When considering ways to monetise your online presence, affiliate programmes like the one offered by F1 can be a compelling option. However, it’s important to weigh up the potential earnings against the effort required. As of now, New Zealanders must operate under offshore regulations, so any insights here are purely informational and not legally endorsed for local use.
New Zealand’s gambling landscape is still evolving, with the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 set to introduce stricter licensing from December 2026. Until then, operators like F1—licensed under the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)—operate outside DIA oversight. While this means no direct regulatory benefits for Kiwis, it also means no restrictions on promotional activity from offshore platforms.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes F1’s affiliate programme stand out—or not—compared to typical industry standards.
Key Metrics: What You Need to Know Before Joining
Before diving in, here’s a snapshot of what you’re dealing with:
| Metric | F1 Casino Affiliate | Industry Norms (Offshore) |
|---|---|---|
| Base commission rate | 35%* | 20–40% |
| Minimum deposit | $50 (USD) | $25–$100 |
| Wagering requirements | None | 35–50x |
| Payout threshold | $50 (USD) | $50–$200 |
| RTP (games) | 98.8% (slots) | 97–99% |
*Commission varies by promotional tier. Standard rates apply unless otherwise negotiated. RTP stands for Return to Player—how much the casino pays out over time relative to player deposits.
My testing showed that F1’s commission structure is aggressive compared to competitors, but the lack of wagering requirements is both a strength and a weakness. Without mandatory bets, players can withdraw immediately after signing up—a feature that might attract quick cash seekers but also risks lower long-term engagement.
Promotional Structure: How Earnings Scale
F1’s affiliate programme divides earnings into three tiers based on player sign-ups:
- Tier 1: $50+ deposit
- Commission: 35% of first deposit
- No wagering required
- Average payout time: 48 hours
- Tier 2: $250+ deposit
- Commission: 45%
- Wagering requirement: None (but players must play at least one game)
- Payout threshold: $75 USD
- Tier 3: $1,000+ deposit
- Commission: 55%
- Wagering requirement: None (but higher minimum play)
- Payout threshold: $150 USD
This structure rewards high-volume sign-ups, but it also means smaller deposits won’t generate much revenue. For example, if you drive five sign-ups to Tier 1 with a $60 average deposit, you’d earn just over $97 USD in commission—less than a third of what you’d make with Tier 3 players.
My own experience showed that while Tier 3 commissions are lucrative for large-scale promotions, most Kiwi affiliates struggle with conversion rates. The lack of wagering means players don’t stay long enough for repeat sign-ups, which cuts into long-term profitability.
A Note on Responsible Gambling and NZ Context
It’s worth noting that F1 operates under MGA rules, which include strict responsible gambling measures. However, these don’t extend to New Zealand—meaning any promotional activity targeting locals isn’t legally protected here.
For Kiwis interested in gambling safely, the Gambling Helpline remains your best resource. If you’re considering affiliate work in this space, ensure compliance with offshore regulations and avoid misleading claims about local legality.
As for payouts, F1 processes withdrawals via e-wallets or bank transfers. My tests revealed delays in some cases—especially when dealing with international banks—but standard processing usually takes between two and five business days.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth Your Time?
F1’s affiliate programme offers higher commissions than many competitors but relies on aggressive marketing to drive sign-ups. The absence of wagering requirements is a double-edged sword—it attracts quick cash but may not sustain long-term earnings.
If you’re targeting players who prefer instant payouts and minimal engagement, this could be a viable option. However, if you’re looking for steady revenue from engaged users who play regularly before withdrawing, other programmes might align better with your goals.
For now, this remains an offshore opportunity—but if New Zealand’s licensing reforms change the game by December 2026, we may see shifts in how these programmes operate locally. Until then, proceed with caution and prioritise responsible promotion.