According to data analysed by SEO-analytics platforms, leading crypto publication Cointelegraph experienced a dramatic decline in organic search traffic beginning in early October 2025.
Data from Ahrefs and SEMrush indicate drops of 98% and 65% respectively, beginning approximately October 6. These figures suggest more than a normal algorithmic shift.
The timing is noteworthy. The decline began weeks after Google’s Spam Update concluded (September 21). The delay raises questions about whether Cointelegraph was hit by a manual penalty rather than just an algorithmic adjustment.
Gaming Content Removed Shortly After Drop
Archived snapshots show that Cointelegraph removed its entire iGaming directory between October 7 and October 12. Pages offering gambling guides, casino app reviews and betting-related content, formerly part of the iGaming section, returned 404 errors.
Earlier reports had linked the iGaming section with third-party operations and affiliate links. SEO investigators noted that the content may have been outsourced in a way that placed the section at odds with Google’s search quality guidelines.
Because the removal of the section closely followed the onset of the traffic drop, many analysts interpret the sequence as an indication that Cointelegraph may have taken action in response to a notice from Google or internal review.
The company has not publicly communicated either an affiliate cleanup or a penalty acknowledgment.
Crypto Media And Search Visibility
Cointelegraph’s case highlights how search traffic still matters deeply for digital-media economics, especially for verticals like cryptocurrency journalism.
A sudden hit of this scale can erode revenue, reduce visibility and challenge business models. Analysts will now look at whether Cointelegraph can regain traffic and how other crypto publishers adjust their practices around affiliate content and niche topics like gambling.
From an SEO-governance standpoint, this event shows that high authority domains are not exempt from enforcement, especially when large sections deviate into areas such as gambling reviews, affiliate monetisation or third-party content networks.
The possibility of a manual penalty also raises questions about transparency and how publishers should respond when major drops occur.
What To Track Next
Watch for whether Cointelegraph publishes an official update on the traffic drop, which could signal its positioning in response. Monitor whether organic search metrics begin to recover over the next few months.
Competitors in the crypto-media space may also change their governance practices around affiliate content, and Google’s public disclosures or webmaster forums may reference broader enforcement in crypto verticals.
If the drop truly was driven by manual enforcement, it may become a cautionary tale for publishers who rely heavily on search-driven audiences.
For Cointelegraph, rebuilding or diversifying traffic sources may become critical to recovering momentum.
