Legal Compliance Checklist for Casino Affiliates

Running a casino affiliate business isn't just about traffic and conversions. You need to stay compliant with various regulations, or risk fines, account terminations, and legal trouble. For an overview of what's legal where, see our casino affiliate legal guide.

This isn't legal advice—consult a lawyer for your specific situation. But this checklist covers the major compliance areas every casino affiliate should address.

Section 1: Disclosure Requirements

FTC Disclosure (US-Focused)

The Federal Trade Commission requires clear disclosure of material relationships.

You MUST disclose when:

• You receive commissions for referrals
• You have any financial relationship with casinos you promote
• You received free play, bonuses, or other compensation

Compliant disclosure examples:

✅ "This post contains affiliate links. I earn a commission if you sign up through my links."

✅ "Disclosure: I'm a paid affiliate of [Casino]. I receive compensation for referrals."

✅ "I may earn commissions from the casinos featured on this page."

Non-compliant (avoid):

❌ Hiding disclosure in footer only ❌ Using tiny font or low-contrast colors ❌ Burying disclosure at the end of long articles ❌ No disclosure at all

Disclosure Placement Checklist

• Disclosure appears before any affiliate links
• Disclosure is in same font size as body text
• Disclosure is clearly visible (not hidden in footer)
• Disclosure is on every page with affiliate content
• Video content includes verbal disclosure
• Social media posts include disclosure (#ad, #affiliate)

Platform-Specific Disclosures

Website/Blog:

• Above-the-fold disclosure on pages with affiliate links
• Dedicated disclosure/affiliate policy page
• Clear labeling on comparison tables

YouTube:

• Verbal disclosure in first 30 seconds
• Written disclosure in video description
• Use YouTube's "includes paid promotion" feature

Twitter/X:

• Include #ad or #affiliate in tweets with links
• Disclosure must be in the same tweet (not replies)

Instagram:

• Use "Paid partnership" feature
• Include #ad in caption (not buried in hashtags)

TikTok:

• Use "Paid partnership" toggle
• Verbal disclosure in video
• Written disclosure in caption

Telegram:

• Pin disclosure message in channel
• Include disclosure with promotional posts

Section 2: Advertising Regulations

General Advertising Rules

Don't make false claims:

• No guaranteed winning promises
• No unrealistic income claims
• No fake testimonials
• No manipulated screenshots

Accurate representation:

• House edge/odds stated accurately
• Bonus terms clearly explained
• Withdrawal conditions mentioned
• Risks of gambling acknowledged

Platform Advertising Policies

Most ad platforms heavily restrict gambling content:

Google Ads:

• Requires gambling license in target jurisdictions
• Must be certified by Google
• Many countries prohibited entirely
• Landing pages must include responsible gambling info

Facebook/Instagram Ads:

• Requires written permission from Meta
• Only allowed in specific jurisdictions
• Must target 18+ (or legal age in jurisdiction)
• Responsible gambling messaging required

Twitter/X Ads:

• Gambling ads allowed in some jurisdictions
• Requires pre-authorization
• Must comply with local regulations
• Responsible gambling warnings required

TikTok Ads:

• Generally prohibited
• Some exceptions for licensed operators
• Affiliate content typically not allowed in ads

Organic Content Guidelines

Even without paid ads:

• No targeting minors
• No implying gambling is risk-free
• No promoting gambling as financial solution
• Include responsible gambling resources
• Respect platform community guidelines

Section 3: Geo-Restrictions

Understanding Jurisdiction Issues

Your responsibilities:

1. Know where your traffic comes from
2. Understand which jurisdictions restrict gambling promotion
3. Don't actively promote to restricted areas
4. Use geo-blocking when required

High-Risk Jurisdictions (Extra Caution)

United States:

• Varies by state
• Some states prohibit online gambling entirely
• Even affiliate marketing may be restricted
• Check state-by-state regulations

United Kingdom:

• Strict advertising standards
• Must use licensed casinos only
• Responsible gambling messaging required
• ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) oversight

Australia:

• Strict gambling advertising laws
• Many affiliate activities restricted
• High penalties for violations

Germany:

• State-by-state regulation
• License requirements for operators
• Affiliate restrictions vary

Compliance Measures

• Implement geo-blocking for restricted regions
• Don't actively target restricted jurisdictions in SEO
• Include jurisdiction disclaimers
• Verify casino licenses cover your target markets
• Keep records of your compliance efforts

Geo-Disclaimer Example

"This content is intended for audiences in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. If online gambling is restricted in your location, please do not use the links or services mentioned. You are responsible for knowing and following the laws in your jurisdiction."

Section 4: Tax Obligations

Income Reporting

Your affiliate earnings are taxable income.

• Track all affiliate income
• Keep records of payments received
• Understand your tax classification (sole proprietor, LLC, etc.)
• Report income to relevant tax authorities
• Consult a tax professional for your situation

Crypto-Specific Considerations

If you receive payments in cryptocurrency (see our detailed crypto affiliate tax guide):

• Record fair market value at time of receipt
• Track cost basis for each payment
• Report crypto income appropriately
• Understand capital gains implications if you hold/sell
• Keep detailed transaction records

Business Structure Considerations

• Consider forming an LLC or corporation
• Separate business and personal finances
• Maintain proper business records
• Understand deduction opportunities
• Work with an accountant familiar with affiliate/crypto income

Record-Keeping Checklist

• Monthly income statements from each affiliate program
• Payment receipts (fiat and crypto)
• Expense records (hosting, tools, advertising)
• Crypto wallet transaction history
• Tax filings and documentation

Section 5: Responsible Gambling

Why This Matters

Beyond legal requirements, responsible gambling content:

• Builds trust with your audience
• Protects vulnerable players
• Demonstrates ethical practices
• May be required by affiliate programs

Required Elements

• Link to responsible gambling resources
• Include problem gambling helpline numbers
• Mention self-exclusion options
• State that gambling carries risk of loss
• Encourage setting deposit limits

Responsible Gambling Resources to Include

US:

• National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
• www.ncpgambling.org

UK:

• GamCare: 0808 8020 133
• www.begambleaware.org

International:

• Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org

Content Guidelines

Do:

• Present gambling as entertainment, not income
• Encourage bankroll management
• Discuss the reality of house edge
• Mention that most gamblers lose long-term

Don't:

• Target problem gamblers
• Suggest gambling can solve financial problems
• Minimize the risks of gambling
• Use pressure tactics to encourage deposits

Section 6: Data Privacy

If You Collect User Data

GDPR (EU):

• Privacy policy clearly stated
• Cookie consent mechanism
• Right to deletion honored
• Data processing disclosed
• Legitimate basis for data collection

CCPA (California):

• Privacy policy includes CCPA disclosures
• Opt-out mechanism for data sales
• Respond to consumer requests

General Best Practices:

• Only collect necessary data
• Secure data appropriately
• Don't sell user data without disclosure
• Clear privacy policy on website
• Cookie consent for tracking

Email Marketing Compliance

If you build an email list:

• Get explicit consent (opt-in)
• Include unsubscribe option
• Honor unsubscribe requests promptly
• Don't purchase email lists
• Comply with CAN-SPAM (US) or equivalent

Section 7: Content Accuracy

Fact-Checking Checklist

• Verify house edge claims with casino
• Confirm bonus terms are current
• Check that licensing information is accurate
• Update content when casino terms change
• Remove outdated promotions

Review Content Standards

• Personal experience clearly distinguished from speculation
• Negative aspects mentioned alongside positives
• Comparison data is current and accurate
• User reviews verified when possible
• Sponsored content clearly labeled

Section 8: Affiliate Agreement Compliance

Read Your Contracts

• Understand commission structure
• Know payment terms and thresholds
• Understand termination clauses
• Review prohibited activities
• Know player assignment rules

Common Prohibited Activities

Most affiliate programs prohibit (learn about red flags in affiliate programs):

• Spam (email, forum, social media)
• Misleading advertising
• Trademark bidding (PPC on brand names)
• Incentivized signups (paying users to register)
• Self-referrals
• Promoting in restricted jurisdictions

Compliance Actions

• Review each affiliate agreement thoroughly
• Keep copies of all agreements
• Monitor for agreement updates
• Follow promotional guidelines
• Report issues promptly

Master Compliance Checklist

Website/Content

• FTC disclosure on all affiliate content
• Accurate information about casinos
• Responsible gambling resources included
• Privacy policy published
• Cookie consent implemented
• Geo-restrictions addressed
• Content regularly updated for accuracy

Business Operations

• Proper business structure established
• Tax obligations understood and met
• Income properly tracked and reported
• Crypto payments recorded correctly
• Business expenses documented

Marketing Activities

• Platform advertising policies followed
• Disclosure included in all promotional content
• No prohibited marketing tactics
• Age-gating where required
• Responsible gambling messaging included

Affiliate Relationships

• Agreements read and understood
• Prohibited activities avoided
• Promotional guidelines followed
• Jurisdiction restrictions respected
• Changes communicated promptly

When to Consult Professionals

Consult a lawyer when:

• Entering new jurisdictions
• Receiving legal threats
• Uncertain about specific regulations
• Setting up business structure
• Significant business changes

Consult an accountant when:

• Starting your affiliate business
• Annual tax preparation
• Receiving crypto payments
• Expanding internationally
• Income exceeds $50k/year

Conclusion

Compliance isn't optional—it protects you, your audience, and your business.

The basics:

1. Always disclose affiliate relationships
2. Follow advertising platform rules
3. Respect geo-restrictions
4. Pay your taxes
5. Promote responsible gambling
6. Honor your affiliate agreements

The investment: Spend time understanding regulations now. It's much cheaper than dealing with legal issues later.

Review this checklist quarterly to ensure ongoing compliance as regulations and your business evolve. For affiliate programs that prioritize compliance, consider PureOdds which provides clear terms and transparent operations.

Also be sure to complete your KYC requirements and set up proper analytics tracking to monitor your campaigns. Avoiding compliance is one of the top reasons casino affiliates fail.