The New Era of iGaming Growth: Why Influencers Matter in iGaming

The iGaming industry is one of the most competitive digital markets in the world, with operators constantly battling for attention, first-time deposits (FTDs), and long-term player loyalty. Traditional paid media channels like programmatic display, online video (OLV), connected TV (CTV), and affiliate marketing remain core to acquisition strategies. But increasingly, influencer marketing in iGaming has emerged as a powerful performance channel -driving measurable results while enhancing the impact of paid campaigns.

Why Influencer Marketing Matters in iGaming

Influencer marketing has matured far beyond simple brand awareness. In the iGaming space, trusted creators and streamers can deliver:

• Lower CPAs – On average, influencer activations deliver 30% lower CPA compared to traditional digital media.
• Higher CTRs and Engagement – Campaigns see an average 0.59% CTR and 9.8% engagement rate, outperforming standard paid media.
• Authenticity at Scale – Audiences trust influencers who are part of their daily sports, gaming, and casino conversations.

For sportsbook, casino, poker, and esports operators, this creates a unique opportunity to reach highly-engaged bettors at moments of peak intent.

Complementing Paid Media with Influencers

Rather than replacing paid channels, influencer marketing enhances and amplifies acquisition performance. Here’s how it complements existing iGaming media strategies:

• Cross-Channel Consistency: Influencer-generated content can be boosted programmatically through FanStack, ensuring the same message reaches users across Display, OLV, and Social.
• Data-Driven Targeting: By syncing influencer activations with FanStack’s audience triggers - such as matchday fixtures, jackpot drops, or payday surges - campaigns align perfectly with moments that matter.
• Retargeting & Funnel Integration: Players exposed to influencer content can be retargeted via display or CTV to reinforce messaging and drive FTDs.

This blended media mix ensures operators capture both the credibility of influencer voices and the scale of programmatic delivery.

Activating Influencer Marketing with FanStack

FanStack, Finovation Media’s iGaming solution, is built to make influencer marketing as measurable and performance-driven as any other paid channel.

Through FanStack, operators can:

• Handpick influencers across sportsbook, casino, poker, and esports verticals with proven track records.
• Leverage event-based triggers, activating content during live matches, tournaments, or jackpot announcements.
• Track performance in real time, with live reporting on impressions, CTR, CPA, and FTDs.
• Scale globally, reaching LATAM, European, and emerging markets with locally relevant creators.

As one casino Head of Growth put it: “Influencers helped us cut acquisition costs while building trust with players. When synced with FanStack’s programmatic retargeting, it became one of our strongest drivers of new deposits.”

The Future of iGaming Acquisition

With competition intensifying and regulations tightening, operators need smarter, data-led, and compliant acquisition strategies. Influencer marketing, when integrated with a full paid media plan, provides the authenticity, scale, and ROI that modern iGaming brands demand.

Through FanStack’s iGaming influencer solution, operators can activate influencers, sync campaigns with paid media, and achieve performance-first outcomes - from reducing CPA to maximising FTDs.

Interested? Learn more today!