How do you scale an iGaming campaign in Southeast Asia without sacrificing CPA? A recent case demonstrates how a straightforward funnel, consistent optimization, and a volume-first approach generated 637K conversions and $222K in revenue.
In Q1 2026, the campaign focused on a simple principle: prioritize scale first and improve efficiency as data accumulates. Rather than pursuing short-term gains, the team built a setup capable of handling substantial traffic volumes while staying within strict CPA targets.
Over the quarter, the campaign delivered:
Vertical: iGaming
Formats: Popunder, IPP (In-Page Push), Interactive Ads
Buying model: CPA with KPI based on cost per deposit
Period: January 1 – March 31, 2026
Region: Southeast Asia
Instead of concentrating traffic on a single established brand, the team promoted several lesser-known iGaming offers simultaneously. This provided greater testing flexibility and reduced dependence on one product.
Rather than optimizing every variable at once, the team focused on maintaining CPA within KPI targets while improving post-install metrics.
Traffic quality was refined through whitelist-based optimization and ongoing collaboration with account managers. At the same time, install costs were reduced to approximately $0.25. Optimization extended beyond installs, with continuous monitoring of user activity and special attention given to FTDs (first-time deposits).
By the end of the quarter, the campaign had become both profitable and scalable. More importantly, it met the advertiser’s KPI requirements and proved ready for expansion into additional markets.
Most importantly, the results reinforced the importance of funnel design. The combination of an interactive pre-landing experience and a streamlined PWA flow helped reduce friction, improve install quality, and support efficient scaling.
Even in an environment dominated by new traffic sources and AI-driven strategies, a simple funnel paired with solid optimization remains a highly effective approach.
Launch your campaign today!
In Q1 2026, the campaign focused on a simple principle: prioritize scale first and improve efficiency as data accumulates. Rather than pursuing short-term gains, the team built a setup capable of handling substantial traffic volumes while staying within strict CPA targets.
Over the quarter, the campaign delivered:
- Impressions: 1.89B (+1.6B)
- Conversions: 637K (+399K)
- Revenue: $222K (+$163K)
Setup
The setup was intentionally streamlined, avoiding unnecessary complexity and over-engineering.Vertical: iGaming
Formats: Popunder, IPP (In-Page Push), Interactive Ads
Buying model: CPA with KPI based on cost per deposit
Period: January 1 – March 31, 2026
Region: Southeast Asia
Instead of concentrating traffic on a single established brand, the team promoted several lesser-known iGaming offers simultaneously. This provided greater testing flexibility and reduced dependence on one product.
Strategy
The core strategy was simple: secure traffic volume quickly, then optimize performance around proven segments.Multi-brand rotation
Rather than relying on a single offer, multiple brands were rotated simultaneously. This accelerated testing, diversified risk, and helped maintain traffic stability when individual creatives or funnels began losing momentum.Pre-landing + PWA flow
The funnel played a key role in campaign performance. Instead of directing users straight to the offer, traffic first passed through an interactive pre-landing experience. This helped engage users before installation and made the next step in the funnel feel more natural.Web-focused user journey
Users moved from the pre-landing page to a PWA installation and then into the product itself. The flow was intentionally kept clean and friction-free, creating a path built for scalable conversions.Optimization
The campaign launched with conservative bids to gather data and better understand traffic behavior. As patterns emerged, bids were gradually increased only for segments demonstrating strong performance.Rather than optimizing every variable at once, the team focused on maintaining CPA within KPI targets while improving post-install metrics.
Traffic quality was refined through whitelist-based optimization and ongoing collaboration with account managers. At the same time, install costs were reduced to approximately $0.25. Optimization extended beyond installs, with continuous monitoring of user activity and special attention given to FTDs (first-time deposits).
Results
The campaign achieved full KPI compliance while maintaining scalability:By the end of the quarter, the campaign had become both profitable and scalable. More importantly, it met the advertiser’s KPI requirements and proved ready for expansion into additional markets.
What This Case Shows (and Why It Matters for World Cup Traffic)
The most valuable takeaway is not just the scale of the results, but the process behind them. The same principles are highly relevant for periods of increased demand, including major sporting events such as the World Cup.Prepare in advance
Campaigns perform best when the infrastructure is already in place before traffic surges begin.Focus on long-term value
Delayed FTDs from previously acquired users help improve deposit economics over time.Don’t overlook SEA
Southeast Asia provided lower competition, more affordable traffic, and strong user engagement.Simple funnels still scale
Well-structured flows, proper timing, and disciplined optimization continue to deliver results even in highly competitive environments.Most importantly, the results reinforced the importance of funnel design. The combination of an interactive pre-landing experience and a streamlined PWA flow helped reduce friction, improve install quality, and support efficient scaling.
Even in an environment dominated by new traffic sources and AI-driven strategies, a simple funnel paired with solid optimization remains a highly effective approach.
Launch your campaign today!
