News
What do Affiliates Need to Consider in NZ from a Regulatory Perspective?
Online gambling remains an increasingly popular pastime in New Zealand, thanks to a peculiar and surprisingly commonplace set of regulations in the market.
More specifically, while the country’s gambling laws currently prohibit natives from wagering within a private online casino based in New Zealand, there’s nothing in the Gambling Act of 2003 to prevent players from registering with an accessible international brand such as Betway.
This also creates an opportunity for affiliate marketers in the NZ iGaming space, although things may be about to change in the wake of a comprehensive legislative review by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). We’ll explore this in a little more detail below:
Can You Become a Gambling Affiliate in New Zealand?
Currently, there appear to be no restrictions on operating as an iGaming affiliate in New Zealand, while this is becoming an increasingly lucrative career option in the digital age.
After all, the figures demonstrate that New Zealanders have poured huge amounts of money into overseas casino websites and sportsbooks over the course of the last 18 months, wagering approximately $381 million during this period alone.
There are also numerous types of affiliates available in NZ, including platforms such as Onlinecasinonewzealand.nz. This operates broadly as a standalone and independent review site that compares reputable and accessible gambling brands online, while it is also categorised as an affiliate website.
This means that the platform receives commission from the virtual casinos that it lists, through the various links, products and verticals provided.
When visitors click on these links and subsequently open an account with the online casino in question, the commission is paid out at the agreed percentage and within a predetermined timeframe.
You will also find a large number of prominent casino affiliate programs in New Zealand, some of which promote a number of competing overseas operators and payout at various rates of commission.
Typically, however, these programs will offer a revenue share between 25% and 50% to affiliates, while some will provide two-tier commission plans and customised bonus plans depending on the players making deposits.
The availability of affiliate programs in NZ should not come as a surprise, with this innovative marketing channel widely accessible even in nations that have taken a more stringent approach to advertising in the iGaming space.
Take Italy, for example, as while the so-called “Dignity Decree” has placed a stringent ban on iGaming advertising of late, affiliate marketing continues to create a handy workaround for operators.
Will Affiliate Marketing Continue in New Zealand?
As we’ve already touched on, the review by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is well underway in NZ, while a number of potential reforms have been proposed to help expand the marketplace in line with its increasingly digital nature.
The good news is that none of these are likely to affect affiliate marketers in New Zealand adversely, and in fact, they are far more likely to boost affiliates and create more opportunities within the sector.
The most likely reform would actually create additional licenses for both domestic and operators in NZ, for example, while broadening the market considerably and removing control away from centralised agencies like Lotto and TAB (who regulate lottery games and sports betting respectively).
This would create an increased demand for affiliate marketers and reputable programs in New Zealand, allowing established affiliates to scale their market shares and newcomers to carve themselves a lucrative niche within the industry.
Even if the legislation was adjusted to simply grant additional licenses to international casino and betting brands, this would also boost demand for affiliates while enabling existing programs to snap up new operators with the minimum of fuss.
Perhaps the only potential reform that would not directly benefit affiliates would see the government agencies Lotton and TAB extend their centralised offering to provide more gambling products to customers.
This would probably only see a single, centrally controlled online casino enter the NZ marketplace, creating little in the way of additional money-making opportunities for affiliates in the region.
Ultimately, however, it is clear that iGaming affiliates in NZ have little to fear from the current DIA review of the 2003 Gambling Act.
In fact, they’re most likely to benefit from any reforms, irrespective of any additional controls or regulatory measures that may be conceived much further down the line.
Affiliate Success
Slotsjudge Awarded Best Affiliate in CEE at Prague Gaming & Tech Summit 2024
It has been announced that iGaming entertainment and comparison site Slotsjudge has been awarded Best Affiliate in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) at the Prague Gaming & Tech Summit. This prestigious accolade marks a significant milestone in the Slotsjudge roadmap and is a recognition of the company’s services to the iGaming industry.
The Prague Gaming & Tech Summit brings together organisations and projects from a multitude of sectors including iGaming, eSports, Blockchain, AI, Fintech and VR. It is a highly regarded event that recognises and celebrates the works that make up and shape, the future of gaming and technology.
The Achievement and Its Significance
Winning the award for Best Affiliate in CEE is a huge achievement for Slotsjudge as it recognises the services and experiences created by the company within the iGaming industry. It is a reflection of the growth of the brand, innovation, relationships and adaptation in the wider market.
By winning the category for Best Affiliate in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Slotsjudge had to rise above some tough competition. The highly competitive shortlist featured big players in the industry, including AskGamblers, Casino Guru, and Gamblers Connect among others.
Slotsjudge is a project that stands out from others on the market due to its player-centric ethos, trustworthy guidance and unique, community-led SJ Shop. It is a specialist adviser and comparison guide in the region that aims to connect experts with operators and consumers in the industry.
Importance of the Award
The award for Best Affiliate is a testament to Slotsjudge excellence and credibility in the industry. It elevates their status and positions them as a leading player in Central and Eastern Europe and beyond.
The GamingTECH Awards is a remarkable celebration that honours industry excellence, embracing the latest advancements and trends. Not only do they recognise outstanding accomplishments in the CEE region, but also celebrate exceptional achievements across a wide range of sectors, showcasing the diverse talent and innovation within the industry.
Future Outlook
The award demonstrates Slotsjudge’s exceptional framework for performance and credibility to continue on its path to success, centred around core pillars, including gamification, community engagement and consumer personalisation. It holds immense significance as it not only boosts confidence but also opens doors for further future growth. As well as providing increased opportunities and industry-wide recognition within the iGaming affiliate market.
Editor in Chief of Slotsjudge and Product Owner of parent company SEOBROTHERS Aleksandra Andrishaka commented on the award:
“I am incredibly grateful to accept the award for Best Affiliate in CEE at the Prague Gaming & Tech Summit. It is a true honour and a validation of our hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in this competitive market. Thank you to everyone who voted for us, and thank you to our wonderful Slotsjudge team.”
Affiliate Announcements
CasinoBeats Summit Set to Offer a Laser Focus on Marketing and Affiliate Strategies
Amidst the whirlwind of Google’s relentless updates and the intricate web of affiliate marketing, the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit, with a laser focus on SEO, AI content, and innovative traffic monetisation strategies, will offer marketers and affiliates a platform to tackle pressing inquiries head-on.
The ‘Marketing & Affiliation’ track will occur across both core days of the CasinoBeats Summit, 22nd – 23rd May, at the InterContinental Malta. The track will provide 4500 attendees with an in-depth exploration of key talking points shaping the worlds of marketing and affiliation.
Discussions will encompass leveraging innovative technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive video content to engage new audiences, the power of alternative marketing channels, and gaining a competitive edge through SEO strategies.
The panel titled ‘Finding CRM harmony: Automation vs Experience’ will delve into the growing influence of customer relationship management (CRM) and the most effective strategies for its utilisation. Industry experts Matthias S. Kaiser (Head of CRM at Tipico), Alexandru Ababei (CRM Global Promotions Manager, Betsson) and Zurab Magalashvili (CMO, Adjarabet), will explore how CRM implementation can align with existing processes for player experiences and how CRM data can aid in proactive responsible gambling initiatives.
The conference session ‘Future-Proofing Marketing: Unveiling Trends Beyond the Hype’ will discuss the latest marketing trends and assess their long-term potential. Marketing experts Calvin Samut (Head of Brand, Socios), Cecilia López Boronat (Marketing Content Manager, Clobet Limited) and panel moderator Dennis Algreen (Marketing Director, SBC Events), will explore the longevity of these emerging trends, the danger of chasing trends and whether businesses should prioritise long-term brand stability over fleeting marketing fads.
The conference on the second day will commence with the panel ‘Monetizing Traffic Beyond Traditional Models’ focusing on the significance of alternative marketing channels such as Whatsapp and Telegram. Experts Silvia Almeida (Chief Media Officer, Clever Advertising), Leanne Muleba (Chief Operations Officer, Matching Visions), Eleonora Norbiato (Head of Acquisition, SKS365) and panel moderator Maria Tsnompilantze (Content Marketing Manager, SBC), will deliberate over how useful these alternative channels are, what metrics are particularly relevant for monetization purposes and whether the quality or quantity debate is over in the age of SEO.
The panel titled ‘The Uncharted Territory of Grey Hat SEO – Traffic, Cloaking, PBNs, Parasite SEO and More’ will delve into the nuances of SEO and PPC tactics, exploring the benefits of both Google-approved and grey hat strategies. Led by experts Vadim Aidlin (Chief Executive Officer, PushnotiAds) and Julia Logan (CEO & Founder, Zangoose Digital), discussions will encompass the use of PBNs, the impact of bot traffic, successful partnership SEO strategies and best practices regarding cloaking.
The first core day of the event will also feature a dedicated ‘SEO Trilogy’, hosted by Ivana Flynn alongside a host of industry experts as they tackle the continuously evolving SEO landscape.
The conference will also provide delegates with dedicated tracks covering key industry verticals such as casino, leadership, industry, and regulation and dedicated sessions for women in gaming. Moreover, attendees will be able to participate in innovative session formats such as hackathons, roundtables, and workshops.
News
Why Crash Casino Games are Legal in Brazil
In a recent ENV Media’s insight piece, the mechanics and legal standing of crash games within Brazil’s regulated gaming environment are analysed. Explaining Aviator’s fixed-odds betting system and cash-out feature, it showcases the game’s adherence to transparency and fairness standards, and why it is regulated under the fixed-odds betting law.
The very essence of crash games falls under the current legal definitions of the Brazilian law, justifying their place in the online betting landscape. The “provably fair” game mechanics are taken to an exciting player-centric level, with strategic live decisions which align even better with legal requirements.
The legality of crash games in Brazil stems from their compliance with the country’s regulatory framework, particularly Law No. 14,790/2023. This law categorizes online games like Aviator under fixed odds betting lotteries, with their outcomes determined by future random events. The legal provisions ensure that as long as games offer fixed odds at a given point in time, and allow timely cash-outs, they remain within the legal ambit. This concrete definition encapsulates crash games, highlighting their lawful existence in the Brazilian iGaming landscape, as confirmed by legal experts consulted in the study.
The future of crash games in Brazil looks promising, with a call for more explicit guidelines and oversight to ensure responsible gambling standards. The comparison between Aviator and traditional sports betting illustrates the strategic decision-making inherent in these casino games, underscoring their similarity and the need for regulatory attention.
Notably, some further steps could be taken to certify testing laboratories for new games on the market but the executive cannot limit the application of the law as it is currently worded. As Brazil refines its regulations, the integration of games like Aviator into the legal framework is crucial for the industry’s growth, ensuring a dynamic and responsible gaming market.
Drawing parallels between Aviator and sports betting clarifies the decision-making and fixed-odds nature of both. Whether betting on a series of football games or the multiplier increase in Aviator, players make real-time choices with the option to cash out early. This similarity lies in the common gambling mechanics, reinforcing why crash games like Aviator align with traditional sports betting principles and thus, their legality and inclusion in Brazil’s gaming regulations.
Crash games represent a increasing segment in Brazil’s online gambling scene, blending real-time betting excitement with strategic gameplay. Their legal standing, rooted in Brazil’s regulatory framework, sets a precedent for a regulated, transparent, and responsible gaming environment. As the industry evolves, understanding and integrating games like Aviator will be pivotal in fostering innovation, ensuring integrity, and contributing to the economic landscape, heralding a new era in paid online entertainment in Brazil.