Discover the Top 10 Secure Payment Gateways for High-Risk iGaming Merchants businesses that include fast settlements, chargeback management, fraud protection, PCI-compliant security, and multi-currency compatibility.
With a focus on platforms such as NOWPayments, AstroPay, MuchBetter, Trustly, Skrill, Neteller, CoinPayments, iGamingX Gateway, and Finera Orchestration Layer, this guide helps operators select dependable, legal, and effective solutions for international online gaming transactions by going over important features, benefits, drawbacks, fees, settlement times, and emerging trends.
What Are High-Risk Payment Gateways?
Specialized financial processing systems known as high-risk payment gateways are made to manage transactions for companies that are more vulnerable to fraud, chargebacks, or regulatory attention. Because of its huge transaction volumes, cross-border payments, and frequent disputes, the iGaming industry—which includes online casinos, sportsbooks, and skill-based gaming platforms—is categorized as high-risk.
These gateways offer improved security features like multi-factor authentication, superior encryption, PCI DSS compliance, and real-time fraud monitoring. In order to guarantee smooth, dependable, and secure transactions for both merchants and gamers working in volatile or regulated markets, they also provide strong chargeback management, multi-currency support, and quick settlement choices.
Key Point
| Payment Gateway | Key Point for iGaming Merchants |
|---|---|
| NOWPayments | Crypto-first gateway with strong fraud controls and instant settlements, reducing chargeback risks. |
| AstroPay | Widely accepted in LATAM and Asia, supports local payment methods crucial for regulatory compliance. |
| MuchBetter | Mobile wallet optimized for iGaming, offering biometric security and instant payouts. |
| Pay4Fun | Brazil-focused gateway with full compliance to local gambling regulations and fast onboarding. |
| Trustly | Account-to-account (A2A) payments with strong KYC/AML enforcement, ideal for regulated EU markets. |
| Skrill (Paysafe Group) | Long-standing iGaming processor with global reach and advanced fraud detection. |
| Neteller (Paysafe Group) | Popular among gamblers, supports instant deposits/withdrawals with strong anti-fraud layers. |
| CoinPayments | Multi-crypto gateway with volatility protection and compliance tools for high-risk merchants. |
| iGamingX Gateway | Purpose-built for casinos, accepts MCC 7995 traffic, tokenizes card data, and routes transactions securely. |
| Finera Orchestration Layer | Provides multi-rail orchestration across cards, crypto, and local PSPs, ensuring frictionless deposits and withdrawals. |
1. NOWPayments
NOWPayments has features including blockchain-based security, account models that are non-custodial, real-time confirmations on almost all chains, and 1 to 4 business day settlements to merchant wallets for conversions to fiat.
This payment gateway allows for merchant payments in both crypto and fiat and offers flexible solutions as the API allows for both custodial and non-custodial setups.
NOWPayments also has strong AML and KYC compliance and automatic conversions for coins to fiat which makes the offering good for gaming sites that are crypto friendly. Now payments also allows for recurring billing via crypto which can enable a steady payment stream.
NOWPayments Key Features:
- More than 300 cryptocurrency and 40+ fiat currency support
- Non-custodial wallets
- Crypto to fiat auto-conversion
- Crypto recurring billing
- Real-time blockchain confirmation
Pros:
- Chargeback risk is very low
- Merchant to wallet settlement is quick
- Integration with new APIs is flexible
- KYC/AML compliance is very strong
Cons:
- Blockchain network speed is outside our control
- Fiat settlements take 1-4 business days
- Limited support for banking methods
2. AstroPay
AstroPay offers low cost solutions for online gaming deposits as well as digital wallet and prepaid solutions. AstroPay offers competitive price solutions to local traffic and quick settlement on instant wallets and bank rails.
Users can secure their accounts, as well as their transactions, via encryption and multifactor authentication. Additionally, integration with local financial systems allows users to fund accounts without revealing card details.
AstroPay improves conversions in regions with low banking access and aids in international expansion for iGaming merchants by addressing regional compliance and fraud prevention.
AstroPay
- Prepaid virtual cards and digital wallets
- Local payment methods (focus on LATAM)
- Wallet deposit with instant deposit
- Supports multiple currencies
- Strong encryption and MFA
Pros:
- High conversion in emerging markets
- Integration with gaming platforms is very straightforward
- Card details protection
- LATAM regulation compliance
Cons:
- Limited global coverage, very strong LATAM focus
- Regional fee charges
- Bank account withdrawal may be delayed
3. MuchBetter
MuchBetter is a mobile wallet and payment service that is popular with iGaming operators and has become popular in Europe.
It provides instant deposits and near‒instant payouts, strong consumer protections, and low transaction fees, usually lower than standard card fees.
It is an FCA registered e-money institution and protects consumer transactions through tokenized card data, multi-factor authentication, and real-time risk scoring.
Additionally, MuchBetter’s wallet model reduces the risk of data breaches by limiting the exposure of sensitive information and holding money in accordance with e-money regulations.
Given its wide acceptance in regulated jurisdictions, it is an attractive alternative to traditional PSPs for gaming deposits/withdrawals.
MuchBetter Key Features:
- Wallet digital and mobile
- Near instant WO, instant DO
- 2FA and tokenized card data
- Electronic money institution – FCA registered
- Risk real-time scoring
Pros:
- Compared to card payments, transaction fees are very low
- Security is strong, and fraud prevention is very robust
- Wallet decreases sensitive data exposure.
Cons:
- Limited service outside of Europe.
- Gaming players may be subject to user registration.
- Less currency options than PSPs worldwide.
4. Pay4Fun
Pay4Fun is a payment gateway and wallet for Brazil that provides merchants with a regulated, secure integration for Brazilian players and supports local methods such as PIX, bank transfers, and Boleto.
Merchant fees for cards and wallets are around 5%, while internal transactions have rates of < 1%. Deposits are almost always instant to wallets and local methods, and the security offered includes sophisticated fraud prevention and advanced encryption.
Pay4Fun is authorized by Brazil’s central bank, providing it with compliance and oversight. The API0-based integration allows for the handling of large volumes of gaming transactions with real-time reporting, account management, and uninterrupted flow within the system.
Pay4Fun Key Features
- Wallet and payment gateway with focus on Brazil.
- Local options: PIX, bank transfer, Boleto.
- Wallet deposits are instant.
- Encryption and fraud protection.
- API integration for reporting on fraud.
Pros:
- Good for Brazil and LATAM.
- Adheres to local financial regulations.
- Gaming transactions with high numbers are supported.
- Gaming platforms can be integrated quickly.
Cons:
- Card funding has a high fee (~5%).
- Focused mainly on LATAM.
- Outside of Brazil, international support is limited.
5. Trustly
Trustly provides instant deposits and withdrawals with open banking bank-to-bank transfers in European markets. Standard fees are around an average of 1.5%, and bank-linked transactions are settled the same day. Enterprise rates can be negotiated, and bank-linked transactions are settled the same day.
Trustly uses PSD2 compliance, bank-grade encryption, and strong AML/KYC checks to secure each transaction. Trustly’s platform eliminates card fees and chargeback risks since it does not use card rails. Its identity verification and banking access make it suitable for iGaming in regulated countries like Germany and Sweden.
Trustly Key Features
- Open banking with bank-to-bank transfers.
- Deposits and withdrawals can be done instantly.
- Compliant with PSD2 and has strong AML/KYC regulations.
- Card fees and chargebacks are eliminated.
- Supports regulated European markets.
Pros:
- Settlement is done quickly via bank rails.
- Fraud and chargebacks are at a low risk.
- Trust is improved with direct bank integration.
- Compliance-heavy operations are well regulated.
Cons:
- Only European markets are supported.
- Enterprise fees may be applicable.
- Less preferred for operators who are friendly to crypto.
6. Skrill
Skrill is a popular digital wallet used in the iGaming sector. Instant deposits and withdrawals are time-limited to a few minutes or days, and merchant fees are an average of 1.9% to 2.9% plus fixed fees. Skrill’s security is backed by 128-bit SSL encryption systems, 2-factor authentication, and real-time fraud monitoring.
Skrill protects merchants from fraud by not disclosing sensitive bank details. Because of these reasons, multilingual features and loyalty offers for premium clients, Skrill experiences high transaction volume, and bank transfers are processed quickly after the completion of 1 to 3 business days.
Skrill Key Features:
- Global digital wallet with support for multiple currencies.
- Deposit and withdrawal are fast with instant support.
- The use of 2FA and SSL encryption
- Fraud monitoring is conducted in real-time
Pros
- Great recognition and trust within the market
- High level of security
- Excellent for player bases internationally
- Quick payouts into bank accounts
Cons
- Fees could be higher than those of local wallets
- Currency conversion fees are applicable
- Some restrictions may apply when regarding certain countries
7. Neteller
Neteller is an e-wallet connected with the Paysafe group and offers e-wallet services like card, bank transfer, and cryptocurrencies. Neteller charges around 2.5% in deposits, currency conversion fees of 2.99 to 3.99%, and average withdrawal charges.
Enhanced KYC, AML, and security measures ensure user safety. Instant deposits and 24 hours to 2 business days withdrawal times help to maintain user experience. Multi-currency and identity verification systems help to keep the operator on the right side of regulation while providing a global reach for payment options.
Neteller Key Features
- E-wallet available in multiple currencies
- Supports card, bank transfer, and crypto
- PCI DSS compliant and safe
- Instant deposits and 24-hour withdrawals
- KYC verification and fraud protection
Pros:
- Wide coverage internationally
- Exposure to sensitive data is limited
- Great for gaming markets that are regulated
- Players experience instant transactions which is ideal
Cons:
- Currency conversion and deposits are charged a fee
- Withdrawal methods are time sensitive
- The crypto options are limited compared to gateways that are crypto-dominant
8. CoinPayments
With a low fee, fast on-chain confirmation, and support for many coins, CoinPayments is a great option for a crypto payment processor. Because of the characteristics of the blockchain, chargeback fraud is not a scenario with crypto processors.
This is great for iGaming companies that usually face payment processor fraud. CoinPayments processors also use cold wallets, multi-sig, and merchant control options which strengthens the security of the processor.
If a business is serving crypto-native audiences, the multi-token support also increases payment options for customers.
CoinPayments Key Features:
- Supports multiple cryptocurrencies
- Transaction fees are low (<1%)
- Security through cold storage and multi-signature
- Instant on-chain confirmations
- Integrated exchanges for fiat conversion
Pros:
- Chargeback risks are minimal
- Access to worldwide crypto market
- API integration is flexible
- Storage and transaction security
Cons:
- Dependent on the speed of the blockchain
- Fiat conversions take 1–3 business days
- May not be applicable to those who do not play in the crypto space
9. iGamingX Gateway
iGamingX has an iGaming payment solution that is customized to the specific operational needs and includes a unified API for card, crypto, bank transfer, and eWallet processing.
Each of the paying and waiting customers receiving a PCI DSS compliant structure, tokenization, and customized to a payment system’s gaming risks and thresholds fraud and risk system, to the other remote disrupting as the middle on the transparent system, and that system’s middle on the remote transparent.
As with any PSPs, settlement times are dependent on them. In general, they are between the same business day and 2-3 business days.
Features such as real-time risk assessment, device fingerprinting, and risk assessment ease the process. iGamingX improving approval and ease of global expansion by combining several payment options.
iGamingX Gateway Key Features:
- Supports card, e-wallet, bank transfer, and crypto payments
- Complies with PCI DSS
- Security Tokenization
- iGaming specific fraud detection
- Reporting and dashboards in real-time
Pros:
- Single Unified API across all methods
- Payment declines minimized
- Designed for iGaming merchants that are high risk
- Built for global expansion
Cons:
- Depending underlying PSP the fees are fragmented
- Settlements are provider specific
- Limited public documentation for smaller operators
10. Finera Orchestration Layer
In reference to the payment gateway as an orchestration payment platform, Finera combines several PSPs, local payment options, and crypto payment options via a single API.
Pricing is dependent on the provider, and while orchestration is not a standalone service, it enhances the overall cost and performance of a business by reducing the costs of declines and improving the efficiency of routing.
Settlement is dependent on the underlying PSPs, while the orchestration platform offers quicker routing and fallback options. There are many layers of security including, excellent fraud prevention, SCA/MFA, chargeback control, and worldwide compliance.
Finera offers iGaming merchants real-time routing and analytics to optimize approval, reduction of operational risk, and global compliance.
Finera Orchestration Layer Key Features
- Payment orchestration
- Local and crypto channel PSP connections
- Approval rate improvements via smart routing
- Fraud detection included and SCA/MFA support
- Analytics and reporting in real-time
Pros:
- Reduces declines and operational inefficiencies
- Centralizes multiple payment providers
- Supports high-risk iGaming merchants
- Advanced security and compliance
Cons:
- Fees determined by linked PSPs
- Complexity may require a large integration team
- Settlements vary by the chosen routed PSP
Key Criteria for Selecting Secure Gateways
Securit y & Compliance – Players’ and merchants’ financial details are kept secure through SSL Encryption and Gateways that are PCI DSS compliant, implement MFA and real-time fraud monitoring.
Settlement Speed & Reliability – Consistent and rapid transaction settlements are critical for smooth cash flow and operational trust. Players and iGaming operators are extensively trust worthy and a good reputation for their operators is kept.
Multi-Currency & Payment Support – Players globally should have fully support for various forms of payment and multiple currencies, cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even crypto, in order to prevent transaction failures.
Fraud Detection & Chargeback Management – Device fingerprinting and fraud monitoring transiently deployed with AI are some of the most advanced methods to detect super fraud. They also aid in chargeback elimination. These methods are used to effectively mitigate losses in order to protect the reputation of merchants.
Integration & Flexibility – Easy integration through API, the inexorable customization of workflows, and the elimination of compartmentalization when integrated with either gaming platforms, or payment orchestration layers, are for the betterment of the operation and the players.
Regulatory Compliance & Licensing – Gateways obey local and international laws, including the AML/KYC laws in order to operate legally in different places.
Cost & Fee Transparency – For the managing and monitoring of the margin in a gaming i business, preemptive cost is necessary and thus the controlling of the fees from currencies, transaction, and conversion is necessary.
Future Trends for High-Risk iGaming Payments
Crypto & Blockchain Integration – iGaming operators will face less chargeback risks and losses. Additionally, settlements offer and will continue to offer borderless, real-time payments with more transparency due to crypto adoption.
AI-Powered Fraud Detection – High-risk gaming transactions will face less losses. Overall, fraud will be prevented in real-time, with less security risks due to predicted tech advancements and algorithms in the future.
Payment Orchestration Platforms – Payment gateways will face more orchestration in the future. Payment routing/declines will less face issues, more providers will be consolidated, and integrations will face adds and improvements.
Enhanced Regulatory Compliance – Automated compliance will more be faced in gaming due to regulations, compliance case, and the safety of gaming. Automated compliance will be more needed/used due to regulations.
Faster Settlement & Instant Payouts – High-risk merchants will face more Player expectations & satisfaction to rise due to improved cash flow. Instant deposits & Nearly instant withdrawals will increased. Gateways will increasingly offer this.
Multi-Method & Cross-Border Payments – The digital wallet, local payment options, and cryptocurrency payment methods will be needed to increase conversion rates and access global players. All options will be needed.
Conclusion
Merchants in iGaming are high risk and so have to deal with high exposure to fraud and chargebacks, regulatory scrutiny, and the complexities of transacting globally. Selecting the correct secure payment gateway is crucial to operational efficiency, fast settlement, and most importantly, trust from the players.
NOWPayments, AstroPay, MuchBetter, Trustly, Skrill, Neteller, CoinPayments, iGamingX Gateway, and Finera Orchestration Layer all have industry grade security, mulitple cc processing and fraud protection with risk and compliance regarding the payment processing.
New Trends include payment fraud prevention sponsored by AI and integrated crypto instant payouts, and payment orchestration. Through the use of these payment gateways high risk iGaming operators are able to reduce the risk of operational fraud and improve efficiency in professional payment processing.
FAQ
What defines a high-risk payment gateway?
A high-risk payment gateway is designed to process transactions for industries with elevated fraud or chargeback risks, such as iGaming, ensuring PCI DSS compliance, encryption, fraud monitoring, and chargeback management.
Why do iGaming merchants need specialized gateways?
iGaming involves cross-border payments, high volumes, and frequent disputes. Specialized gateways provide fraud protection, fast settlements, multi-currency support, and regulatory compliance, reducing financial and operational risks.
hich payment methods are best for high-risk iGaming operators?
The most effective gateways support cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies, providing flexibility, low chargeback risk, and broad global player coverage.
How do crypto payment gateways help iGaming merchants?
Crypto gateways like NOWPayments and CoinPayments reduce chargebacks, ensure faster settlements, offer global reach, and enhance privacy while maintaining secure, blockchain-verified transactions.
What are the key security features to look for?
Critical features include PCI DSS compliance, SSL encryption, tokenization, multi-factor authentication (MFA), real-time fraud monitoring, and device fingerprinting for secure high-risk transactions.
