6 iGaming Content Writing Myths Debunked
Considering getting into iGaming content writing? Read this first - I debunk 6 common myths, from being able to work at the beach to being well-paid. Find out what it's really like to write casino and sports betting content for a living.
IGAMING
Oliver Cook
3/28/20245 min read
Interested in building a career as an iGaming copywriter and content writer? You need to read this.
I’ve been writing iGaming content professionally since 2016, and during that time I’ve seen quite a few myths propagated on LinkedIn. In the main, they portray iGaming content writing as easy, well-paid, and something you can do from anywhere (literally, like the beach).
Now, it’s true, iGaming content writing can be a great path, and I love doing what I do. But, to help you decide if it’s right for you, I’m going to debunk a few common myths.
1. iGaming content writing is easy ❌
Writing content is easy. Writing effective content is most definitely not. It requires a deep understanding of the subject, whether that’s casino or sports betting. By this, I mean you need to know the product well, appreciate the specific market the content is aimed at, and be familiar with any relevant regulatory information.
Of course, you also have to be reasonably good at writing.
Did I hear someone say they can ‘just use AI’...
2. You can use AI tools to create iGaming content ❌
Okay before I explain why you can’t use artificial intelligence tools to create iGaming content, I want to clarify that I’m not anti-AI. I love it. I use it daily. But, when it comes to iGaming copywriting and content, it can be dangerous.
As previously mentioned, iGaming copywriting and content writing require a deep understanding of the product you are covering. I mean the specific product - for example, a casino site, or a certain sports betting product. AI simply doesn’t have this level of understanding. Yes, it can handle the core principles of gambling, but it also easily mixes things up and produces inaccurate and contradicting content.
Inaccurate and misleading information in iGaming content can have several serious consequences:
It will cultivate distrust and reduce conversions
It can have serious legal ramifications when dealing with highly regulated markets (for example, using prohibited marketing content can lead to large fines or even the loss of a license)
It may undermine your SEO efforts
It will make you and/or the brand you are writing for look like a complete plonker
AI tools do have a place in iGaming content writing - they can be useful for inspiration, planning, and even editing, but they should not be relied on to create the core content.
3. All you need is a laptop and internet connection - you can do it on the beach ❌
This is something I see a lot. People posting about their amazing ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle - writing iGaming content from coffee shops, the beach, or even the jungle (seriously). It is, frankly, utter twaddle.
Sure, you can sit there with a laptop, feeling smug while sipping your latte and watching all the plebs run around working. But, you’ll probably take all day to do something that should take an hour, and the results will probably be, well, let’s say ‘subpar.’
The thing is, the majority of iGaming content takes the form of reviews or guides. Both require extensive real-time research to ensure accuracy and thoroughness. To do this, you need multiple screens and as few distractions as possible. After almost ten years of iGaming content writing, I’ve yet to meet any half-decent writer who produces everything using just their laptop.
To put this in perspective, for a typical casino review, I’ll use at least three screens (a dual-screen laptop and a separate, larger monitor). At any single time, I’ll usually have the following open:
The actual document I’m writing (in Google Workspace, Surfer, etc.)
The casino site I’m reviewing
The original project brief
A separate document with keywords and other SEO notes
A previous review I’ve written for the same client so that I can maintain a tone/style
Multiple other reviews of the same casino from different websites
Other reference sites for research
An image editing program if I’m adding screenshots
The point is, sure you could do this all on one small screen, but it would be clunky and slow and probably lead to many errors. In truth, to write good iGaming content efficiently, you need an optimized workspace that allows you to access a great deal of organized information in real-time.
4. iGaming content gets you glory❌
Many content creators indeed become influencers out there in social media land. But, if you’re looking for glory, forget iGaming content writing.
The vast majority of the content you write will be posted by an editor or site manager at sprawling affiliate marketing sites - and 99% of the time you’re not going to be credited. In fact, you’ll probably see your content appear under someone else’s name. This is normal. Don’t get offended. iGaming writing is very much like ghostwriting.
5. It’s all about the SEO ❌
Anyone creating written content today needs to be familiar with search engine optimization best practices. But (and it’s a huge ‘but’), SEO is a fluid, constantly evolving beast. Despite what those trying to flog you a course will say, it’s not about getting a certificate and then sticking to a set formula.
When it comes to content writing and SEO, you need to learn everything you can and keep learning. But, you should never get too bogged down or trapped in a rigid construct. Different clients and their SEO teams will have very different ideas and focus.
Of course, following SEO briefs is very important, but the best writers will also have the confidence to do things differently if the circumstances demand it. For example, if you know that following an SEO brief to the letter will likely be detrimental.
Basically, to be a good iGaming content writer, you need to understand and appreciate SEO, but not let it distract you from creating quality, human-focused content.
You can read more of my thoughts about SEO at Medium.
6. iGaming is well-paid❌✅
No, but also yes. Unfortunately, despite a wide perception to the contrary, most iGaming content writers are not exactly well paid. Affiliate marketers and agencies often take advantage of writers in low-income countries, or young people trying to get their career going.
In truth, this is no different from any other industry. But, the key takeaway is that, like anything, you’ll only earn top dollar once you’ve proven yourself. So, don’t expect to start pulling in a six-figure salary as a new content writer.
But, if you do prove yourself by consistently creating effective content and meeting deadlines, then you can earn a good living. How much? Well, it depends if you want the security of a salaried position or the freedom (and extra responsibilities) of going freelance. It also depends on where you are in the world - or, if you are freelance - where your clients are.
Final thoughts about iGaming copywriting and content writing
iGaming can be a smart focus for any aspiring copywriter or content writer. It’s huge, global, has plenty of money sloshing about, and lets you meet plenty of interesting people. However, to earn a good living in it, you need to be disciplined, committed and tenacious.
Creating effective content and meeting tight deadlines isn’t easy, and you’ll be competing on a truly global playing field - i.e. against people who are willing to work for a lot less than you. But, if you prove you can deliver quality, consistently, you can make yourself very valuable. At that point, iGaming content writing absolutely can enable you to live the life you want.
Still interested? Go get em.'