Blog TraffCloud

How We Built a Fully Compliant Google Ads Media Buying Business in 2025

Hi everyone!

2025 was a game-changing year for us. After several years of working in the gray-zone Google Ads arbitrage model, we made a bold decision:

We completely exited classic arbitrage and transitioned to working exclusively with licensed iGaming products on a fully white-label, compliant basis.

On top of that, we began building our own casino aggregator, focused on regulated markets and direct integration with licensed operators.

This strategic shift wasn’t just a reaction — it was a calculated move in response to Google’s evolving policy, which drastically reduced the viability of gray approaches.
📉 Why We Moved Away from Gray Arbitrage
The main reason was simple: loss of traffic volume and rising risk. Google ramped up its enforcement efforts:

  • massive account bans and suspensions,

  • stricter rules around browser fingerprints and cloaking,

  • increased detection through automated systems,

  • reduced trust scores and higher compliance pressure.

Gray media buying became unstable, expensive, and nearly unscalable.
📈 Why Going White Was the Right Move
Surprisingly, we actually grew in traffic volume after switching to a white-label model. While net profitability per user went down, the benefits were massive:
  • a longer planning horizon,

  • no more daily firefighting,

  • stronger relationships with products and platforms,

  • and real business growth with a solid brand and team structure.
What Changed in Our Operations
1. A Strategic Shift in Business Development
Previously, we were simply looking for offers. Today, we seek partnerships with licensed operators.

Our selection criteria:
  • the product has a local iGaming license valid for the target GEO,

  • the product operates in countries where Google allows gambling traffic,

  • the product has no in-house Google Ads media buying team
In short, we stopped thinking like arbitrage affiliates — and started operating like a media agency.
2. G1 Status and Deep Google Compliance
We achieved G1 advertiser verification and invested significant time into understanding Google’s policies:

  • how to work with official gambling certificates,

  • how to pass ad reviews and stay compliant,

  • how to structure campaigns within Google’s policy boundaries,

  • how to interact directly with Google account managers.
3. Strong Legal Infrastructure
A white business model isn’t possible without a solid legal foundation:

  • in-house and partner lawyers to protect TraffCloud’s business interests,

  • legal support for contracts and licensing,

  • assistance for clients in understanding and managing risk on their side.
4. A New Business Model
Unlike classic CPA arbitrage where payouts increase with scale, our model is agency-based:

  • the larger the media spend, the lower our commission,

  • we work on percentage-of-spend contracts,

  • our priority is long-term relationships, not quick payouts.
5. A Comprehensive Offering
We don’t just offer traffic. We offer a full performance marketing ecosystem that includes:

  • media buying at scale,

  • full technical support and tracking,

  • competitive market analysis,

  • support with brand protection on Google Search,

  • strategies to counteract unfair competitors bidding on your brand.
🚀 Where We Are Today
By mid-2025, we saw consistent growth across all KPIs:
  • stable revenue without bans or volatility,

  • an expanded team and client portfolio,

  • recognition from partners and Google alike,

  • invitations to join high-level agency and platform networks.
TraffCloud is no longer just an arbitrage team — we are becoming an official performance marketing partner for regulated iGaming brands worldwide.
💬 Final Thoughts
We spent years transitioning from chaotic arbitrage to structured, scalable agency business — and Google’s evolving policy helped accelerate that transition.

If you’re thinking of making the same move — now is the time. It’s harder at first, but far more sustainable. And one year from now, you’ll be glad you did.
Are you a licensed iGaming operator looking for scalable Google Ads traffic?

📩 DM us — we know how to deliver traffic legally, transparently, and profitably.
Google