Why fast, secure payments are key to player loyalty in U.S. sports betting

The U.S. online sports betting market is expanding rapidly, with new states passing legislation and existing markets becoming fiercely competitive. As sportsbooks look to thrive in this dynamic landscape, offering innovative payment solutions will be critical.

According to the All the Ways Players Pay 2025 report by Paysafe, the demand for faster, more secure payment methods is reshaping the industry and influencing player loyalty.

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Speed, security, and the player experience

When it comes to sports betting, time is money — literally. U.S. bettors are clear about what they expect from sportsbooks: fast and secure transactions.

• 39% of players in the U.S. place importance on fast payouts, surpassing the global average of 34%. The ability to access winnings quickly can significantly impact player retention.
• 83% say their payment experience directly influences their decision to stick with a sportsbook.

For sportsbooks, this means speed and security aren't just nice-to-have—they are essential components of a competitive offering.

The growing influence of digital wallets

Digital wallets have quickly become a preferred method for deposits and withdrawals among U.S. players. This payment option meets the growing demand for speed and privacy—features especially important to younger bettors.

• 44% of U.S. players report using digital wallets for deposits, highlighting the popularity of this payment method.
• Players in the 18-24 age group are particularly keen on digital wallets for their flexibility when managing multiple sportsbook accounts.

As digital wallets continue to rise in popularity, sportsbooks can cater to this trend by integrating them as a primary payment method, ensuring players enjoy a smoother, quicker experience.

The shift toward alternative payment methods

In addition to digital wallets, alternative payment methods (APMs) like eCash are gaining traction among U.S. sports bettors. While debit cards still dominate as the payment choice for 49% of players, there's a clear shift toward using APMs, driven by their flexibility and enhanced security features.

• 57% of U.S. players plan to use APMs more frequently over the next two years, signaling a substantial shift toward diverse and secure payment solutions.

Sportsbooks must diversify their payment options to cater to players’ growing preference for APMs.

Real-time payments: The new standard

Looking ahead, real-time payments are set to improve the player experience. Bettors expect to be able to deposit and withdraw funds instantly, and the demand for real-time transactions will only grow.

• During 2025, 73% of American players expect real-time payment solutions to become widespread in sports betting, highlighting a significant shift in how players view transaction speed and reliability.

For sportsbooks, adopting real-time payments will keep them in line with player expectations and increase customer satisfaction and trust. Real-time transactions enable seamless deposits and instant payouts, helping operators maintain a competitive edge.

Building a strategy for success

To stay ahead of the curve, sportsbooks must modernize their payment strategies. Here are the top considerations:

• Prioritize speed: Fast payouts and seamless transactions should be a cornerstone of the player experience.
• Invest in security: Strong security measures will help protect player data and funds, building trust in the sportsbook.
• Adopt digital wallets and APMs: Meet the growing demand for diverse, secure payment options.
• Incorporate real-time payments: Instant deposits and withdrawals are the new standard for fostering player satisfaction.

By integrating these strategies, sportsbooks can better align with evolving player preferences and ensure long-term success in the highly competitive U.S. market.

To learn more about how payment innovation is shaping the future of iGaming, download our report, All the Ways Players Pay 2025.

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