PaymentIQ Comptetitors

PaymentIQ is a payment orchestration platform tailored for iGaming operators, especially in Malta's regulated market. It supports multi-currency transactions, robust fraud prevention, and compliance with local regulations. However, it’s not the only option. Competitors like Fluid, Trustly, Worldpay, and MuchBetter each bring unique strengths to the table. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Fluid: AI-powered payment journeys with real-time fraud detection and cryptocurrency support.

• Trustly: Direct bank payments with fast deposits, withdrawals, and integrated KYC.

• Worldpay: Global reach, high transaction capacity, and advanced fraud prevention tools.

• MuchBetter: Mobile-first e-wallet with dynamic CVV technology and strong security features.

Each platform caters to different needs, from AI-driven personalisation to mobile-friendly wallets. Operators should evaluate features like fraud prevention, currency support, integration ease, and compliance to choose the best fit for their business.

Quick Comparison

Choose based on your operational priorities, market focus, and technical requirements.

1. PaymentIQ

PaymentIQ is an iGaming payment orchestration platform based in Malta. It’s specifically designed to navigate the unique regulatory and operational challenges of the industry.

At its core, PaymentIQ specialises in payment orchestration. By offering a single integration with all major payment solutions, the platform simplifies the handling of high transaction volumes. This unified approach also supports multi-currency transactions, making it a go-to solution for operators across diverse markets.

One of its key strengths is its ability to handle multiple currencies and payment methods. For instance, PaymentIQ supports transactions in EUR (€), a necessity for operators catering to European markets. New payment solutions can be added swiftly - usually within two weeks. Beyond its broad currency capabilities, the platform also tackles transactional risks head-on.

Given the high-risk nature of iGaming, PaymentIQ integrates robust fraud prevention and risk management tools. These include KYC checks and compliance with PCI DSS standards.

"We offer iGaming operators the flexibility and speed they require. Our powerful tools for transaction routing, fraud prevention and analytics, coupled with global connectivity to over 65 providers and hundreds of payment methods can help in significantly increasing conversion rates while reducing fraud and maintaining compliance." - Adam Vissing, VP Sales and Business Development at IXOPAY

The platform also provides operational flexibility through its rule-based payment logic. This allows operators to set tailored limits and fees based on country, payment method, or user level. Such granular control is invaluable for addressing the diverse regulations and player preferences across European markets.

Another standout feature is its multi-acquiring dynamic transaction routing. By using intelligent algorithms, PaymentIQ directs transactions through the most suitable channels, boosting acceptance rates. Coupled with Forex conversion, this feature helps streamline payment flows and lower transaction costs.

PaymentIQ’s direct agreements with payment providers cut out intermediaries, reducing costs and potentially increasing profit margins for operators. Designed for Tier-1 operators, the platform is built to manage the high transaction volumes and enterprise-level requirements typical of large iGaming businesses.

With a single technical integration, operators gain access to PaymentIQ’s extensive network of payment solutions. This not only saves time during setup but also minimises ongoing maintenance.

2. Fluid

Fluid introduces AI-powered intelligence to iGaming payment processing, aiming to improve conversion rates while offering robust fraud prevention. By blending artificial intelligence with an easy-to-implement system, Fluid delivers a smarter, more seamless cashier experience.

The platform’s AI-driven payment journeys adapt in real time, offering features like smart deposits, in-game quick deposits, and AI prompts. These tools are designed to optimise every step of the transaction process, ensuring a smoother user experience.

One standout feature of Fluid is its simplicity of integration. With just two lines of JavaScript, operators can deploy the platform quickly, achieving full configuration and custom theming within a single day.

When it comes to fraud prevention, Fluid employs advanced AI and machine learning algorithms. These tools work alongside biometric authentication, real-time monitoring, and behavioural analytics to detect and respond to fraudulent activity as it happens. This multi-layered security approach not only flags suspicious behaviour instantly but also dynamically adjusts security measures to protect users. Such capabilities allow Fluid to cater effectively to a wide range of global markets.

Designed for international use, Fluid supports multiple currencies, including the euro (€), and even accommodates cryptocurrency payments. This flexibility ensures the platform meets the evolving preferences of players in the iGaming industry.

Another key feature is Fluid’s real-time analytics. By closely monitoring user activity, the platform identifies potential errors and transforms them into opportunities for conversion through intelligent interventions. This data-driven approach helps operators better understand player behaviour and refine their payment strategies accordingly.

"This investment marks a significant milestone for Fluid as we continue to push the boundaries of what payment technology can achieve in the iGaming sector. Our investors bring unparalleled expertise and networks, and their support will help us scale faster, deliver innovation, and create even more value for our partners. We are immensely grateful for their confidence in our vision." - Roberto Rubio, founder and CEO of Fluid

Fluid’s architecture is built around two core components: Fluid Cashier and Fluid Control. This dual-system design gives operators detailed control over payment processes while benefiting from automated, AI-driven optimisations. Additionally, the platform’s mobile and tablet-first design ensures smooth performance across all devices - critical in today’s mobile-focused gaming world.

Customisation is another strong suit of Fluid. Beyond basic theming, operators can create fully customised designs that align with their branding. By avoiding generic iframes, the platform maintains brand consistency, which helps build player trust and engagement throughout the payment experience.

For operators in Malta, Fluid provides additional benefits through automated KYC processes and built-in compliance tools. These features simplify operations while ensuring adherence to Malta’s strict regulatory standards. By addressing these requirements directly, Fluid positions itself as a leading solution for the local iGaming market.

3. Trustly

Trustly is a payment solution that connects iGaming platforms directly with players' bank accounts, allowing seamless deposits and withdrawals through secure online banking credentials.

Its standout feature, Pay N Play, merges deposits, onboarding, and KYC verification into a single, efficient process. With this, players can log in within 8 seconds and complete deposits in under 6 seconds, achieving an impressive 98% conversion rate. This near-instant setup minimises delays between registration and gameplay, offering players a smoother experience while ensuring robust security for all transactions.

When it comes to fraud prevention, Trustly employs multiple protective measures. It boasts a gaming fraud rate of just 0.008%, with all transactions protected by bank-grade encryption. Importantly, users' banking credentials are never stored. Trustly also holds ISO 27001 certification and operates under regulatory oversight in Sweden and the UK, ensuring compliance with GDPR standards.

"Everything we do is about assuring the player feels secure and confident... They are about to sign into their bank." - Darren White, Director of Gaming at Trustly

Trustly is particularly strong in Europe, integrating with 6,300 banks and supporting 13 currencies, including the euro (€). Its Smart Routing engine processes over 95% of payouts instantly across 30 European markets. The platform's popularity is evident, with over 25% of Swedes and 30% of Finns having used its services in the past year.

For operators, Trustly's pricing is straightforward, charging approximately 1.5% per transaction (with a minimum fee of €0.80) and up to 3% for certain gaming models. Handling $10 billion in annual payments across 275 million transactions, Trustly demonstrates its capability to manage high volumes.

In March 2025, Trustly teamed up with Hard Rock Digital to introduce pay-by-bank services for Hard Rock Bet. This partnership enables secure bank account linking for instant deposits and withdrawals, including guaranteed Automated Clearing House (GACH) payments and a VIP programme allowing deposits up to $1 million.

"At PointsBet, we take consistent measures to make sure we are providing the best experience possible for our players. Deposits and withdrawals via Trustly make sense for the player and us because they are simple, safe, and cost-effective." - Steven McAleer, Senior Director, Payments & Fraud at PointsBet

For iGaming operators in Malta, Trustly's regulatory compliance tools are particularly valuable. Its data engine, Azura, supports KYC obligations by providing customer verification and assessment capabilities. These features help Malta-based operators meet local licensing requirements while keeping up with the demands of a fast-moving market.

4. Worldpay

Worldpay is a global payment processing platform with over 30 years of experience in the payments industry, serving merchants in 146 countries. For iGaming businesses, it offers tailored solutions designed to meet the unique demands of this sector.

Handling over 40 billion transactions annually, Worldpay supports more than 300 payment types across 126 currencies. This makes it an excellent choice for Malta-based operators aiming to reach international audiences. With support for payments in 135 currencies and access to over 190 international markets through a single gateway, Worldpay simplifies global operations for businesses. Its extensive capabilities ensure reliable and high-volume performance.

Processing Power and Reliability

Worldpay’s infrastructure is built for speed and scalability, processing up to 1,200 transactions per second. It partners with over 200 gaming operators worldwide and handles 130 million transactions for more than a million merchants. This robust capacity ensures smooth transactions, even during peak gaming hours, keeping operations uninterrupted.

Fraud Prevention Capabilities

Fraud prevention is a key focus for Worldpay, led by its AI-powered FraudSight system. This solution combines data insights and expert analysis to detect and prevent fraud in real time. FraudSight employs machine learning for risk scoring, multi-layered authentication, and monitoring.

In collaboration with Capital One, FraudSight has demonstrated its effectiveness by reducing false positives and improving fraud detection rates.

"Our data sharing collaboration with Capital One enhances the effectiveness of Worldpay's innovative FraudSight solution and drives better outcomes for our merchants using the solution." - Cindy Turner, Chief Product Officer at Worldpay

The gaming industry faced a 33% rise in suspected digital fraud attempts in 2023, with a reported rate of 7.6%, highlighting the importance of robust fraud prevention tools.

Integration Requirements

To integrate Worldpay, operators need to set up a merchant account, obtain API keys, and connect the gateway via plugins or custom HTML. A brief testing phase ensures everything runs smoothly. This streamlined integration process, combined with its collaboration with Paysafe, gives Worldpay a competitive edge.

Strategic Partnerships

Worldpay has teamed up with Paysafe to create new solutions for the U.S. iGaming and sports betting markets. This partnership focuses on providing a secure and cost-efficient platform that enhances the player experience.

"As a leading payments provider for iGaming companies, state lotteries and land-based casinos, Worldpay is excited about the enhancements this partnership will bring when it comes to maximising payment acceptance, enabling new digital wallets, as well as minimising fraud risk and lowering cost." - Shane Happach, EVP, Head of Global Enterprise eCommerce for Worldpay

Market Positioning

As card payments account for only 32% of global e-commerce transaction values - a figure expected to drop to 26% by 2026 - Worldpay’s diverse range of alternative and local payment methods becomes increasingly important. For Malta-based operators expanding internationally, Worldpay’s ability to process transactions locally rather than cross-border can boost authorisation rates and profitability.

5. MuchBetter

MuchBetter is a mobile-first e-wallet that has steadily gained popularity in the iGaming payments sector since its launch in 2016. Operated by MIR Limited UK Ltd, this app is available in 185 countries and supports 17 languages, making it an attractive choice for Malta-based operators aiming to connect with European markets.

Mobile-Friendly Design and Broad Accessibility

MuchBetter is designed with mobile users in mind, offering apps for both iOS and Android. The platform supports multiple major currencies in user wallets, while merchant accounts operate in EUR, USD, and GBP. This currency flexibility is particularly useful for operators catering to players across Europe. With its availability in 185 countries and significant traction in Europe, MuchBetter provides a competitive edge for Maltese gaming companies.

Strong Security Features

MuchBetter takes security seriously and holds PCI DSS Level 1 v4 certification, the highest standard for payment card data protection. The platform uses advanced security measures like device pairing, touch ID, facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, and dynamic security codes.

One standout feature is its dynamic CVV technology. Unlike traditional cards, where the CVV is static, MuchBetter changes the CVV code with each transaction. This code is securely stored in the app, reducing the risk of card-not-present fraud.

Compliance and Industry Recognition

MuchBetter operates under the oversight of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and has earned several industry awards. These include the Rising Star award at the 2018 EGR Awards and Best Digital Payment Programme at The Cards and Payments Awards in 2019 [29]. It was also named SBC's Best Mobile Payment Solution in 2019, further solidifying its reputation.

Integration and Technical Setup

For operators, MuchBetter offers a RESTful API built on HTTP and secured with TLS, making integration straightforward. Businesses can connect directly or work through online gambling software providers. Integration requirements include ensuring that customers use a single MuchBetter account per mobile number and adhering to closed-loop payout rules, where withdrawals must return to the same wallet used for deposits.

Fee Structure and Transaction Costs

MuchBetter's fees are competitive within the iGaming industry. Deposits are generally free, but withdrawal fees vary depending on the transaction size and any currency conversions involved. Account top-ups using MasterCard or Visa come with a 5% fee, plus a 1% conversion charge.

Variety of Payment Options

In addition to its e-wallet services, MuchBetter supports a range of local payment methods, including Multibanco, Sofort, Mastercard, Visa, iDebit, AstroPay, and Bancontact. Users can fund their accounts via credit or debit cards, bank transfers, or even cash options. Alex Capurro, Founder of Easy Payment Gateway, highlights this versatility:

"MuchBetter brings a seamless payment experience to customers and also introduces a really attractive business model to our merchants."

This wide range of options enhances MuchBetter’s appeal, especially in the competitive Maltese market.

Tailored for Malta's iGaming Operators

MuchBetter's focus on lower e-wallet fees and higher deposit acceptance rates makes it a cost-effective choice for operators. Its strong presence in Europe aligns perfectly with Malta's role as a key iGaming hub. By combining mobile-first functionality, robust security, and regulatory compliance, MuchBetter addresses the needs of Maltese operators while meeting the expectations of regional players and regulators. It’s a payment solution that fits seamlessly into Malta’s thriving gaming industry.

Platform Comparison

Malta's strict regulatory and performance standards mean that payment platforms must excel in security, compliance, and operational efficiency. For the iGaming sector, choosing the right solution comes down to the specific needs of the business, the target markets, and operational goals. Here's a breakdown of key factors to help make an informed decision.

Fraud Prevention and Security Standards

When it comes to fraud prevention, the numbers speak volumes. Trustly boasts an incredibly low gaming fraud rate of just 0.008%. Its direct bank-to-bank transactions effectively reduce common fraud risks. MuchBetter, an app-based payment wallet, prioritises security with its mobile-first design, while Worldpay offers robust fraud prevention for businesses handling large transaction volumes. Meanwhile, Fluid leverages AI and machine learning to provide real-time fraud detection, ensuring a secure and efficient payment process.

Currency Support and Global Reach

For Malta-based operators targeting European players, currency flexibility is crucial. Trustly supports multiple currencies and enables payouts in 28 European countries, including Malta. Worldpay stands out with its global acquiring capabilities and currency conversion services, while Fluid offers the flexibility of handling both traditional currencies and cryptocurrencies, making it a versatile option for diverse transaction needs.

Integration Complexity and Technical Requirements

Here's how the platforms compare in terms of integration and technical demands:

Performance Metrics and Reliability

Performance is another critical factor. Trustly delivers impressive results with a 98.8% conversion rate for gaming deposits and a 99.7% payout success rate. Deposits are processed in under 6 seconds, and its Smart Routing engine ensures over 95% instant payout coverage across 30 European markets. On the other hand, Worldpay is built to handle high traffic, processing up to 1,200 transactions per second, making it a strong choice for operators managing substantial transaction volumes.

Regulatory Compliance and Market Positioning

All platforms meet the regulatory standards required for Malta's iGaming market. MuchBetter's mobile-first approach is particularly well-suited to capturing the attention of younger, tech-savvy players, aligning with current trends in user behaviour.

Cost Considerations and Fee Structures

Pricing structures vary widely across these platforms. Operators are encouraged to contact providers directly to get detailed fee breakdowns and assess cost-effectiveness based on their specific needs.

Suitability for Malta's iGaming Market

Each platform offers unique strengths for operators in Malta's iGaming sector:

• Trustly: Ideal for European markets, with strong regional coverage and outstanding performance metrics, including its ability to process payouts in Malta.

• MuchBetter: Perfect for reaching younger, mobile-focused audiences with its app-based design.

• Worldpay: Best suited for operators handling high transaction volumes, thanks to its enterprise-level processing capabilities.

• Fluid: Offers a modern payment experience with AI-driven personalisation, catering to the evolving demands of iGaming platforms.

Choosing the right platform ultimately depends on your business priorities - whether it's seamless integration, global reach, or advanced fraud prevention. Each solution is designed to meet the dual demands of global scalability and compliance with Malta's stringent iGaming standards.

Conclusion

When choosing a payment platform, it's crucial to find one that balances regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and player satisfaction. Here's a quick breakdown of how some top platforms align with these needs:

• Trustly: Known for its direct bank e-payments, it effectively reduces fraud risks and is tailored for European markets.

• Worldpay: Offers a solid infrastructure that supports high-volume, international transactions seamlessly.

• MuchBetter: With its mobile-first approach, it appeals to tech-savvy players looking for app-based convenience.

• Fluid: Combines AI-driven payment journeys with cryptocurrency support, enabling instant deposits and fast withdrawals.

These platforms cater to the diverse preferences of players, a key factor given that 92% of customers are more likely to purchase from sites that display prices in their local currency.

"We have 15 years' experience in the gaming vertical. Through close partnership with operators, we have built our understanding of how to make payments work for you and your players."
– Yeseniia Marchenko, Head of EU Sales, Trust Payments

By evaluating factors like ease of integration, security measures, transaction speed, and multi-currency support, you can identify the platform that aligns with your market goals, regulatory requirements, and operational priorities. It's worth noting that 7 out of 10 operators launch with payment solutions recommended by MGL, highlighting the importance of a trusted track record in Malta's regulated iGaming sector.

Whether your focus is on penetrating European markets, handling high transaction volumes, engaging mobile users, or leveraging AI for personalised experiences, the right payment platform will be a cornerstone of sustainable growth in Malta's competitive iGaming industry.

FAQs

What should iGaming operators in Malta look for when selecting a payment orchestration platform?

Choosing a Payment Orchestration Platform for the Maltese iGaming Market

When selecting a payment orchestration platform tailored for the Maltese iGaming industry, operators should focus on regulatory compliance, robust security measures, and international payment capabilities. The platform must adhere to Malta's strict gaming regulations while ensuring transactions are handled securely and efficiently.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Multi-currency support, especially for EUR (€), to enable smooth cross-border transactions.

• Seamless integration with existing systems to avoid unnecessary operational hiccups.

• Fast and reliable transactions to deliver an improved user experience.

• Cost-effective solutions to keep payment processing expenses under control.

It’s also important to choose a platform that meets Malta’s licensing criteria and supports global expansion goals, ensuring operators stay ahead in this competitive and fast-evolving market.

How does PaymentIQ comply with Malta's iGaming regulations?

PaymentIQ operates in line with Malta's iGaming regulations by meeting the rigorous standards established by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Key among these are stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, which are critical for ensuring lawful and secure business practices in the sector.

To fulfil these obligations, PaymentIQ employs cutting-edge compliance systems and undergoes frequent audits to confirm its operations adhere to Malta's legal framework. These measures enable iGaming operators in Malta to handle payments safely, efficiently, and in line with local regulatory requirements.

What are the benefits of using a mobile-first e-wallet like MuchBetter for iGaming payments?

Using a mobile-first e-wallet like MuchBetter comes with several perks tailored for iGaming enthusiasts. It offers quick and secure deposits and withdrawals, thanks to advanced encryption technology that keeps your transactions safe. The intuitive mobile app makes managing your gaming accounts effortless, allowing you to handle payments and transfers instantly, no matter where you are.

Another standout feature is its low transaction fees, which is a big plus for regular players. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, MuchBetter also brings an extra level of trust and security, making it a dependable choice for both players and iGaming platforms.

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