Winning with payments: How U.K. sportsbooks can stay on top

The U.K. iGaming market is one of the most competitive globally, with sportsbooks continually evolving to meet changing player expectations. The overall market is projected to generate $29.84 billion in 2025, growing to $33.27 billion by 2029, driven by the increasing demand for digital betting.

While the U.K. is a mature market, operators must keep pace with evolving consumer habits, regulatory changes, and technological advancements to stay competitive. Recent updates to the Gambling Act, including new measures around affordability checks and promotions, have added complexity to operator strategies. Additionally, players now expect seamless payment experiences, with fast deposits and instant withdrawals crucial for retention.

According to Paysafe’s research report, All the Ways Players Pay 2025, prioritizing secure and flexible payment solutions is key to gaining a competitive edge. Partnering with a trusted payment provider like Paysafe helps sportsbooks stay ahead of these demands, ensuring a frictionless, compliant, and player-friendly experience.

For insights into the latest payment trends shaping the iGaming industry, download the full All the Ways Players Pay report.

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Payment preferences of U.K. bettors

When funding their sportsbook accounts, U.K. players still favour debit cards, with 48% of bettors preferring this payment method. Aside from debit cards, restrictions on the use of credit cards for gambling means that other payment options are growing in popularity:

• 35% of U.K. bettors prefer digital wallets such as Skrill and NETELLER for their speed, security, and ease of use.
• 22% use eCash solutions, which offer a more private and controlled deposit method.
• Real-time bank transfers are on the rise, with 27% of U.K. bettors opting for direct bank payments.

This trend highlights a growing demand for flexible payment solutions. Operators that fail to offer a broad range of payment options risk losing players to competitors who provide a smoother experience. Paysafe enables sportsbooks to meet these evolving player needs through its comprehensive payment solutions—including debit card processing, digital wallets, and eCash.

Speed is a gamechanger

Fast payouts are now a decisive factor for player retention. 30% of U.K. bettors rank quick withdrawals as their top priority when selecting a sportsbook. While strong odds (30%) and promotions (25%) matter, the ability to withdraw winnings quickly is now just as crucial in maintaining player loyalty.

This finding underscores that operators need to invest in real-time payment capabilities. By leveraging Paysafe's fast and secure payout solutions, sportsbooks can meet player expectations, ensuring a frictionless experience that keeps bettors returning.

Security, trust, and anonymity are non-negotiables for players

Payment security remains a top concern, with 34% of U.K. players citing it as their primary consideration when thinking about depositing into an online sports betting account. Players need confidence that their funds and data are protected, and operators that offer secure payment solutions will build greater trust with their customers.

Additionally, 81% of U.K. bettors value anonymity in their transactions, highlighting a strong demand for privacy when making deposits and withdrawals. Paysafe's suite of digital wallets and eCash solutions addresses this need, allowing players to fund their accounts without sharing sensitive financial details. For operators, offering these options not only enhances security but also expands their customer base to those who prefer more discreet payment methods.

Why payments are key to player retention

The All the Ways Players Pay report highlights that 68% of players would leave a sportsbook due to a poor payment experience. A cumbersome deposit or withdrawal process can drive players to competitors—no matter how impressive the sportsbook's odds or promotions might be.

To retain players, U.K. operators need to focus on:

• Diversifying payment options – ensuring support for debit cards, digital wallets, eCash, and real-time bank transfers.
• Accelerating payout speeds – meeting player expectations for instant or near-instant withdrawals.
• Enhancing security and privacy – building trust through safe, anonymous payment solutions.
• Seamless compliance integration – ensuring affordability and verification checks do not disrupt the player journey.

By partnering with Paysafe, sportsbooks can streamline their payment systems and reduce friction during the payment process, creating a more engaging and hassle-free player experience.

Looking ahead: future-proofing iGaming payments

As the industry moves forward, the role of payments in player acquisition and retention will only grow. Those who invest in seamless, secure, and instant transactions will set themselves apart in the U.K.'s increasingly competitive iGaming space.

With Paysafe's industry-leading payment solutions, operators can stay ahead of the curve—offering the fast, secure, and frictionless transactions that today's players demand. Whether optimizing deposit flows, ensuring rapid withdrawals, or enabling alternative payment methods, Paysafe provides the tools sportsbooks need to drive long-term success.

For a deeper dive into how payment innovation is shaping the future of iGaming, download our report, All the Ways Players Pay 2025.

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