Should banners/links open in new window or nay?

[818sfv]

Another rookie question (and thanks in advance for input) - I've always set my links for casinos/sportsbooks open in a new tab off my site. Any links to other articles keep them on my site, just the sign up sites. Obvious reason being I want them to stay on my site but get them over to the signup page as well.

On the flip side, I've seen affiliates recommend you don't do that since ad blockers could well stop new tabs. I'm assuming this is the better approach and I should go change my links, or at a minimum do it on the more evergreen articles and any new ones going forward.

Any input though? Don't want to charge ahead and spend a day doing it to find out no its actually fine they open in new tabs.

[allfreechips]

Never want to remove your site from someones screen

[FictionNet]

I've gone back and forth on this and chopped and changed my target='s loads of times over the last two decades, and if you read threads here at gpwa then you'll find loads of them already discussed this to death. I get the conflict but I agree with AFC. All my external links are =blank (new window) now and always will be. Probably.

[sweetbet]

Doesn't ad blocking software target links/ads that open in a new/blank window? That's why most of my links open in the same window.

[feedinco]

I Think same window is better. Just to be safe for any adblocker.

[affsbay]

I use new window with my affiliate links. I have used many adblocks and never had problem with new tabs.

[SoPete]

My recommendation would be to -
1) A/B test both approaches on your evergreen/volume pages
2) Experiment including a JS that detects if a user has AdBlock installed. If so, open in new window or not.

[Aidan90]

Mine all open in same window. People browsing have certain expectations on a site, one of these is that a link will open in the same window and they know they can right click to open in a new window.

A new window opening can suggest something dodgy or spam like in my opinion and can put people off.

Plus the potential issue with ad blocker etc mentioned above.

[wonderpunter]

always used same window mainly due to adblockers.. if they dont like they will always click back anyhow

[Former Member 14]

Given a large proportion of traffic is now mobile, opening a new-tab for that crowd, is a moot point.

With regards to desktop users, the only issues I've experienced with adblockers and the coding "target=_blank", was ages ago when programs weren't using https. Comparing stats to those before adblockers came to town, I'm not seeing any odd differences. Though, I don't promote a lot of casinos.

So maybe the aff programs I work with all pass the adblocker litmus tests

[casibito]

I think it's good to open it in the same window

[DanHorvat]

Same window.

Except when you do want a new window because you intend to close that one and go back to the list of videos...

[Nik0]

New window for me, it is better keeping visitors on the site for clicking some more eventually. No problem with ad blockers because I make all links and banners in a way not to be detected as ads at all.

[Nenad]

The same window, as if a visitor finds my site attractive, he/she will return to my site. Also, if it's opened in a new window, it might feel dodgy. And there are ad blockers. So it's just my humble opinion.

[casinoportal]

always used same window mainly due to adblockers.. if they dont like they will always click back anyhow

Your 'Play Now' buttons on your homepage toplist open in a new tab, not sure if you are aware.

I have always chosen to open links in a new tab, never really had any concerns that they may get blocked by adblockers. I always open links myself in a new tab as I find it easier than having to click back all the time.

[drifter8]

I mostly use it in new window.

[allaboutthebets]

I have always gone for new window to try and keep a visitors visit to the site still on the old window

[Gone2]

External links always in a new window.

[wonderpunter]

Your 'Play Now' buttons on your homepage toplist open in a new tab, not sure if you are aware.

I have always chosen to open links in a new tab, never really had any concerns that they may get blocked by adblockers. I always open links myself in a new tab as I find it easier than having to click back all the time.

Thanks all other links open in the same window, not sure where that target blank code is coming from..

[casinoportal]

Thanks all other links open in the same window, not sure where that target blank code is coming from..

It should be in your startpage-modules file.