Why speed and security in payments are now essential in gaming
The global gaming industry is experiencing rapid growth, with revenues expected to increase from £134.0 billion* in 2020 to £171.3 billion* by 2027, according to a recent market forecast by GlobeNewswire, 2023. As the market scales, so do player expectations – particularly around the payments experience.
Today’s players expect their transactions to be processed quickly, securely, and with minimal friction. Whether purchasing in-game content, placing bets, or topping up digital wallets, any delay or perceived security risk can disrupt the user journey and lead to lost revenue.
Recent estimates show cart abandonment in gaming is estimated at 64.2% (Xsolla) , meaning that nearly two-thirds of players who start a transaction never complete it. While slightly better than the broader e-commerce average, it still reflects significant opportunity loss – often caused by friction or lack of trust during checkout.
1. Why speed matters for player experience
In the world of online gaming, every second matters. From casual mobile games to high-stakes esports, delays in payment processing can break immersion, frustrate players, and reduce conversion rates. A fast, reliable payment process is essential to supporting key aspects of the player journey. Players now expect in-game purchases – such as skins, coins, and downloadable content – to process instantly. Any lag can result in the player abandoning the purchase or leaving the game altogether.
Frictionless checkout experiences are also crucial. Features like one-click payments, stored digital wallets, and biometric authentication help reduce friction and maintain the momentum of gameplay. When players can complete transactions without interruption, their overall satisfaction improves significantly.
Moreover, consistent, hassle-free payments contribute directly to retention and loyalty. When players encounter smooth transactions time after time, they are more likely to return, engage more deeply, and continue spending – ultimately increasing their lifetime value.
This need for speed and reliability doesn’t operate in isolation; it’s tightly connected to the broader gaming ecosystem. Payments are now part of a seamless loop that includes cross-platform play, subscription models, virtual economies, and digital storefronts. Any disruption at the checkout breaks this loop and risks undermining the entire experience.
2. Security as a core pillar
While speed keeps users engaged, security builds long-term trust. Players need to feel confident that their personal and payment information is protected – especially in a market where fraud and data breaches are ongoing risks.
Key security measures for gaming platforms include:
- Data Encryption & Tokenisation
Protecting sensitive information during and after a transaction. - Advanced Authentication Protocols (e.g. 3D Secure 2.0)
Verifies identity without significantly disrupting the user journey. - Real-Time Risk Monitoring
Helps platforms detect and prevent fraudulent transactions early, without flagging legitimate users.
Security isn’t just about compliance – it’s about providing an experience that players trust and are willing to return to.
3. How these factors drive player satisfaction
Speed and security work hand in hand to enhance the overall player experience, directly influencing both satisfaction and long-term revenue. A secure platform with fast, reliable payments builds trust and credibility, encouraging repeat purchases and fostering brand loyalty. When checkout flows are streamlined, the likelihood of players abandoning their purchases decreases significantly, ensuring more completed transactions.
At the same time, strong fraud prevention measures and high transaction success rates help protect revenue by reducing chargebacks and failed payments. This allows more funds to be reinvested into game content, customer support, and user acquisition. In short, better payments don’t just improve transactions – they elevate the entire platform experience.
4. How TPF Payment Solutions enable gaming success
The Payments Factory’s payment infrastructure is designed specifically for the performance, scale, and trust demands of modern gaming and iGaming platforms. Whether you’re operating in a single region or serving a global player base, our platform delivers the reliability, flexibility, and protection your business needs.
Key features of the TPF Payment Processing Platform:
High Availability & Easy Integration
Built for high-volume environments, our platform offers 99.99% uptime and a developer-friendly, API-driven architecture – ensuring transactions are processed smoothly and without disruption.
Reliable Processing & Global Flexibility
Support for multi-currency settlement and cross-border payments enables operators to serve global audiences while maintaining reliable performance and strong approval rates.
Transparent & Scalable Pricing
Our pricing structure is clear and adaptable, helping you manage transaction costs effectively and reinvest in enhancing the player experience.
Compliance-First Infrastructure
As a fully regulated provider, The Payments Factory operates under strict financial and data protection standards. We work exclusively with iGaming companies in licensed, regulated markets – ensuring compliance, integrity, and trust across every transaction.
Final thoughts
Fast and secure payments are no longer optional in gaming – they’re essential.
They enhance the player experience, reduce drop-offs, and help build long-term user loyalty. Platforms that prioritise these factors stand to benefit from higher conversion rates, increased player retention, and stronger overall revenue performance.
Ready to streamline payments and enhance your player experience? Reach out to our team today.
Want to stay ahead of the game? Check out our blog on the top iGaming payment trends to watch in 2025.
*Currency conversions are based on rates as of 21 November 2025.