- Four minutes read
Inside the mind of today’s iGaming player: key takeaways from our webinar
Paysafe recently hosted a webinar exploring the evolving payment habits and expectations of today’s iGaming players. The session was led by two of Paysafe’s iGaming experts—Jason Batten, Sales Director EMEA iGaming, and James McGran, VP, Relationship Management EU iGaming—who shared their in-depth industry knowledge and real-world insights. Drawing on key findings from our whitepaper, All the Ways Players Pay, they discussed how alternative payment methods, real-time transactions, and localized solutions are reshaping the iGaming landscape.
A changing payment landscape
Throughout the webinar, the hosts outline five important trends reshaping payment behaviors among sports bettors. Drawing on insights from over 4,000 bettors worldwide, our research shows that players now expect more than traditional payment methods—they demand speed, security, and a seamless experience. As Batten explains, “The quicker and easier we can load funds and make those available to bettors in their wallet, the sooner those funds are available to play.”
Real-time payments: the need for speed
A core theme is the importance of real-time payments. In an era where in-play features and rapid betting opportunities are the norm, the ability to deposit and withdraw funds instantly is a game-changer. Our data shows that 34% of players globally consider deposit speed a key factor when choosing a sportsbook, and 73% expect real-time payment options to become standard within the next two years.
McGran emphasizes this, saying "I think there's definitely a need for speed." Instant transactions minimize downtime between bets, build trust, and create a more engaging experience—essential elements in a competitive market.
Expanding the payment mix
While speed is critical, the discussion also highlights the need for diverse payment options. Despite the rise of alternative payment methods (APMs) and digital wallets, traditional debit cards remain popular—42% of players globally prefer them for deposits. In some markets, credit card restrictions have bolstered this trend.
Digital wallets, however, are gaining traction, especially among younger players. In fact, 78% of younger players use digital wallets for their ease and convenience. Digital wallets speed up checkouts and enhance security by storing user credentials, reducing the need to enter personal details.
Localizing for global success
Tailoring payment methods to local market needs is another critical point. Payment preferences vary across regions, and operators must offer localized solutions. For example, players in Brazil, Portugal, and Spain increasingly use methods like PIX, MB Way, and Bizum. Offering these region-specific options helps build trust and delivers a more personalized gaming experience.
Innovations in card payments and payment orchestration
Despite the surge in APMs and digital wallets, card payments remain essential in the iGaming ecosystem. The webinar discusses innovations such as network tokenization and one-click repeat transactions, which improve the traditional card payment process.
The webinar also explains that payment orchestration plays a critical role in ensuring seamless transactions. By leveraging multiple processing routes, operators can automatically reattempt payments if the primary method fails, which helps increase overall acceptance rates and reinforces consumer trust. Securely storing card details and offering alternative payment pathways minimizes friction and boosts player loyalty.
Payments as a strategic advantage
The final takeaway is that payments have evolved from a backend process to a strategic asset. With regulatory changes and rising acquisition costs, offering a diverse, fast, and secure payment ecosystem is essential for player acquisition and retention. Batten highlights Paysafe’s market position: “We act as a merchant for those consumers, and then we have a vast array of merchants that we provide capabilities for. We are in a unique position to bundle the two sides together.”
This underscores how integral payments have become to the entire player experience. For operators, prioritizing payment diversity, speed, and security isn’t optional—it’s crucial for meeting modern expectations and increasing player lifetime value.
Looking ahead
As the iGaming landscape evolves, the webinar's insights serve as a reminder of the importance of payment innovation. Operators who embrace real-time transactions, diversify their payment options, and tailor solutions to local markets are best positioned to capture a growing global audience.
For a deeper dive into the trends shaping today's iGaming payments, download our whitepaper, All the Ways Players Pay. With continuous innovation and a commitment to meeting player demands, Paysafe is ready to help you transform your gaming payment strategy.
