In January, N1 Partners launched a monthly insights series covering real market data and campaign performance across traffic sources, GEOs, content, technology, and regulation. March’s update shows the industry moving beyond winter testing into a phase defined by precision optimization, scalable funnels, and data-driven decision-making.
Below is a practical breakdown of what is changing now — and what to expect next.
Traffic and Performance
Facebook remains the most stable traffic driver, while TikTok and ASO continue to deliver bursts of strong performance but with higher volatility. In SEO, optimization aligned with E-E-A-T standards is now essential. Some sites generate clicks but fail to convert because they lack authority or real user value.
Key SEO developments include:
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Growing adoption of cross-brand projects that adapt faster to algorithm shifts
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Increased sports traffic driven by a busy Q1 events calendar
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Ongoing cleanup of PBN networks from search results
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Shift from link volume toward content quality and UX
Brands are also tightening traffic quality requirements. Evaluation windows are shrinking to the current month, with early engagement and real player activity becoming decisive factors for scaling.
Primary performance metrics now include:
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ROAS and Average Deposit Count for SEO
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Deposit-to-redeposit ratio, LTV, and week 2–4 profitability for paid traffic
Scaling strategies remain channel-specific. PPC prioritizes volume, Facebook focuses on stable ROI, and SEO growth is increasingly driven by parasite SEO, niche review sites, localized keywords, and video-based funnels.
GEO Priorities
Austria and Germany continue to deliver strong monetization across paid channels. SEO growth opportunities are emerging in Canada, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, Ireland, and Slovenia, where niche content and cross-brand strategies are expanding.
More challenging markets include Germany, Australia, and Canada due to regulatory pressure and competition. Stricter compliance requirements and deposit limits across Tier-1 regions are reshaping acquisition strategies and pushing affiliates toward hybrid traffic models combining organic, social, and paid sources.
SEO Content and Algorithms
Traditional link-building is losing effectiveness as search engines prioritize internal quality signals such as usability, speed, structure, and genuine value.
Declining strategies include:
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PBN networks and bulk backlink purchases
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Broad keyword targeting without specialization
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Volume-driven long-form content
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Generic, non-specialized pages
Niche expertise and user-focused content are becoming the new baseline.
Economics, Costs, and ROI
Traffic costs have eased slightly after the holiday period, making March a favorable operational window. However, global events can quickly influence auctions and volumes.
The strongest driver of ROI is now player engagement depth, prompting operators to optimize onboarding, deposits, and retention rather than focusing solely on acquisition.
High-quality traffic remains scarce, giving affiliates greater negotiating power. Brands offering flexible terms, fast feedback, and collaborative optimization are becoming preferred partners.
Overall, the market is stabilizing around efficiency rather than scale. Traffic volume remains available, but profitability, transparency, and sustainable player value now define success.
Conclusion
2026 is shaping up to be a year of optimization and selectivity. Market leaders will be those who adapt quickly, prioritize product experience, and build strategies around long-term player value.
N1 Partners supports affiliates with flexible cooperation models, fast response to market shifts, and access to 14+ casino and sportsbook brands across 10+ Tier-1 GEOs — offering CPA up to €700, RevShare up to 45% + NNCO, and hybrid deals for top partners.
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