The Difference Between CPA, CPL, and CPS Models in Affiliate Marketing

If you’ve been poking around the world of affiliate marketing lately, you’ve probably run into the acronyms: CPA, CPL, CPS. And let’s be honest — at first glance, they all kind of blur together. Cost-per-this, cost-per-that. You might be thinking: isn’t this just about getting paid for conversions?

Yes, but the how, when, and why behind those payments can change everything — especially when you’re picking the right monetization strategy for your traffic. Whether you’re deep into SEO, building email lists, or running ads for CPA affiliate networks, understanding these models is critical to maximizing your earnings.

So let’s break it all down  in real terms, no corporate lingo. Just the good stuff: what each model means, how they work in practice, and which one might be right for you.

First Things First: What Is CPA, CPL, and CPS?

Before we get into comparisons, let’s decode the acronyms:

• • CPA = Cost Per Action
• • CPL = Cost Per Lea
• • CPS = Cost Per Sale

Each model defines a different point at which you get paid. Think of it like a funnel: the further down the funnel you go, the harder it is to get the action — but the more valuable the commission.

What Is CPA?

Let’s start with the most popular one in the affiliate world: CPA.

You’ve probably heard people ask: what is CPA networks or “how do CPA deals work?” It’s simple you get paid when the user you refer completes a specific action.

That action could be:

• • Signing up for an account.
• • Making a deposit.
• • Placing a bet.
• • Completing a registration with KYC.
• • Downloading an app and opening it.

It varies depending on the offer and the vertical. In CPA affiliate marketing networks, this model is everywhere — because it’s easy to track, relatively quick to execute, and doesn’t always depend on long-term user behavior.

But not all CPA networks are created equal. Some pay peanuts. Some require giant volume. Some convert terribly. That’s why affiliates spend so much time testing, tweaking, and obsessing over offers.

CPL: Easier Conversions, Smaller Rewards

CPL (Cost Per Lead) is the lightest-touch model. You get paid when someone gives up their email, phone number, or other contact info. No credit card required. No deposit. Just a basic form submission.

Sounds easy, right?

It is. That’s why payouts are lower — sometimes just $0.50 to $5 per lead. But in the right vertical, it can scale fast. Think:

• • Newsletter opt-ins.
• • Demo requests.
• • Casino registrations with no deposit.
• • Survey signups.
  

CPL offers work best with high-volume traffic. You won’t retire off $2 leads, but if you’re pushing thousands a day, it adds up.

CPS: Harder Conversions, Higher Stakes

Then there’s CPS — Cost Per Sale. It’s the most performance-based model of the three. You only get paid if the user actually buys something — in the casino world, that usually means depositing and placing bets.

Think of it like this:

• • CPL = Contact.
• • CPA = Action.
• • CPS = Money.

CPS offers are more demanding. Fewer users complete them. But when do they? The commissions can be massive.

Some cpa affiliate networks even mix in revshare on top of CPS, giving you a cut of the player’s future activity. These are great for long-term affiliate models like content sites and comparison blogs.

Comparing CPA, CPL, and CPS — Which Is Better?

Let’s put it this way:

Model	Conversion Point	Payout	Risk	Volume
CPL	Lead (email/phone)	Low	Low	High
CPA	Action (deposit, sign-up)	Medium	Medium	Medium
CPS	Sale or transaction	High	High	Low

It’s not about which model is better. It’s about which one fits your traffic, your tools, and your long-term plan.

Running high-volume email traffic? CPL might be best.
Do you have strong intent via SEO? CPA is often the sweet spot.
Building long-term relationships with users? CPS + reshare will outperform over time.

What Is CPA Networks — Really?

Okay, back to that common question: what is CPA networks?

A CPA network is a platform that connects advertisers (the people offering the products/services) with affiliates (you). You browse offers, pick one, promote it using your unique tracking link, and get paid when your users complete the desired action.

Good cpa affiliate networks will offer:

• • Reliable tracking and reporting.
• • Transparent terms.
• • Multiple payout models (CPA, CPL, CPS, hybrid).
• • Global geo coverage.
• • Support and optimization tools.
  

Names like MaxBounty, ClickDealer, and VivatBet often come up in these conversations. 

Let’s Talk About VivatBet and VivatBet Affiliates

In the casino and betting vertical, vivatbet is a brand that’s started gaining momentum, especially in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia.

Their affiliate program — vivatbet affiliates offers a blend of CPA and hybrid deals. What’s interesting is that they lean into localized marketing. Their offers are often region-specific, and their payouts tend to reflect that.

Are they a top-tier affiliate partner yet? That depends on who you ask. Some affiliates appreciate their niche targeting and responsive team. Others still prefer the more global reach and infrastructure of programs like 1x.

Why 1xcasino Partners Remains a Top Choice for Affiliates in 2025

While we’re on the subject, let’s break down why many affiliates still lean toward 1xcasino partners — especially when working with CPS and CPA models.

Here’s what sets them apart:

1. Flexible Payment Models

With 1xcasino partners, you’re not locked into one model. You can test:

• • Flat CPA (per depositing player)
• • Hybrid (CPA + revshare)
• • Pure revshare (great for SEO or long-term content)
  

This flexibility means you can adjust based on your traffic type — whether it’s paid ads, influencers, or organic search.

2. Global Geo Coverage

Some cpa affiliate marketing networks only work in a few countries. 1xcasino partners? They operate across Europe, LATAM, Asia, and Africa. Their brands offer local payment methods, local languages, and local promotions.

More regions = more potential traffic = more chances to convert.

3. Conversion-Optimized Products

If the casino or sportsbook doesn’t convert, you don’t get paid. Simple. That’s why 1xcasino partners invest in product UX, mobile versions, app integrations, and multilingual support. Users land, explore, and convert — which means higher EPCs (earnings per click) for you.

4. Real-Time Analytics

You can’t optimize what you can’t track. The affiliate dashboard at 1xcasino partners is slick, transparent, and updates in real time. You’ll see what’s working — and more importantly, what’s not. That makes scaling smarter, not just bigger.

Tips for Affiliates Choosing the Right Model

A few final thoughts for anyone unsure which path to take:

• • If you’re new: start with CPA. It’s predictable and scalable.
• • If you’re getting traffic but no conversions: test CPL offers.
• • If you’re building content for long-term SEO: go for CPS + revshare.
• • If you want to play it safe but still earn big: hybrid deals are a solid compromise.
• • Constantly look for cpa networks or affiliate programs that let you test and switch models without jumping through hoops.
  

And remember  the brand matters just as much as the model. Even the best CPA deal won’t convert if the landing page is clunky or the offer looks shady. That’s why working with trusted names like 1xcasino partners can make or break your campaigns.

Affiliate marketing is full of acronyms  and if you don’t take the time to learn the differences, it’s easy to leave money on the table. CPL, CPA, and CPS aren’t just different ways to get paid they represent entirely different strategies, each with its strengths and risks. The key is finding what matches your traffic and your goals.

Whether you’re building funnels, ranking on Google, running TikTok ads, or launching influencer campaigns  the right payout model (and the right partner) makes all the difference.

So, test. Learn. Adjust. And when in doubt, work with affiliate programs like 1xcasino partners that give you the tools and freedom to scale on your terms.

Hybrid Models: The Smart Middle Ground (And Why They’re Trending in 2025)

If you’ve spent time in affiliate forums or Telegram chats, you’ve probably seen more affiliates talking about hybrid deals lately. And for good reason — in 2025, hybrid payout models are proving to be the sweet spot between short-term cash and long-term income.

So what are we talking about when we say “hybrid”?

It’s usually a mix of CPA + revshare or CPS + lifetime bonus. For example, you might get $100 upfront for every depositing user, plus 20% of their net revenue over time. That means, even if your player only deposits once, you’ve already made money. But if they stick around? You keep earning.

This model is popular because it:

• • Reduces risk (like CPA)
• • Rewards retention (like CPS)
• • Motivates affiliates to bring in quality traffic, not just quick clicks
  

And here’s where 1xcasino partners absolutely shines. They’ve been ahead of the curve on hybrids for years. Affiliates can customize deals based on performance and traffic type. You don’t need to pick one path and stick to it forever — you can adapt as your audience grows.

Say you’re running paid ads now and want upfront payouts? Go CPA-heavy. Later, when your SEO content kicks in, switch to revshare or hybrid. The 1xcasino partners team makes these transitions easy — no drama, just data.

Hybrid deals aren’t just a compromise. They’re a strategy. And if you’re serious about growing as an affiliate in the betting and casino space, understanding and leveraging hybrid models could be the smartest move you make this year.