The world of gaming-related affiliate marketing can be incredibly rewarding. For content creators, bloggers, and streamers, it offers a way to monetize their passion by connecting audiences with online platforms, game deals, or digital entertainment services. But with high rewards come high risks.
In 2026, the iGaming and gaming affiliate space is more competitive — and more dangerous — than ever. Behind the flashy promises of “unlimited payouts” and “exclusive access,” many fake networks and fraudulent schemes are waiting to exploit inexperienced publishers.
To protect your reputation, traffic, and income, you need to know how to spot the red flags before signing up.
Red Flag #1: No Transparency About Ownership or Legal Status
If a network doesn’t clearly list its licensing information, physical address, or regulatory compliance, that’s a major warning sign. Legitimate affiliate marketing companies operate within legal frameworks, especially in regulated industries like online gaming.
Always check:
- Is the company licensed by a recognized authority?
- Do they publish terms of service, privacy policies, and payment rules?
- Can you verify their presence at industry events or professional directories?
A lack of transparency often means they’re operating from the shadows — making it nearly impossible to resolve disputes or recover lost commissions.
For guidance on what to look for, refer to RevenueLab’s detailed guide on identifying trustworthy partners: best affiliate marketing companies.
Red Flag #2: Unrealistic Commission Promises
Be wary of networks promising extremely high CPA (Cost Per Acquisition) payouts or lifetime RevShare without any performance requirements. If an offer sounds too good to be true — it probably is.
Scammers use inflated numbers to lure in new affiliates, only to later impose hidden holds, cancel conversions arbitrarily, or disappear entirely after collecting user data through your traffic.
Instead, compare offers against market averages. According to Investopedia, typical CPA rates in the gaming niche range from $50 to $200 depending on GEO and product type — not the $500+ claims some shady networks advertise.
Red Flag #3: Cookie Stuffing and Hidden Redirects
One of the most insidious scams in affiliate marketing is cookie stuffing — where a third party forces affiliate cookies onto users’ browsers without their knowledge or consent.
This unethical tactic leads to:
- Invalidated conversions
- Account bans from reputable advertisers
- Damage to your domain’s credibility
Sometimes, these scripts are embedded directly into ads or landing pages provided by the network. You might not even realize you’re using them until Google penalizes your site or a partner flags suspicious activity.
Another related threat is ad hijacking, where fraudsters mimic your brand’s campaigns to steal credit for organic clicks. As reported by BluePear.net, over 75% of affiliate ad fraud cases involve affiliates exploiting tracking loopholes to claim undeserved commissions.
To defend yourself, always audit the code snippets you’re asked to implement and monitor branded search results regularly.
Red Flag #4: Vague or Changing Payout Structures
A legitimate affiliate program will provide clear details about:
- How and when you get paid
- What constitutes a valid conversion
- The duration of cookie windows
- Any hold periods or adjustment policies
If the network avoids answering these questions, uses vague language, or changes terms suddenly, walk away.
Watch out for phrases like:
- “Payouts processed when approved”
- “We reserve the right to adjust conversions”
- “Terms subject to change without notice”
These are often traps designed to give the network full control while leaving you vulnerable.
Red Flag #5: No Dedicated Support or Manager Access
Professional networks assign affiliate managers to help optimize performance, troubleshoot tracking issues, and answer questions. If all communication happens through a generic email form or chatbot, it’s likely not a serious operation.
Look for signs of real support:
- Direct contact with a named account manager
- SLAs (Service Level Agreements) for response times
- Regular updates, webinars, or training materials
RevenueLab, for example, provides dedicated managers and has been active in the industry for over 12 years, hosting 35+ exhibitions and running 20+ educational webinars — a strong indicator of long-term legitimacy.
Final Thoughts: Trust, Verify, Then Partner
Avoiding scams isn’t just about dodging bad actors — it’s about building a sustainable business on solid foundations.
Before joining any gaming-related affiliate offer, take the time to:
- Research the company’s history and client portfolio
- Read reviews from other publishers
- Test with a small pilot campaign
- Use tools like UTM tracking and independent analytics
Your traffic is valuable. Your integrity is priceless. Protect both by partnering only with transparent, accountable organizations.
Because in affiliate marketing, success doesn’t come from chasing quick wins — it comes from choosing the right allies.
