When you join a betting affiliate programme, one of the first choices you face is how you want to be paid. Most programmes offer some mix of CPA, revenue share and hybrid deals, and the CPA vs RevShare choice is usually the first one to make. Each model rewards a different kind of traffic, and each carries a different kind of risk. This guide explains how the three models work, what decides whether a player counts, and how to think about which one fits your channel.
We use our own Affiliate terms as the reference throughout, because the details are what matter. Other programmes may define things differently, so always read their terms too.
The three models at a glance
Our terms define three commission models. For each operator, your Commission Schedule shows one of them:
- Revenue share (RevShare): a percentage of the net gaming revenue (NGR) from your qualifying players.
- Cost per acquisition (CPA): a fixed one-time amount for each qualifying player.
- Hybrid: a smaller fixed amount for each qualifying player plus a smaller percentage of NGR.
You earn only one model for each player at a time. On our commission page, revenue share is shown as up to 40%, while CPA and hybrid amounts are agreed per operator.
What makes a player "qualifying"?
All three models pay only for qualifying players, so this definition matters more than the headline rate. Under clause 3.6 of our terms, a player qualifies only if all of the following apply:
- The player is new to the operator and opened the account through your tracking link.
- The player is at least 18, is located in South Africa and is not an excluded person.
- The player passes the operator's identity (KYC) checks.
- For CPA and hybrid: the player meets the minimum deposit, wagering and time conditions that the operator applies, as shown in your Commission Schedule.
- The operator accepts the player as qualifying and pays us for that player.
- The player was not referred in breach of the terms.
Point 4 is where CPA deals differ most between operators. Two CPA offers with the same headline amount can be very different in practice if one requires a higher deposit or more wagering before the player qualifies.
How CPA works
With CPA, you receive a fixed amount once for each qualifying player. What that player does afterwards does not change your commission for them.
Where CPA tends to fit: the commission page lists media buyers and high-volume campaigns. If you pay for traffic, a fixed amount per player makes it easier to compare your costs with your earnings per campaign.
What to watch:
- The qualifying conditions in your Commission Schedule.
- Players who sign up but never meet those conditions earn nothing under CPA.
- Players referred in breach of the terms do not qualify, and operator clawbacks pass through to you (more on that below).
How revenue share works
With RevShare, you earn a percentage of the NGR from your qualifying players each month. Under clause 3.3, for each month and each operator: RevShare commission = NGR of your qualifying players × your RevShare rate, using the NGR figures the operator reports.
NGR is not the amount players stake. It starts from what players stake less winnings paid, then deducts items such as bonuses and free bets, gambling taxes and levies, payment costs and chargebacks. The full definition is in clauses 1.10 and 1.11 of the terms.
How long it lasts: under clause 3.7, you earn RevShare on a qualifying player for as long as both your agreement with us continues and the operator pays us for that player, unless your Commission Schedule states a shorter period.
What happens in a negative month: under clause 3.5, if the NGR of your players for an operator is negative in a month, your RevShare for that operator for that month is zero, and the negative amount is not carried forward. There are two exceptions: if the operator's own terms carry losses forward against us, the same carryover applies to you; and negative amounts caused by fraud, bonus abuse or a breach of the terms can always be set off.
Where RevShare tends to fit: the commission page lists creators and communities building a long-term audience. Monthly results move with player activity, so income is less predictable from month to month than CPA.
How hybrid works
Hybrid combines a smaller fixed amount per qualifying player with a smaller percentage of NGR. It is available only where the operator pays us on a hybrid basis. The commission page describes it as suited to established partners who want both an upfront and a long-term component.
How your rate relates to the operator's rate
As a network, we are paid by operators and share that payment with partners. Under clause 3.2, the default rates are 70% of what the operator pays us for the same players:
- RevShare: 70% of the operator's RevShare rate. The terms give this example: if the operator pays us 30% of NGR, your rate is 21% of NGR.
- CPA: 70% of the CPA amount the operator pays us for the same qualifying player.
- Hybrid: 70% of the fixed amount and 70% of the NGR percentage.
Your actual rates are those shown in your Commission Schedule. We do not charge an admin fee of our own (clause 3.4).
Rules that apply to every model
- Pay-when-paid. We can only pay you out of money operators actually pay us. If an operator refuses to pay, deducts money or claws money back for your players, the same applies to your commission.
- The operator's reports decide. Clicks and registrations normally appear in your dashboard in real time, but they are for information only. If the operator's reports and our tracking differ, the operator's reports prevail (clause 3.8).
- Don't change your links. Changing or shortening tracking links can break tracking, and lost tracking caused this way is not covered.
- Stay active. If you refer no qualifying player for 3 consecutive months, we may change your rate, suspend your account or end the agreement, after giving you 30 days' notice (clause 3.9).
- Payment. Monthly, on the payment date set for each operator (shown in your dashboard), once you reach R500. Smaller amounts roll over to the next month.
Which model fits your traffic?
There is no universally best model. A few questions help:
| Question | Leans towards |
|---|---|
| Do you pay for traffic and need to compare cost per campaign? | CPA |
| Do you have a loyal audience that follows you for months or years? | RevShare |
| Is predictable income per player more important to you than long-term upside? | CPA |
| Are you established with an operator that offers hybrid deals? | Hybrid |
Whatever you choose, read the qualifying conditions in your Commission Schedule first. They often matter more than the headline number.
Want to test different scenarios? Our tools page has a commission calculator. Estimates are illustrative only: actual earnings depend on your traffic and player activity.
Summary
CPA pays a fixed amount once per qualifying player. RevShare pays a share of the NGR those players generate, for as long as the agreement and the operator's payments continue. Hybrid combines smaller versions of both. In all three, commission depends on players qualifying, the operator paying, and your promotions following the rules.
If you'd like to discuss which model suits your channel, see how to become a partner.
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