News

How Will Gambling Affiliates be Affected by Rule Changes in the UK?

Published

4 years ago

June 30, 2021

As the iGaming market in the UK has grown exponentially since 2010, we’ve also seen associated money-making opportunities emerge in the sector.

For example, the most successful gambling affiliates can earn in excess of £20,000 per month when ranking well for competitive search volume keywords, simply by promoting a particular casino brand through their site.

However, given the recent proposals aimed at safeguarding players in the iGaming market and the wider impact of Brexit on the European gambling industry in the UK, the future for affiliates has become uncertain. But how will they be affected by any rule changes?

Exploring Current Affiliate Restrictions

During the House of Lords Select Committee meeting on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry in February, delegates discussed a wide range of measures to help protect vulnerable and underage gamblers.

They also entertained the ambitious proposals by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Gambling Related Harm, which included measures such as a £2 online slots betting cap and a comprehensive review of the licensing criteria imposed on operators.

Another key topic for discussion was the role of affiliates, and more specifically how operators feel about regulating these entities and the way in which they advertise to their customers.

Currently, there is a clear rule which makes operators liable for the actions of their affiliate partners, with this having been in place since the last review of the market in 2018.

This rule created a sense of accountability amongst operators and made them directly responsible for the marketing activity (and breaches) of their affiliates, resulting in a slew of financial sanctions for brands across the board.

This was also part of a wider drive to curb the publication of misleading information on affiliate sites, which could occasionally be utilized to target vulnerable or underage players.

Aside from misleading advertising, this body of rules and wider regulatory framework also covers specific database practice requirements, including the requirement to demonstrate explicit consent for any person who happens to be on an affiliate’s email marketing list.

By attempting to control sponsored iGaming messaging in this way, both the UK regulator and the government caused a considerable splash in the affiliate market.

For example, Sky Bet closed their affiliate program completely after the new rules were imposed, while a host of other market-leading operators listed on mybettingsite.uk ceased to partner with their most inefficient and untrustworthy affiliates.

This also contributed to the significant spike in mergers and acquisitions in the iGaming market during 2018/19, so it should come as no surprise that stakeholders are watchful in the event that new affiliate laws are passed.

So, What Does the Future Hold for iGaming Affiliates?

The main worry here is that the previous measures clearly have not resulted in the level of control and conformity that regulators would like, which is why alternative (and potentially stricter) measures may be under consideration.

In fact, the most logical and likely move would be to see the government (in conjunction with the UK Gambling Commission) attempt to regulate affiliates and their activity directly.

In theory, this could broadly follow the US model, where sports betting affiliates are required to register or license their operations in full before deals can be struck to promote online sportsbooks and iGaming brands.

This would not only potentially result in the formation of a new and standalone regulatory body, but costs may also be introduced to create a barrier to entry for new affiliates and make the practice less profitable for rogue operators.

Just as in 2018/19, any new rule changes could also trigger another wave of mergers and acquisitions.

In this instance, such strategic moves could well help smaller operators to absorb increased operational costs, while enabling larger corporations to strengthen their market share.

On a fundamental level, however, any new rule changes would require operators (and, to a lesser extent, affiliates) to boost their legal representation, in order to help minimize regulatory costs and pay for any external legal support that may be required.

These challenges will be compounded by Brexit, particularly for UK operators who may also be struggling with the increased RGD levy and other regulatory restrictions.

So, all stakeholders will be waiting with bated breath in the coming months, to see which of the new iGaming rules and regulations are likely to impact on the lucrative practice of affiliate marketing.

Related Topics:Affiliate Restrictions iGaming market in the UK

Up Next

What do Affiliates Need to Consider in NZ from a Regulatory Perspective?

Don't Miss

247Partners strengthens leadership with strategic appointment

Click to comment

News

InOut Games drop their first-ever slot: meet Chicken Royal!

Published

1 week ago

October 1, 2025

TheVoice

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

Published

1 week ago

October 1, 2025

George Miller

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.

Conferences

Aff.Tech at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025: Dozens of Meetings, Packed Booth, and Silver Award Recognition

Published

2 weeks ago

September 25, 2025

George Miller

Aff.Tech at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025: Dozens of Meetings, Packed Booth, and Silver Award Recognition

At SBC Summit Lisbon 2025, Aff.Tech showcased why it stands as the Affiliate Platform for Champions. Over the three-day event, booth C350 (shared with GR8 Tech) became one of the busiest spots of the exhibition, filled with operators and platform providers eager to discover how Aff.Tech drives affiliate management with automation, scalability, and precision.

The results spoke for themselves: constant traffic at the booth, dozens of productive business meetings, and a strong pipeline of new opportunities. This overwhelming interest confirmed the growing demand for Aff.Tech’s technology among operators seeking to streamline affiliate programs and unlock new levels of performance.

Aff.Tech’s impact was further validated at the Affiliate Leaders Awards, where the company proudly took Silver in the “Affiliate Management Platform of the Year” category—a recognition of its innovation and growing influence in the market.

As part of its presence at SBC, Aff.Tech also introduced its Aff Yourself campaign—a movement to empower operators to take control of their affiliate business, set their rules, and grow without limits.

Mariia Shmelova, CEO of Aff.Tech, said, “The energy around our booth proved that operators are actively searching for solutions like Aff.Tech. Our platform is built to give them complete control, transparency, and automation so they can scale faster and focus on what really drives growth. Getting Silver “Affiliate Management Platform of the Year” shows that the industry recognizes our progress and direction.”

Valerija Reca, Business Development Manager at Aff.Tech, added, “For three days, our team was engaged non-stop in high-quality discussions with operators from around the world. They see Aff.Tech as a partner that combines reliability, flexibility, and scalability—exactly what’s needed to manage affiliates effectively in today’s competitive environment.”

With a packed booth, dozens of successful meetings, and award-winning recognition, Aff.Tech closed SBC Summit Lisbon 2025 as one of the exhibition’s standout success stories. The company left Lisbon with a clear message: affiliate management is evolving, and Aff.Tech is leading the way as the Affiliate Platform for Champions.