Ways to generate revenue from an online game website...

Good Afternoon DP:

-I have been thinking about creating an online game website. I want it so people can play different games (some games versus other players) such as Keno, Bingo, Poker and etc.

I would like to give tokens for each time a person plays a game and give a bit more of the winner of the game. And the users can exchange those tokens for cool prizes.

The problem I am running into is ways to monetize this kind of site. I have looked at similar sites like pogo and gamesville and realized that they use ad/commercials on the loading screen. I know I would have to find other ways to generate revenue..but what other ways I can generate revenue; especially if I am going to be giving out tokens and having players exchange them for cool prizes.

Thanks In Advance DP for the advice, feedback and help. Much appreciation.

 

Well if you are willing to go in the online gambling route, you can exchange those tokens for goods and services that you can make a profit on.

Otherwise, you are back to the usual ads, email submits, selling info products, etc.

 

I would have 2 currencies, a premium one such as coins and a free one such as tokens. The coins can only be obtained by being bought or earned from completing tasks, whereas coins can be earned for free.

Jordan

 

There are paid products for gamers that you can become an affiliate with through clickbank. These products include guides, World of Warcraft programs, etc. I have found that writing reviews of these clickbank products oriented around games (with capture links in the review of course) is a good way to go. You can put your reviews/ articles on your game webpage.

 

Very good suggestions. I like that.

 

You might consider a type of premium membership. This will allow you to earn a recurring monthly income, which makes great sense for you. Then key is then to make it make sense for the customer.

What would they want to pay a few bucks per month for? Options are:
- an allowance of in-game or on-site currency
- special member area
- early access to new games or special tournaments
- special graphics or features for their profile
- extra features unlocked within games

Best of luck!

 

You can also try CPA...

 

would be an interesting story here if the TS post some progress of his concerning here. And also games, way too much to be reviewed (there's over hundred games), and perhaps we should also played the games too?

-coffee

 

Please excuse me for the delay in response; after working 12 hour shifts most day I'm usually exhausted and go to bed. I appreciate all the help, feedback and information.

Thanks Outstanding Links. What do you mean by online gambling route? I am planning on having a cash in of these tokens for prizes and stuff. Is this what you mean?
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Jordan this is a great idea and haven't thought about that. I have been thinking about what you said and trying to fit it somewhere in my idea for the site.
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Thanks Hyonmyongyun for the idea.
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Thanks Smoozoid, I have been thinking about this since Jordan mentioned it in his earlier post. I thought about the idea of the coins being worth more than the tokens.
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Thanks Alin. I'm thinking this might be one of the ways the players can earn "coins".
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Thanks Youmax for your response. As far as progress goes right now I'm just mapping out my idea. Revenue is my main concern especially if I want to have a cash out option for the users to be exchanged for prizes.
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So far in game advertisements and cpa is on my list for revenue.

The in game advertisements will be shown between games which will help with the free tokens each player receives when playing a game. Does anyone have a range of pay? Do the in game advert usually pay per each view or certain number of view?

The cpa will be used to reward players coins (which will be worth more in exchange compared to the tokens). Right now I am trying to figure out the best offer wall.

I'm trying to think of other ways players can receive coins. I don't want to have the player purchase coins.

I was thinking about a certain amount of money a player can pay to double their token winnings.

 

Agreed.

CPA is a great way to go to monetise a gaming site.

 

Yep.

 

Would it be illegal to have a cash out option?

 

I think it would be yes. As in most US states as far as I am aware gambling is illegal and also you would need to verify people's identities. That aside, it would be hard to find a US based web host to host a gambling site.

 

I'm not sure what country or state you are in, but make sure your site complies with your laws first, if you go the gambling route.

If you can produce something that is unique or better than the competition, then I say go for it! However, there is a TON of competition in the online gaming realm. Maybe you could produce some fun games on Facebook, but the real gems would be on your own site, such as what Zinga has done.

Ways to monetize it:

1. Advertising
2. Account or membership upgrades
   
3. Offer coins in trade for users viewing or clicking on ads (PTC)
4. Purchase packages of something, ie coins, better games, etc
5. Cashing out in the form of Bitcoins. Bitcoins could then be traded for cash elsewhere. This may be legal, as some online casinos are trying to use this tactic. *Let them determine if it works, so you can avoid the legal bills.

 

Thanks Original Hosting, would it be considered gaming if player aren't cashing out in actually money but only prizes?

Thanks UsaSports, thank you for your information. Surprisingly I never heard about Bitcoins until you mentioned it. I have been doing a bit of reading on it and it seems pretty interesting. I reside in New York and wondering if the cash out option would only be illegal for cash or would it be illegal for everything including prizes?

 

How are websites like pogo, swagbucks and other similar websites legal?

Pogo users play games, earn tokens and enter to win contest/sweepstakes(something of value). They also receives payment from subsrciption of club member which gives users more perks like double tokens for daily challenges and what not.

SwagBucks have an offerwall, reward to watch videos and play games and rewards virtual currency for something of value usually gift cards.

 

I think in this case CPA would be your best option.
CPA networks have a lot of gaming offers.
There are also Clickbank products available for things like World of Warcraft, but these can be harder to sell.

 

There are a few different ways that you can monetize your site. A lot of good suggestions have been posted here already for you. The suggestions that I recommend for you are:
Create Premium Memberships-have better deals, prizes or competion than the Free Accounts
Allow members of any type to purchase more coins or tokens
Adsense or other Ad Networks
CPA/Affliate Marketing

As for Bitcoins, I have been using them for awhile to purchase items and even accept them as payments for products. They are becoming a new form of currency for online users.
Also, if you are interested check out my signature link for a Bitcoin raffle. Bitcoin Gambling is increasingly becoming more and more popular.