Paysafe “All the Ways Players Pay” 2024 report: Players Preferred Payment Methods
Published: January 21, 2025 | Author: Ron Clarke
Debit cards and digital wallets are the top payment methods for online sports bettors globally, with 38% of players preferring debit cards and 37% choosing digital wallets, according to Paysafe’s annual “All the Ways Players Pay” 2024 report. The data highlights a growing trend towards digital payment solutions, particularly in European markets like Germany, Italy, and France, where digital wallets now surpass debit cards in popularity.
These findings are very interesting to our readers here at Casin.com, as they highlight the payment preferences that will likely influence operators’ focus on offering the most popular payment options. By understanding these trends, our readers can gain insight into how online gambling operators will adapt their payment systems to meet the demands of players, ensuring they offer the most seamless and preferred methods for deposits and withdrawals.
The preference for digital wallets is particularly pronounced in certain European countries, where they have outpaced debit cards in popularity. In Germany, Italy, and France, digital wallets lead the way, with 52%, 53%, and 52% of players, respectively, choosing them over traditional card methods. This shift towards digital payment options signals a change in how sports bettors want to handle their transactions—favoring convenience, security, and speed. In these markets, online gambling operators are increasingly prioritizing digital wallet solutions to align with the preferences of their players, offering a smoother and more efficient betting experience.
While digital wallets have gained momentum, debit cards still hold strong global appeal, especially in markets like the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S., 49% of players prefer debit cards, a preference that highlights the familiarity and reliability of this payment method. Credit cards, however, have seen a decline in certain regions due to regulatory restrictions, such as in the U.K. In markets where credit cards are still allowed, such as France, credit cards remain a popular option, with 47% of French players preferring them for their deposits.
In addition to digital wallets and debit cards, mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular, with 28% of players worldwide choosing them as their preferred method. The trend is most notable in North America, where mobile payments have surged in adoption, especially as consumers move towards more convenient, app-based solutions. This preference is evident in markets like the U.S. (34%) and Canada (28%), where mobile wallets complement traditional payment methods and offer bettors more flexibility.
The data also reveals a strong regional focus on local payment methods (LPMs), which are particularly important in North America and Europe. For example, Ontario players are keen on using Interac e-Transfer, with 17% of bettors opting for this local payment method. Similarly, Venmo is gaining ground in the U.S., where 16% of players prefer it. This highlights the importance for gambling operators to integrate LPMs into their cashiers, providing a localized experience for bettors.
The growing reliance on alternative payment methods (APMs) such as eCash, which accounts for 13% of global preferences, is another significant trend highlighted in the report. Markets like Germany and the U.S. show higher adoption of eCash options like Paysafecard and Paysafecash, providing players with an extra layer of anonymity and security when making deposits. While eCash remains a niche payment option, its continued popularity in specific regions speaks to its relevance for a certain segment of the bettor population, particularly those who prioritize privacy and minimal exposure of their financial details.
As the sports betting industry evolves, the importance of seamless transactions cannot be overstated. Players are increasingly looking for fast, reliable, and secure ways to deposit and withdraw funds.
