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.
Awards
2RBO Affiliates Secures Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year at International Gaming Awards 2026
2RBO Affiliates has been named Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year at the 19th edition of the International Gaming Awards (IGA), one of the most respected global events recognizing excellence across the gaming and gambling industry.
The award ceremony took place on January 18, 2026, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Barcelona, welcoming senior leaders and professionals from both online and land-based gaming sectors.
Recognizing innovation and performance in affiliate marketing
The Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year category is among the most competitive at the IGA, highlighting affiliate programs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, measurable commercial impact, and strong brand development.
In selecting the winner, the judging panel evaluates campaign execution, audience engagement, scalability, and the ability to drive sustainable growth for both operators and partners.
2RBO Affiliates stood out through its data-driven approach, modern campaign structure, and focus on long-term affiliate value rather than short-term performance spikes.
Commitment to transparency and scalable growth
Commenting on the recognition, Aviv Rosenblit, Head of Affiliates at 2RBO, said:
“We are extremely proud to receive this award from industry peers. It confirms our commitment to innovation, transparency, and delivering sustainable growth for our partners. Our goal has always been to build long-term relationships supported by technology, trust, and measurable results.”
A high-performance affiliate ecosystem
2RBO Affiliates operates a comprehensive affiliate platform supporting several established iGaming brands, including Betinia, Swiper, CampoBet, and ToonieBet.
The program combines:
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advanced gamification tools
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flexible commission models
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real-time performance analytics
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proactive compliance monitoring
This integrated approach enables affiliates to maximize engagement, improve retention, and optimize revenue across multiple regulated markets.
Strengthening its position in the global affiliate market
The International Gaming Awards, supported by leading industry publication The iGaming Post, are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious charity-driven events in global gaming.
By securing this award, 2RBO Affiliates further reinforces its position as a high-performance affiliate program focused on sustainable partnerships, innovation-led marketing strategies, and long-term value creation.
About 2RBO Affiliates
2RBO Affiliates is a global affiliate program representing premium iGaming brands. The platform is designed to support affiliates through modern gamification mechanics, flexible commercial structures, detailed performance tracking, and strong compliance standards — enabling partners to scale efficiently in competitive markets.
About the International Gaming Awards (IGA)
The International Gaming Awards celebrate excellence across the global gaming industry, bringing together stakeholders from mobile gaming, online casinos, sportsbooks, and land-based operators. In addition to recognizing leadership and innovation, the IGA supports charitable initiatives worldwide.
Conferences
Mondoplay to sponsor Gamblers Connect at ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona
Gamblers Connect, the award-winning iGaming media and affiliate platform, has revealed that Mondoplay will be the official conference sponsor of its delegation at the upcoming ICE and iGB Affiliate Summit in Barcelona, Spain.
This sponsorship marks a significant collaboration between two innovative forces in the iGaming sector as the industry gathers for its most prestigious annual event. This partnership serves as another prime example of how strategic alliances can amplify impact within the community.
Both Gamblers Connect and Mondoplay share a unified vision of prioritising quality and user experience above all else. This sponsorship perfectly reflects that shared belief and commitment to excellence.
The summit in Barcelona represents a new chapter for the industry, and this partnership ensures Gamblers Connect can connect directly with operators, affiliates, and industry leaders from across the globe with greater resources and presence.
Mondoplay has established itself as a dynamic operator brand known for its comprehensive sportsbook and casino offering. Its platform is built on delivering seamless player experiences, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the editorial standards of Gamblers Connect.
Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “By supporting our delegation, Mondoplay is directly investing in independent media coverage and the fostering of transparent industry dialogue. This partnership is more than just a sponsorship agreement. It is a celebration of shared ambition and mutual growth. Together, we can continue to prove that meaningful collaboration and genuine value creation are what truly move the iGaming industry forward.”
News
Taking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner
N1 Partners is heading to iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona with a clear focus on partners and the grand finale of the global N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event dates, N1 Partners will welcome partners at the booth and host an exclusive evening side event in Barcelona, where the winner of the promo will be announced and awarded the grand prize: a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.
At iGB Affiliate 2026, N1 Partners will welcome industry colleagues at booth 80-C80. Conversations at the stand will focus on performance, traffic strategies, and the key priorities for growth in 2026.
At booth 80-C80, visitors will find an exclusive “The Sky Is Not the Limit” merch drop created specifically for iGB Affiliate 2026. A cocktail bar will be part of the booth experience, making it a convenient meeting point throughout the day. The N1 Partners booth is designed as a space where partners can easily stop by, start a conversation, and spend time, combining a relaxed atmosphere with the right setting for discussing deals and strategies.
Interactive elements with prizes will add an engaging touch to booth visits. Most importantly, partners will be able to speak directly with N1 Partners affiliate managers about current market dynamics, upcoming trends for 2026, traffic performance, and individual cooperation terms.
N1 Puzzle Promo Grand Finale Party
The N1 Puzzle Promo has been running globally from April 21 to December 31, 2025, bringing partners together around a long-term competition built on performance and consistency. Over the course of the year, participants progressed through the promo step by step, moving up the leaderboard and unlocking rewards as they advanced toward the final stage.
On January 20, N1 Partners will host a private party in Barcelona to mark the grand finale of the N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event, the company will announce the top three partners and the winner of the grand prize, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.
The evening is designed as a celebration of a year-long promo journey. It brings together partners, invited guests, and the N1 Partners team in an informal setting that combines recognition, entertainment, and shared moments. The program follows a structured show format with live performances and curated experiences created specifically for the N1 Partners community.
Find out who the special guest of the evening will be and secure your spot: https://n1puzzle.promo/en.html
Why Meet N1 Partners in Barcelona
iGB Affiliate 2026 is an opportunity for partners to reconnect with the N1 Partners team and benefit from:
- 14+ licensed casino and sportsbook brands with Reg2Dep up to 70%
- Top deals across 10+ Tier-1 GEOs
- CPA up to €700 for partners with top-performing traffic, RevShare up to 45% + NNCO, and hybrid models
Book your meetings with N1 Partners affiliate managers at booth 80-C80 and join the N1 Puzzle Promo finale in Barcelona.
After all, why drive when you can fly?
Be number one with N1 Partners.
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News2 weeks agoTaking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner
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News2 weeks ago
N1 Faces: Daria Maichuk — “Communication as the Key to Strong, Effective Partnerships in Affiliate Marketing”
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Conferences6 days agoMondoplay to sponsor Gamblers Connect at ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona
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Awards42 minutes ago2RBO Affiliates Secures Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year at International Gaming Awards 2026

