News

N1 Insights: The iGaming Trends Everyone Will Be Talking About This March

Published

2 months ago

February 20, 2026

In January, N1 Partners launched a new series featuring monthly iGaming market insights – and in March, the team continues to share practical analytics. Each month, N1 Partners’ iGaming affiliate marketing experts break down key changes across traffic sources, GEOs, content, technologies, regulation, and other areas, drawing on real data, campaign statistics, and the experience of the industry’s strongest players.

March shows that the market is окончательно moving out of its winter testing mode and shifting toward precise optimization and scaling. The focus is now on the efficiency of funnels, resilience to platform updates, and process technological maturity. Competition is intensifying, and decisions are becoming increasingly data-driven and strategic.

What is already changing – and what to prepare for in the coming month – we break down step by step.

Part 1: Traffic and Performance

1.1 Top trending traffic sources in March and upcoming tendencies
In terms of dynamics, Facebook remains the main driver, continuing to demonstrate the highest level of stability among traffic sources. TikTok and ASO periodically show strong results as well; however, these channels are characterized by high volatility and do not always provide a predictable traffic volume.

Speaking about SEO traffic, the following trends can be highlighted:
1. Ongoing content optimization in line with E-E-A-T principles. We are seeing cases where websites generate clicks but fail to convert traffic because Google does not perceive them as sufficiently useful or authoritative for users.

A growing interest in the cross-brand approach. Such projects tend to adapt more easily to market and algorithm changes. We are also observing an increase in sports-related traffic driven by a packed events calendar in Q1 2026.
In addition, there is a continued gradual cleanup of PBN websites from search results, along with a shift in focus from traditional link-building toward the development of high-quality content.

1.2 Brand requirements for traffic quality
More and more brands are revising their performance evaluation approach, shifting from a 3-4 month horizon to analyzing results within the current month. This significantly increases traffic quality requirements from the very start of cooperation.

No one expects 100% ROI in the first month; however, traffic must demonstrate positive dynamics and, most importantly, bring in active and “real” players. Early engagement metrics and audience quality indicators are becoming the key factors in decisions regarding scaling and further collaboration.

1.3 KPIs and traffic evaluation metrics
In the SEO traffic segment, the key metrics that determine further activity and potential caps are ROAS and Average Deposit Count. These indicators make it possible to assess not only the initial conversion but also the real value of the acquired player.

As for Facebook, PPC, ASO, and other traffic sources, the market is increasingly shifting its focus from volume to quality. Primary attention is given to the deposit-to-redeposit ratio, player LTV, and stream profitability in weeks two, three, and four. Monetization depth and behavioral metrics are becoming the decisive factors when it comes to scaling decisions and budget allocation.

1.4 Scaling approaches that will deliver the best results in March
Much still depends on the GEO and traffic source – there is no universal scenario. For PPC, maintaining volume remains the priority, while for Facebook, stable ROI becomes the key factor. The approach to performance evaluation is becoming increasingly differentiated depending on the acquisition channel.

From an SEO perspective, several consistent trends can be highlighted:

Parasite SEO.
Across most of our key GEOs, we are seeing a sharp increase in new content published on high-authority platforms such as Trustpilot, Reddit, Yahoo, and other major domains.
SEO funnels with YouTube channels.
Despite some skepticism, this format delivers both volume and stream profitability. Video content strengthens trust and improves organic traffic conversion rates.
Niche review websites.
Large portals are entering narrow segments less frequently, while smaller players are successfully capturing rankings for highly specific keyword queries. These are often simple, strictly keyword-optimized one-page websites that nonetheless demonstrate strong performance.
Local keyword queries.
These perform especially well in smaller but high-income GEOs such as Denmark, Norway, Austria, and Switzerland. In these markets, a localized approach results in significantly higher conversion rates due to the audience’s strong purchasing power.
Cross-brand strategies.
However, they are effective only with strong coordination: a responsive affiliate manager on the webmaster’s side and a strong product manager on the brand’s side who can quickly assess traffic quality and provide prompt feedback on the funnel. Without fast communication, this model loses efficiency.

Part 2: GEO Priorities

2.1 Tier-1 GEOs with the highest growth potential in March
Across Facebook, PPC, and other paid traffic sources, several GEOs stand out with relatively small but high-quality audiences. Players demonstrate consistent activity and strong monetization, particularly in Austria and Germany. This remains a fairly traditional trend.

In terms of SEO, strong potential is currently emerging in Canada, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, Ireland, and Slovenia. In these countries, parasite SEO is actively developing, cross-brand strategies are performing effectively, and new niche review websites are entering the market with well-structured content and carefully designed UX. Competition is gradually intensifying; however, due to the overall improvement in project quality, the potential for organic scaling remains high.

2.2 More challenging GEOs to enter in March
When it comes to SEO traffic, the situation across key Tier-1 markets remains stable: Germany, Australia, and Canada continue to be characterized by high competition and increased regulatory risks. In Europe, strict GDPR compliance requirements remain in force, where data handling mistakes can lead to significant fines.

Australia also enforces stringent requirements from local regulators. Under such conditions, SEO in these GEOs requires a cautious strategy, strong legal expertise, and heightened attention to compliance.

The situation with Facebook and PPC traffic looks different. The market has accumulated substantial expertise in Tier-1 regions, so Facebook traffic is likely to remain stable and continue performing effectively with proper ROI management.

At the same time, PPC in Tier-1 is becoming increasingly challenging: growing competition, stricter platform policies, and rising auction costs may make this year particularly demanding for partners who primarily rely on PPC traffic.

2.3 March regulatory changes impacting SEO strategies in Tier-1 GEOs
The trend toward stricter regulatory measures in Tier-1 markets will continue to gain momentum. Increased tax pressure and tighter deposit limits per player are already shaping a steady trend: part of the audience in Europe is gradually shifting toward “grey” operators. In turn, this is attracting new webmasters to these markets.

At the same time, tightening restrictions are significantly narrowing traditional funnels and limiting promotional opportunities in the conventional SEO sense. As a result, the market is increasingly moving toward hybrid models, where organic traffic is combined with Facebook, Telegram, social sources, and parasite SEO funnels.

Such diversification is no longer just a competitive advantage – it is becoming a necessity to maintain both traffic volume and quality amid growing regulatory pressure.

Part 3: SEO Content and Algorithms

3.1 How will the effectiveness of classic link building change?
There are already clear precedents showing a decline in the effectiveness of traditional link building. Previously, it was possible to purchase 100 backlinks, with 50 getting indexed and 10 actually ranking and delivering tangible results. Today, there is a high probability that all 100 links may bring little to no measurable impact.

Search engines are increasingly shifting their focus from external factors to the internal quality of a website. Priority is given to navigation usability, page load speed, well-structured content architecture, clear information formatting, and genuine user value. Under these conditions, a mechanical backlink growth strategy is losing effectiveness and requires a shift toward a more comprehensive approach focused on product quality and user experience.

3.2 Which SEO approaches will stop working as effectively as before?

PBNs and mass purchasing of cheap backlinks are gradually losing relevance.
A broad keyword set no longer guarantees high traffic volume.
Long-form content created solely for volume is becoming ineffective.
Generic, one-size-fits-all content is giving way to highly niche, specialized content.

Part 4: Economics, Costs, and ROI Forecasts

4.1 How will traffic costs change in March compared to the beginning of the year?
After the holiday period, the auction traditionally cools down slightly, making traffic costs more manageable. March is likely to become a favorable period for operations, with traffic available at more optimal prices.

At the same time, it is crucial to closely monitor global events, as auctions tend to react very sensitively to external factors. This can significantly impact both traffic costs and volumes.

4.2 Which factors will have the strongest impact on ROI in March?
For advertisers, the key factor remains player engagement with the product itself. The depth of interaction with the platform directly affects overall economics, retention, and long-term user value.

As a result, many advertisers are actively testing tailored approaches that focus less on acquisition volume and more on the quality of the product experience and the logic of the user flow. Optimizing onboarding, simplifying deposit processes, and strengthening retention strategies are becoming top development priorities.

4.3 How open will brands be in March to flexible deals for high-quality traffic?
This factor influences the market more strongly than it may seem. While overall traffic volume remains sufficient, truly high-quality traffic is becoming increasingly scarce. Under these conditions, partners are becoming more selective when choosing brands to work with.

Priority is given to products that demonstrate flexibility – those willing to negotiate individual terms, respond quickly to traffic quality feedback, and avoid imposing strict caps without objective reasons. Flexibility and openness to dialogue are becoming key competitive advantages in attracting and retaining strong webmasters.

4.4 How will the balance between traffic volume and margins change in March?
No significant changes are expected in March, as the market is likely to move toward stabilization. After active periods, market players tend to balance their performance metrics and establish more predictable unit economics.

There is still enough traffic volume in the market; however, the priority is shifting from quantity to quality. No one is willing to pay simply for traffic anymore – the key factors are efficiency, audience engagement, and actual profitability.

In conclusion, 2026 is likely to become a year of optimization and selection. Those who can quickly adapt to change, work closely with partners on the product side, and build strategies around real player value will be the ones who succeed. In a market saturated with volume, quality, transparency, and sustainable ROI are becoming the main competitive advantages.

The N1 Partners team of professionals understands the specifics of different traffic sources, GEOs, and cooperation models. That’s why we are ready to build flexible terms, respond quickly to market changes, and help our partners maintain stability even amid increasing pressure from regulators and platforms.

14+ casino and sportsbook brands with Reg2Dep up to 70%
10+ Tier-1 GEOs
CPA up to €700 and RevShare up to 45% + NNCO for top partners + hybrid models

Be number one with N1!

News

N1 Partners puts Deputy Head Vlad Chernov in the spotlight in N1 Faces

Published

2 days ago

April 13, 2026

Master Editor

Why do some teams scale and grow consistently, while others start losing money as soon as they increase volume — even when working with the same offers and traffic sources? The difference rarely comes down to tools. More often, it’s about how the system is managed: how decisions are made, how responsibility is distributed, and how the team works with partners when performance starts to decline.

In the new episode of N1 Faces, the N1 Partners team introduces Vlad Chernov, Deputy Head of Affiliates. In this interview, Vlad shares how he entered affiliate marketing, what managing a team really means in a fast-moving environment, where money is most often lost during scaling, and what principles help build teams that actually drive growth.

How did you get into affiliate marketing, and when did you realize this was the field you wanted to grow in?

I entered the industry in 2020. Before fully moving into affiliate marketing, I worked in a range of roles — from Customer Support Manager to Operations Director. That gave me a broad understanding of processes, team management, and how the business operates from the inside.

Over time, I became more interested in the affiliate side: how deals are structured, how traffic is driven to casino products, and which sources partners rely on. When the opportunity came to move into affiliate marketing, I quickly realized this was the area where I could develop my skills, work closely with partners, and directly see the impact of my decisions.

What brought you to N1 Partners, and what was the deciding factor?

When I was just starting out in affiliate marketing, I was actively studying the market and consistently following N1 Partners — their positioning, their brands, and the fact that they were always among the top performers. I also paid attention to the team and saw professionals I genuinely wanted to work with and learn from.

The key factors for me were a strong brand portfolio and the flexibility to choose my direction — both in terms of the team and traffic sources. It was also important for me to join a company that values new ideas and supports initiative. I’ve always seen that as a critical part of professional growth.

What’s more challenging in team management: scaling results or developing the team itself?

Scaling results is definitely more challenging.

We operate in a highly dynamic environment where the market changes almost daily. What works today may stop working tomorrow.

That’s why both we and our partners often find it harder to maintain and grow performance — it requires constant attention to key metrics and the ability to adapt quickly.

At the same time, team development is an ongoing process. We’re continuously looking for ways to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and improve efficiency. We’re also gradually integrating AI into our internal processes to increase both speed and quality.

What qualities define a strong affiliate manager today?

First and foremost — strong communication skills. This is especially critical at the very first touchpoint with a partner. The way you communicate early on often determines whether you’ll even get a response.

Honesty and transparency are just as important. In this industry, building trust is essential because everyone is ultimately working toward shared results.

I would also highlight a deep understanding of analytics. An affiliate manager should go beyond basic metrics like average check or ROAS and understand profitability, traffic quality, and overall campaign efficiency.

And of course — multitasking. It’s unavoidable today. We work with 10+ brands, accept traffic from multiple sources, and constantly test new funnels and hypotheses together with partners.

How does team growth impact the quality of partner relationships, and what’s critical to avoid a drop in service when scaling?

Team growth and the level of expertise among managers form the foundation of everything that follows. We’re very selective in hiring and place a strong emphasis on analytics and understanding traffic sources, as this directly impacts our ability to scale.

As the team grows, processes become just as important as people. It’s essential to have a transparent system in place: clear standards, shared understanding of goals and key metrics, and consistent approaches to working with partners. This ensures stability and maintains service quality even as volumes increase.

At the same time, the level of the team remains critical. Strong specialists set the bar and shape the overall approach. That’s what allows you to scale without losing quality.

What are the most common pitfalls when working with partners, and where do teams usually lose money?

Most losses happen during scaling, when quality starts to drop as volume increases. A typical mistake is choosing the wrong scaling strategy — pushing all ad sets instead of focusing only on those that have already proven performance with strong CTR and EPC on the affiliate side, as well as solid player activity and ROI on the advertiser’s side.

Another key factor is offer selection. Chasing an offer with a 10–15% higher CPA doesn’t always make sense if the conversion rate is lower. In the long run, this directly impacts profitability.

From our side, we focus on selecting offers that perform best in real time for a specific traffic source. We can also provide actual performance proof and help partners secure the most competitive terms available on the market.

How do you build relationships with key partners so they don’t just stay, but grow with you?

I focus on a personalized approach and building trust-based relationships with a long-term perspective.

I’d rather start with a small test, scale gradually, and increase the rate later than run multiple tests and stop working together — even if early results are not ideal.

We work toward win-win conditions and continuously test new approaches and hypotheses. With the right strategy and offer selection, I’m confident that mutual growth is always achievable.

What helps you stay focused and make decisions under constant pressure?

Prioritization and structured task management are key.

It’s important to assess situations objectively, double-check information, and base decisions on data rather than emotions. Staying calm and focused allows me to work effectively under pressure, adapt quickly, and take responsibility for decisions with confidence.

If you weren’t in iGaming…

I’d likely still be in a related field. One option would be marketing in another industry, where I could apply my experience. Another would be returning to operations, focusing on building and optimizing processes in a high-risk environment.

Either way, I’d want to stay in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment with challenging tasks — that’s what drives me.

Top-3 Blitz

What mistakes most often prevent affiliate teams from growing?

1. Choosing the wrong strategy and chasing higher payouts instead of conversion and sustainability.
  Teams often choose offers based on CPA alone, ignoring conversion, even though conversion drives long-term results.
2. Lack of communication with the manager.
  Teams sometimes stop traffic without notice and draw quick conclusions without investigating deeper. The issue might not be conversion, but something like incorrect postback setup.

Mixing traffic from different sources without proper segmentation.
These flows need to be agreed upon and segmented to maintain quality and properly analyze performance.

What do you look at first when evaluating a partner?

Audience fit and traffic quality.
The traffic must match our target audience and meet internal profitability benchmarks.
Flexibility and willingness to collaborate.
The ability to adapt quickly and find win-win solutions is key.
Previous performance.
I look at historical data, results in other campaigns, and how consistently the partner meets agreements.

What factors most influence traffic profitability today?

Cost of acquisition and player retention.
It has become harder to both acquire and retain users.
Funnel and landing page optimization.
Even high-quality traffic can drop off if the funnel is too long or complex.
Continuous campaign optimization and bid adjustments.
Daily monitoring of metrics and fast adaptation—from both the partner and advertiser side—is critical.

Working with N1 Partners

Partners who want to discuss a launch, tailor conditions to their traffic, or test an offer can reach out to Vlad directly.

N1 Partners is a multi-brand affiliate program and direct advertiser, bringing together 14+ casino and betting brands with strong LTV and Reg2Dep rates of up to 70% across Tier-1 GEOs.

N1 Partners offers competitive terms for top partners, including CPA up to €650-700 and RevShare up to 45%, ensuring stable and scalable performance.

Trusted by 14,000+ partners, N1 Partners stands out for its transparency, flexibility, and focus on long-term partnerships, supported by a strong product portfolio and advanced retention systems.

News

N1 Partners at Search iGaming Conference 2026 in Limassol

Published

6 days ago

April 9, 2026

Master Editor

The N1 Partners team will attend the Search iGaming Conference 2026, held on April 16 in Limassol, Cyprus.

The conference will bring together more than 1,200 professionals in SEO and iGaming, including PPC experts, ASO teams, and affiliate programs representatives for networking and sharing insights.

At the event, the N1 Partners team will not only be an active participant but also a conference bags sponsor for guests. This is the part of a comfortable event experience that helps participants focus on networking and knowledge-sharing.

The conference is a perfect place to discuss profitable deals and SEO traffic, as well as learn more about the N1 SEO Traffic Cup, the first tournament in the N1 Traffic Cups global promo series from N1 Partners. The team will explain how to enter the promotion with highest efficiency at the final stage — there’s still a chance to join the tournament until April 30th.

Participate in the largest SEO tournament in the industry this spring and acquire generous prizes!

In addition to the current promo, N1 Partners affiliate managers will be happy to discuss working with any of the 14+ brands in the portfolio, top Tier-1 GEOs, as well as individual payment terms and payment models.

Why meet the N1 Partners team at the Search iGaming Conference 2026?

In Limassol, the N1 Partners team will show how partners scale traffic and increase revenue.

Key advantages include:

10+ GEO Tier-1
CPA up to €700 | RevShare up to 45% for top partners
Reg2Dep up to 70%
Top personal offers
Insights from analysts

Book a meeting with N1 Partners in Limassol!

Wanna get the most out of the intense Search iGaming Conference? Book a meeting with the N1 Partners team in advance.

Discover the exclusive terms of cooperation and engage with the expert team in person — guaranteed insights await!

N1 Partners team contacts:

Oleksandr Havrylov — Affiliate Manager
Aleksandrs Ohtins — Account Manager
Victoria Sokolenko — Affiliate Manager

Start working with N1 Partners — become number one!

News

The Ethics of Ranking: Can Affiliates Be Both Commercial and Credible?

Published

1 week ago

April 8, 2026

Master Editor

Ethics is one of the most important issues in the world of online gambling affiliates. Many gamblers wonder if websites can be both credible and commercial. Who better to answer this question than an industry veteran, who has worked with well known operators and affiliate companies? He is also the founder of Mithrillium Media Ltd., which makes him uniquely qualified to answer our questions.

Mister Sebastian Jarosch is a unique voice in the industry. He has worked to push gambling affiliates towards a UX-focused model, steering away from the SEO-oriented approach that seems to have been the standard for years. For his effort, Mr. Jarosch has won several awards, including:

EGR Awards for Best Affiliate Programme 2020
Casinomester 2020 Awards Best Casino Group
Askgamblers Awards Best Partner 2021

Interview Questions:

How do you define ethical ranking in the iGaming affiliate space, and where do most platforms fall short?

Ethical ranking means structuring your rankings based on relevant, objective, and player-focused criteria, such as licensing, payout speed, support quality, and bonus terms, rather than on commercial deals alone. Many platforms fall short by putting profit before player trust, often placing the highest-paying brands at the top regardless of their actual value.

Can affiliate sites truly be both profit-driven and objective in how they present casino rankings?

Building a sustainable business requires a long-term mindset. Profit and objectivity often go hand in hand. Affiliates can build trust and loyalty by focusing on reliable operators that provide real value to players. Credibility leads to returning visitors, which in turn generates sustainable revenue.

What internal processes or principles do you follow to ensure your rankings remain transparent and fair?

We use a scoring system that evaluates factors like licensing, RTP fairness, withdrawal limits, player complaints, localization, and support quality. Every casino goes through a structured review checklist, and we register accounts ourselves to verify the experience. Commercial relationships never override our core review criteria.

How do you handle partnerships with operators that want higher visibility but may not fully meet your review standards?

Visibility is tied to our review scores and player satisfaction. If an operator underperforms or doesn’t meet our standards, they won’t receive top positions, regardless of the deal. We frequently receive requests from operators wanting to purchase top positions with flat fees, but all our commissions are performance-based.

Do you disclose how rankings are determined, and do you think transparency in methodology should be an industry norm?

Yes, we outline our ranking factors and provide explanations for each top listing. We absolutely believe transparency should be standard in this industry, players deserve to know why a brand is recommended and how it compares to other operators.

How do user reviews or feedback factor into your ranking algorithm, if at all?

Player feedback is a core part of our review process. We monitor complaints, payout delays, and general satisfaction. If a brand gets repeated negative feedback, their score is reviewed and the position can be downgraded.

What role do editorial independence and content-firewall structures play in maintaining integrity?

Editorial independence is critical to building credibility. All of our reviews follow the same procedures and are never influenced by commercial agreements. Operators may provide input on factual details like ownership or bonus amounts, but not on our opinions. Protecting the trust our writers build with readers requires a firm boundary between monetization and content.

Are there ethical gray areas that affiliates regularly encounter when balancing commercial pressure and content accuracy?

There’s always pressure to soften criticism or inflate ratings, especially from less reputable brands. It takes strong internal policies to navigate these challenges while staying true to user-first values. Sites like Casino-Groups operate without paid placements and rank casinos solely based on performance and trustworthiness.

Do players care whether rankings are monetized, or is trust more about perceived value and consistency?

Players know that affiliate sites generate income. What matters is consistency and value. If they consistently receive helpful, accurate insights and feel that the platform protects their interests, they’ll return, even if the rankings are monetized.

Looking ahead, what needs to happen for ethical ranking practices to become the baseline standard across the affiliate industry?

More affiliates need to understand that long-term value lies in trust, not manipulation. As players become more informed and regulators more involved, ethical ranking won’t just be a best practice, it will become a necessity. Building a strong reputation in the player community through honest reviews leads to satisfied visitors who keep coming back.