Bojoko: "British bingo players have specific payment preferences"

Are British players becoming increasingly discerning about how they manage their funds online? The choice of payment methods offered by bingo sites seems to have become a key differentiator. To understand this vital aspect of our industry more deeply, we turned to Kati Saari, a seasoned bingo expert at the popular UK comparison site Bojoko.com. 

Kati Saari's extensive experience in the industry and her role at Bojoko.com provide her with a great degree of insight and data into what makes a bingo site attractive to UK players. We have previously spoken to her colleagues, who have shared insights on live casinos and the casino industry in general, but in this interview, our focus is solely on bingo.  Here, Saari will share her expert insights into the payment preferences of bingo enthusiasts and, more importantly, offer valuable advice for operators looking to enhance their conversions. 

Is the selection of payment methods vital for UK bingo players, and if so, why?

In general, yes, they are. Players are unlikely to want to set up a new account just to be able to play at your bingo site, and many players have developed more niche preferences. 

Payment options are integral to the user experience. Players need to feel confident that their transactions are secure and convenient. In fact, payment methods can be a deal-breaker for many players. They actively search for bingo sites that support their preferred payment methods, and if a site doesn't offer what they need, they'll simply move on to one that does. 

The availability of diverse and reliable payment options significantly impacts a player's choice of platform.

What are the most popular payment options among UK bingo players?

UK bingo players prefer a mix of traditional and modern payment methods. Debit cards remain popular due to their familiarity and ease of use. However, there's a growing trend towards e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller because they offer quick deposits and withdrawals with an added layer of security. Additionally, Paysafecard is increasingly favored for its prepaid convenience and security despite not being able to facilitate withdrawals.

Are there specific security features that players look for in payment options?

Security is a top priority for players. They look for payment methods that players prioritize security-factor authentication, encryption, and fraud detection systems. E-wallets and services like Paysafecard are popular because they provide an additional layer of security. 

A widespread concern we see repeatedly is the wish not to share vital banking information required for a deposit. This is one of the reasons why Paysafe is so popular despite not allowing withdrawals. Players are mainly concerned about deposits and whether something could go wrong. They don't really have the same reservations when it comes to withdrawals and will be happy to use more conventional methods like debit cards here.

What role do payment processing times play in a player's decision?

Processing times are important. Players want quick access to their funds. Instant deposits and fast withdrawals can enhance player satisfaction and loyalty, and sites that offer these are more likely to retain players. However, it is not so much about which is the fastest but which the players trust and feel comfortable with. You can have the quickest payment methods around, but if you are missing popular or even more niche payment methods, many British bingo players will look elsewhere.

Are there any emerging trends in payment options for bingo sites?

Mobile payments are on the rise, reflecting the broader trend of mobile gaming. Services like Boku, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are becoming more popular as they offer seamless transactions directly from mobile devices. It is a big mistake not to incorporate these into your platform.

How does Bojoko.com help bingo sites optimize their payment options?

If wanted, we can assist operators in understanding player preferences and offer insights on improving their payment systems to attract more players. We have data on which payment methods players search for and which convert the best. We know the latter as we have set up individual pages for each popular UK payment method, where we display the bingo sites that offer them. 

This is great for players, as they can go to our list of bingo sites that accept Paysafe, visit these brands, and make a deposit. It is also great for the bingo sites that get listed, as they get access to additional players. Through this, we are also able to provide data to our affiliate partners about which pages convert the best and how adding the payment methods, and thus getting on these lists, can improve their conversions.

What advice would you give to new bingo sites regarding payment options?

Diversify your payment methods. Ensure you offer traditional and modern options, prioritize security, and aim for the quickest processing times possible. If you are unsure which options to include, contact your affiliate partners and don't hesitate to ask. We want you to convert well through our website, and your success is our success.