Why iGaming traffic is moving into Telegram.
The iGaming market is projected to approach $107 billion by early 2026. Competition is increasing, while traditional traffic sources like Facebook and Google continue to tighten moderation and compliance requirements for gambling-related offers. Meanwhile, messengers have overtaken social networks in active user count. The audience has moved, and advertisers are following it into Telegram Mini Apps.
TMAs allow iGaming experiences to run entirely inside Telegram. Users move from ad to gameplay with a single click, without external links or app installs. This removes technical and platform restrictions that limit traditional mobile and web funnels.
TMAs: Telegram Mini Apps
Telegram Mini Apps are web apps that launch inside Telegram without installs or manual login: users are already authenticated via their Telegram ID. This gets rid of the biggest issues at the top of the funnel.
Over 500 million users interact with TMAs monthly: they are already used to chatbots, in-chat games, and reward mechanics, which makes it easier for them to start playing iGaming.
iGaming Benefits in Telegram Mini Apps
iGaming relies on quick interactions and impulse. TMAs help with this by letting people start playing right away, before they register or make a deposit, bypassing long web funnels. Spins and bonus claims work well as users expect a reward and are ready to act.
TMAs are distributed directly inside Telegram instead of going through the App Store or Google Play. This reduces store approvals and delays related to gambling compliance, making TMA traffic a faster and more flexible channel for iGaming. Before launching, it’s still important to check the local gambling laws, limit access for minors, and exclude countries where gambling is illegal.
TMA Ad Formats for iGaming Campaigns
Users who view rewarded ads are 4.5 times more likely to make an in-app purchase. Regular ads redirect users to browsers or app stores, but TMAs open inside the Telegram ecosystem, reducing drop-offs.
OnClickA works with native TMA formats that guide users through the iGaming funnel.
- Tg-Interstitial: Full or partial screen ads.
- Rewarded Videos: Engaging promotional videos.
- Rewarded Posts: Motivating text posts.
Tg-Interstitials run on CPC and provide high visibility for building awareness. Rewarded formats support CPM and CPC and give users extra bonuses. The ad format sets both the pricing model and the user’s motivation to act.
How OnClickA Supports iGaming Campaigns
In 2025, OnClickA was ranked among the top providers for Telegram traffic. It also has tools for the iGaming vertical.
Native formats. OnClickA provides an editor to make ads that match Telegram style. This reduces ad blindness and builds trust, which is critical for iGaming offers.
Familiar publishers. OnClickA cooperates with verified publishers. This makes the traffic quality more reliable.
Telegram-relevant targeting. OnClickA offers targeting for crypto-wallet holders and Telegram Premium users in addition to standard GEO and language filters. These users are ready to pay and enjoy digital entertainment.
OnClickA provides tools to build Telegram-style ads, choose suitable pricing models, and find users who are likely to convert.
Case study from 2025: High Converting iGaming Traffic
A CIS company launched an iGaming funnel entirely inside Telegram, where users could play and make deposits without external links or app store installs.
The Challenge. The goal was to convert Telegram’s gaming audience without relying on postback tracking and to capture high-intent users on first contact driving them directly to action.
The Solution. The campaign used Rewarded Posts with emoji-rich, Telegram-native copy and a clear welcome bonus CTA. Because the ads were rewarded, users were already motivated to engage. Each ad led to the corresponding Mini App’s first screen, where the promised bonus was shown right away.
The campaign reached a 7.63% CTR with a $0.07 CPC. This engagement led to significant revenue. In this case, targeting the Telegram-focused market plus native-looking ads brought the right audience into the mini-app funnel, which resulted in high CTR and conversion.
Best Practices for TMA iGaming Campaigns in 2026
Matching intent and continuity is the first step in a successful TMA campaign. Interstitial ads raise awareness, and rewarded ads motivate players with bonuses which can be a driver for their first-time deposit.
Offer copy
Telegram users are active, but they don't have long attention spans, so ad language needs to be brief, urgent, and to the point. Using emojis strategically makes the message feel more native, as emojis are the language of Telegram.
Specific numbers, such as “10 free spins today” do better than generic promises. Time limits create urgency: “Ends in 2 hours”.
Compliance
Even though TMAs make it easier to distribute iGaming content, it’s still important:
- to check local gambling laws,
- to limit access for minors,
- to exclude countries where gambling is illegal.
Continuity
The first Mini App screen must deliver the ad’s promise, for example, a bonus, a free spin, or a playable demo to build trust. Allowing users to spin or play before making a deposit increases the likelihood of conversion.
Broad targeting
OnClickA managers advise starting TMA campaigns with broad targets, especially in Tier 2/3 GEOs. Once volume stabilizes, targeting can be narrowed to Telegram Premium users or active TON wallet holders. OnClickA account managers can also help with advanced anti-fraud tools. Higher quality traffic usually means lower volume, so finding the right balance is important.
Creative rotation
Users become blind to ads. Updating visuals and offers every 7–14 days helps keep people interested and engaged.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the TMA ecosystem sustained an estimated 150–190 million active users. This audience has matured beyond airdrop hunters and now expects real utility, smooth UX, and engaging entertainment.
Telegram Mini Apps change how iGaming funnels start: faster entry, fewer barriers, and earlier engagement. Paired with the tools of top traffic providers like OnClickA, TMAs are becoming a high-potential channel for iGaming ads in 2026.
Launch an iGaming Campaign with OnClickA
Over the next few years, competition will increase and audiences will develop banner blindness. Advertisers who enter now gain an advantage.
OnClickA’s managers are ready to assist with launching campaigns, optimizing bids and targets, and finding the right audience.
