Introduction
In the fast-evolving online gaming industry — encompassing everything from eSports and mobile games to real-money skill-based games and iGaming platforms — one challenge persists: securing reliable high-risk merchant accounts. Gaming businesses, particularly those dealing with real money, virtual goods, or global audiences, are often classified as high risk by payment processors due to regulatory scrutiny, chargeback potential, and digital-only operations.
To accept credit card payments, subscription fees, or in-game purchases, a specialized merchant account is essential. This article highlights six of the best high-risk merchant account providers tailored to the needs of gaming businesses in 2025.
Why Gaming Is Considered High Risk
Gaming merchants fall into the high-risk category due to:
- Frequent chargebacks (especially in freemium or competitive models)
- Unclear regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions
- Gambling-adjacent concerns in skill-based or prize-based games
- Digital delivery (increasing fraud risk)
- Age-restriction compliance and KYC
Thus, mainstream processors often avoid these businesses — opening the door to specialized high-risk acquirers.
Evaluation Criteria
The providers listed here are assessed based on:
- Industry reputation and experience with gaming
- Global coverage and support for cross-border payments
- Card network compatibility (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- Settlement speed, rolling reserve terms
- Pricing transparency and onboarding process
- Risk mitigation tools and fraud protection
Best 6 High-Risk Merchant Accounts for the Gaming Industry
1. PayKings
Why It Stands Out:
PayKings specializes in hard-to-place businesses. Their tailored solutions for online gaming, fantasy sports, and mobile gaming apps make them a popular choice.
Key Features:
- Approval in 3–5 business days
- ACH, debit, and credit card support
- Rolling reserves starting at 5%
- Chargeback mitigation tools
- Multi-currency settlement
Ideal For:
U.S.-based gaming platforms, eSports startups, and international real-money gaming ventures.
2. DirectPayNet
Why It Stands Out:
DirectPayNet focuses on high-risk verticals and offers offshore and domestic accounts for gaming platforms. Their onboarding guidance and strategic banking partners give them a strong edge.
Key Features:
- Accepts adult gaming, eSports, crypto-based games
- Offshore and EU acquiring banks
- Fraud prevention tools
- Monthly volumes over $20,000 preferred
- Accepts startups with proper documentation
Ideal For:
International gaming operators looking for long-term processing stability.
3. PayCly
Why It Stands Out:
A global processor that has served the online entertainment and gaming space for years, Allied Wallet brings a reputation for large-scale processing and global reach.
Key Features:
- PCI DSS Level 1 compliant
- Accepts over 150 currencies
- In-app payment SDKs and APIs
- Virtual terminal and wallet integrations
- Strong European and Asian coverage
Ideal For:
Gaming businesses with global user bases and mobile-first models.
4. HighRiskPay
Why It Stands Out:
This U.S.-based processor is known for fast approvals and straightforward pricing. They specialize in online gaming and gambling adjacent models.
Key Features:
- Supports mobile, desktop, and smart TV gaming payments
- Fast account setup
- Risk analytics dashboard
- Fraud and chargeback alerts
- Domestic U.S. and offshore banking
Ideal For:
Small-to-medium gaming firms that need a responsive support system.
5. eLotPay
Why It Stands Out:
iPayTotal is a strong offshore and crypto-friendly solution provider with custom merchant accounts for gaming and gambling verticals.
Key Features:
- Accepts high-risk verticals including skill games
- Cryptocurrency payment support
- Chargeback alert systems
- Multi-bank routing for uptime assurance
- Integrates with over 50 shopping carts
Ideal For:
Gaming businesses operating in crypto, or those needing an international presence.
6. WebPays
Why It Stands Out:
WebPays is a growing offshore acquirer that supports card payments, APMs (alternative payment methods), and even local bank transfers — ideal for global gaming traffic.
Key Features:
- Supports 3D Secure, multi-currency billing
- Zero setup fees in many cases
- 24/7 risk management support
- Multiple acquiring bank options
- Focused on high-risk verticals only
Ideal For:
Gaming brands targeting markets in Asia, LATAM, and Africa.
Key Considerations Before Choosing
- Underwriting Process:
Be ready to present business licenses, gaming certificates, terms and conditions, refund policy, and past processing statements (if available). - Rolling Reserves:
High-risk accounts may require 5%–10% rolling reserves held for 180 days. Negotiate terms once you build processing history. - Chargeback Strategy:
Use services like Ethoca, Verifi, or chargeback alert tools to maintain low dispute ratios. - Recurring Billing Support:
If your platform offers subscriptions or season passes, ensure the gateway supports recurring billing securely. - Compliance:
Understand and comply with age restrictions, local laws, and anti-money laundering requirements.
Final Thoughts
The online gaming industry, from indie developers to multi-player competitive platforms, depends heavily on the ability to process payments securely and globally. With mainstream providers reluctant to onboard gaming merchants, these six high-risk merchant account providers fill a crucial gap — offering security, flexibility, and scale.
Choosing the right partner can mean the difference between revenue growth and operational hurdles. Evaluate providers based on your audience, game format, compliance needs, and future expansion plans.
