Last Updated on August 22, 2025 by Caesar

Rev‑share vs CPA profit calculator. This tool lets affiliates input expected player value, conversion rates and commission structures to decide which payout model is more profitable.

Rev-Share vs CPA: Which Pays You More for iGaming Traffic?

Choosing between revenue share and CPA isn’t a vibes decision; it’s math. The right model depends on your FTD rate, player LTV/NGR, voids/chargebacks, and media costs. Use the calculator above to model casino and sportsbook traffic, then pressure-test your assumptions before signing a deal.

How the calculator works (in plain English)

• Inputs you control: Clicks, FTD rate, cost per click, LTV / NGR per FTD (lifetime or monthly with decay), CPA, rev-share %, and void/adjustment rates.
• Outputs you care about: Estimated FTDs, Revenue, Net Profit, Revenue per Click (RPC), ROI, and break-even points (the CPA that equals your rev-share value, and the rev-share % that equals your CPA).

Quick example (typical casino numbers)

• Traffic: 10,000 clicks, FTD rate 1.5% → 150 FTDs
• CPA: €200 with 5% void → €190/FTD → €28,500 revenue
• Rev-share: 30% of €800 LTV with 8% adjustment → €220.8/FTD → €33,120 revenue
  Result: Rev-share beats CPA by €4,620 on revenue (profit delta identical if traffic cost is the same). If your CPC > 0, check ROI—rev-share typically shines as retention improves.

When CPA wins

• Low retention or bonus tourists (short LTV).
• Aggressive paid acquisition where cash-flow speed matters.
• You’re testing a new GEO or partner and want risk off.
• Operator enforces negative carryover or heavy deductions on rev-share.

When Rev-Share wins

• Sticky verticals and strong CRM (higher LTV/NGR).
• High-intent organic rankings: brand + bonus queries that convert and retain.
• Seasonality and cross-sell (casino ↔ sportsbook) increase lifetime value.
• You can reach commission tiers or add sub-aff revenue on top.

Hybrid deals (CPA + Rev-Share)

• Use the tool to set your break-even CPA given your rev-share assumptions.
• If an operator offers CPA lower than your break-even, plus even a modest rev-share, you’ve bought downside protection and kept upside.
• Watch the small print: qualification thresholds, time-bound RS, or caps can erase expected value.

Levers that swing results

Lever	Why it matters	What to check
FTD rate	Drives volume into either model	Landing page, GEO intent, KYC friction
LTV / NGR	The core of rev-share value	Bonus policy, VIP mgmt, retention cycles
Voids / Adjustments	Silent killers for both models	Fraud rules, chargebacks, self-exclusion
Negative carryover	Can zero-out rev-share months	NCO policy, high-roller exposure
CPA quals	Shifts risk back to you	Min deposit, wagering, multi-step KYC
Commission tiers	Step-function gains on RS	Monthly FTD or revenue thresholds
Traffic cost (CPC)	Moves ROI + cash flow	Media mix, seasonality, ad fatigue
GEO mix	LTV varies wildly by market	Payment options, regulation, RG posture
Cross-sell	Sports ↔ casino lift LTV	Product depth, calendar, promo sync

Negotiation checklist (copy-paste)

• Define LTV: GGR vs NGR, what deductions apply (bonuses, fees, tax)?
• Void rules: fraud, chargebacks, self-exclusion, cool-offs, dormant.
• Negative carryover: yes/no; if yes, ask for monthly reset or VIP ring-fence.
• CPA qualification: minimum deposit, wagering, time windows, multi-product.
• Tiering: thresholds, auto-downgrade rules, grace periods.
• Tracking: postbacks, sub-IDs, cohort reporting, app vs web attribution.
• Payout ops: currency, frequency, fees, hold periods, invoice requirements.
• Compliance: ad claims, RG, KYC, GEO restrictions, bonus T&Cs alignment.

FAQs