Has Anyone Tried These iGaming Ads Formats?

[mukeshsharma1106]

I've been curious about how different iGaming ads actually work, and I thought I'd share my experience because I couldn't find a lot of casual talk about it online. Most of the stuff out there feels super polished or like someone's trying to sell you something, which isn't always helpful when you're just trying to figure things out. So here's me being honest about what I noticed when testing different iGaming ad formats.

The first hook that got me thinking​

It all started when I noticed how many different types of ads pop up while scrolling on my phone. Some looked like regular articles, some were flashy banners, and a few blended into the feed so smoothly that I almost forgot they were ads. I kept wondering which of these formats actually makes people engage and not just scroll past.

The pain point that angers me​

One of the biggest frustrations I had was putting time and effort into ads that people simply ignored. You know that feeling when you try a banner ad and it just sits there, like wallpaper no one cares about? That was happening to me a lot. I felt like I was wasting both time and money, and it was hard to know which formats were worth trying.

My small test and insights​

So I decided to do a little test. Nothing too scientific, just me trying out a handful of iGaming ad formats across different places. What surprised me the most is how different the reactions were depending on the format.

• Native ads feel more natural. They looked like part of the platform, so people didn't skip them as quickly. But the downside is you have to make them super relevant, or people feel tricked.
• Video ads get attention right away, but you really need those first few seconds to grab interest, otherwise people just swipe away.
• Interactive formats like polls or quick mini games actually get people to pause. These felt less like ads and more like fun distractions.
• Classic banners still had a role, but honestly, they didn't do much for me unless they were placed in a really good spot.

What stood out to me was how people seem to prefer ads that don't scream “I'm an ad.” If it feels like a natural part of their scrolling or browsing, they're more open to checking it out.

The soft solution I figured out​

After trying this out, I realized it's not about picking the single best ad format but about mixing a few that complement each other. Native ads for awareness, maybe a video for energy, and something interactive to keep people engaged.

It's not a perfect formula, and I'm still learning as I go, but this mix worked better for me than relying on just one type of ad. If you're like me and tired of guessing which ad will stick, you might want to try exploring a variety and see which feels right for your audience.

I came across this Guide to iGaming Ads that breaks down some formats in more detail. It helped me understand what's out there without all the salesy fluff, so it might be worth a read if you want more ideas.

Wrapping it up​

So if you've ever felt stuck with iGaming ads that don't get clicks or just vanish into the background, you're not alone. I've been there too. Testing a few formats side by side gave me more clarity than reading any “top ten tricks” list.

My takeaway is simple: ads that feel like part of the experience (rather than an interruption) tend to work better. And sometimes the smallest tweak in format can make a big difference.

If anyone else has tried different iGaming ad formats, I'd love to hear how it went for you. Did something surprising work for you? Or did you also feel like banners are mostly ignored these days?

At the end of the day, I think it's about finding a balance between what works for the audience and what you can realistically run without burning out. And honestly, I'm still figuring it out myself.