What is a three-party affiliate agreement — and why use one?
Most affiliate deals are two-way. A three-party agreement adds the partner who brought both sides together — and puts payment terms, tracking and reporting in one place.
A typical iGaming affiliate deal is between two parties: the operator and the affiliate. When a specialist introduces the two and stays involved, it makes sense for the agreement to include them too. That's a three-party agreement — the model we use at I-Gaming Admins.
Who the three parties are
- The operator — the casino or sportsbook brand that wants new players.
- The affiliate consultant — who brings the traffic, or manages the affiliates who do.
- The intermediary — in our case IGA, who matched the two, helped agree terms and stays involved in the partnership.
What the agreement covers
The contract sets out everything both sides need to rely on:
- The commission model — fixed fees, CPA or a combination — and the rates for each market.
- What counts as a qualifying player.
- How referrals are tracked, and how both sides can see the data.
- Reporting periods, invoicing and payment dates.
- Marketing rules and restrictions.
Why three parties beat two
When everyone signs the same document, there's one version of the truth. Payment terms, tracking and reporting are transparent to all parties, and the partner who arranged the deal is accountable for helping it work. In practice that means fewer disputes and faster answers when numbers don't match.
No hidden costs
A fair three-party agreement should be transparent about who is paid what. At IGA there are no hidden fees or costs: billing is transparent, and the operator stays in direct contact with the affiliate consultant.
Is it right for you?
What a good agreement covers
- Commission model — CPA, fixed fee or hybrid, with the amounts for each market.
- Qualifying players — what counts as a first-time depositor and any baseline that must be met.
- Tracking — the platform, link or code used, and how disputes about attribution are settled.
- Reporting — what is reported, how often and to whom.
- Payment terms — when commission is invoiced and paid, and in which currency.
- Brand rules — which markets, channels and marketing messages are allowed.
If you're an operator entering new markets, or an affiliate looking for reliable brands, a three-party agreement gives you a partner who knows both sides. See how our affiliation service works or talk to us.