The Silent Profit Killer
Every deposit your marketing team fights to win enters a 15-second danger zone: the payment screen. New consumer research shows up to 18 % of would-be deposits disappear right there when gamers hit friction at checkout. Digital wallets like PayPal and Skrill have gained traction in the iGaming sector, offering players more convenient and familiar payment options. Rising consumer expectations for seamless, fast, and secure payments are driving innovation across the iGaming industry, pushing operators to continually improve their payment experiences.
That’s real money walking away—often for good. In an industry where 85 % of revenue now comes from mobile play, with mobile apps now serving as the primary channel for iGaming transactions, and players can switch brands with one swipe, every second at checkout counts. Payment providers must offer multiple transaction methods to accommodate different player preferences, ensuring that users can easily find their preferred way to pay. iGaming platforms must integrate a variety of payment options to meet user needs and maintain compliance and security standards. This brief dives into why the leak happens, what it’s costing operators, and—critically—how Corytech’s payment-orchestration stack turns the leak into lift.
The Checkout Bottleneck – A Data-Backed Wake-Up Call
Checkout Abandonment in iGaming: The Numbers You Can’t Ignore
- 29 % of gamers have recently hit funding or withdrawal problems, often related to issues with their online gaming accounts.
- 23 % who couldn’t deposit simply left and never came back.
- 18 % will delete an app that lacks their preferred payment type.
- 52 % have faced declined payments when signing up for a new iGaming app.
- 44 % say a glitchy or slow cashier is an instant deal-breaker.
Offering diverse payment methods, including options like bank transfers, cards, cash, and cryptocurrencies, can help reduce abandonment rates by catering to different user preferences.
Choosing a payment provider requires consideration of transaction speed, costs, and security features to address these challenges effectively. Payment providers use encryption and tokenization technology to ensure secure iGaming payments, safeguarding both operators and players from potential fraud.
In short, payment friction inside an adrenaline-charged gaming session is magnified: seamless account management is key to retaining players, as the moment excitement turns to doubt, the wager (and future lifetime value) is lost.
The True Cost of 18%
In the fiercely competitive iGaming industry, transaction fees can quietly erode profits and undermine growth. When operators face transaction fees as high as 18%, the impact on online gaming platforms is profound. These costs don’t just eat into margins—they can force operators to make tough choices, such as passing fees onto customers through higher deposit minimums or reduced payout rates. This, in turn, can drive players to seek out more cost-effective alternatives, hurting both customer loyalty and market share.
To stay ahead, savvy operators are rethinking their approach to payments. By partnering with payment providers that offer competitive transaction fees and a wide range of payment methods—including digital wallets and bank transfers—operators can reduce overhead and keep more revenue in-house. Flexible payment options not only lower costs but also enhance the player experience, making it easier for customers to deposit, play, and withdraw winnings. In a market where every percentage point counts, optimizing payment strategies is essential for long-term profitability and sustainable growth in the igaming sector.
You’re Not Just Losing Deposits—You’re Losing Lifetime Value
- Average first-time deposit: €55
- Average player LTV: ~€300 in net gaming revenue
- If you process €1 M in monthly deposits, 18 % lost = €180 K immediate revenue leakage—and roughly €1 M in foregone LTV downstream. A modern payment platform must pass transaction data efficiently to multiple business systems to ensure smooth operations and minimize revenue loss. iGaming operators must assess each payment provider’s fees, including setup, transaction, and maintenance costs, to optimize their payment strategies.
Hidden costs pile on: wasted acquisition spend, extra support tickets, negative word-of-mouth, and compliance headaches for every failed KYC redo. When retention strategies fail, the impact on existing customers and existing players is significant, as losing loyal users means losing future revenue and increasing churn. Additional services, such as customer support and loyalty programs, are required to address these issues and help retain valuable players. You’ve already paid to acquire that player; letting them walk is compounding burn.
The Local Payment Method Advantage
Expanding into new markets means understanding—and meeting—local payment preferences. For iGaming operators, supporting alternative payment methods and local payment methods is no longer optional; it’s a competitive necessity. Players in different regions have unique habits: in some countries, prepaid vouchers and cash-based payments are the norm, while in others, card payments or digital wallets dominate. Ignoring these preferences can lead to missed opportunities and lower conversion rates.
By integrating a diverse range of payment methods, including prepaid vouchers, cash, and credit card options, operators can create a seamless experience that resonates with local customers. This not only boosts user satisfaction but also opens up new revenue streams, as more players are able to fund their accounts in ways that feel familiar and secure. For example, offering cash-based deposits in Latin America or prepaid cards in parts of Europe can make the difference between a lost lead and a loyal player. Ultimately, embracing local payment methods helps businesses stand out in a crowded igaming market and build lasting relationships with their customers.
Why Supporting Regional Preferences Drives Conversions
Meeting customers where they are—literally and figuratively—can transform your conversion rates. When iGaming operators offer local payment methods tailored to regional preferences, they remove barriers that might otherwise prevent a customer from making a deposit or cashing out their winnings. This frictionless experience leads to higher customer satisfaction, as players can use payment methods they trust and are accustomed to.
The benefits go beyond just smoother transactions. Supporting regional payment preferences allows operators to reduce churn, increase repeat deposits, and gain valuable insights into customer behavior. With a better understanding of what drives their audience, operators can fine-tune their marketing strategies and deliver targeted promotions that resonate in each market. In the end, prioritizing local payment methods isn’t just about convenience—it’s a strategic move that drives business growth and strengthens your position in the global igaming industry.
Regulatory Roadblocks – Navigating Compliance in iGaming Payments
Operating in the igaming industry means navigating a complex landscape of regulations, especially when it comes to online gambling payments. Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) requirements is non-negotiable, and the rules can vary dramatically from one jurisdiction to another. For operators, staying compliant is not just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting their reputation and maintaining the trust of their customers.
To overcome these regulatory challenges, it’s essential to work with payment providers who are experts in regulatory compliance. The right payment provider will ensure that your payment processes are fully aligned with the latest regulations, from robust AML checks to seamless KYC verification. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of non-compliance, streamlines onboarding for new customers, and keeps your business operating smoothly in regulated markets. In an industry where trust and security are paramount, choosing payment service providers with a proven track record in regulatory compliance is a smart investment for any operator looking to thrive in the global gambling market.
Security Measures – Building Trust at the Most Critical Moment
In the world of igaming payments, security is everything. Players need to know that their funds and personal information are safe every time they make a deposit or withdrawal. For operators, this means implementing robust security measures at every stage of the payment process to defend against cyber threats and build lasting trust with customers.
Best-in-class operators use advanced encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure socket layer (SSL) technology to protect every transaction. Transparency is equally important—clearly communicating your data protection policies and payment processes reassures customers that their information is in safe hands. Embracing open banking solutions can add another layer of security and convenience, allowing customers to authorize payments directly from their bank accounts without sharing sensitive card details.
By prioritizing secure payment options and maintaining rigorous standards, operators not only reduce the risk of fraud but also enhance customer satisfaction. In an industry built on trust, a secure payment experience is the foundation for long-term success and player loyalty.
The 3-Click Rule – A Frictionless Flow in Action
- Tap ‘Deposit’ inside the slip.
- Pick preferred method (auto-sorted by GEO & past choice).
- Confirm with biometrics – funding lands instantly, game stays live.
Total time: < 7 seconds. No redirects, no second screens. Players stay in the thrill, operators keep the stake.
Case Snapshot – From 82 % to 95 % Completion with Corytech
- Operator: Tier-2 iGaming operator targeting LATAM mobile gamers.
- Challenge: High card declines and crypto-only work-arounds drove support costs.
- Corytech rollout: Smart orchestration + local APMs + adaptive cashier.
- Results after 60 days:
- +13 % uplift in completed deposits (82 % → 95 %)
- –25 % payment-related support tickets
- +10 % increase in returning players month-on-month
iGaming operators can partner with cross-border payment processors to manage international payments, further enhancing their ability to serve diverse markets effectively. Local payment methods are crucial as customers prefer familiar options to transact while using online platforms, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience.
Stop Letting Money Walk Away
You could be losing nearly one in five deposits—and the lifetime value attached—at a single choke point. Corytech’s purpose-built orchestration flips that script:
- Recover abandoned deposits.
- Boost approval rates and player loyalty.
- Slash operating stress with Zero-Stress Payments.
Act now: Book a free, 30-minute payment-performance audit with Corytech and plug the leak before another 18 % slips away.