Operator vs affiliate: Which one offers the best perks?

The igaming industry offers countless opportunities, and with that growth comes a wealth of roles across two very different branches: operators and affiliates. On paper, both offer exciting career potential, but when it comes to working culture, perks, and flexibility, they often stand worlds apart.

Affiliates have carved out a reputation for being the younger, more carefree sibling of the igaming family. Think great benefits like unlimited holiday policies, personal development budgets, work-from-anywhere options and beautiful office spaces. But does this free-spirited style of working hold up in practice? And how does it compare to the more structured, stability-focused operator environment?

The affiliate advantage

Affiliates have become known for a generous and often unconventional approach to employee benefits, often taking inspiration from outside the igaming industry. We have all heard of businesses offering unlimited vacation days or, at the very least, generous annual leave policies, industry-leading benefits around parental leave, remote or hybrid working setups, and flexible hours. These are all underpinned by a philosophy that values trust, autonomy, and outcomes over hours spent at a desk.

There’s also a strong focus on personal development and wellbeing. Quarterly budgets can be used on anything from online courses to team wellness retreats, tech upgrades, or even game consoles. Gone are the days of the generic gym allowance! Many affiliate businesses understand that investing in employee satisfaction is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a crucial retention strategy.

This flexibility often stems from the company’s size and agility. Affiliates tend to be smaller, leaner businesses where decisions can be made quickly and processes adapted to suit the people behind them. Without layers of corporate hierarchy, they can act fast, whether that’s trying out a new marketing strategy or piloting a new way of working.

The result is an atmosphere that often feels relaxed, creative, and entrepreneurial. Offices (when they exist) are more likely to resemble start-ups than corporate headquarters, and teams are often made up with less of a hierarchical work structure, where everyone is used to working with a degree of independence.

But for all their perks, this level of freedom also comes with challenges: less structure, smaller teams, and a faster pace that doesn’t always suit everyone.

The operator outlook

On the other side, operators do bring a different kind of appeal - one rooted in stability, scale, and long-term opportunity.

Larger teams and higher revenues mean many operators can offer competitive salaries, strong bonus structures, formal training programmes, and clearer progression paths. While they may not hand out unlimited holidays or offer Friday pizza and beers in the office, their benefits often include health insurance, pension plans (in certain locations), performance-related bonuses, and job security, increasingly valuable in a fast-moving industry.

Operators are typically more structured and compliance-led. With strict licensing requirements and regulatory oversight, decisions can take longer and involve more stakeholders. But that also creates a different kind of work culture: one that values process, governance, and team-wide collaboration.

For those who thrive on routine, structure, and working with cross-functional teams, operator environments can be incredibly rewarding. Roles often come with defined responsibilities, KPIs, and support systems- buddy systems and workplace mentors are commonplace, offering a more traditional corporate setup in contrast to the start-up "beautiful chaos” that can often define affiliate life.

That said, many operators have evolved post-COVID, adopting hybrid work models, enhancing perks, and making strides to modernise culture. The industry as a whole is moving forward, and the divide between operator and affiliate isn’t quite as stark as it once was.

Innovation vs regulation

Affiliates often enjoy more freedom to innovate. With fewer compliance barriers and quicker decision-making chains, they can experiment with bold ideas or pivot marketing strategies on the fly. This agility fosters a culture of curiosity and entrepreneurial thinking.

Operators, in contrast, are often more risk-averse, not due to a lack of creativity, but because of the regulatory landscape they operate within. Every campaign, new product feature, or content asset typically passes through legal, compliance, and marketing sign-off before going live. It’s not less exciting, just more considered.

And this impacts hiring, too. Affiliate businesses often prioritise adaptability and attitude, seeking team members who can wear multiple hats and thrive in fluid environments. Operators, meanwhile, often seek candidates with proven industry experience, familiarity with regulated environments, and a strong grasp of process.

In many ways, it’s less about one being “better” than the other and more about which environment you can personally thrive in.

So, which one should you choose?

Ultimately, choosing between operator and affiliate comes down to individual preference, career goals, and working style.

If you’re someone who values structure, career mapping, and the stability of a larger organisation, an operator may offer the environment you need to grow long-term. You’ll benefit from bigger teams, clearer lines of responsibility, and often, a more defined corporate benefits package.

If, however, you crave freedom, flexibility, and a faster-moving environment, the affiliate space may be more suited to you. With flatter hierarchies and people-centric policies, it can offer the chance to shape your own path and enjoy a more dynamic, lifestyle-friendly work culture.

The igaming industry has room for all personality types, as both operators and affiliates bring their own flavour to the table. As the lines continue to blur and both evolve, it’s less about choosing a side and more about asking the right questions: What matters most to me in my working life? And which environment will allow me to thrive?