Hey mate,
Good question. I wish when i started out i asked this question.
I have went through a hard time with this particular issue once and learned allot from the experience. Perhaps others can share views as well.
The most obvious thing to think about is whether you want quick income or build income. The CPA of course gives you cash injections especially when you start out. To build on the rev share aspect of it you need time. And work at getting your players to continue playing.
There are allot of sites that will promote both, and some really great sites as well, and considered ethical and honest.
Some of these sites will even go so far in their terms and conditions as state whether your players win or lose you still get paid no matter what.
Some affiliate managers will also indicate this as well, but to be honest be very careful mate, i cant begin to tell you how this can be misread.
If you supply players to these sites and they do not generate enough rake to cover the CPA payment, they will hold your CPA payment.
You will receive emails with statements such as “There is possible fraud behaviour going on” or “Possible CPA abuse from your country” all kinds of excuses to not pay you.
When you try and work it out they will insist you wait until your players show more activity. Believe me i know first hand.
I once brought a site, 15 new players in the last week of one month. I expected $2250 as payment for these players and was so happy, since i was going to use this money to rebuild site and invest back.
The money never came and after 3 months, it stilll never came. It simply depends on the players. And who you work with.
Even though their terms and conditions state they will pay you, they will not, they will break their own terms and conditions if your players dont play well or re deposit constantly.
This actually is understandable in some ways as how can they pay you when they make no money as well. But just be careful.
You need to talk to your affiliate manager and ask about this from the start.
In my case i did. I was so upfront about it since i read this can be a problem. In my case i was assured, but of course was not given payment.
I had to work on another way to recoup my losses which after 4-5 months i am still trying to make a percentage of this money back.
It means trying to get your players to continue playing, and it this point they willl even decrease your CPA deal.
Revenue share you know you will get your income since the poker room will always get their moneys worth. Well they have not invested in the player.
You simply will make your percentage of their rake. Must be cautious of this too though. try and deal with reputable sites listed here or on eCOgra.
Do your homework mate, it will help in the end.
The bottom line is either way CPA tends to always benefit the poker room no matter what anyway. Unless players generate more than the CPA amount you will not get paid. If they make more than that then you lose on rev share you could of made.
Rev share is safer and you seem to know at all times your safe.
Hope this helps.