In 2025, iGaming operators and affiliate networks are facing sharper scrutiny on margins, evolving regulations, and rising acquisition costs. As a result, the debate between Revenue Share, CPA and Hybrid commission models is more relevant than ever. The right affiliate payout structure doesn’t just drive acquisition, it ensures retention, protects ROI and aligns affiliates with long-term value creation.
At Wynta, we’re seeing distinct patterns emerge across operators using our platform, particularly around performance-based optimization and flexible commission setups. This article unpacks what’s working today and why flexibility is the future of iGaming commission models.
Let’s break down the big three:
Revenue Share (Revshare)
Affiliates earn a percentage of net revenue generated by those players they send that register at your brand.
Best For: Long-term partnerships, loyalty-focused campaigns, high-retention player bases
Pros:
- Aligns affiliate and operator incentives
- Encourages quality traffic and retention
- Scales well over time
Cons:
- Slower earnings for affiliates
- Operator margin risk if not managed well
2025 Insight: Revshare remains a go-to model in mature markets like the UK, EU, and India—especially where affiliates are seasoned and player LTVs are strong. Operators are increasingly tying higher revenue shares to KPIs like deposit activity and churn rate.
Cost Per Acquisition (CPA)
Affiliates receive a one-time fixed fee per qualifying player (For e.g., first time deposit of a certain amount).
Best For: Fast user acquisition, budget predictability, short-term campaigns
Pros:
- Immediate cost visibility for operators
- Lower admin complexity
- Appealing to new affiliates or influencers
Cons:
- Encourages volume over quality
- High risk of fraud or bonus abusers
- No long-term incentive to retain players
2025 Insight: With fraud detection becoming smarter, CPA remains viable in the US and LATAM, especially when combined with post-verification triggers. However, many operators are moving toward CPA with clawbacks or time-bound activity conditions.
Hybrid Models
Combines a small CPA with ongoing revenue share.
Best For: Balanced acquisition + retention, risk-mitigated partnerships, scaling affiliate programs
Pros:
- Immediate affiliate incentive + long-term performance alignment
- Attracts both experienced and emerging partners
- Better ROI visibility for operators
Cons:
- More complex to manage without tech support
- Needs clear thresholds to avoid payout inefficiencies
2025 Insight: Hybrid models are making a major comeback. With player quality under the spotlight, operators are crafting deals that combine upfront motivation with retention incentives. Dynamic hybrids where Revshare kicks in only after a certain activity threshold is a growing trend.
What’s Fueling the Shift Toward Hybrid?
- Player Quality > Quantity: In 2025, operators are laser-focused on post-acquisition behavior. Affiliates bringing in players with low activity or quick churn no longer justify pure CPA models.
- Tiered Commission Systems: More operators are implementing tiered structures boosting Revshare for higher-value player cohorts.
- Compliance Pressures: With increased oversight in markets like the US and Europe, operators are using hybrid models to incentivize both transparency and long-term behavior.
The Role of Performance-Based Payouts
Whether it’s Revshare, CPA or hybrid, the common thread is this: static commissions are out. The best programs in 2025 are dynamic, adaptive and data-driven. Operators using Wynta are:
- Setting flexible commission structures based on real-time KPIs (For e.g., revenue, deposits, wagering)
- Segmenting commission logic by geography or campaign
- Calculating accurate payouts to be made using our flexible Payment Report
Why Wynta Is Built for 2025’s Commission Models
With Wynta, you’re not locked into any one structure. You can:
– Set up Revshare, CPA, hybrid or fully custom models
– Assign flexible rules per affiliate, brand, campaign or region
– Automate payout calculations and export-ready reporting
– Monitor player quality by affiliate to optimize commission logic over time
Whether you’re experimenting with a new affiliate cohort in Africa or rolling out a tiered hybrid campaign in the US, Wynta gives you the infrastructure to adapt.
Flexibility Is the Winning Model
In a rapidly shifting iGaming landscape, no single payout model works for every brand or campaign. But what’s clear in 2025 is this: flexibility beats rigidity. Operators that adjust based on performance, region= and partner type are winning and affiliates are responding in kind.
With Wynta’s powerful tracking, reporting and commission management tools, your team can stay ahead of the curve, whatever payout structure you choose.
Ready to Build Smarter Commission Models?
Talk to our team about how Wynta can help you create dynamic, performance-based affiliate structures that scale with your business. Request a Demo or Contact Sales to get started.
