How to Make Effective Prelanding Pages for iGaming: Tips and Examples

You already know how an affiliate funnel works: banner, creative, ad — and then the landing page. But there’s often an extra step in between that can make a big difference — the prelander. Why use it? Simple: a good prelander isn’t just a filler, it can seriously boost your conversions. In this guide, the 888STARZ Partners team breaks down what a prelanding page is, how it differs from a landing page, how to use it effectively, and shares top examples for gambling and betting niches.

What a Prelanding Page Is and Why It Matters

At first glance, a pre-landing page might seem like a regular landing page, but that’s a misconception. A prelanding is a separate step in the funnel, and its purpose is far from just “warming up” interest. The main advantage of a prelanding in affiliate marketing is that it can be promoted in sources where a direct landing page is prohibited.

The difference between a prelanding and a landing page is noticeable. prelanding is an intermediate page between an ad and the main landing. While a direct landing (for example, a casino or betting page) is forbidden, a prelanding is disguised as neutral content: reviews, news, blogs, finance courses, and so on. A user clicks the ad, lands on a “safe” page, and from there moves to the main offer.

For example, in some GEOs you can’t directly promote an online casino page — moderators will immediately reject it. But a prelander disguised as a financial literacy course will pass. Or, if you’re promoting betting: a direct link to bets won’t be approved, but a prelanding in the form of a sports match review works fine. That’s why prelandings aren’t just auxiliary — they are a key tool for bypassing restrictions and running grey offers.

Let’s summarize why you may need a prelanding:

• To warm up the audience and maintain their interest throughout the funnel;
• To filter out untargeted traffic;
• To pass moderation where your campaign would be banned if linked directly to the landing.

Prelanders aren’t always “white hat”. In theory, they shouldn’t use complex scripts or aggressive marketing tricks. But in practice, it’s the opposite: countdown timers (“offer ends soon”), sometimes fake reviews, pop-ups like “only 2 spots left” — these are standard tools, and they work very well. This is especially true for iGaming verticals. 

Most often, it works like this:

1. A user sees an ad banner on social media, for example, on Facebook;
2. Clicks and lands on a prelanding: a game, lottery, or script where they “win” a conditional bonus;
3. To claim it, they need to register—and then they move to the main casino landing. The funnel is complete.

You can go without prelandings, but you immediately lose a lot of advantages. It’s not just about trust or a soft approach — prelandings give flexibility, creative freedom, and, most importantly, the ability to bypass moderation. You can mask the offer under any neutral topic: finance, sports, personal growth — and send gambling traffic to places where direct promotion may be blocked.

Practical Use of Prelands in Gambling

Before diving into traffic warming and other tricks, it’s worth starting with a basic but crucial aspect — moderation. If you’re running traffic from teaser networks or cheap sources, sending users straight to a landing page is risky. First, moderation might block your offer. Second, you’ll waste your budget on targeting an unqualified audience. That’s why prelanders are used as a special filter: only those who are genuinely interested make it to the main landing page.

Where this is especially relevant:

• In “grey” verticals: nutra, gambling, betting, or products with dubious promises;
• When working with aggressive creatives that can’t be directly linked to the offer;
• In campaigns with high traffic, where filtering out junk right at the start is critical.

In these setups, a preland isn’t just an intermediate page — it’s a tool for protection, filtering, and boosting conversion. Without it, scaling profitably becomes much harder. In some cases, a preland can even serve as a white page. If you work in grey verticals and want to avoid bans for direct landing promotion, you can route traffic through a so-called “transit page”. It won’t always work, for example on Facebook, but it often does when sending traffic from Telegram or TikTok.

And overall: the better your traffic quality, the lower the risk of being accused of fraud. Prelanding isn’t a miracle solution, but it’s definitely one of those tools that can significantly improve traffic quality.

When a Prelander Is Definitely Unnecessary

In affiliate marketing, there are situations when a preland isn’t needed at all. For example, if you’re working with search campaigns. Users coming through your channel already know what they want. They don’t need extra steps — they’re ready to buy or explore the offer immediately. In such cases, a prelander can become an unnecessary obstacle that only pushes users away. Always evaluate whether your preland is actually relevant.

How a Prelander Works in a Campaign Setup

For casino and betting niches, the most common setup is a chain of: white page → prelander → grey landing page. Each element has its own role, and understanding this is key:

White page (landing for moderation)

This is a fully legal, “clean” site designed to pass moderation. Such page examples include:

• Social casinos without real-money bets;
• Services with live stats or sports news.

A white page never contains offers, registration forms, or hints of gambling. It’s just a showcase for moderators.

Traffic filtering (cloaking)

After the white page comes the filter — usually set up via Keitaro or a similar affiliate tools. It sorts traffic:

1. Moderators and bots stay on the white page;
2. Real users are redirected to the prelander.

Prelander (bonus & warming page)

This is where the user enters the “grey zone.” A prelander can include:

• Bonus offers;
• Game elements (fortune wheels, mini-games);
• Promises of wins.

Its job is to heat up user interest before sending them to the product.

Product page (grey landing page)

The final stop is the landing page where users register, deposit, etc. It’s GEO- and offer-specific, and this is where conversions happen.

Using this chain allows you to pass moderation, maintain high conversion rates, and present the right offer to the right user at the right time.

Key distinctions:

White page → moderation

Prelander → warming up

Grey landing → conversion

Following this order ensures you pass moderation without losing conversions, showing the targeted audience exactly what they need when they’re ready.

What to Keep in Mind When Making a Prelander

Before you start spending money on ads, ask yourself: what makes a good prelanding page for gambling? The answer is simple — it has to hit the audience’s pain points and actually make them want to click through. Your story needs to feel real.

Rule number one: keep it believable. Show that you get the user’s problem, and that your product or service can solve it. Use a clear “before and after” approach. Add testimonials that sound like real people wrote them — none of that over-the-top hype.

Keep the offer simple, focus on 1-2 main points, and have a clear call to action (CTA). Don’t overload with info — the simpler it is, the better the conversion. This is especially true for men aged 25-45 interested in betting.

Also think ahead about doubts. If someone might hesitate, answer their questions right there. A testimonial from a first-time user who was skeptical but ended up happy — maybe even multiplied their deposit — works wonders. Stories like that break objections and encourage users to act.

Also keep in mind that:

• Loading speed is critical. The page needs to load fast. Users won’t wait. Make sure your design is clean, colors are easy on the eyes, and text is easy to scan. If you’re using scripts, pick hosting that can handle it without slowing things down.
• Make it mobile-friendly. Use clear navigation, big fonts, and easy-to-click buttons. This isn’t optional — it’s a must.
• Don’t overdo it. Use stories, testimonials, and winning videos — but keep it real. People can smell fake a mile away. Your goal isn’t to promise “100% profit” or “10x returns,” it’s to guide users naturally to the landing page without frustrating them. People will buy into luck — but only if it feels real.

Sometimes, advertisers or CPA networks provide prelanding pages. If they fit your funnel, use them.

The best prelanding page is the one built for your funnel. Custom or ready-made doesn’t matter — flexibility is what counts. That’s how you test different approaches: change elements, tweak structure, swap creatives, experiment with small variations.

A prelander isn’t just about looking nice. It needs to meet the audience’s expectations and filter out bad traffic. Make sure it works equally well on mobile and desktop.

Bottom line: a good prelanding page is tuned for your niche and offer. In gambling, that means playing with bonuses, promo codes, and wins — anything that excites users and keeps it believable.

What a Gambling Prelander Looks Like

There are a few solid strategies that can help you create a prelanding page that works and starts driving profitable traffic to gambling offers. An effective prelander usually includes these elements:

1. Free Rewards

Offering a bonus for deposits (first-time or reload), free spins, or free bets often works like magic. People love bonuses, and they’re a great way to spark interest in your offer. Don’t invent them yourself — check what casinos or bookmakers are already offering players and use that.

2. Customer Reviews & Social Proof

A block of testimonials from satisfied players is a must-have. When users see real reviews, they trust both you and the product more, which moves them closer to conversion. If you can show how many people have already used the offer, even better. Social proof is one of the most powerful ways to convince visitors they’re making the right choice.

3. Demo Videos

Show results in action! Videos of someone placing bets and winning are a great way to demonstrate the value of participating. Use strong emotions in your videos — they always sell better.

4. Countdown Timer

Offer a discount or bonus that’s “available for a limited time”. A timer creates urgency and pushes users to act quickly. Even if the offer isn’t actually time-limited, the perception of scarcity can be enough to drive action.

5. Clear Value Proposition

If your offer is complex, explain what it is, why it’s useful, and why it’s worth attention. Users need to understand why they should spend their money or time. Value doesn’t always need long explanations — sometimes it’s enough to make the visitor feel they’re about to miss out on something.

In iGaming, value can also be shown through mechanics: quizzes that “find the perfect slot,” fake live games showing someone winning “right now,” or streams highlighting big wins with a call to join immediately. In news verticals, prelanders disguised as media content work well — think fake news, success stories, or “scandals” involving well-known brands. For apps, prelanders in the form of reviews or articles recommending installation of a specific app are effective.

How to Create a Prelanders in Affiliate Marketing

You can spend hours reading blogs, watching courses, and checking out other people’s case studies. But in reality, there are two basic ways to make a prelander — a landing page that actually converts.

Option #1 — Build It from Scratch

You can make page design by yourself for a news site, blog, or forum. You’ll need basic HTML/CSS skills and a bit of drawing sense. If coding isn’t your thing, drag-and-drop builders like Wix, Webbly, WordPress, or Jimdo can do the job. They’re intuitive: just move blocks around, change the text, and save.

Option #2 — Adapt an Existing Prelander

This is the “find something that works → make it yours” method. You can use tools like ScrapBook (Firefox), Web ScrapBook (Chrome), or the desktop app Cyotek WebCopy to save a landing page to your computer and then tweak it for your offer.

Ready-made formulas can help you organize the page effectively. The most popular ones are:

AIDA — Marketing Classics:

• Attention — grab them with a headline.
• Interest — dive into the problem.
• Desire — create a want.
• Action — lead them to click.

HPAMR — Storytelling Approach:

• Hero — the main character with a problem.
• Problem — show their pain.
• Assistant — a helper appears.
• Magic Tool — offers the solution.
• Resolution — the hero is happy, problem solved.

Both models work really well in gambling and betting verticals, especially when presented as a “real-life story”.

Key Metrics: How to Know If Your Prelander Is Working

Just building a pretty prelander isn’t enough. You need to know whether it’s actually converting or just burning your budget. Here are the key metrics to track:

• CTR (Click-Through Rate) — how many people clicked your button. Higher is better.
• CR (Conversion Rate) — how many of those clicks actually completed the action you wanted (made a deposit, placed a bet, etc.).
• Bounce Rate — if lots of people leave immediately, something isn’t working.
• Time on Page — shows whether your content is engaging enough.

Set up an analytics tool on your landing page — Google Analytics works perfectly. Track these numbers, and you’ll instantly see whether your prelander is performing or falling flat.

How to Boost CTR and CR

To make your prelander truly clickable and conversion-friendly, try these proven tactics:

• A/B Testing — don’t skip testing different versions. Even small changes, like button color, can double conversions.
• One Focus at a Time — don’t overload the page. Stick to one main message; trying to show everything at once confuses visitors.
• Honesty Wins — people spot fake reviews a mile away. Include a few minor “flaws” to build trust.
• Visual Appeal Matters — use light colors, readable fonts, and good-quality images. Your page should be pleasant to look at, not something people want to close immediately.
• User-Friendliness First — make sure the page loads fast, buttons stand out, and text is easy to read. Avoid aggressive pop-ups.
• Mobile First — design your prelander with mobile users in mind from the start.

Don’t waste money on poorly optimized prelanders. Follow these guidelines, and your traffic will start working for you, not against you.

Key Trends for Converting Prelanding Pages in 2025

The world of prelanders keeps evolving — especially in niches like gambling and sports betting, where every click counts. Here’s what you should pay attention to if you don’t want to fall behind:

Shift from Text to Multimedia Prelanders

Simple text “stories” are increasingly losing users’ attention. People crave emotion, movement, and visual appeal. Use videos, GIFs, stream clips, animated win sequences — anything that brings the screen to life. Even fake live streams and pseudo-news formats work well. For example, a clip showing a guy treating a busy mom to ice cream because “he just hit the jackpot on this site” can be extremely engaging. These scenarios don’t just sell — they hook the viewer. The user doesn’t feel pressured; they get pulled into the story and voluntarily hit the registration button.

Interactive Elements and Micro-Animations

Hover-responsive buttons, animated counters, and simulated user activity all keep attention and boost engagement. This works especially well for betting prelanders with live odds. The key is not to overdo it and ensure the page loads instantly.

Real-Time Personalization

GEO, device, time zone, even weather — all of this can be used to tailor the prelander. A user seeing “match prediction in your city” is instantly interested. Adapt content on the fly based on user behavior and interests. Many website builders support multi-landing pages, where words in headlines change depending on the visitor’s GEO. Devices can be targeted too — e.g., “special hot offers for iPhone 15 Pro users!”.

Using AI for Content Adaptation

AI is increasingly used for routine tasks: generating subheadings, adapting copy for different offers, GEOs, and traffic sources. It can also create auto-reviews or swap blocks based on conditions. Don’t overestimate it — AI is a tool, not a crystal ball. It can’t predict betting outcomes yet, but it’s perfect for saving time on repetitive tasks.

Voice and Audio Interaction

Experiments with expert audio messages, betting tips, or “winner recordings” create a sense of presence and trust. This works especially well on mobile. If you’re running mobile traffic, don’t forget subtitles — many users watch in situations where sound isn’t an option.

Regulatory Changes and Their Impact on Prelanders

Many GEOs are tightening rules around the gambling vertical, so staying updated is crucial. Gambling prelanders are often disguised as financial reviews, analytics apps, Telegram bots, or sometimes lifestyle blogs. The main rule: don’t show gambling content upfront.

New Formats for Proof of Success

Fake chats, push notifications like “Alex just withdrew $1,000,” live comments, and daily win stats create a “crowd effect” that encourages action. The key is moderation — overdoing it can get your campaign banned.

Conclusion

A high-quality prelander can make the life of an affiliate marketer significantly easier. It’s not just an optional tool — it’s a key part of your funnel. A good prelander warms up interest in your offer, filters out unqualified traffic, and ensures your user confidently moves on to the main landing page. Think of it as a warm-up before the main event!

For a prelander to truly work, you need to consider the offer, GEO, and platform specifics, track your metrics, and constantly adapt to the market. In 2025, dynamic formats win: fake streams, news-style content, storytelling, and various technical tricks are all performing strongly.

Want to boost your earnings with prelanders, main lands, and smart affiliate arbitrage overall? 888STARZ Partners is a top affiliate program in the gambling and betting niche. We don’t just pay — we help you get the most out of your traffic with exclusive offers, a personal manager, powerful analytics, and ready-made creatives for any GEO. If you don’t feel like creating your own prelanders or worrying about creatives, use our ready-made solutions — we’ve done the work for you. Join a system that really converts and start taking your share today!

FAQ: Prelanders Explained

What is a prelander in affiliate marketing?

A prelander is a “bridge” page that comes before the main landing page. Its purpose is to warm up interest in your offer, filter out irrelevant traffic, bypass ad platform restrictions, and prepare visitors for the main action.

How is a prelander different from a landing page?

Both aim to drive conversions, but a prelander is more than just a step in the funnel. In many niches, especially gambling and betting, the prelander does the heavy lifting: it tells a story, triggers emotions, and addresses potential objections. The final landing page often just contains a registration form. Without a strong prelander, users might never even reach it.

Which performance metrics should I track for pre-landers?

To measure prelander effectiveness, focus on:

• CTR (Click-Through Rate) – percentage of visitors who clicked a link or button.
• CR (Conversion Rate) – percentage who completed the target action.
• Bounce Rate – visitors who left without interacting.
• Time on Page – shows whether the content kept them engaged.

These metrics reveal whether your prelander is doing its main job: warming up traffic for registration or other actions.

Can I use one prelander across different niches?

Technically, yes — if it’s neutral. But in practice, it’s better to tailor it. Each niche has its own audience, pain points, and triggers. What works in gambling might fail in crypto. Adapt your prelander for each offer.

How often should prelanders be updated?

If you’re running stable traffic, refresh headlines, visuals, or offers every 1–2 weeks. Trends change, audiences burn out, and competitors copy. Updates keep your prelander fresh and increase conversions.

What’s a good average conversion rate for a prelander?

It depends on traffic source and niche. Generally, a solid prelander with warm traffic can reach 10–15% CR. Anything above that is excellent; below 1% signals a need for changes.

Are prelanders legal according to ad platform policies?

ers themselves are fine, but how you use them matters:

• Platform rules: Facebook, TikTok, Google don’t like hidden gambling mentions. A news-style prelander hinting at casinos can get banned. Be smart.
• Content rules: Fake reviews, hidden ads, or misleading videos are prohibited. In iGaming, a “white and fluffy” approach rarely works; the key is subtlety to avoid immediate bans.
• GEO sensitivity: Some countries (India, Arab regions, Indonesia) view gambling as taboo. Avoid images of casinos, money, slots, or chips there.

How to handle sensitive GEOs? Adjust your prelander — use entertainment or news angles. For example, a quiz about luck or a story about a gaming hobby, without emphasizing money. Visuals should be neutral, text adapted to the cultural context. Often, creating separate creatives for each GEO is better than risking a burned account.

In short: prelanders are effective, but always consider platform policies and local sensitivities. Sometimes a subtle angle — like “financial freedom” instead of “win at casino” — works much better.

How can I bypass ad network blocks on prelands?

If you’re running gambling or betting traffic, getting blocked is normal. To prevent immediate bans:

Add trust signals. Include brand logos, user reviews, or certifications to make the preland feel legitimate and reduce the risk of blocks.

Cloaking works. Show moderators a neutral white page and users the preland or landing page. Make the white page look legitimate—news, blog, or analytical content.

Use clean domains and hosting. Avoid domains with a history of sketchy offers. Choose fresh domains and check them against blacklists regularly.

Trigger-free content on the white page. Avoid phrases like “earn on bets” or “casino payouts.” Use neutral language such as “success story” or “financial lifehack.” Save hype and emotional content for the preland seen by users only.

What are the common mistakes when creating prelands?

Many people blow their budget simply because they rush or copy without thinking:

Poor mobile version. Around 90% of traffic comes from mobile. A buggy preland kills conversions.

Copy-pasting without adaptation. Using someone else’s preland without tailoring it to your GEO or offer usually fails.

Overloading content. Too many reviews, fake comments, videos, or banners can confuse users.

Unclear offer. Users should immediately understand the purpose of the page. Include one strong call-to-action.

How should I run A/B tests on prelands?

A/B testing is your way of not guessing, but understanding what really works. Here’s how to do it:

Track metrics. Monitor CTR, conversion rate, time on page, and bounce rate.

Test one element at a time. Change a headline, image, or button color — not everything at once;

Use enough traffic. 50 clicks aren’t enough. Aim for 300–500 unique visitors per variant;

What resources are needed for effective prelands?

Without a team or at least a mini-set of affiliate tools, you won’t get very far. Here is the minimum:

Spy tools or manual research (Adplexity, SpyOver, WhatRunsWhere) to adapt competitor creatives.

Designer or templates for modern, visually appealing pages.

Copywriter or high-quality text for storytelling or native-style content.

Reliable hosting and fresh domains to avoid delays and blacklists.

Tracking and analytics with tools like Keitaro, Binom, or Google Analytics.