Payment methods are no longer just a backend function in the British gambling space—they are a key component in building trust, ensuring smooth transactions, and ultimately driving success. This is particularly clear in the highly regulated UK market, where players demand speed, security, and transparency. Payment options like PayPal, Visa, Skrill, and Neteller have each garnered a large portion of the market share, but Brits also have a long list of additional options.
For players, trust is paramount. They want to know that every deposit and withdrawal is secure and that their money is in safe hands. For operators, offering a robust suite of payment options is a key differentiator. However, there is a middle ground where these concerns live side by side for the benefit of both. This is in the hands of the now large taste-making comparison sites, helping Brits choose between operators and payment methods, sometimes specifically choosing the former due to the latter.
One of the biggest and most notable UK-facing comparison sites is Bojoko.com, which covers online casinos, betting sites, and bingo platforms. Today, we are talking with their CEO, Joonas Karhu, to get his insights into exactly how payments are shaping the iGaming industry. In this interview, he highlights how traditional methods like PayPal remain indispensable, yet avoiding smaller payment methods can mean losing out on thousands of players.
What role do payment methods play in the overall success of UK iGaming platforms?
Payment methods are central to the player experience, and their impact goes far beyond simply moving money from point A to point B. The way an operator handles payments can be a deal-breaker. Players expect a seamless, secure, and hassle-free transaction process, and any friction in this area can lead to frustration or even abandonment of a platform.
When a player deposits funds, they’re committing to the platform. If that process is smooth, quick, and reassuring, it builds trust and confidence. On the flip side, if a withdrawal takes too long or a payment fails due to poor integration, it can significantly damage the player’s perception of the operator.
It is extremely important, however, to point out that it’s not just about how well individual payment methods work but that you have the payment methods players want to use. If you don’t, you fail the convenience test. Thousands upon thousands of players prefer payment options that are not the standard choices, and not catering to them can mean a big loss in revenue.
How do you think British players view different payment methods?
There are too many different types of British players to be able to give any kind of exact description. There is a very large group that only looks to methods that are well-established and familiar. Take PayPal, for example. It’s a household name in the UK, and its reputation for security and ease of use makes it hugely popular among players. They trust it because it’s been around for decades and is used in everyday transactions—not just in gaming.
But beyond PayPal, there’s also a growing interest in a number of smaller e-wallets and, more importantly, pay-by-phone options, where you can make deposits that will be deducted from your phone bill. There may be shifts between young and older players, but the main takeaway here is that when you work in a huge market like the UK, you should never make the false assumption that one size fits all. Even 10 sizes do not fit all.
From an operator’s perspective, what challenges do you see regarding payment methods, and how can they overcome them?
Operators have a tough balancing act when it comes to payment methods. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring they offer diverse payment options to cater to different player preferences.
While some players are happy with PayPal and debit cards, many expect Paysafecard and pay-by-phone options, while others will only sign up if you have their niche payment method. Integrating multiple methods is a technical and regulatory challenge that requires a strong IT infrastructure and compliance with UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) regulations.
Another major hurdle is balancing speed and security. Players want quick deposits and withdrawals, but operators must also safeguard against fraud, money laundering, and other financial risks. Implementing strong verification processes without creating excessive friction is key. AI-driven fraud detection and KYC (Know Your Customer) solutions can help speed up identity verification while keeping transactions secure.
Luckily, there are easy blueprints to overcome all of these challenges, thanks to just how large and well-tried the UK market is at this point. It is actually remarkably easy to add in as many compliant payment methods as you like. The question is if the operators understand the value many of these more niche options have. Finally, a big hurdle is getting the word out, which generally requires partnering with affiliates such as ourselves.
How do affiliates like Bojoko present these payment methods to players?
Our platform includes dedicated filters that allow players to search for casinos based on their preferred payment method—whether that’s PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, or instant bank transfers. This transparency helps players make informed choices and find the best possible gaming experience. It also means it is extremely quick to see if a gambling site you are considering offers your preferred payment option.
Of course, if you select casinos, betting sites, etc., based on their payment methods, we have dedicated pages for each. On these pages, you will find ranked lists of every casino we have reviewed that sports this method and in-depth info on the benefits and disadvantages of using this payment method.
You might be surprised by just how important and effective these pages are. Let’s use PayPal as an example, as they are a powerhouse in the UK iGaming industry. They have an everyday familiarity and built-in trust factor that makes a lot of Brits only want to deposit and withdraw via them. Thousands upon thousands of Brits are looking for casinos that accept PayPal, and they get this via Bojoko. This is excellent for players who can quickly compare these brands and for casinos with PayPal, as they get added exposure and conversions.
In addition, our casino reviews provide clear, in-depth information about payment options. We highlight not just which payment methods are available but also details like transaction speeds, potential fees, and deposit/withdrawal limits.
We also actively track industry trends and update our content accordingly. If a new payment method gains popularity, we make sure our users know about it. This is also great for our operator partners, as when there’s a small, emerging niche, there is much less competition for the players looking for operators that accept these options. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of conversions.
What advice would you give to operators looking to enhance their payment offerings in the UK?
Operators reading this need to wake up to one simple fact: payments are extremely important. They’re not just a box to tick—they define the player experience. They are even an advertising advantage.
You need to offer variety, not just the basics. PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard are must-haves, but they’re not enough. If you don’t offer a diverse range of options, you’re automatically excluding a portion of the market. Think beyond the standard choices—players do.
