Do iGaming popup ads still work or just annoy players?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because I keep seeing popup ads everywhere, especially on gaming and betting-related sites. Every time one shows up, my first reaction is to close it as fast as possible. But at the same time, they’re still being used in 2026, which makes me wonder if they actually work for some people. Are iGaming popup ads still effective, or are they slowly pushing players away instead?A few friends in the iGaming space have raised the same question. We all agree that popups feel old-school, almost like something that should have disappeared years ago. Yet, they keep coming back in different forms. Exit popups, timed popups, click-based popups, they’re still around. The real pain point is figuring out whether they’re helping conversions or quietly damaging trust and user experience.From my own browsing habits, popups can feel intrusive when they appear too early or block the entire screen. If I haven’t even had time to read the content, a popup asking me to sign up or claim a bonus feels forced. That kind of experience makes me leave the site rather than explore it. I’ve noticed others do the same, especially players who already feel overwhelmed by ads in general.That said, I’ve also noticed situations where popup ads don’t feel as annoying. For example, exit-intent popups that appear only when I’m about to leave can sometimes make sense. If the message is simple and relevant, I might actually read it instead of closing it instantly. It feels less aggressive and more like a last-minute reminder rather than a hard push.I once experimented with popup placements on a small affiliate project, just to see how users reacted. What didn’t work was obvious: instant popups on page load killed engagement. Bounce rates went up, and time spent on the page dropped. What worked better was delaying the popup until the user had scrolled or spent some time reading. It felt more respectful, and the interaction rate improved slightly.Another thing I noticed is that context matters a lot. Popups tied to useful information, like odds updates or limited-time events, felt more acceptable than generic signup messages. When the popup actually matched what I was reading, it didn’t feel random. In contrast, unrelated offers were quickly ignored or closed.I wouldn’t say iGaming popup ads are completely dead in 2026, but they definitely need more thought than before. Users are smarter and more impatient now. If a popup interrupts without adding any value, it’s more likely to drive players away than bring them in. On the other hand, when used carefully, they can still grab attention without crossing the line.What helped me understand this better was reading more about how popup ads fit into a broader iGaming advertising approach. I came across an article on  iGaming Popup Ads  that breaks down when they make sense and when they don’t. It wasn’t salesy, just practical insights that matched what I was seeing firsthand.My personal takeaway is that popup ads aren’t the problem by default. The real issue is how and when they’re used. If they respect the player’s time and don’t interrupt too aggressively, they can still play a role. But if they’re used blindly, they risk turning potential players away before any real connection is made.So, are iGaming popup ads still effective in 2026? I’d say yes, but only in a limited and thoughtful way. They’re no longer a quick win. They need to feel natural, relevant, and well-timed, or they’ll do more harm than good.