CPA means “Cost Per Action.” In this type of marketing, companies pay only when a user takes a specific action. This action could be signing up for a newsletter, making a deposit,grabbing a demo or placing a bet. This pricing model is common when marketing in industries like iGaming, gambling and ecommerce.
The method is quite a suitable tool for managing advertising costs by ensuring businesses only pay when they generate results. Thereby, making sure no budget ever goes to waste.
In this article, we will look at where CPA marketing in iGaming is heading. We will go through current trends that will shape the space in 2025 and beyond.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In 2023, the AI in gaming market was valued at $1.27 billion and is projected to reach $5.45 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3%.
AI enables online gambling platforms to offer personalized user experiences and by doing so, gives room for marketers to evaluate user behavior in real-time, which comes in handy when recommending suitable games, adjusting difficulty level and offering tailored promotion bonuses.
In addition, integrating artificial intelligence into our marketing campaign improves targeting efforts. As such, the team can easily identify player preferences and behaviors, thereby allowing for more effective, and timely marketing campaigns.
Moreover, it’s possible to use machine learning when detecting patterns of problematic gambling. If this is done early enough in a gambler’s career, it may help the platforms to intervene whenever they see the need to intervene and help contribute to responsible gaming.
Affiliates and operators who want to succeed in this space must integrate AI technologies into their platforms. This integration not only enhances user experience but also optimizes marketing strategies, positioning them for sustained growth in a competitive market.
Rise of Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming is growing fast. For instance, players spent $82 billion on in-app game purchases in 2024 which represented a 4% increase from 2023. Furthermore, the time spent playing jumped by 8%, and gaming sessions went up by 12%.
As we continue into 2025, mobile gaming is expected to generate more than half of the world’s gaming revenue. The main catalyst of this growth is thanks to increased adoption of smartphones as well as accessible and affordable internet access.
For gaming marketers who therefore want to move the needle in their campaigns,they must focus on mobile-first strategies. This will involve creating content assets and offers that are 100% optimized for mobile users. Some of the features to consider include user-friendly interfaces, responsive navigation, quick load time and real-time rewards.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual Reality (VR) is introducing new and immersive features that are redefining how people experience online gaming. Casinos have been offering live dealer options for decades, but with the proliferation of virtual reality, that immersiveness is ready to move to the next level. From the comfort of their VR glasses, players can walk into a virtual casino, interact with other plays and play.
For iGaming affiliate marketing platforms, this brings a new way of attracting players to the space by using ads to showcase what happens in a virtual gambling platform. This allows players to get a quick preview of the experience, increasing their chances of likely trying it out.
What’s more, affiliate marketers can still place promotional display ads inside the VR casino and personalize them to feel like a natural part of the gaming experience.
Adoption of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
Blockchain technology has become more common in online gaming with most players opting for faster crypto payments, military-grade security and high privacy levels. For this reason, 2024 saw the crypto gambling sector reach $250 million, up from $50 million in 2019. Gamers who prefer crypto, BTC remains the top choice for 73% of them.
Additionally, most crypto gambling casinos are implementing fair gaming systems, which brings the need for more transparency. And thanks to blockchain technology, this level of transparency remains guaranteed.
However, despite this growth, only 4% of the entire online gambling space uses cryptocurrencies.The main reason behind this lag being unclear regulations and complexity of blockchain technology.
Nonetheless, the trend is clear with more platforms and even more players still willing to explore mobile gaming + crypto options.As the technology improves to provide a seamless user experience, regulators are also keeping at it to achieve clearer regulatory status for the space.
Data-Driven Marketing Strategies
Data-driven marketing has become an essential tool for the iGaming ecosystem to analyze trends, user behavior and preferences. By empowering marketing campaigns with such data, it becomes possible to curate experiences that increase engagement and player retention.
One major strategy that bears fruits in online marketing is blending user data and audience segmentation. This match made in heaven can help group players based on factors like game preferences, spending habits, and style of gameplay. This lets the campaign achieve targeting with precision and delivering campaigns to an audience that resonates with the message.
Sometimes, the campaigns need to predict player behavior based on a set of past behavior. Equipped with this, the team can anticipate what the players need most and build promotions accordingly. For example, if data shows the signs of a player leaving the platform, a personalized offer that contains what they need could make them stay.
Equipped with data, insights and trends like this, you too can succeed in iGaming affiliate marketing. Take action by joining an iGaming affiliate network like Offer.one to access a wide range of high-conversion CPA offers. You’ll also get help setting up your first campaign, tracking progress, and monitoring your passive earnings with just a few clicks.
The Final Take: The Future of CPA Marketing in iGaming
CPA marketing is quickly shaping the face of marketing in the igaming space.Those who want to adapt faster and innovate will have to assimilate these trends in the best possible way.
By fine-tuning their approach, focusing on personal experiences, and using the latest tools, affiliates can drive stronger results, boost earnings, and build something that lasts.
