News
How the Rise of In-App Purchases is Influencing the Mobile Gaming Industry?
The gaming industry captured the minds of users during 2000s, and now it generates large profits – almost $138 billion in 2018. Developers and operators must be happy about the industry showing growth in revenue of 13.3% compared to 2017.
Following the trend, the mobile gaming market is performing even better. The 25.5% growth means that this sector generates more than a half of a total income (51%). Console and PC segments are nearly equal, having 25% and 24% respectively. There are a number of reasons for mobile games blooming, including in-app purchases.
The freemium spirit
In general, in-app purchases stand for the ability of mobile applications to sell products or services, either virtual or real. Developers invented different approaches to integrating them using various types of apps, features, and interfaces. For instance, there are branded catalogs which sell goods through applications. But in-app purchases are way more typical for free-to-play games.
There is a freemium model of games. Combining features of both free and premium projects, these are completely free downloadable applications with integrated purchases. Owing to this approach, developers earn money with smaller deals inside the app instead of one-time payments. Some of the freemium apps offer simple ads disablement, while others provide unique in-game content. Gambling apps also follow this trend – they offer additional features for money, as well as provide different bonuses for such purchases listed on CasinoBonusCheck.com.
Evolution of mobile games
Now, let’s focus on the influence of freemium games growing in popularity. Experts from Scientific Revenue claim that developers move towards commercial sophistication. This trend is typical for projects that rely on micropayments.
To understand how freemium models affect mobile gaming, remember that they change the focus, moving sales from websites or online retailers like Amazon to games themselves. This way, developers can control the process, providing various offers with flexible prices, sales, and promotions.
Here are some of the current trends of the gaming industry:
- Multiple points of sale. While premium games are sold on app markets, freemium products can use coins stores, popups with offers, and ubiquitous ads.
- Various in-game offers. There may be unique daily or weekly sales, additional content, in-game currency, and so on.
- Annuities. These are unique offers, valid during a certain period.
- Live Operations. Thanks to in-app purchases, developers can focus on adding new stuff even after the game was launched. They include downloadable content and special promotions dedicated to specific events or major updates.
As small payments are really flexible, developers can easily modify them, trying to reach the maximum engagement. Analysts evaluate the efficiency of in-game content sales and decide whether it’s better to add advertisements or focus on unique offers.
Consequences of the freemium rise
So far as it’s clearer how in-app purchases set trends, we can think about positive and negative consequences. Note that there is no agreement among experts regarding this.
The good side
Ideal freemium games sell cosmetic changes only. Another approach features different types of content but includes an option to unlock them without paying real money. For example, Temple Run offers various enhancements which are available without extra expenses.
Decent freemium projects should focus on improving players’ experience by introducing new content. This is more typical for PC and console games where users can buy new visual styles for characters, unlock extra items and locations.
Free-to-download projects attract way more users who realize that they can easily dive into the game. Also, game providers can focus on improving the single product by implementing Live Operations rather than designing numerous sequels.
The bad side
The modern world is strongly focused on money. That’s why the majority of freemium games turn into pay-to-win or pay-to-play projects:
- Pay-to-win. Players can buy in-game stuff to become more powerful and beat opponents.
- Pay-to-play. Players can evade time limits and prolong the game process with in-app purchases.
In pursuit of revenue, developers focus less on improving the game itself. Many freemium projects create nothing new, simply offering benefits for premium players. This leads to users realizing they can simply pay and win instead of improving skills or building strategies, which kills the thrill of gaming.
The majority of mobile projects push pay-to-play or pay-to-win styles because it’s profitable now: Clash of Clans or Fruit Pop, just to name a few. It’s much worse for the industry when well-thought series like Dungeon Hunter follow such trends.
Future of in-app purchases
Freemium model works well for game developers as it allows expanding the audience thanks to free downloads and earning more money thanks to engagement strategies. Gamers are free to try different products and decide whether they deserve further investments.
It seems clear that mobile games will expand, generating more revenues compared to PC and console sectors. In-app purchases will definitely grow in popularity as well. Probably, companies will find new ways of implementing this feature, somehow different from pay-to-win and pay-to-play options. Eventually, it all depends on end users as they create the demand.
News
N1 Brand Series: N1 Bet — Player Profile & GEOs
Every brand requires its own approach, which is why in the N1 Brand Series, the N1 Partners team breaks down products through a practical, hands-on lens.
In this episode let’s look inside N1 Bet: its core strengths, audience specifics, and approaches to improving traffic efficiency. In addition, the team has prepared a traffic setup for N1 Sport Promo, a new promotion aligned with the upcoming high-intensity sports season and FIFA 2026.
Within the campaign running from June 10 to July 20, partners will be able to earn additional bonuses for high-quality sports and prediction traffic, increasing their potential rewards alongside the number of acquired FTDs.
N1 Bet: Product breakdown
N1 Bet combines classic sports betting, casino, and Prediction Markets into a single product, offering users a wide variety of markets, an intuitive interface, fast onboarding, and attractive promotional mechanics designed to boost engagement.

- Brand name: N1 Bet
- GEOs: AU, NZ, AT, DE, CA, CH, IE, NO, IT
- Main verticals: Casino, betting, prediction markets
- Target audience: Users aged 25-55 interested in online casinos, slots, and live games, oriented toward a fast and seamless gaming experience.
- User value: Ease of use, fast access to games, bonuses, and promotional mechanics
- Features/advantages: Simple and fast registration flow, smooth UX, wide selection of slots and live games, fast deposits/withdrawals, and regular promotions.
- Reg2Dep:
PPC: 40–60%
FB: 22–30%
SEO: 40–45%
- Retention Rate: 25–35%
- LTV: up to €1500
Player’s portrait
N1 Bet audience is primarily composed of Tier-1 GEO users, which directly influences their behaviour and expectations toward the product. From a payment behaviour perspective, Tier-1 audiences demonstrate a higher average deposit compared to Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets, especially in Australia, New Zealand, and the DACH region.
Another key product characteristic is strong mobile dominance. On average, 87% of active users play from mobile devices. In English-speaking GEOs, this share is even higher:
- AU — 95%
- NZ — 96%
- CA — 95%
In practice, this is mostly a mobile-only audience. In the DACH region, mobile traffic is also dominant, although desktop still retains a presence:
- DE — 89% mobile
- AT — 91% mobile
Peak player activity occurs in the evening — from 19:00 to 23:00 local time.
Player characteristics by GEO
Austria
- A premium audience segment.
- 91% of users play on mobile devices.
- High interest in slots, especially classic titles such as Legacy of Dead and Book of Ra.
- Higher rates with fewer deposits.
- Behavior is close to a VIP segment.
Germany
- Also a premium segment.
- 89% mobile traffic, while maintaining a noticeable desktop share.
- The most balanced mix of slots, live casino, and sportsbook.
- Slots share is lower than in other GEOs, but classic slots remain in demand.
Australia
- 95% mobile users.
- High average revenue per user.
- Main interest focused on slots and crash games.
- Branded games, including Chicken Road 2 x N1 Bet, are among the most popular products.
Canada
- 95% mobile audience.
- Average ARPPU is comparable to Australia.
- Gaming behaviour is mostly slot-oriented.
- High interest in branded content.
- Lower sensitivity to bonus offers compared to other markets.
New Zealand
- The most mobile-driven audience — 96%.
- Lower ARPPU and average bet size.
- The only GEO with a consistently high share of live casino activity — 17% to 56% vs 10-22% in other markets.
- The most diverse gameplay behavior overall.
New players’ behavior
New user behaviour largely depends on traffic source:
- Facebook Crash campaigns — users start with crash games (Chicken Road, Aviator, etc.) and then gradually move into slots.
- Facebook Slots campaigns — users immediately engage with slots without switching categories.
- PPC — most common mix: slots + live casino.
- Influence — mixed interest across slots, crash games, and live casino.
- SEO — primarily focused on slots and live games.
General trends
- Slots remain the main driver of new player activity, accounting for 60–80% of playtime (higher in AT and AU, lower in DE and CA).
- Crash games work extremely well as a primary conversion tool, especially for Facebook traffic.
- Live casino becomes more popular after the 2nd–3rd deposit, especially among users from DACH and NZ.
High-LTV Player Behavior
High lifetime value players are not characterised by single large deposits but by consistent product engagement:
- more than 4 active gaming sessions per week;
- use of multiple verticals simultaneously (slots + live, slots + sportsbook, sportsbook + prediction markets);
- active participation in VIP and loyalty programs;
- use of cashback and loyalty systems instead of bonus hunting;
- strong interest in new providers, tournaments, and product updates;
- stable deposit patterns without sharp promo-driven spikes;
- engagement in onsite activities (tournaments, bonus shop) and CRM communications.
This category of users forms the most stable and long-term LTV for partners.
Top 3 Working Funnels for N1 Bet
Funnel 1
This funnel is designed for a broad audience and performs well due to a simple and clear message. The main focus is the ability to start with a small amount and potentially win big. This approach helps maintain a low FTD cost and quickly scale traffic volume.
- Traffic source: Facebook
- GEO: AU
- Page type: PWA
- Audience: Men and women 25+
- Approach: The creative is based on a dynamic video. It starts with a stack of cash in front of a smartphone or computer screen, then shifts to gameplay featuring slots, bonuses, and winning combinations. A voiceover explains the low entry threshold, easy start, and the ability to play directly from a smartphone. The main goal is to create a sense of accessibility and highlight potential winnings.
- Why it works: Users immediately see core triggers — money, wins, and a low entry barrier. The funnel appeals to the desire for fast results with minimal investment.
- Key funnel element: Slots and PWA
- Performance indicators: CPC, FTD cost, and average player value
- Scaling method: Duplication of successful ad campaigns
- Risks/limitations: May attract lower-quality traffic
- Common mistakes: Launching too many campaigns at once with high budgets
- Expert note: This funnel should be scaled gradually. The best approach is to start with a single campaign and allow algorithms to gather sufficient data. If stable FTD and average value metrics are achieved over several days, scaling should be done through duplication rather than abrupt budget increases.
Funnel 2
This approach can attract higher-quality audiences thanks to a combination of a recognizable influencer, a real casino environment, and a native-style product presentation. When executed properly, it can maintain an acceptable FTD cost while bringing in users with strong long-term engagement potential.
- Traffic source: Facebook
- GEO: AU
- Page type: PWA
- Audience: Men and women 25+
- Approach: The creative features a well-known influencer inside a physical casino. They play a slot, share their experience, show bet sizes and winnings. The atmosphere is important: other casino visitors react emotionally, creating a sense of real entertainment and leisure. The entire video is positive and demonstrates that this experience is accessible to anyone.
- Why it works: Users see a familiar face and recognizable environment, which increases trust in the ad.
- Key funnel element: Creative and PWA
- Performance indicators: CPC and FTD cost
- Scaling method: Duplication of working campaigns
- Risks/limitations: Improper scaling may significantly increase FTD cost
- Common mistakes: Rapid budget increases instead of gradual scaling
- Expert note: This funnel often delivers higher-quality audiences compared to standard gaming creatives. However, scaling should be done carefully. If performance is stable, it is better to increase volume gradually through duplication while keeping winning campaign settings.
Funnel 3 (for N1 Sport Promo traffic)
During the N1 Sport Promo campaign, sports traffic funnels become especially important.
Below is an approach that can perform well during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Traffic source: Facebook Ads
- GEO: Canada
- Page type: PWA with content tailored to a specific World Cup match
- Audience: Men 25–45 interested in football, sports betting, sports news, and international tournaments. Focus is on users actively following the World Cup, discussing matches, and looking for predictions.
- Approach: The creative is built in a news or analytical format centered around a specific World Cup match. It includes predictions, team statistics, starting lineups, injury updates, team form, and expected outcomes. The content must be tightly linked to an upcoming match or trending topic actively discussed by the audience.
- Why it works: Users engage with content they are genuinely interested in. Instead of a standard betting ad, they receive relevant match insights and become part of the analysis process. The high interest in the World Cup enables broader reach and high-quality sports traffic.
- Key funnel element: Creative relevance and match context
- Performance indicators: High CTR, strong registration conversion, and high percentage of users placing bets after registration
- Scaling method: Continuous creation of new creatives for each match day, teams, popular fixtures, and trending tournament news
- Risks/limitations: Creatives quickly lose relevance and require constant updates
- Common mistakes: Using generic sports creatives without match context, scaling too early, and failing to update after the news cycle ends
- Expert note: During the World Cup, funnels built around specific matches or teams perform best. Users respond more strongly to events happening today or tomorrow than to generic sportsbook ads. Fast content updates and relevance are key success factors.
Final Takeaways
N1 Bet consistently performs well across Tier-1 markets when using the right approach. Simple gaming creatives drive volume, influencer-based funnels improve traffic quality, and sports-driven funnels effectively capitalize on major event interest.
With the right strategy, N1 Bet remains a strong product both for scaling volume and for working with high-quality audiences.
Run traffic to N1 Bet with N1 Partners and maximize results during the hot sports season:
- 14+ casino and betting brands with high Reg2Dep
- 10+ Tier-1 GEOs
- CPA up to €700 and RevShare up to 55% + NNCO for top partners
Be number one with N1!
News
Connect with N1 Partners at G Gate Conf 2026
The N1 Partners team will participate in G GATE CONF 2026, one of the largest affiliate conferences in the region, held on June 26-27 at Expo Georgia in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The conference will bring together more than 7,000 representatives of the affiliate industry, advertisers, arbitration teams, webmasters, and partner programs for networking, sharing experiences, and discussing current market trends. More than 100 booths will be presented at the event, as well as more than 50 speakers will be announced.
N1 Partners is a sponsor at the G Gate Conf of one of the zones and invites guests to take a look at the branded coconut station. You can find it to the left of the entrance, opposite the reception desk.
There is also a special offer for the company’s partners: the N1PARTNERS promo code provides a 15% discount on the purchase of a ticket to G Gate Conf.
Also, follow N1 Partners on Instagram for a chance to win one of five G Member tickets!
Why meet N1 Partners?
In Tbilisi, the N1 Partners team will discuss new scaling opportunities, current offers, and the N1 Sport Promo, a special promo for partners pouring sports traffic and working with the Prediction Markets vertical.
The promo runs from June 10 to July 20, 2026, and covers the biggest sporting events of the season, including the FIFA 2026 World Cup. As part of the promotion, partners can increase their CPA rate based on the number of FTDs generated and earn higher payouts.
Book a meeting with N1 Partners
Schedule a meeting with the team in advance and find out more about offers and promotions to get the most out of the conference!
N1 Partners team contact:
- Alexa Bond — Head of Affiliates
- Vlad Zilitskyi — Affiliate Team Lead
- Pavel Sysoev — Affiliate Manager
- Alexey Gusarov — Team Lead of Affiliates
- Oleksandr Havrylov — Affiliate Manager
Join N1 Partners and reach a new level:
- 14+ casino and sportsbook brands with high Reg2Dep
- 10+ Tier-1 GEOs
- CPA up to €700 and RevShare up to 55% + NNCO for top partners
Be number one with N1!
News
N1 Faces Polina Bogatko — Performance vs Partnership
What matters more in affiliate marketing: performance or partnerships? At first glance, the answer seems obvious. But in reality, one rarely exists without the other. Sustainable growth is built on trust, transparent communication, and a shared commitment to moving forward together.
In this new edition of N1 Faces, Polina Bogatko, Affiliate Manager at N1 Partners, shares how she quickly found her place in the industry, why stress management remains one of the most underrated skills in affiliate marketing, and what truly separates a strong partnership from just good cooperation.
How did you get into affiliate marketing, and when did you realise this was the industry you wanted to grow in?
I entered affiliate marketing from an Account Manager position. It was a completely new industry for me, so I set myself an ambitious goal: to dive in as quickly as possible and understand how everything worked.
I spent a lot of time diving into industry content, watching interviews, talking to colleagues, and absorbing new knowledge every day. Within just a month, I had grown into the Affiliate Manager role.
That was the moment I realised I had found the right industry for me. I enjoy the combination of analytics and communication, the challenge of solving complex problems, and the opportunity to work with different people. I’ve also always loved starting from scratch and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone – those challenges are what keep me motivated.
What brought you to N1 Partners, and why did the opportunity seem so attractive?
I’ve always been drawn to companies where you’re not just completing tasks but continuously learning and growing. When the opportunity to join N1 Partners came up, I was immediately impressed by the strength of the team, the business scale, and the company’s reputation within the industry.
What stood out most was the culture. Initiative, expertise, and professional growth are genuinely valued here, and that’s exactly the kind of environment where I wanted to build a long-term career.
Looking back at the start of your career, what turned out to be completely different from your expectations? And what advice would you give yourself during your first month on the job?
At the beginning, I assumed affiliate marketing was all about moving fast and seeing results quickly if you worked hard enough.
In reality, every meaningful achievement is backed by consistent, systematic work. It takes time to fully understand a product, build trust with affiliates, and develop a real feel for the market.
If I could go back to my first month, I would tell myself one simple thing: don’t rush and don’t stress if everything doesn’t click immediately. Success in this industry isn’t about quick wins — it’s about consistency, patience, and showing up every day. The more comfortable you are with the learning process, the faster you’ll get where you want to be.
What changes in affiliate marketing do you consider the most significant over the past few years?
In iGaming, one of the biggest shifts has been the impact of AI on advertising platforms and on the way traffic moderation works
Facebook and Google have become much more precise in analysing user behaviour, creatives, and campaign setups, which has significantly affected both PPC and Facebook traffic acquisition.
A few years ago, scaling campaigns through proven approaches and rapid testing was relatively straightforward. Today, algorithms identify risky patterns much faster, accounts face stricter restrictions, and moderation standards continue to tighten.
As a result, traffic acquisition has become more expensive, while finding stable, scalable campaign setups requires far more resources and expertise.
On one hand, this has made life more challenging for affiliates. On the other hand, the industry has become more mature and professional. Today, the biggest winners are those who can analyse data deeply, test hypotheses methodically, and build long-term strategies rather than simply chasing volume.
What separates a truly strong partnership from simply good cooperation?
A strong affiliate partnership isn’t just about everything running smoothly. It’s about both sides being genuinely invested in achieving a shared outcome.
A great affiliate manager doesn’t simply reply to messages — they understand what’s happening with the traffic, identify growth opportunities, and help solve challenges when they arise. At the same time, successful affiliates don’t jump between offers every few days; they give campaigns enough time to optimise and reach their full potential.
Trust, commitment, and ongoing collaboration are the foundations of any lasting partnership.
Has there been a person, case study, or experience that significantly influenced the way you work with partners?
For me, that person was my first team lead, Vlad Chernov, Deputy Head of Affiliates.
He laid the foundation for how I approach affiliate management today.
One of the most valuable lessons he taught me was to evaluate traffic objectively, without emotions or bias, and rely on data and logic instead.
His communication style also had a huge impact on me. He always emphasised providing structured, actionable feedback rather than opinions or gut feelings.
Most importantly, he taught me not to be influenced by promises or pressure and to stay focused on actual performance.
What do you consider the most underrated part of an affiliate manager’s job?
Stress management. From the outside, the role may seem like a combination of chats and calls, but in reality, you’re constantly balancing the interests of partners, products, and internal performance expectations.
The industry moves incredibly fast, and maintaining a clear head during periods of pressure or fluctuating KPIs is essential.
This is one of those professions where long-term success depends not only on knowledge and experience but also on your ability to stay mentally resilient.
What mistakes most often prevent long-term relationships from developing?
One of the most common mistakes is avoiding difficult conversations.
Instead of discussing challenges openly and finding solutions together, people often stay silent with frustration building over time.
In long-term partnerships, that’s especially dangerous. Any uncertainty or lack of transparency quickly turns into distrust.
It’s always more effective to address issues openly, even when the conversation is uncomfortable, and work toward a solution together.
What helps you stay energised and avoid burnout in an industry that changes every single day?
Energetic affiliates give me a lot of motivation.
There are partners I regularly speak with through calls and chats, and those conversations are always dynamic and engaging.
We can laugh about industry situations, get frustrated by market challenges together, and then switch straight into problem-solving mode.
That combination of genuine human connection and shared focus on results helps me maintain momentum and avoid burnout.
If you had to describe your job in affiliate marketing without using the words “traffic”, “affiliate”, or “conversion”, what would you say?
I’d say it’s about turning chaos into a structured system. You communicate, analyze behavior, test different approaches, and identify what drives results.
It’s a mix of fast decision-making, constant interaction, and the ongoing belief that every process can be improved by optimizing the right details.
If you weren’t in iGaming…?
I would probably move into events or project management. I enjoy fast-paced environments where you have to bring people, tasks, and deadlines together into a system that works. Events offer excitement and constant decision-making in real time, while project management provides more structure and process control — but both come with the same sense of ownership and responsibility for the final outcome. What attracts me in both fields is the combination of organization, accountability, and measurable results.
TOP-3
Which qualities do you value most in partners?
- Deep expertise
- Flexibility
- Responsiveness
Which skills are most important for an Affiliate Manager today?
- Analytical thinking
- Ability to adapt to new rules and changing conditions
- Negotiation skills
Which tools or habits can you not imagine your workday without?
- A calculator 🙂
- My personal Telegram notes chat where I keep everything important
- Affiliate launch pings!
Blitz
New affiliate or growing with an existing one?
Growing and scaling existing partnerships.
Intuition or analytics?
Analytics.
Calls or messages?
Messages every day, calls once a week.
High volume or predictable results?
High volume with controlled quality.
Cooperate with N1 Partners!
For affiliates who value transparent communication, long-term collaboration, and hands-on support, strong partnerships start with a team that is genuinely invested in your growth.
Whether you’re looking for new scaling opportunities, tailored commercial terms, or a high-converting offer to test, Polina would be happy to discuss a potential partnership.
N1 Partners is a multi-brand affiliate platform and direct advertiser that brings together more than 14 casino and sportsbook brands. The company operates across Tier-1 markets and offers competitive commercial terms, including CPA payouts of up to €700 and RevShare of up to 55%.
With more than 14,000 affiliates worldwide, N1 Partners is trusted for its transparency, flexibility, and partnership-first approach. Long-term relationships, quality communication, and a shared focus on performance remain at the core of cooperating with the company.
-
News2 weeks agoN1 Sport Promo Starts Soon: More FTDs, Higher Rates
-
News2 weeks agoN1 Brand Series: RollXO — Brand Breakdown & Traffic Setups
-
Affiliate Success2 weeks agoReferOn Shortlisted for Two EGR B2B Awards 2026 Following Record Platform Growth
-
News1 week agoWhere to Drive Tier-1 Sport Traffic in June World Cup & N1 Sport Promo
-
News1 week agoN1 Partners in Three G Gate Awards Nominations
-
News6 days agoGame On N1 Sport Promo Is Live
-
News1 week agoN1 Partners x RAZE Case: ROI+ in Canada within 3 Days
-
News2 days agoN1 Faces Polina Bogatko — Performance vs Partnership

