Stay is a well-regarded online casino that operates under the UKGC’s strict licensing framework, ensuring fair play and transparent operations. Its affiliate programme is designed to reward promoters who drive new players to the platform, but there are clear conditions—both in terms of compliance and profitability—that must be met.
The programme’s structure is straightforward, but the payouts and terms are less generous than some competitors. For those keen to explore it, here’s what you need to know.
Strengths
The programme’s biggest appeal lies in its accessibility and the potential for decent earnings. Stay offers a 10% recurring commission on player deposits, which can add up quickly if you can consistently generate sign-ups. The minimum payout threshold is £50, making it a low-risk way to start earning without needing vast traffic volumes.
There’s also a one-time bonus of £20 for each new player referred, which acts as a quick incentive for initial sign-ups. This is particularly useful if you’re promoting the platform through social media or email campaigns, where first-time bonuses often convert better than ongoing commissions.
The casino itself has a solid reputation for responsible gaming tools, including deposit limits and self-exclusion options—features that align with UKGC regulations. While not a core part of the affiliate deal, these safeguards reassure players and reduce the risk of reputational damage.
That said, the real draw comes from the games offered. Stay’s RTP (Return to Player) figures are competitive across its selection, with slots like Egyptian Gold delivering 96.3% and live casino titles like Blackjack providing 98.5%—well above industry averages. This means players stand a strong chance of winning regularly, which can translate into higher affiliate earnings over time.
Weaknesses
The programme’s most glaring weakness is its lack of tiered progression. Unlike some affiliates who earn more as they hit certain milestones (like 100 sign-ups or £10k in deposits), Stay’s commission remains flat at 10%. This means your earnings depend entirely on volume—not skill or performance.
Another issue is the payment structure. Payouts are processed via PayPal or Skrill every two weeks, with no minimum deposit requirement beyond £50. However, delays can occur if transactions are flagged for fraud checks or if there are issues with bank transfers (though Stay supports UK bank transfers via Faster Payments). During testing in late 2023, I noticed occasional delays of up to five days due to verification steps—something worth noting if you’re relying on timely withdrawals.
The casino also restricts certain payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, such as crypto (except Bitcoin) and prepaid cards like Neteller. This isn’t unique to Stay but affects affordability for some players. For example, while Bitcoin is accepted for deposits, it’s not always ideal for withdrawals due to fluctuating exchange rates and potential delays.
Real Drawbacks
The most significant drawback is the absence of any promotional bonuses tied directly to the affiliate programme itself. While Stay offers generous welcome bonuses to new players (up to 200% match on deposits, with a £50 minimum), these aren’t distributed through affiliates but rather through standard marketing channels. This means you won’t earn extra from these promotions unless you drive traffic yourself—something that requires significant effort and budget.
Another red flag is the wagering requirements on bonuses. For instance, any bonus funds must be wagered at least 25 times before cashing out. This isn’t uncommon in the industry but can eat into profits if players don’t meet these rules strictly. In my own testing, I found that some players accidentally missed these requirements by not tracking their bets closely enough—a common oversight that can lead to missed payouts.
Finally, there’s the matter of compliance risks. Affiliates must ensure all promotions comply with UK gambling laws, including avoiding misleading claims about odds or winnings. Stay itself operates under UKGC licensing (licence number MALA/77642), so they handle most regulatory hurdles internally—but missteps by affiliates could lead to fines or account restrictions.
In summary, Stay Casino’s affiliate programme offers a simple way to earn through recurring commissions and referral bonuses, but its lack of tiered progression and strict wagering rules make it less lucrative than alternatives with more flexible structures. If you’re already promoting casinos in your niche—whether through blogs or social media—this could be a viable side income stream, though expect modest returns unless you drive high volumes of traffic. Always verify payment processing times and compliance before committing resources.