Why Stake Rejects 90% of Affiliate Applications (And What It Means)

Stake is one of the largest crypto casinos. Their affiliate program is selective.

Many affiliates report rejected applications. Understanding the reasons helps you either improve your approach or find better alternatives.

For basics, see our beginner's guide to casino affiliate marketing.

The Selectivity Reality

Why Big Programs Are Selective

Major platforms like Stake can afford to be picky:

Supply exceeds demand. Many affiliates want to promote major brands.

Quality control. They can choose only high-quality partners.

Brand protection. Fewer affiliates means easier monitoring.

Resource efficiency. Managing fewer affiliates is easier.

Existing relationships. They already have productive affiliates.

What This Means

For new or smaller affiliates:

Rejection is normal. Don't take it personally.

Competition is fierce. Many others want the same thing.

Alternatives exist. Stake isn't the only option.

Building required. May need to grow before top programs accept you.

Common Rejection Reasons

Insufficient Traffic

The most common issue:

Too small. Not enough visitors to justify partnership.

Unverifiable traffic. Can't demonstrate your reach.

Low-quality metrics. High bounce rate, poor engagement.

Wrong traffic. Visitors not likely to convert.

Major programs want affiliates who can actually send players.

Content Quality Concerns

What they evaluate:

Thin content. Not enough substance.

Poor writing. Grammar, clarity, professionalism.

Outdated information. Old reviews, stale content.

Compliance issues. Missing required disclosures.

Design quality. Unprofessional appearance.

Niche Mismatch

Relevance matters:

Wrong audience. Traffic that won't convert.

Geographic issues. Traffic from non-target countries.

Content focus. Not gambling-related enough.

Platform mismatch. Traffic source doesn't align with their needs.

Application Problems

How you apply matters:

Incomplete application. Missing information.

Poor presentation. Sloppy application quality.

No website. Social-only presence may not qualify.

Unverifiable claims. Can't confirm what you say.

Red Flags

Things that trigger rejection:

Spammy history. Evidence of low-quality practices.

Compliance concerns. Content that could cause legal issues.

Multiple rejections. Previous applications denied.

Black-hat signals. SEO tactics they don't approve of.

Improving Acceptance Chances

Build Traffic First

Before applying:

Demonstrate reach. Have verifiable traffic numbers.

Show engagement. Not just visits—quality metrics.

Geographic relevance. Traffic from target markets.

Conversion potential. Traffic likely to gamble.

Improve Content Quality

What to develop:

Professional presentation. Clean, modern design.

Comprehensive reviews. Depth, accuracy, value.

Regular updates. Active, current content.

Compliance elements. Required disclosures, responsible gambling.

Application Excellence

When you do apply:

Complete all fields. Don't leave blanks.

Be specific. Concrete numbers, clear descriptions.

Professional communication. Business-appropriate tone.

Honest representation. Don't exaggerate.

Patience and Timing

Strategic approach:

Don't apply too early. Build first.

Reapply appropriately. After meaningful improvement.

Follow instructions. Do what they ask.

Be patient. Review processes take time.

Alternatives to Stake

Other Crypto Casinos

Many options exist:

Major brands aren't the only path. Many crypto casinos have affiliate programs with more accessible entry requirements.

For new affiliates, PureOdds offers 50% RevShare with no negative carryover and more accessible partnership opportunities—without the gatekeeping of major platforms.

Program Comparison

Consider multiple factors:

Commission rates. What do you actually earn? See our CPA vs RevShare guide for comparison.

Negative carryover. Do losses carry forward? Our negative carryover guide explains why this matters.

Payment terms. Minimum payouts, frequency.

Support quality. How helpful is the program?

Acceptance criteria. Can you actually get in?

Higher barrier programs aren't always better for affiliates.

Building with Smaller Programs

Advantages of accessible programs:

Easier acceptance. Start earning sooner.

Relationship building. More attention from smaller programs.

Negotiation potential. Better terms possible.

Growth together. Help platform grow, earn more.

Portfolio diversification. Don't depend on one program.

See our guide on beginner-friendly affiliate programs for accessible starting points. Also explore how to choose your first affiliate program.

The Real Question

Is Stake Even Best?

Rejection forces a question:

Commission rates. Are Stake's rates actually best?

Terms comparison. Negative carryover policies? Understanding affiliate program red flags helps evaluate options.

Brand value. Does their brand convert better than alternatives?

Relationship quality. Do affiliates feel supported?

Being rejected might redirect you to better opportunities.

Brand Recognition vs Terms

Trade-off analysis:

Big brand advantages:

• Players recognize the name
• Trust already established
• High conversion potential

Big brand disadvantages:

• Lower commission rates (often)
• More restrictive terms
• Less negotiating power
• Less personal support

Smaller programs often offer better terms to attract affiliates.

Building Without Big Brands

Strategy Shift

Approach without major programs:

Multi-program portfolio. Spread across several platforms.

Quality over brand. Recommend best options, not biggest names.

Trust building. Your credibility, not casino brand.

Value proposition. Why players should use your recommendations.

Building YouTube content or TikTok presence can establish authority before approaching major programs.

Content That Works

Succeed without name recognition:

Comparative content. Honest comparisons across platforms.

Discovery content. Introducing lesser-known quality platforms.

Specific strengths. What each platform does well.

User-focused. What's best for the player, not biggest brand.

Long-Term Positioning

Building sustainable business:

Diversification. Don't depend on any single program.

Relationship development. Build partnerships over time.

Quality reputation. Known for good recommendations.

Adaptability. Programs change; don't be vulnerable.

When to Try Again

Meaningful Change Required

Don't reapply without improvement:

Traffic growth. Demonstrably more reach.

Content improvement. Visibly better quality.

New assets. Social following, email list, community.

Time passage. Months, not weeks.

Reapplying immediately wastes everyone's time.

Signs You're Ready

When to consider reapplication:

Significant traffic increase. 2x or more.

Quality improvements. Visible content upgrades.

Other program success. Proven conversion ability.

Industry presence. Recognition in the space.

Rejection as Redirection

Positive Framing

Rejection can help:

Focus elsewhere. Energy toward accepting programs.

Terms comparison. Find better opportunities.

Independence building. Not dependent on one brand.

Quality motivation. Drive to improve.

Success Stories

Many successful affiliates:

Built their businesses without major brand programs. Some later got accepted; others found they didn't need them.

The best affiliates have diversified portfolios, not single-program dependency.

Action Items

Assess honestly. Are you ready for top-tier programs?

Build first. Traffic and content before applications.

Explore alternatives. Many good programs exist.

Apply strategically. When you have strong application.

Don't depend on one program. Build diversified business.

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Rejection from major affiliate programs is common and doesn't determine success. Many profitable affiliates work with programs that have more accessible entry requirements and competitive terms.