Most iGaming advertisers learn the hard way that ad formats matter more than they think. You can have a great offer and a solid landing page, but if the ad format is wrong, results fall apart. Some ad formats offer good traffic on the dashboard but never convert, while other formats quietly bring in players month after month. With 2026 getting closer, it’s a good time to step back and look at what’s actually working. Native ads, In-Page Push ads, Popunder ads — none of them are new, but they’re still some of the most effective for conversions.
In this post, we’ll look at the iGaming ad formats that are likely to keep delivering in 2026 and why they still deserve a place in your iGaming advertising strategy.
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Why Ad Format Choice Matters More Than Ever in iGaming
In iGaming, it’s not just what you advertise; it’s how you advertise. The ad format you choose can make a huge difference in how players react to your iGaming ads.
Players today are smarter and more selective. If an ad feels annoying or out of place, they’ll ignore it or block it. But when the right offer shows up in the right ad format, it quickly captures attention.
Well-matched iGaming ad formats create a better user experience, reduce ad fatigue, and build trust with the audience. This leads to higher engagement, better conversion rates, and longer player value.
Simply put, the right ad format helps your iGaming offer reach the right audience in the right way, and that matters more than ever as competition grows in 2026.
High-Performing iGaming Ad Formats for 2026
When we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, the iGaming ad formats that perform best won’t be the loudest or flashiest. They’ll be the ones that feel natural, useful, and genuinely engaging. Players are more value-conscious than ever, and the industry is moving toward iGaming ads like native, popunder, and more that blend into the experience rather than interrupt it.
Our team at 7SearchPPC has researched iGaming ad formats that offer the best balance of user engagement and high ROI for iGaming advertising campaigns.
1. Popunder Ads
Popunder ads have been around for a while, but in 2026, this ad format is still going strong — and they’re one of the highest-performing ad formats for iGaming advertisers. If you’re running campaigns for online casinos, sports betting platforms, or any other iGaming product, this is an ad format you definitely want to consider.
So, what makes popunder ads in iGaming so effective?
The main reason is that they show up behind the user’s browser window, rather than in front like pop-ups. This gives them a sneakiness factor, allowing them to grab the user’s attention without being too intrusive.
Pop-under ads come in various types, each with its own nature and ability to attract iGaming traffic. Let’s explore the most common ones.
1.1. Standard Popunder Ads
This is the classic popunder. When a user clicks on a link or visits a site, a new browser window (with your ad) will appear underneath their main browsing window. It doesn’t interfere with their current experience, but once they’re done, they’ll notice your ad waiting for them.
For iGaming, these can be used to promote bonus offers, new games, or exclusive promotions. These are among the best ad formats for new user acquisition in iGaming.
1.2. Delayed Popunder Ads
These ads wait for a specific amount of time before appearing behind the user’s browsing window. It’s kind of like saying, “I’ll appear after a set delay.” In the context of iGaming, a delayed popunder can be set to appear after a user spends a certain amount of time on a website or blog, or after they’ve clicked through several pages.
This ad format is perfect for promoting iGaming offers like sportsbook promotions, live dealer games, or jackpot alerts.
1.3. Triggered Popunder Ads
Triggered pop-under ads take things up a notch by waiting for specific actions the user takes on a website. For example, if they scroll to the bottom of a page or click on a certain link, the pop-under ad appears. This approach is more targeted because the ad shows up based on the user’s behavior.
iGaming advertisers can use this to capture the attention of their ideal audience at just the right moment—when they are showing interest in a topic or have engaged with something on the page. The ad feels more relevant to what the user is already doing, making it less random than other iGaming ad types.
Offers that are appropriate for Triggered Popunder Ads are typically time-sensitive promotions, exclusive bonuses, or targeted game recommendations based on user behavior.
2. Banner Ads
When it comes to iGaming advertising, Banner Ads are still holding their ground as one of the top-performing iGaming ad formats for 2026. But you might be thinking, “Aren’t banner ads a little outdated?” Actually, no! They’ve evolved and can still pack a punch if used correctly.
Banner ads in iGaming are online advertisements that appear on websites, blogs, or apps related mostly to online gambling, such as casinos or sports betting. They usually show up at the top or sides of the page and promote games, bonuses, or special offers. These ads aim to grab attention and encourage players to click for more details or sign up.
Banner ads come in various formats and styles, each serving different purposes and offering unique ways to grab the audience’s attention. Here are some of the common types of banner ads:
2.1. Leaderboard (728×90)
This is one of the classic banner sizes. Positioned at the top of a page, this ad is great for big, bold messaging—perfect for showcasing a special promotion, game launch, or casino bonus. The Leaderboard works well for grabbing attention as soon as they land on the page, with bold content or a special iGaming offer.
2.2. Wide Skyscraper (160×600)
A vertical banner that often appears on the sides of pages. The Wide Skyscraper gives you a bit more room for creativity. It’s great for promoting new games or tournaments in iGaming, with plenty of space for animations or dynamic content.
2.3. Half Page (300×600)
This ad offers a large area, allowing for even more detailed visuals. It’s a great option for iGaming advertisers looking to showcase a variety of content, such as jackpot updates or interactive promotions.
2.4. Main Banner (468×60)
A medium-sized horizontal banner that’s not too big but still provides a lot of visibility. The Main Banner is often placed above or below the fold on web pages, making it ideal for driving iGaming traffic to specific game pages or promoting special casino or sports betting offers.
2.5. Square (250×250)
The Square banner is a flexible format that works well within content areas or sidebars. It’s ideal for highlighting key iGaming offers, featured games, or bonus deals while maintaining strong visibility without interrupting the player’s browsing experience.
2.6. Medium Rectangle (300×250)
One of the most effective and widely used ad sizes, the Medium Rectangle blends naturally into content. It’s perfect for promoting game launches, bonuses, or jackpots, offering strong engagement across both desktop and mobile platforms.
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3. In-Page Push Ads
Looking ahead to 2026, In-Page Push Ads rank among the strongest-performing ad formats in the iGaming space. These online ads are different from push notifications because they don’t require browser permission. Instead, they appear directly inside a website’s content—usually as a small, alert-style message in the corner.
Here’s what makes them powerful for iGaming:
- They sit subtly in the corner without interrupting the user’s browsing experience.
- They feel timely and relevant.
- They reach users on both desktop and mobile.
- They are Ideal for promoting time-sensitive bonuses, free spins, or live betting odds while users are already active.
Now, let’s break down the main types of In-Page Push Ads used in iGaming.
3.1. Classic
These ads follow a minimal, alert-style design to present iGaming offers. They integrate smoothly within page content, delivering bonus messages and game promotions clearly while maintaining a non-intrusive user experience.
3.2. Social
These ads feature a larger, more content-rich design that gives a premium upgrade layout feel. This format allows iGaming offers to appear more engaging and detailed, helping advertisers increase interaction and player interest.
4. Native Ads
Native ads are expected to be major performers in the iGaming industry in 2026. because they combine the best of both factors: visibility and relevance. They look like part of the website, but still carry strong visuals that catch the attention. They appear naturally within content blocks, listings, or recommendation sections. Users notice them without feeling interrupted, leading to higher click-through rates and better-quality iGaming traffic for advertisers.
Let’s go over the main types of Native Ads typically used in promoting iGaming offers.
4.1. In-Feed Ads
In-feed ads appear seamlessly within editorial content feeds such as news articles, blogs, or social-style platforms. For iGaming, these ads often promote casinos, sportsbooks, or game launches in a way that matches the surrounding content’s format and tone, making them less intrusive and more engaging for players.
4.2. Recommendation Widgets
Recommendation widgets are typically displayed at the end or alongside content under labels like “Recommended for You” or “You May Also Like.” They are small, personalized blocks that suggest relevant games, betting tips, or casino promotions based on user behavior.
5. Interstitial Ads
Interstitial ads will remain a leading force in iGaming advertising in 2026 as well. These are full-screen ads that appear during natural breaks, like between game rounds or while loading pages. Because they show up at the right moment, the audience is more likely to notice them without feeling annoyed. For advertisers, interstitial ads offer high visibility and strong engagement, making them ideal for promoting new betting games, bonuses, and limited-time offers.
Let’s analyze the key types of interstitial ads used in iGaming.
5.1. Static Image Ads
Static image ads use a single visual to promote iGaming offers like bonuses or jackpots. They are easy to load, visually clear, and drive quick clicks with strong calls-to-action.
5.2. Video Ads
Video ads showcase short gameplay clips, wins, or promotions. They capture attention through motion and sound, helping players understand the game experience and motivating them to sign up.
5.3. Playable Ads
Playable ads let users try a game instantly. In iGaming, features like spin wheels allow players to experience gameplay, rewards, and excitement before signing up or downloading.
What 7SearchPPC Says: It is recommended to adopt a mixed-format strategy tailored to each stage of the customer funnel and your iGaming offer, rather than relying on a single format over the long term.
How to Select the Best iGaming Ad Format?
Selecting the best iGaming ad format isn’t about one “perfect” option—it’s about matching the format to your goals, audience, platform, and more.
Below is a clear framework that advertisers in the iGaming industry use to choose the best ad format for their campaigns.
- Start With Your Campaign Goal: Define what you want to achieve—brand awareness, player acquisition, or engagement. Your goal guides the ad choice.
- Type of iGaming Offer: Different games or offers (casino, poker, sports betting) require specific iGaming ad formats to best highlight their features. You should research the ideal ad format for the offer you are looking to promote.
- Audience Preferences: Know your target audience’s interests and habits. Some may prefer native ads, while others engage better with banner ads.
- Ad Platform: Choose the platform or iGaming ad network that offers the ad formats you desire for your iGaming advertising campaigns.
- Test and Compare: Run A/B tests to compare iGaming ad formats. Analyze performance data to see what works best and refine your strategy.
Conclusion
As we move into 2026, it’s clear that iGaming success isn’t about chasing every new trend. It’s about using iGaming ad formats that actually fit how players browse and make decisions. Popunder, native, in-page push, banner, and interstitial ads continue to work because they feel natural and timely. When you focus on user experience, test regularly, and match formats to your offers, your campaigns are more likely to bring steady iGaming traffic and long-term results rather than short-lived spikes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are iGaming ad formats?
Ans. iGaming ad formats are different types of online ads used to promote casino games, sports betting, poker, and other gambling offers. Examples include popunder ads, native ads, banner ads, and more.
Why are ad formats important in iGaming?
Ans. Ad formats affect how users see and react to your ads. The right format can increase clicks, sign-ups, and deposits, while the wrong one can waste your ad budget.
Which iGaming ad formats will work best in 2026?
Ans. Popunder ads, native ads, in-page push ads, banner ads, and interstitial ads are expected to perform well in 2026 because they feel natural and user-friendly.
What are popunder ads in iGaming?
Ans. Popunder ads open behind the user’s browser window. They don’t interrupt browsing and are very effective for driving casino and sportsbook traffic.
How do I choose the best iGaming ad format?
Ans. Start with your campaign goal, understand your audience, match the format to your offer, and test different ad formats to see what performs best.
