AGD Certified Programs

AffiliateGuardDog.com is an organization which prides itself in using factual metrics as a barometer for the quality of Gaming Affiliate Programs. We have recently revamped the guidelines for 'AGD Certified Program' to the AGD website and forums. In an effort of complete transparency, we have given a complete description of how a program can become AGD Certified. This certification level is not something we take lightly and we will hold programs to all standards as listed below.

Affiliate Guard Dog Certification Guidelines - Transparency Documentation

AffiliateGuardDog.com (AGD) Certification is a status given to affiliate programs which adhere to the guidelines below. The guidelines below are a list of what we feel are the best barometer for determination of quality for an affiliate organization. As such, any programs not meeting all guidelines will not be allowed certification at AGD.




All Programs must follow the guidelines outlined below to become AGD Certified:

    Affiliate-Friendly Terms and Conditions
    Affiliate Program's affiliate contract (Terms and Conditions) must adhere to the following guidelines:
  • The Affiliate Program MUST have affiliate-friendly Terms and Conditions
    • Our Certification team (of which there are currently 4 members) evaluates the Terms and Conditions to ensure that they are Affiliate-Friendly and contain no predatory terms. A predatory term is one that allows the affiliate program to adversely affect affiliate earnings through predatory practices. {Our Certification team delivers suggestions to the affiliate program on how to make their terms even more Affiliate-Friendly and evaluates the website to ensure information does not conflict between the website and the T&C's.}
  • The following terms cannot (in any form) be part of the Terms and Conditions. All 'flavors' of the following terms will be deamed predatory and must be removed:
    • Minimum Player Rule - Any rule which states that an affiliate must deliver a specific number of players to continually receive their earned commission.
    • Minimum Activity Rule - Any rule which states that an affiliate must deliver a specific number of 'clicks' or 'impressions' to continually receive their earned commission.
    • Commission Reduction Rule - Any rule which allows the program to reduce commissions below the website's published rate
    • Change of Commission Plan from Revshare to CPA - Any rule which allows the program to change commissions structures from Revenue Sharing to CPA


    Player-Friendly Casinos
    All Casinos within the Affiliate Program's Client group must adhere to the following guidelines:
  • Casinos cannot be listed as Rogue on Casinomeister's ® Rogue List, located at: CM Rogue Casinos
  • Casino Software cannot be listed as Rogue on Casinomeister's ® Rogue List, located at: CM Rogue Casino Software

 

    Affiliate Guard Dog Certification Guidelines - Certification Revocation




    AGD Certification Continuation Code

  • The Affiliate Program shall continue to abide by the above codes to remain in compliancy with AGD Certification.

    Affiliate Guard Dog Certification Guidelines - Certification Roadmap




    AGD Certification Roadmap

  • If ALL metrics above have been properly met, the Affiliate Program will have the ability to become an AGD Certified Program. Once the criteria have been met, a program will HAVE A FREE FORUM (NO FEE OR BENEFITS TO AGD).
  • The Certification Team will completely review the Affiliate Contract (Terms and Condition) and vote upon the results.
    • If voting results in terms that are not Affiliate-Friendly, the certification lead will contact the affiliate program for terms mediation.
      • The Affiliate Program has the option to change terms to become affiliate friendly. When the AGD spider determines that changes have been made, a new certification vote begins.
      • If the Affiliate Program does not amend the terms, they will be listed as a 'Predatory' affiliate program.
    • If voting results in terms that are Affiliate-Friendly, certification will be given and a free forum will be created.
    • If rejected because the casino or software is labeled "rogue" at CasinoMeister ®;, approval will depend on removal of this rogue status.
  • This transparency document was created to ensure that all affiliates understand our procedures and ethics involved in this certification model.





Thank You.

 

Andrew

President / Owner

AffiliateGuardDog.com

 
This document was created on Friday, May 19, 2010 9:17 AM, CST.

AGD Certified Program

Affiliate Guard Dog takes our certifications seriously. Our certified program requires a program to meet all guidelines set forth in this document. There will be no grandfathering of old programs.