FEATURE: SPORTSBOOK & BETTING SOLUTIONS


Payments as an acquisition tool for online sportsbooks


As online sportsbooks compete for market share in a fast-growing but increasingly saturated industry, the focus is shifting beyond odds and offers to user experience, especially at the point of deposit, according to personalised paytech services provider, Dimoco.


mong the most promising yet underutilised tools in this arena is payments. Operators are beginning to recognise that payments are not just a back-end necessity, but a front-line feature of the user experience and one that can directly infl uence acquisition, conversion, and loyalty. According to a recent European Gaming and Betting Association market forecast, sports and event betting is expected to grow at a 6.9 percent CAGR between 2024 and 2029. While this represents a signifi cant opportunity, success will depend on an operator’s ability to attract and retain users effi ciently. With 67 percent of online bets predicted to be placed on mobile devices by 2029, creating a mobile fi rst experience would ensure a future ready set up.


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MOBILE PAY, MOBILE PLAY In a competitive environment where acquisition costs are rising and early-stage abandonment remains a challenge, streamlining the fi rst payment can signifi cantly improve conversion. The fewer obstacles a user encounters during their fi rst interaction, the more likely they are to engage, and stay engaged.


Here carrier billing excels as it enables users to deposit funds into their sportsbook accounts by charging the transaction directly to their mobile


phone bill or prepaid balance. This approach removes the need for card entry, bank redirects, or third-party apps. For users, it feels instantaneous. For operators, it shortens the path from registration to fi rst bet.


ENHANCING TRUST AND SECURITY In many regulated markets, users are increasingly cautious about sharing fi nancial details online. Carrier billing helps mitigate these concerns by leveraging the trust users already have with their mobile operator. There are no card numbers to enter, no banking credentials to store, and no redirects to unfamiliar portals. For fi rst-time users in particular, this added layer of perceived security can make the difference between completing a transaction and abandoning it. It builds confi dence during the crucial onboarding phase and helps establish the operator’s platform as secure and reliable.


STRATEGIC INTEGRATION FOR LONG-TERM GROWTH


While carrier billing may not replace cards or wallets as the dominant deposit method, it can play a critical role in the acquisition funnel. Operators that integrate carrier billing as an optional but prominent payment method see higher deposit conversion rates among new users


and better engagement during the initial sessions. More importantly, it enables operators to engage with a broader segment of mobile-fi rst users who value speed, simplicity, and seamless in-app experiences. Once these users are active, operators can offer incentives to transition to other funding methods better suited to long-term play.


MARKET EXPANSION


Some of the biggest operators in Europe are already using carrier billing, such as STS in Poland. However, the recent approval by the GGL in Germany will see increased market adoption. In Germany, where the GGL regulation has brought more structure to the market, secure and compliant payment methods are essential. This approval will give other markets confi dence to adopt the payment method. Carrier billing can be integrated in full alignment with regulatory standards. This ensures that growth through carrier billing is not only fast, but also sustainable.


As sportsbooks seek new ways to differentiate, reduce friction, and grow their customer base, the payment experience remains one of the most under-optimised levers. Carrier billing offers a fast, secure, and user-friendly way to accelerate acquisition, while laying the foundation for long-term engagement.


GIO AUGUST 2025 13


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