News
Growth of Illegal Casinos and Betting Sites

Plenty of reports have surfaced in recent times over the increase in the number of people taking to online gambling sites during lockdown across the world. Yet, what hasn’t been touched on just yet is the number of illegal platforms that have cropped up recently, too. Yet, Australia has just released details of the increase in the amount of illegal online betting sites springing to life during these tough times.
Despite Australia’s government going all out in a bid to block such sites from penetrating through to the country’s gamblers, it seems as though offshore sites are once again targeting such players in their masses. According to analytics from SEMrush, the number of searches for “online pokies” within Australia went through a swift leap in April to 40,500, which is massive in comparison to February’s result of 12,100.
Even more than that, an increase in the search for “online casino Australia real money” spiked by 540%, showing that the country still has quite the desire to gamble, despite strict gambling laws being in place there.
It was only a few months prior that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) ordered its internet service providers (ISPs) to block 52 illegal online casino sites. Those platforms remained blocked to Australia gamblers, but this hasn’t stopped numerous other offshore and illegal casinos and sportsbooks to appear during lockdown.
Australia Fighting a Losing Battle?
Some might suggest that the Australia government is fighting a losing battle when it comes to blocking access to offshore online gambling sites. There are so many in existence, that by the time they finish blocking them, plenty more will have opened their virtual doors. While it’s not specifically illegal to play online casino games in the country, it is illegal for websites to provide Australians with that sort of service.
This is different to nearby country New Zealand, where online casino gambling is licensed and regulated. That’s why it’s possible to find various lists of the best bookmakers in New Zealand, as these are fairly commonplace to residents. Yet, Australia is a bit more conservative when it comes to the accessibility of such. Could Australia learn from New Zealand’s setup? Well, possibly. But, it does seem like Australia has a bigger problem with people becoming addicted to gambling, in general.
That being said, research does suggest that the number of people in Australia participating in online gambling declined during the months of March and April this year. However, those who were accessing gambling sites did actually end up spending more money than normal at them. This doesn’t fare well for the industry in general where Australia is concerned, as the government estimated that last year, citizens lost around $400 million by participating in online gambling expeditions.
However, statistics did display that participation in gambling at offshore platforms prior to the pandemic had been on the decline. Unfortunately, that seems to have now become a little irrelevant with more Australians looking to satisfy their gaming needs while having nothing better to do with their time at home.
Affiliate Announcements
BetGoat Partners with NetRefer for its Affiliate Marketing Platform

Crypto-first operator BetGoat has joined forces with NetRefer, the industry’s leading data-driven, AI-powered affiliate marketing platform, to launch and expand its affiliate programme with speed and precision.
BetGoat has quickly established itself as a next-generation casino and sportsbook, combining a crypto-only payments model with a sleek, mobile-first platform. The brand caters to players across Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, offering extensive coverage of global and regional sports alongside a dynamic casino portfolio.
From Premier League football and NBA basketball to UFC, esports, and Formula 1, BetGoat delivers thousands of live events each month. Odds are updated in real time, while in-play markets give players the ability to act on every moment of the action. This focus on immediacy and responsiveness reflects the operator’s commitment to delivering a seamless betting experience.
Beyond sports, BetGoat’s casino and live dealer catalogue features leading providers such as Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and NetEnt. The operator processes deposits and withdrawals exclusively in digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether, with rapid turnaround times and no fiat restrictions, ensuring both efficiency and transparency for players.
Licensed by the Anjouan Gaming Board, BetGoat places a strong emphasis on responsible play. Its platform integrates a wide range of tools that allow customers to set deposit, wager, and session limits, take timeout periods, or opt for self-exclusion, supported by a 24/7 service team. This combination of crypto-driven innovation and player protection reflects BetGoat’s commitment to long-term sustainability.
Affiliate marketing is central to BetGoat’s growth strategy. By selecting NetRefer, the operator gains access to performance insights and flexible reporting that allow it to adapt quickly in fast-moving markets. With the support of CoPilot AI, ASR 1.0 API, and the newly released Report Builder, affiliates benefit from actionable, data-driven intelligence that drives measurable results.
Crucially, BetGoat also utilises NetRefer’s Data Ingestion API, a robust solution that delivers 99.5% availability, standardised inputs, and frequent data updates. The API reduces delays and manual work by correcting errors automatically, ensuring affiliates receive accurate reporting and rewards with greater speed and consistency. For a fast-scaling crypto operator, this level of reliability and precision is essential.
Marky Chan, Affiliate Manager at BetGoat, said: “Our experience with NetRefer has been outstanding. We chose the platform for its strong reputation, reliable tracking, and scalability, all essential for managing BetGoat’s growing affiliate network. The onboarding process was smooth and well-supported, with clear guidance from the team. We particularly value the powerful reporting and commission management tools, which make tracking and optimising performance effortless. NetRefer is a reliable, user-friendly, and responsive partner, and we highly recommend it to any business looking to manage and grow their affiliate programme effectively.”
Amanda Camenzuli, Manager of NetRefer’s Account Management team, commented: “We’re excited to welcome BetGoat to the NetRefer family. By embracing the Data Ingestion API, they’re setting their affiliate programme up for success with accurate, standardised data and fewer operational hurdles. We look forward to supporting their growth and helping them reach ambitious new milestones.”
This partnership brings together BetGoat’s innovative, crypto-first vision with NetRefer’s 20 years of affiliate marketing expertise. Together, the companies will deliver an affiliate programme built on transparency, performance, and sustainable growth.
News
InOut Games drop their first-ever slot: meet Chicken Royal!

InOut Games, the studio behind the viral hit Chicken Road, is taking the next big step by entering the slot market with the release of Chicken Royal. Inspired by the iconic crash game that captured millions of players worldwide, the new release brings the beloved chicken into a brand-new format designed to engage both operators and players.
This marks the company’s first slot release, expanding InOut Games’ portfolio beyond crash mechanics and reinforcing its commitment to innovation in online entertainment.
“Chicken Road became a global sensation because of its simplicity, thrill, and universal appeal. With Chicken Royal, we’re transforming that same DNA into a slot experience that’s fresh, dynamic, and full of potential. We are confident this launch will not only resonate with players but also open new earning opportunities for affiliates and partners,” said Vladislav Snak, CEO of InOut Games.
Beyond the launch, InOut Games has ambitious plans for ongoing promotion and brand support around Chicken Royal, ensuring strong visibility across global markets. For affiliates and webmasters, the slot represents a new avenue to drive engagement and revenue, backed by the company’s proven track record of creating games that go viral.
You can reach out to the InOut team for integration inquiries by clicking onto this link.
About InOut Games
INOUT Games is a licensed B2B provider specializing in the development of high-quality gaming solutions for online casinos. With a diverse portfolio of 34 games, the company focuses on delivering unique and engaging player experiences tailored to meet the needs of operators. Its approach combines innovative game design, robust technical support, and comprehensive platform integration to ensure optimal performance and user satisfaction. Each game is designed with both players and operators in mind, featuring short betting cycles, high retention, and high LTV (Lifetime Value), delivering commercial success for operators.
Conferences
EEGS Affiliate Conference 2025 Moves to New Date and Venue

Organizers of the EEGS Affiliate Conference are excited to announce an important update for the upcoming 4th edition of the event. Originally scheduled for 25 November, the conference will now take place on 26 November 2025 at the Inter Expo Center (IEC) in Sofia, Bulgaria, and will be held during the BEGE Expo.
This strategic move creates an even stronger platform for affiliates, affiliate managers, operators, and industry stakeholders across the Balkans and Eastern Europe. By aligning with BEGE Expo and the main EEGS Conference, the Affiliate Conference will provide unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and brand exposure.
Expanded Benefits for Attendees and Sponsors
- One Pass – Full Access: Affiliate Conference passes now include entry to BEGE Expo and the EEGS Conference, offering a comprehensive experience across all three events.
- Unmatched Networking: Attendees will connect with thousands of professionals from the gaming, affiliate, and entertainment industries.
- Increased Brand Visibility: Sponsors and partners gain exposure not only at the Affiliate Conference but also throughout the region’s largest gaming and entertainment exhibition.
“By bringing all the events under one roof, we are creating the ultimate meeting point for affiliates and industry leaders in the Balkans. This change adds tremendous value for participants and sponsors alike,” said Nino Berezhiani, Marketing Manager at BEGE Expo and EEGS.
As the only affiliate-dedicated event in the Balkans, the EEGS Affiliate Conference continues to build its reputation as a must-attend gathering for strategic minds in gaming, entertainment, and digital marketing. The new date and venue will ensure even more impactful discussions, trend exploration, and partnership opportunities in one of the fastest-growing regions in the industry.