Hybrid commission blends the two main affiliate payment structures in iGaming: cost per acquisition (CPA) and revenue share. Rather than choosing one or the other, the affiliate receives a modest fixed payment for each qualifying player and, on top of that, an ongoing percentage of the net revenue those players generate.
The appeal of the hybrid model is that it balances the strengths of both approaches. The CPA element delivers immediate cash flow that helps affiliates fund continued marketing, while the revenue-share element preserves long-term upside if referred players prove loyal and valuable. In return, each component is usually smaller than it would be in a pure CPA or pure revenue-share deal.
Consider a hypothetical hybrid agreement offering £50 CPA plus 20% revenue share. An affiliate refers a player who qualifies, earning the £50 upfront immediately. Over the following months that player generates £400 of NGR, earning the affiliate a further £80 in revenue share (20% of £400). The total earned from that single player is £130, split between an instant payment and a recurring stream.
The key distinction to understand is how hybrid sits between its two parents. Pure CPA maximises predictable upfront income but captures none of a player’s later value. Pure revenue share captures long-term value but pays nothing initially and carries more income volatility. Hybrid deliberately sacrifices some of each in exchange for a smoother, more diversified earnings profile.
Hybrid deals suit affiliates who want working capital from the upfront fee while still sharing in the long-term performance of their traffic. They can also appeal to operators seeking to attract partners who might otherwise insist on high pure-CPA fees, by offering a lower upfront cost offset by shared future revenue.
As with revenue share, affiliates should check whether negative carryover applies to the revenue-share portion, and confirm exactly which player actions trigger the CPA component, since these terms materially shape what a hybrid arrangement is actually worth.