the law. Firms can find out their financial position as well as how popular their games are among gamblers by looking at GGR.

Gross Gaming Revenue Explained: Understanding the Role of Affiliate Marketing in Your Casino's Bottom Line - Gross Gaming Revenue
Image source: americangaming.org


Casinos can use GGR numbers to understand how they stand in relation to competitors. By comparing GGR with Net Gross Gaming Revenue (NGR), casinos determine whether they are progressing or lacking and strategize on future expansion plans.

MetricDescription
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)Total bets placed minus total wins paid out, representing the revenue retained by the casino.
Net Gaming Revenue (NGR)GGR minus gaming-related expenses such as bonuses, payment system fees, license fees, and taxes, reflecting the casino’s earnings.
NGR-to-Deposits RatioMeasures the revenue generated in relation to deposits made and circulated in games.
Bets-to-Deposits RatioIndicates the ratio of bets placed to deposits made, providing insights into player behavior.

The Affiliate Marketing Landscape

In iGaming, affiliate marketing is a key strategy.

It involves people or groups promoting products to get more traffic. These promoters can be influencers, casinos, or media outlets. They make money when someone they refer visits the casino.

Types of Affiliates in iGaming

There are a few main types of affiliates in iGaming:

Type of AffiliateWho is it?
Content AffiliatesCreate and publish content such as reviews, guides, and blogs related to iGaming sites and products.
SEO AffiliatesFocus on optimizing content and websites to rank higher in search engine results for iGaming keywords.
Social Media InfluencersLeverage social media platforms to promote iGaming brands and products through posts, videos, and more.
Email MarketersBuild email lists and send targeted campaigns promoting iGaming offers, bonuses, and new game releases.
Coupon and Deal SitesShare exclusive deals, discounts, and promotional offers from iGaming operators with their audience.
Review SitesSpecialize in detailed reviews of iGaming platforms, providing insights into features, games, and bonuses.
Bonus HuntersSeek out and promote the best iGaming bonuses and promotions available to attract new players.
Community and Forum OwnersManage online communities and forums where iGaming enthusiasts discuss strategies, experiences, and more.
Technology AffiliatesProvide technology solutions, software, or tools tailored for iGaming operators and affiliates.

Knowing about these affiliate types is key for online platforms. It helps them use affiliate marketing well and make a bigger impact.

Affiliate TypeCharacteristicsExamples
Unattached AffiliatesWork outside the iGaming world, promoting general media and personal tipsLifestyle bloggers, review sites, social media stars
Related AffiliatesClose to the iGaming industry, including casinos, payment services, and content creatorsCasino owners, payment services, sports and entertainment stars
Involved AffiliatesDeeply part of the iGaming scene, taking part in events, games, media, and streamingSpecialized iGaming media, famous streamers, industry groups

Understanding these affiliate types helps iGaming marketers. They can use each group’s strengths to boost their casino affiliate programs and grow sustainably.

Sources of Affiliate Traffic

There are a number of strategies that casinos can use to get more players. These include paid search marketing, social media and working with influencers.

Source of TrafficDescription
Affiliate MarketingPartnering with affiliates who promote the casino on their platforms in exchange for commissions.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)Optimizing website content to rank higher in search engine results, driving organic traffic.
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) AdvertisingRunning ads on search engines and other platforms where casinos pay for each click.
Social Media MarketingPromoting the casino through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Content MarketingCreating valuable content such as blog posts, articles, and videos to attract and engage potential customers.
Email MarketingSending targeted email campaigns to potential and existing customers.
Influencer MarketingCollaborating with influencers who can promote the casino to their followers.
Direct TrafficUsers visiting the casino website directly by typing in the URL or from bookmarks.
Referral TrafficTraffic coming from other websites that link to the casino’s site.
Display AdvertisingUsing banner ads and other visual advertisements on various websites and platforms.
Affiliate NetworksPartnering with networks that manage multiple affiliates to drive traffic.
Mobile App MarketingPromoting the casino through its mobile app to attract users.
Video MarketingCreating and promoting video content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Partnerships and SponsorshipsPartnering with other brands or sponsoring events to increase visibility and drive traffic.
Native AdvertisingUsing ads that match the look, feel, and function of the media format in which they appear, such as sponsored articles.
RetargetingUsing cookies to show targeted ads to users who have previously visited the casino website but did not convert.
Offline AdvertisingUsing traditional media such as TV, radio, print, and outdoor advertising to drive traffic to the online casino.
Public Relations (PR)Gaining media coverage and managing the casino’s reputation to attract customers.
Web Push NotificationsSending push notifications to users who have opted in to receive updates and offers from the casino.
Loyalty ProgramsOffering incentives and rewards to existing customers to keep them engaged and attract new users through word-of-mouth.
Forums and Community EngagementParticipating in online forums and communities relevant to gambling and casinos to build relationships and drive traffic.
Review SitesGetting listed and positively reviewed on casino and gambling review websites to attract more visitors.
Events and TournamentsHosting or sponsoring online or offline events and tournaments to attract and engage users.
Chatbots and Live ChatUsing chatbots and live chat features to interact with potential customers and guide them to the casino site.

Paid search marketing is an effective way of attracting players. Your casino can display advertisements to people who are searching for keywords on the internet. Consequently, this allows you to target individuals who already have an interest in your offerings.

Similarly, social media may also be used adequately. It will help you reach out to many people concerning your casino. You can build up your brand and increase visits to your website.

Cooperating with influencers is another wise step forward. Due to their big fan bases, these are celebrities that they believe in them so much. This means they could help get it before many others eyes if you join forces with them.

Additionally live streaming and advertising networks bring traffic as well. 

With live streaming, you can talk to your audience directly as the event occurs. Advertising networks help you place ads across various websites.

Thus, using different approaches to attracting traffic increases your casino’s reach among people while enhancing its interaction with them.

Pros and Cons of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a key strategy in the fast-changing iGaming world. It’s important for businesses to know its advantages and challenges. 

AspectProsCons
Cost-EffectiveLower initial investment compared to traditional advertising 📉Payouts can add up if affiliates drive significant traffic 💸
Performance-BasedPay only for actual conversions or leads generated 📈Risk of paying for low-quality leads or fraudulent activities 🚩
Broader ReachAccess to diverse audiences through various affiliate networks 🌐Difficulty in managing and coordinating with multiple affiliates 🤹‍♀️
ScalabilityEasy to scale up by partnering with more affiliates 🚀Scaling requires robust tracking and management systems 📊
SEO BenefitsBacklinks from affiliates can improve search engine rankings 🔗Potential for negative SEO if low-quality or spammy affiliates are involved ⚠️
Brand ExposureIncreased visibility and brand awareness through affiliate promotions 📣Brand reputation can be affected by affiliates’ marketing practices 🚫
Data and InsightsDetailed analytics and insights on traffic and conversions 📊Over-reliance on affiliates can lead to lack of direct customer relationship 📉
FlexibilityVarious commission structures and promotional methods available ⚙️Requires constant monitoring and optimization to ensure effectiveness 🔍
Time-SavingAffiliates handle most of the marketing efforts, saving time for the casino team ⏳Initial setup and ongoing management can be time-consuming 🕒
Risk MitigationLow financial risk since payment is based on performance 🎯Risk of non-compliance with regulations if affiliates use unauthorized marketing methods 🚔
Relationship BuildingOpportunity to build long-term partnerships with successful affiliates 🤝Managing relationships with numerous affiliates can be challenging 👥

This knowledge helps in making effective affiliate marketing plans.

Benefits of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing brings many benefits to the iGaming industry. It gives quick results and clear ways to measure success. You can see how well your campaigns are doing.

This method also brings targeted traffic. You get to reach highly engaged audiences that might turn into players. It helps expand your casino’s reach and player base.

Affiliate marketing is also cost-effective. You only pay for results, which lowers financial risks. It can boost your casino’s key numbers like Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), bet count, and player retention.

Challenges of Affiliate Marketing

  • Initial costs and affiliate management effort: Starting and running an effective affiliate program takes time, resources, and people.
  • Fraudulent activity: Keeping your affiliate program honest and stopping fraud, like click fraud or cookie stuffing, is hard.
  • Lack of control over affiliate strategies: Affiliates might use marketing ways that don’t fit your casino’s brand or goals. This can make it hard to keep a consistent message and customer experience.
  • Dependency on affiliates: Your casino’s success partly relies on your affiliate partners’ performance and reliability. This can be risky if they don’t do well or stop working with you.

Knowing the pros and cons of affiliate marketing is key for iGaming businesses. By understanding both sides, you can make a smart strategy. This strategy will help you make the most of your affiliate marketing while avoiding risks.

Gross Gaming Revenue

Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) shows how profitable and viable gaming operations are. It’s the total money bet by players minus the winnings paid out. This gives a clear view of the revenue before extra costs.

Investors, regulators, and operators look at GGR to understand the economic effects of gaming. It’s a main sign of a casino’s financial health and market success. In 2023, the US saw a record $66.5 billion in GGR, up 10% from 2022 and a big jump from 2021’s $53 billion.

Gross Gaming Revenue Explained: Understanding the Role of Affiliate Marketing in Your Casino's Bottom Line - Gross Gaming Revenue
Image source: americangaming.org

Land-based casinos hit a new high of $49.4 billion in 2023, a 3.3% increase from the year before. Sports betting saw $119.8 billion in bets and $10.9 billion in revenue, up 27.8% and 44.5% from last year. Online casino revenue jumped 22.9% to $6.2 billion, making up 24.7% of total GGR, up from 19.5% the year before.

Gross Gaming Revenue Explained: Understanding the Role of Affiliate Marketing in Your Casino's Bottom Line - Gross Gaming Revenue
Image source: americangaming.org

Regulators use GGR to figure out how much taxes gambling operators owe. Online casinos look at GGR to check their performance and profits. It shows the financial health of their operations.

Let’s look at last years stats, to illustrate the growth:

Metric20232022YoY Change
Total US GGR$66.5 billion$60.4 billion+10%
Land-based Casino GGR$49.4 billion$47.8 billion+3.3%
Sports Betting GGR$10.9 billion$7.5 billion+44.5%
Online Casino GGR$6.2 billion$5.0 billion+22.9%

Calculating GGR: The Formula

Understanding gross gaming revenue (GGR) is key to knowing how well a gaming place is doing. The formula is simple: Total Bets Placed – Winnings Paid Out = GGR. This equation helps us see how much money a casino makes and its place in the market.

Total Bets Placed

All the bets from players on different games like slots, table games, and sports betting are counted. This adds up to the total money players put into their games.

Winnings Paid Out

The winnings paid out are the funds given back to players from their wins. This includes money won in games and any extra bonuses or promotions.

To find the GGR, you subtract the winnings from the total bets. This shows how much money the casino makes. Knowing this is vital for understanding how well a casino is doing, its market position, and its financial health.

Player Metrics and Their Impact on GGR

Understanding how players interact with online casinos is key to boosting Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Metrics like conversion rates show how well you draw and keep players. These rates help you see if your efforts to get players to join and spend money work.

Player Lifetime Value (LTV) is also vital. It’s the total money a player brings in over time. To increase LTV, offer personalized games and loyalty rewards. This can really help your GGR grow. The Churn Rate, or how often players leave, affects your GGR too. Keeping players engaged is crucial.

Conversion Rates

Conversion rates tell you how well you’re bringing players in and getting them to spend. By looking at these, you can make your marketing better and improve your site. This means more players will stick around and play more, which is good for your GGR.

Player Lifetime Value (LTV)

LTV is the total money a player makes over their time with your casino. To make more money from players, try giving them special games and rewards. This makes players more loyal and valuable, which helps your GGR.

MetricDescriptionInfluence on GGR
Conversion RatesVisitor-to-player conversion and registration-to-monetary participation ratesDirectly impacts the effectiveness of player acquisition and onboarding strategies, affecting GGR
Player Lifetime Value (LTV)The total revenue generated by a player over their active engagement periodStrategies to boost LTV, such as personalized experiences and loyalty programs, can lead to a direct increase in GGR
Churn RateMeasures player retention versus loss over timePlays a significant role in maintaining a stable or growing GGR

Strategies for Maximizing GGR through Affiliate Marketing

To boost Gross Gaming Revenue through affiliate marketing, casinos should use several key strategies. First, they should use their website to find quality affiliates. This means having a clear process for applying and showing the benefits. It’s also important to check if potential affiliates match the casino’s brand and audience.

Setting up clear contracts with affiliates is crucial. These contracts should cover expectations, how commissions work, and other important details. Giving affiliates good marketing tools, like banners and content, helps them promote better.

It’s vital to keep an eye on how the affiliate program is doing. Look at things like conversion ratesplayer lifetime value (LTV), and Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Use this info to make smart choices and keep improving the partnerships.

  1. Recruit quality affiliates through the casino’s website, highlighting the benefits and application process.
  2. Conduct research to ensure potential affiliates align with the casino’s brand and target audience.
  3. Establish clear and comprehensive contracts with affiliates, outlining expectations and commission structures.
  4. Provide affiliates with high-quality marketing materials, such as banners, graphics, and engaging content.
  5. Continuously monitor and analyze the affiliate program’s performance, tracking key metrics like conversion rates, player LTV, and GGR.
  6. Make informed decisions based on the insights gained to optimize the affiliate partnerships.
MetricDescriptionImportance for GGR Optimization
Conversion RatesThe percentage of visitors who complete a desired action, such as signing up or making a deposit.Tracks the effectiveness of affiliate marketing campaigns in driving player acquisition and revenue.
Player Lifetime Value (LTV)The average revenue a player generates over their lifetime as a customer.Helps evaluate the long-term profitability of affiliates and guide investment decisions.
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)The total amount wagered by players minus the winnings paid out.Provides a clear picture of the casino’s financial health and the impact of affiliate marketing on overall revenue.

Casinos can make the most of affiliate marketing using these strategies and keeping an eye on important metrics. This helps them maximize their Gross Gaming Revenue and grow in the competitive online casino world.

Best Practices for Affiliate Marketing in iGaming

To succeed in iGaming affiliate marketing, follow best practices. As a casino, use your website to find and recruit top affiliates. Make sure to explain the benefits of working together clearly. It’s important to research potential partners well to match your brand and audience.

Recruiting Quality Affiliates

Start with detailed contracts that cover expectations, how commissions work, and other important points. This helps build a strong partnership. By choosing affiliates carefully, you create a group of trusted promoters. They will share your goals and reach your target players well.

Providing Marketing Materials

Give your affiliates top-notch marketing tools like banners, graphics, and engaging content. This helps them promote your casino well. It also keeps your brand message strong and makes things smooth for players. This leads to more people joining your casino.

Monitoring and Analyzing Results with Scaleo

It’s key to keep an eye on your affiliate program’s results to improve and grow. Look at important metrics like how often people convert and how much they spend over time. This helps you make smart choices to boost your affiliate marketing. 

How?

This is where Scaleo enters the scene.

Gross Gaming Revenue Explained: Understanding the Role of Affiliate Marketing in Your Casino's Bottom Line - Gross Gaming Revenue

The Scaleo affiliate software was developed specifically for the gambling business and enables casino operators to track and analyze Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Integration with the casino’s existing systems provides a complete picture of how affiliates are performing and how players are casino. This level of detailed tracking helps operators identify the traffic that is most likely to convert into valuable customers, ultimately leading to high GGRs. 

Gross Gaming Revenue Explained: Understanding the Role of Affiliate Marketing in Your Casino's Bottom Line - Gross Gaming Revenue

Casino can use this information to identify behavioral trends and find ways to optimize its marketing strategies to maximize profits.

A notable feature of Scaleo is that it can provide detailed reports through customizable reports. Casino companies want data that allows them to know the breakdown of GGR by affiliates, campaigns, regions and player demographics. These reports help to understand the effectiveness of different marketing channels and campaigns. 

Gross Gaming Revenue Explained: Understanding the Role of Affiliate Marketing in Your Casino's Bottom Line - Gross Gaming Revenue

The intuitive dashboard makes it easy for casinos to visualize the data, compare performance over different time periods and make informed decisions quickly. This level of granularity in reporting ensures that operators can identify the exact factors contributing to their GGR, improving their ability to fine-tune their affiliate programs.

Gross Gaming Revenue Explained: Understanding the Role of Affiliate Marketing in Your Casino's Bottom Line - Gross Gaming Revenue

In addition, Scaleo offers powerful analytical tools that enable casino company management teams to make decisions based on data analysis. By using machine learning and AI-powered insights, it can predict future trends and potential obstacles. 

This predictive analysis allows them to prevail against other competitors by planning according to predictions gleaned from available patterns in digital marketing, e.g. paid search like Google AdWords or even organic rankings, where everyone seems to be copying each other these days… The automated features also include functions such as fraud detection or compliance monitoring and guarantee accurate, reliable information collected there.

Gross Gaming Revenue Explained: Understanding the Role of Affiliate Marketing in Your Casino's Bottom Line - Gross Gaming Revenue

Overall, Scaleo’s affiliate software provides casinos with tools for careful GGR tracking, performance analysis and profitable strategic decisions to improve their ROI or even operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) is key to understanding the health and potential of the gambling industry. It helps to make strategic decisions, follow rules and analyze market trends. GGR varies widely around the world, which shows that a detailed approach is needed to understand the market and develop strategies.

Gambling companies can use detailed analysis and expert advice to stay ahead in the competitive world of gambling. As the industry changes, GGR will become even more important. It is important for gambling companies to focus on this, especially through the clever use of affiliate marketing.

The rapid growth of legalized gambling in the U.S., with sports betting in 33 states and D.C., shows how important it is to be aware of GGR. This growth raises concerns about addiction and match-fixing risks. The gambling industry must address these issues in order to continue to grow in a responsible manner.

Ready to get started?

cyber security in igaming partner business

FAQ

What is Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)?

Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) is the total money made from bets minus the winnings paid out. It shows the profitability of gaming operations.

Why is GGR important in the gaming industry?

GGR helps investors, regulators, and operators understand gaming’s economic impact. It shows a casino’s financial health and market strength.

What is affiliate marketing in the iGaming industry?

Affiliate marketing is a way to promote products or services to get more users. In iGaming, affiliates can be influencers, casinos, or media outlets.

What are the main types of affiliates in the iGaming landscape?

There are three main affiliate types: unattached, related, and involved. Knowing these is key for effective marketing strategies.

What are the practical sources of affiliate traffic for casinos?

Good sources include paid search, social media, influencers, live streaming, and ads.

What are the benefits of affiliate marketing for casinos?

Benefits include fast results, targeted traffic, wide reach, cost-effectiveness, and better casino metrics like GGR and player retention.

What are the challenges of affiliate marketing for casinos?

Challenges include costs, managing affiliates, fraud, strategy control, and relying on affiliates.

How is Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) calculated?

GGR is calculated by subtracting winnings from total bets. This includes all bets and the money players win back.

How do player metrics impact Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)?

Metrics like conversion rates, Player Lifetime Value (LTV), and Churn Rate affect GGR. Improving these can increase GGR.

What strategies can casinos use to maximize GGR through affiliate marketing?

Casinos can recruit affiliates through their website, research partners, and provide quality materials. Monitoring results is also key.

What are the best practices for affiliate marketing in the iGaming industry?

Best practices include using the casino’s website to recruit affiliates, research partners, and provide quality materials. Tools like Scaleo help in this process.

Last Updated on February 17, 2025

Author

Elizabeth Sramek is an entrepreneur, SEO expert, and senior content manager at Scaleo. Based in Prague, she has been in the online marketing industry since 2006, specializing in affiliate marketing and AI-optimization and content strategy. On this blog, she shares expert insights, actionable tips, and industry trends to help businesses grow online.