Why 3 Oaks Gaming’s ISO 27001 Certification Matters for Affiliates

3 Oaks Gaming has announced it has achieved ISO 27001 certification – a move that signals more than just a tick-box exercise. For affiliates in the iGaming space, this development is worth paying attention to, not because it’s flashy, but because it shows how the industry is maturing.

Security, trust, and compliance are now essential parts of the affiliate marketing ecosystem. And when a game distributor like 3 Oaks steps up and puts information security at the centre of its operations, it impacts the whole chain — from operators to players, and importantly, to affiliates who depend on those integrations.

What is ISO 27001?

Let’s start with the basics. ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard for information security management. It covers how companies handle data, secure systems, and manage risks related to information assets.

To get certified, a company must put robust systems in place for identifying vulnerabilities, managing threats, and continuously improving how they protect data. That includes technical controls like encryption, but also organisational policies around access, training, audits, and response plans.

In short: ISO 27001 means you take security seriously, and you’ve proven it to independent auditors.

Why 3 Oaks went for it

According to 3 Oaks Gaming, the certification is part of its broader effort to become a trusted partner for regulated operators in Europe and beyond. In many markets — particularly the Netherlands, Germany, and parts of Eastern Europe — regulators are placing increasing emphasis on third-party security compliance.

For game distributors, that means meeting the same standards expected of operators themselves. By securing ISO 27001 status, 3 Oaks has put itself in a stronger position to expand into those regions — and to be taken seriously by tier-one partners.

But there’s another angle too. With rising concerns about data breaches, fraud, and DDoS attacks in the gaming space, this move sends a message to affiliates and partners: your data, your referrals, and your performance tracking are safe with us.

Why this matters for affiliates

Most affiliates don’t get involved in the backend security of the products they promote. But increasingly, they should — for a few reasons:

1. Better integration options: ISO-certified platforms are more likely to be supported by top-tier operators and aggregators. That means smoother integration for tracking, better reporting reliability, and fewer headaches when running CPA or hybrid deals.
2. More trust with end users: Players today are more cautious about who they sign up with. Promoting games from certified providers like 3 Oaks adds a layer of credibility. Affiliates who care about player retention (and not just first deposits) benefit when the user experience is secure and consistent.
3. Compliance alignment: In some jurisdictions, affiliates are being brought under the same compliance umbrella as operators. Promoting content from certified vendors is an easy way to show regulators you’re working with trusted, vetted sources — especially when working in grey markets or regulated European territories.
4. Fewer tracking issues: Security problems often result in tracking discrepancies — lost clicks, incorrect attribution, delayed conversions. Working with ISO 27001-certified platforms doesn’t eliminate this risk, but it dramatically reduces it.

In short, while security might not be the sexiest topic in affiliate marketing, it can directly affect your bottom line.

Industry moving towards higher standard

3 Oaks isn’t the first iGaming firm to earn ISO 27001 — but its certification adds to a growing trend. More suppliers, tech vendors, and even affiliate platforms themselves are making the leap.

This follows similar moves from companies like EveryMatrix, SOFTSWISS, and BetConstruct — all of whom have publicised their certifications as proof of their commitment to regulated, secure operations.

Why now? It’s partly market-driven. European regulators want higher standards. Operators want less risk. And increasingly, players are aware of the dangers of bad actors and weak data handling. But it’s also a way to stand out in a saturated market.

When everyone offers the same games, the same RTP, and the same bonus mechanics — security, compliance, and partner trust become valuable differentiators.

3 Oaks positioning for future growth

By securing ISO 27001, 3 Oaks isn’t just protecting data — they’re positioning themselves to scale. Expect to see them push harder into regulated markets over the coming year, supported by a wider portfolio of games and partnerships.

For affiliates, this means two things: more opportunities to promote compliant products, and a greater chance of working with operators who value long-term partner quality over short-term traffic spikes.

Final word

You might not care about ISO standards today. But you’ll care when your traffic gets redirected by a hacked redirector, or your CPA conversions go missing in a DDoS attack.

As more iGaming companies secure ISO 27001 certification, the affiliate space gets a little more stable — and a little more professional. And that’s good news for anyone playing the long game.

If you’re picking partners for the rest of 2025, 3 Oaks Gaming might be one to keep an eye on — not just for their game content, but for how seriously they take their role in the wider affiliate ecosystem.

Let me know if you’d like a follow-up article on how affiliates can audit their own compliance and security posture to match rising industry standards.