iGaming vs Crypto
Two top verticals in the affiliate industry. Where they pay more, where demand is growing, where to settle for years.
| Parameter | iGaming | Crypto |
|---|---|---|
| Offer type | Casinos, sportsbooks, betting, lotteries | Exchanges, DeFi, NFT marketplaces, wallets |
| Regulation | Strict: MGA, Curacao, UKGC licences; banned in Russia, restrictions in the EU | Grey zone: MiCA in the EU, partial rules in the US, open in Asia |
| Average payout / commission | FTD $30–150, RevShare 25–45%, CPA $80–300 | CPA $100–500 per registration + KYC, RevShare 30–50% of exchange fees |
| Banned traffic sources | Facebook (without cloaking), Google Ads (whitelist required), Apple Search | Facebook, TikTok, Google Ads — almost everywhere. Only niche channels and SEO |
| Seasonality | Peaks at championships (Euros, World Cup), New Year; trough in summer | Follows the crypto bull/bear cycle — budgets fly when BTC rises |
| Active jobs in catalogue | 325 (of which 238 remote) | 144 (of which 102 remote) |
| Average salary in catalogue | $1 310 | $36 122 |
| Share of remote | 73% of positions | 71% of positions |
| Income stability | High — major brands pay like clockwork | Volatile — budgets cut in winter, rates double in summer |
| Who it suits | You want stability, process-driven work, clear KPIs | Ready for swings, love an early-stage industry, fluent in Web3 |
What to choose?
iGaming (casinos, betting, sportsbooks) — an industry with a long history, clear metrics (FTD, NGR), and lots of affiliate programs. Teams are large, processes are mature, salaries are stable. Downsides — regulatory pressure in Russia/EU, reputational risk, the grey market.
Crypto (exchanges, DeFi, NFT) — newer, more dynamic. Salaries are often higher, especially in USD/USDT. Teams are globally distributed. Downsides — market volatility (everyone cuts budgets in winter), technical skills matter, regulation is also harsh.
If you want stability — iGaming. If you are ready for swings and want to be in the epicentre of change — Crypto.
Frequently asked questions
Where do they pay more — iGaming or Crypto?
Crypto in a bull cycle pays more — top teams give senior media buyers $5–15K plus bonuses in crypto. But in a bear cycle budgets get cut 2–3x. iGaming pays steadily through every season: middle gets $3–6K, senior $8–15K, no swings.
Where is it easier for a junior to break in — iGaming or Crypto?
iGaming — more openings, a clearer career ladder, plenty of affiliate programs hire juniors and train them. Crypto teams more often look for middle+ with Web3 marketing experience and product understanding (DeFi, exchanges, wallets) — junior demand is much lower.
Which traffic sources work in crypto vs iGaming?
iGaming: SEO, PPC via whitelist, push notifications, mobile app ASO, Telegram channels, influencers. Crypto: niche TG/Twitter channels, SEO for crypto queries, influencer marketing, specialised networks like CoinTraffic. Facebook and Google Ads are banned almost everywhere.
Can you combine iGaming and Crypto?
At the team level — rarely, brands require focus. At the freelance buyer level — sometimes: some run crypto in the bull cycle and switch to iGaming offers in the bear as steady earnings. Full expertise in both verticals takes 3–5 years.