The commission model decides what an affiliate’s commission depends on and when it is calculated. The two basic models are RevShare and CPA, and a hybrid deal combines them. This guide explains how each one works, which traffic it suits and what to check in the terms before you choose.
RevShare: a share of revenue
The affiliate gets a percentage of the net gaming revenue (NGR) their players bring the operator, for each settlement period while they play.
- What you get. Commission for as long as your players play, unless the contract says otherwise. You pay no new acquisition cost for an active player.
- Risk. If players win more than they lose in a month, commission is zero. In programmes with negative carryover that loss moves into the next months and reduces future commission.
- Revenue base. The percentage applies to revenue after deductions. The same rate in two programmes can mean very different amounts, so always read what is deducted.
RevShare makes sense when you know your players stay active for a long time and you can wait for commission that depends on their play.
CPA: a fixed amount per player
The affiliate gets a single payment for each player who meets the qualification terms. The usual condition is a first deposit above a minimum, and some programmes also ask for turnover or an identity check.
- What you get. A known amount per qualifying player that does not depend on whether the player later wins or loses. It is easier to compare with the cost of bought traffic.
- Risk. After the payment the same player brings you no more commission. Players who do not qualify bring nothing, and some programmes cap the number of CPA players or start with a trial period.
CPA makes sense for paid traffic and campaigns with a set budget, where a known amount per player matters to you.
Hybrid deals
A hybrid deal pays a fixed amount per qualifying player and a percentage of revenue together. Both parts are usually smaller than in a pure CPA or RevShare deal. Hybrid terms are usually agreed individually with the programme’s manager.
How to choose
- Player retention. If your measurements show that players stay active for a long time, RevShare follows their play. If they leave quickly, CPA does not tie you to their later activity.
- Acquisition cost. For bought traffic, compare the cost of one qualifying player with the CPA amount and with the expected RevShare revenue per player.
- Cash flow. RevShare depends on monthly revenue and the payout schedule. CPA depends on how many players qualify and when the programme pays.
- Programme terms. Compare the rate and the amount, and also the revenue base, negative carryover, qualification terms and minimum payout.
What to check in the contract
- For RevShare: the definition of net revenue and the list of deductions; whether there is negative carryover; whether the rate rises with the number of active players (tiered RevShare).
- For CPA: the exact qualification terms and the period in which a player must meet them; whether the number of players is capped; what happens to commission if the programme finds a fake registration or fraud.
- For both: whether you can change the model and for which players; payout frequency and the minimum payout.
No model guarantees earnings: the result depends on traffic, the programme and how players behave. Compare real programme terms in the catalogue, and the glossary explains the terms used in this guide.