Monetizing a gaming and entertainment website comes down to one core principle: balancing a seamless user experience with an ad stack built to deliver strong CPMs. In a space where communities are loyal and attention is earned, the right monetization partner makes all the difference.
From advanced header bidding and gaming specific demand to managed services and contextual networks, today’s platforms offer very different approaches to growth. Some are built for scale, others for flexibility, and a few are purpose built for the gaming vertical. Below, we break down 5 of the top monetization partners for gaming and entertainment websites in 2026 to help you find the right fit for your audience and revenue goals.
1. Nitro by Overwolf
Gaming and entertainment publishers face unique monetization challenges. Nitro, formerly NitroPay and now a division of Overwolf, is built specifically around those realities. Its platform combines simultaneous header bidding, dynamic floor optimization, and adblock recovery within an open auction framework designed to increase bidder competition and improve yield transparency.
A key differentiator is its real time, granular reporting, allowing publishers to analyze performance by bidder, geography, ad unit, format, and core metrics such as CPM, RPM, revenue per session, and fill rate. Operationally, Net 7 payment terms and same day support stand out in a market where longer payout cycles are common. For mid to large gaming sites, community platforms, and guide driven properties, Nitro’s vertical focus and programmatic infrastructure make it a strong choice in 2026.
2. Venatus
Venatus is a global adtech platform specializing in gaming, esports, and entertainment inventory. It combines programmatic monetization with direct brand campaigns, often emphasizing premium demand and high quality ad experiences.
The company operates its own header bidding framework and supports formats beyond standard display, including interactive and takeover units tailored to gaming audiences. Venatus is particularly strong in certain international markets and is generally best suited to publishers with established traffic and brand safe environments.
3. Playwire
Playwire is a managed monetization partner focused on gaming and entertainment publishers. Its RAMP platform combines header bidding and direct sales campaigns, with a hands-on ad ops team acting as an extension of your business.
Playwire is known for strong CPM performance, particularly on video and high engagement inventory, though it typically works best for mid sized to large publishers. The managed approach means less operational burden for site owners, with optimization handled largely by Playwire’s team. For gaming sites with meaningful scale that prefer a full service model, Playwire remains a well established option.
4. Mediavine
Mediavine is a managed ad platform designed for content publishers, including gaming blogs that meet its traffic thresholds. Once accepted, publishers hand over ad operations to Mediavine’s team, which manages placements, header bidding, and optimization to maximize RPM while maintaining site performance standards.
The platform typically requires around 50,000 monthly sessions, making it more suitable for established content sites rather than early stage projects. Revenue shares are competitive, and many publishers see higher earnings compared to running AdSense alone.
5. Raptive
Formerly known as AdThrive, Raptive is a premium managed monetization platform aimed at high traffic publishers. Entry requirements are higher than most networks, generally around 100,000 monthly pageviews, but accepted sites gain access to strong brand demand and advanced optimization.
Raptive handles ad layout, yield management, and programmatic partnerships, allowing publishers to focus on content rather than ad ops. Its approach prioritizes viewability and high RPM performance, often positioning it as a step up from AdSense for larger sites. For established gaming publishers with substantial scale, Raptive remains a top option.
Nitro is dedicated to reinventing website monetization for the gaming industry. Our ad tech platform delivers uncompromised user experience alongside high performance revenue, with Net 7 payouts, same day support, and fully transparent real time reporting.