The most common platforms for running iGaming ads are those that offer broad reach, advanced targeting, and support for regulated gaming content. Here are the top platforms used in the industry:

• Affiliate Networks: One of the most popular methods for iGaming promotion. Affiliates drive traffic through blogs, reviews, and comparison sites in exchange for a commission.
  
  
• Programmatic Advertising Platforms: Tools like Google DV360, Taboola, and Outbrain allow for automated ad placement across a wide network of websites, targeting users based on behavior and interests.
  
  
• Search Engines (PPC): Google Ads (in approved jurisdictions) and Bing Ads allow operators to run pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns to capture high-intent traffic searching for casino, betting, or poker platforms.
  
  
• Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and TikTok can be used with strict compliance to their advertising policies. Some offer limited opportunities for iGaming in regulated markets.
  
  
• Direct Media Buying: Purchasing ad space directly from high-traffic gambling-related websites or forums can ensure targeted exposure to potential players.
  
  
• Email Marketing Platforms: When done within regulatory limits, email campaigns sent via tools like Mailchimp or Sendinblue are used to re-engage past users and attract new players with special promotions.
  
  
• Mobile Ad Networks: Platforms such as Unity Ads, AdColony, and Chartboost are effective for promoting iGaming apps on mobile devices.
  
  
• YouTube and Video Networks: Pre-roll video ads and sponsored content can raise brand awareness and attract players, especially when focused on game features and promotions.

Each platform has its own advertising rules for iGaming, so it’s important to ensure compliance with local regulations and platform policies to run effective and legal campaigns.

Yes, you can run gambling ads with programmatic advertising platforms, but it comes with specific restrictions and requirements. Many programmatic platforms allow gambling ads, but only if you meet strict compliance standards and target legally approved regions.

Key Points to Consider:

Platforms That Allow Gambling Ads:

• Google Ads: Permits gambling ads in select countries with proper licensing and certification.
  
  
• Meta Ads: Supports gambling ads with regional compliance.

Requirements for Running Gambling Ads:

• Licensing: You must have a valid gambling license for the jurisdictions you're targeting.
  
  
• Certification: Some platforms (e.g., Google) require you to complete a gambling certification process.
  
  
• Geotargeting: Ads must only be shown in countries or regions where online gambling is legal.
  
  
• Creative Restrictions: Content must avoid misleading claims, show responsible gaming messages, and not target minors.

Limitations:

• Many mainstream DSPs (like Google Ads or Facebook Ads) do not allow gambling ads through their standard platforms or only permit them in highly regulated formats and regions.
  
  
• Strict approval processes can delay campaign launch.

Summary:

Yes, you can use programmatic advertising platforms for gambling ads, but only if you follow licensing, legal, and targeting rules. For smoother approval and faster campaign execution, platforms like 7Search PPC, RichAds, and TrafficStars are often preferred in the gambling industry due to their flexibility and industry support.

A casino ad stands out in a competitive market when it captures attention quickly, delivers a clear value proposition, and builds trust—all while staying compliant with regulations. Here are the key elements that make a casino ad effective and distinctive:

• Eye-Catching Visuals: Bold graphics, exciting imagery, and dynamic animations immediately grab attention. Ads featuring the thrill of winning or the glamour of casino life resonate strongly with viewers.
  
  
• Clear and Compelling Offer: A standout ad highlights a unique selling point—such as a massive welcome bonus, free spins, or exclusive VIP rewards. The offer should be clear, specific, and easy to understand.
  
  
• Strong Call-to-Action (CTA): Effective ads guide users with CTAs like “Join Now,” “Play Today,” or “Claim Your Bonus.” A direct and urgent CTA increases click-through rates.
  
  
• Mobile-Friendly Format: Since many users view ads on mobile devices, responsive and fast-loading formats ensure the ad performs well across all screens.
  
  
• Emotional Appeal: Ads that evoke excitement, curiosity, or the dream of hitting the jackpot are more memorable. Telling a short story or showing winners can spark that emotional connection.
  
  
• Unique Brand Voice and Style: A consistent tone, recognizable logo, and distinct color scheme help a casino stand out. Brand identity builds recognition and trust over time.
  
  
• Personalization and Targeting: Tailoring ads to specific demographics or user behavior—like showing poker ads to card game enthusiasts—makes the ad feel more relevant and increases engagement.

In summary, a standout casino ad combines creativity with clarity, personalization with trustworthiness, and excitement with compliance—creating a compelling reason for users to click and play.

The cost of running a gaming ad campaign in 2025 can vary widely based on several factors, including ad format, platform, audience targeting, and campaign goals. Here’s a general breakdown of typical costs:

Cost Per Thousand Impressions (CPM)

• Standard Display Ads: $5 – $15 CPM
• Video Ads (in-stream or rewarded): $10 – $30 CPM
• Premium In-Game Placements: $20 – $50+ CPM
  CPM rates are higher for more immersive and targeted formats, especially those integrated within high-traffic games or esports streams.

Cost Per Click (CPC)

• Ranges from $0.10 to $3.00, depending on the competition and targeting options.
  CPC is often used for performance-based campaigns focused on user acquisition or app installs.

Playable Ads

• These interactive ads can range from $15 to $50 CPM, depending on the complexity and platform.
  They’re more expensive due to their high engagement and conversion rates.

Influencer Marketing on Platforms like Twitch or YouTube Gaming

• Small streamers may charge $500–$2,000 per campaign, while top influencers can demand $10,000–$100,000+ for a full campaign or ongoing partnership.

Ad Network Campaigns (e.g., Unity Ads, IronSource, AdColony)

• Many use a performance-based model (CPI – cost per install), with costs typically ranging from $0.50 to $5.00+ per install, depending on region and competition.

Ultimately, the cost depends on the campaign’s scope, creative needs, and the platforms chosen. Businesses can start small with test campaigns and scale up based on performance and ROI.

Some platforms and strategies are used to reach potential bettors, although these often operate in legally grey areas or target sports gambling ads markets. Here are some platforms and strategies that have been employed, keeping in mind the legal landscape in India:

Digital Platforms:

• Surrogate Advertising: This involves promoting products or services seemingly unrelated to betting but using brand names, logos, or imagery strongly associated with betting platforms. This aims to build brand recognition indirectly. For example, a betting company might sponsor a sports news website or a clothing line with a similar brand name.
• Offshore Betting Platforms: Many online betting platforms based outside India continue to target Indian users. Their advertising might be seen on international sports websites or through social media using cloaking techniques to bypass local restrictions.
• Social Media Platforms: While direct gambling ads are often restricted, betting platforms might use social media for content marketing, engagement, and building communities around sports. Influencers who are not directly promoting betting but are associated with sports might also be part of indirect marketing efforts.
• Content Platforms (with caution): Some sports news websites or OTT platforms might inadvertently or indirectly host betting-related content or ads, sometimes through programmatic advertising networks where filtering might not be entirely effective. However, these platforms face scrutiny and potential penalties if they are found to be promoting illegal activities.
• Affiliate Marketing: Partnerships with sports-related websites or influencers who provide content and include links to betting platforms (often offshore) can be a way to reach potential bettors.

Advertising Networks:

Some advertising networks globally cater to the gambling and iGaming industry, but their use for the Indian market is severely restricted due to the legal framework. Examples of such networks (as per search results) include:

• 7Search PPC
• Adsterra
• Adcash
• PropellerAds
• Clickadu
• Evadav
• RichAds
• Zeropark

These networks often have sophisticated targeting capabilities (geo-targeting, device targeting, etc.) and offer various ad formats like pop-unders, push notifications, and native ads. However, advertisers need to be extremely cautious about the legal implications of targeting Indian users with these platforms.