Ad rush

Advertising on game sites, once the purview of action videogames, has begun to permeate casual game sites, which offer puzzles, wordplay games and mind benders.

Casual game sites are becoming popular with advertisers because unlike traditional action games, which draw mostly men, casual games are more popular with women, writes the New York Times (via MediaBuyerPlanner). Casual game sites also offer a friendlier online experience than their action-game counterparts.

Moreover, ad options for casual games are increasing, making negotiation easier, according to ad execs.

Last year, ad dollars spent on casual game sites was up to about $150 million, from $74 million in 2002, according to DFC Intelligence.