Optimizing the iGaming payment experience for players
The iGaming sector is undergoing expansion. Discover why the payment experience is key to acquiring and retaining VIP players.
Major developments in the industry
As the global iGaming market expands, so does the industry’s responsibility to optimize the player experience.
2022 and 2023 saw major U.S. states like New York, Louisiana, Arkansas, Maryland, Kansas, and most recently, Missouri go live with online or mobile sports wagering, bringing the total number of states with legalized online betting to 30 as of 2025. Ohio’s launch has already produced strong results, and several other states, including North Carolina and potentially Nebraska, are advancing new market openings.
In Canada, Ontario’s online gambling market revenue reached US$2.32 billion, with total online wagers hitting US$59.5 billion. The Ontario market now stands as one of North America’s largest, with over 1.1 million active player accounts, and similar regulatory models are under consideration in other provinces.
These expansions and legislative victories are fueling a global iGaming market projected to exceed $107 billion in revenue in 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate above 13%. Meanwhile, international operators continue to enter the U.S. space; for example, BlueBet’s ClutchBet brand operates in multiple states with more launches planned.
As some North American states and provinces continue to expand regulatory frameworks and offer competitive markets, it is crucial for operators to provide an optimized, seamless payment experience that caters to evolving player preferences and maximizes retention.
So, how do they do this?
1. Provide a range of payment methods
The way players would like to pay has never been more diverse, and to keep them engaged, operators must offer a range of payment methods, from card payments to alternative payment methods (APMs) like digital wallets and online cash solutions, or eCash, for players who prefer to use cash in their everyday lives.
Digital wallets are now the most popular payment option after cards. These encrypted, secure options are popular with bettors and iGaming operators for several reasons. Digital wallets offer rapid deposits and withdrawals, often with larger limits, making them the payment method of choice for high-value, VIP players. By accepting digital wallets, iGaming providers lower the entry barrier and lay the groundwork for increased player loyalty.
There has also been a marked increase in demand for eCash funding options, particularly in Latin America. Prepaid options like PaysafeCard or PagoEfectivo have adoption rates reaching 30% in Colombia and 25% in Ecuador.
2. Accommodate faster deposit and payout times
As operators look to take a larger slice of the market, another key industry focus must be responding to players' demand for faster payments.
Our All the way the players pay research report reveals that U.S. players prioritize cashing out quickly over all other considerations, including odds, sports markets, and bonuses, when selecting a sportsbook brand. Quick and easy payouts are now the most influential factor, with 41% of U.S. bettors citing fast access to winnings as their top criterion for choosing a sportsbook, and 42% globally expecting instant or near-instant payouts.
The report also found that nearly one-third of players believe payouts should be instantaneously credited to their accounts, and with the rise of real-time payments, 73% expect instant solutions to become industry standard in the next two years. Over a quarter of bettors feel that fast payouts are a sign of trustworthiness. But patience is in short supply. 46% of players are willing to wait up to 24 hours, and 24% see fast payouts as a mark of a reputable brand.
As demand for rapid transactions continues rising, iGaming operators integrating instant cashouts and deposits, as well as offering diverse payment methods, will be best positioned to attract and retain players in an increasingly competitive landscape.
3. Serve VIPs with a better payment experience
Supporting high-stakes or VIP players will also remain key. Our research indicated that VIP players prefer a digital wallet over all other payment methods. Therefore, it is essential to serve operators and their VIP player base with bespoke iGaming payment solutions. Operators that support higher deposit limits and actioning deposits anytime will gain the upper hand.
At Paysafe, we launched the Skrill VIP program for U.S. players, offering some of the industry’s highest deposit limits. Furthermore, unlike a traditional bank wire transfer, sports bettors can deposit 24/7, including on weekends.
Maximize the payment experience with Paysafe
Through Paysafe’s single API, operators can seamlessly integrate all the payment methods their players would like to use, and we continue to add new payment methods to our API. By adding new payment methods, iGaming providers can deliver an exceptional payment experience that attracts new bettors while allowing them to retain their high-value VIP players.
This article contains general information, and its content should not be relied upon as legal, financial, transactional, or business advice, nor as instructional material. Neither Paysafe Limited (NYSE: PSFE), nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively, “Paysafe”), endorses or makes any warranties regarding the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, information, or statement provided in this article. While Paysafe strives to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to its completeness or accuracy. All content contained in or made available in this article is for educational, informational, and/or advertising purposes only.
