Leadstar Media, a global leader in affiliate marketing for the online gaming industry, is excited to announce the relaunch of BookmakerBonus.it, the premier Italian platform for comparing sportsbook and casino enthusiasts.

The rebranding reflects the company’s commitment to providing updated insights and in-depth information to help both current and prospective users navigate the Italian online betting market, which is in the midst of significant regulatory changes.

A New Chapter for BookmakerBonus.it and Italian punters

Since its initial launch in 2018, BookmakerBonus.it has become a trusted resource for Italian bettors, providing unbiased reviews and expert betting guides.

The website’s relaunch marks a significant step forward for the brand, with a fresh design and a wealth of information that will help betting enthusiasts better navigate and understand the complicated landscape of online gambling in Italy.

The new user-friendly website features advanced navigation and comprehensive information about the Italian betting market, including an improved ranking system that allows users to more easily compare bookmakers and bonus offers according to different evaluation criteria.

Key improvements include:

• Advanced Ranking System: Enhanced comparison tools to evaluate bookmakers and bonus offers based on multiple criteria.

• User-Friendly Navigation: A modern, mobile-friendly design that ensures seamless navigation.

• Comprehensive information on bookmakers in Italy: Up-to-date news on the latest promotions and sportsbooks, and expert advice to help users maximize their betting experience.

“Welcome bonus promotions in Italy are considered to be some of the most complicated in the industry, which can be confusing for punters – especially if they are just starting out,” said Amra Hadzic, Website Manager of Bookmakerbonus.it. “We felt it was necessary to present that information in a clearer, more accessible way. Our goal with this relaunch is to help users make informed decisions without all the confusion.”

The relaunch of BookmakerBonus.it reinforces Leadstar Media’s position as a leading affiliate in the regulated Italian betting market. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality content and unbiased recommendations, the company continues to expand its influence in key European markets.

“At Leadstar Media, we always strive to enhance the way users access betting information,” said Paolo Strano, Account Manager of Bookmakerbonus.it. “Italy is a crucial market for us, and with this relaunch, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing Italian bettors with the best tools to make informed decisions in the betting space.”

Lessons from the Netherlands Show the Risks of Eliminating Regulated SEO Affiliates

Finland is planning to ban affiliate marketing in its newly regulated online gambling market. The Finnish Government proposal HE 16/2025 VP sees affiliate marketing as problematic for the following reasons: risk of misuse by presenting incorrect information, blurring legal boundaries (difficulty distinguishing licensed and unlicensed operators), a lack of consumer protection (by not being neutral) and tax avoidance (as most affiliate operators are foreign registered).

New research from Quality Mark Responsible Affiliates (QMRA) warns that such a ban could have severe unintended consequences, including a rise in illegal gambling operators dominating search engine results.

Drawing on lessons from the Dutch market, where online gambling has been regulated since 2021, the report underscores the crucial role of SEO affiliates in directing consumers to legal, licensed operators and countering the influence of unregulated platforms.

The Netherlands has witnessed firsthand the challenges of illegal gambling platforms using SEO and Google Ads to attract vulnerable players. Research by Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA) found that when legal affiliates are restricted, search results are quickly overrun by unlicensed operators. These sites often target minors and self-excluded gamblers, lack responsible gambling protections, and operate with minimal oversight.

Steven Vrolijk, QMRA Director: “The Dutch market has taught us a lot about how illegal operators adapt. We’ve also seen that proactive, responsible affiliates play a crucial role in pushing back against them. SEO affiliation is a form of advertising that only appears when a consumer is actively searching for gambling options. If Finland bans legal affiliates, its search results may soon be dominated by illegal results.”

The report highlights key risks associated with an affiliate marketing ban:

• Increased visibility of illegal gambling sites – Without regulated affiliates, players will primarily encounter unlicensed operators.
• Lack of consumer protections – Illegal sites do not enforce responsible gambling measures or age verification.
• Higher risk of fraud and money laundering – Many unlicensed operators accept cryptocurrency and other anonymous payment methods.
• Targeting of vulnerable players – Minors and problem gamblers are more likely to be exposed to unregulated gambling.

Instead of a full ban, QMRA recommends Finland implement a structured affiliate marketing framework.

Download the full report

The full report provides an in-depth analysis of the risks and offers data-driven recommendations.

A team of experienced iGaming executives has launched YourTopCasino, a new UK-facing affiliate brand designed to help players make smarter, safer choices when selecting an online casino.

The founding team – led by Chris Prentice and comprising marketing, retention and design experts – brings more than 30 years of industry experience with them from senior roles at companies including Grace Media, ActiveWin and Betable Group.

The brand enters the market with a fresh perspective, including a focus on responsible gaming, with reviews including detailed assessments of session limits, deposit limits, time-out tools, and self-exclusion options.

“The YourTopCasino team brings together years of experience across all parts of the iGaming value chain, so a move into affiliation was a logical next step,” said Chris Prentice, co-founder and director at YourTopCasino.

“We saw a gap in the market for an affiliate brand that doesn’t just prioritise conversions, but actually helps players engage with online casinos in a healthy and informed way. By building YourTopCasino around trust, transparency, and responsible gaming, we’re creating long-term value for both players and operators.”

In addition to expert reviews, the site offers a growing library of responsible gambling resources.

As the UK market continues to evolve, YourTopCasino’s player-first approach positions it as a timely and forward-thinking addition to the affiliate space.