Europe’s diverse cultures and economies present challenges and opportunities in the payments sector, with each country having unique payment trends and preferences. For instance, according to the Global Payments Report, digital wallets have become the leading e-commerce payment method across Europe, particularly in Denmark, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the UK. However, debit and credit cards are still the preferred payment methods for in-person transactions in other EU countries like Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium. They account for 41% of European point-of-sale (POS) transaction value. Thus, understanding these regional payment trends and preferences is vital for iGaming businesses to enhance customer satisfaction, streamline transactions, and drive growth.

Focusing on the Netherlands, particularly where well-known conferences like iGB L!VE will take place this July, can help us understand how these broader European patterns emerge in this specific market, thereby providing valuable insights for businesses operating or planning to expand in the region.

Popular Online Payment Methods in Europe

Europe’s most commonly used payment methods include debit cards, credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers. In terms of card payments, debit cards remain the preferred method for POS transactions. However, digital wallets are on the rise, especially for online shopping. They accounted for 30% of e-commerce transaction value in 2023 and are projected to grow to 40% by 2027. Major global wallet brands like Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and PayPal dominate the market, alongside local options like MobilePay in Denmark and Pivo in Finland.

Further, mobile payment apps like Google Pay and Samsung Pay and country-specific options such as Bancontact, EPS, and Giropay enable convenient contactless payments with smartphones, both in-store and online. Meanwhile, cash usage has significantly declined and is expected to continue decreasing.

In addition to PayPal, Europeans frequently use alternative digital payment platforms like Paysafecard, Sofort and domestic options such as Blik and Multibanco. These platforms offer various services, including online purchases, money transfers, and contactless payments via mobile devices. Moreover, account-to-account (A2A) payments have become the leading online payment method in countries like Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden, offering a wide range of digital payment choices for Europeans.

Payment Trends and Innovations in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a member of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), an initiative of the European Union that simplifies transfers within the eurozone. This country is notable for its advanced digital infrastructure, high internet penetration, and technology-adept population, which create a favourable environment for innovative payment methods. Examining trends and preferences in this region can uncover valuable insights into the transformative impact of technological adoption and consumer behaviour on the future of payments.

Current Popular Payment Methods

• iDEAL and its Dominance: iDEAL dominates online payments in the Netherlands, representing 64% of e-commerce transaction value in 2023. Nearly 100% of Dutch consumers use iDEAL, which processes over one billion transactions annually across more than 210,000 merchants. Domestic A2A payment apps such as Tikkie and global brands such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet are gaining market share.
• Usage of Debit and Credit Cards: Debit cards have become the primary method for in-person transactions, surpassing cash over the past decade. They are used more than credit cards, as they offer less attractive rewards and have credit scoring systems different from those in markets like the US. Ultimately, the share of credit cards is projected to decline to 48% due to the increasing popularity of digital wallets.
• Growth of Contactless and Mobile Payments: Contactless and mobile payments are rapidly growing. Solutions like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are becoming popular, allowing quick and secure smartphone payments.
• Decline of Cash Usage: Cash usage at POS is among the lowest globally. This decrease is driven by ubiquitous card acceptance and the rise of mobile payments among a fully banked population.

Emerging Trends

• Adoption of Mobile Payment Solutions: Mobile payment solutions will continue to be preferred due to their seamless integration with bank accounts and credit cards.
• Interest in Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Services: BNPL services like Klarna and Afterpay are gaining traction since they offer flexible, interest-free payment options for younger consumers.

Factors Influencing Payment Preferences

In the Netherlands, payment preferences are shaped by strong government and bank support, high internet and smartphone usage, and advanced banking and fintech innovations. Dutch consumers value safe, easy-to-use, and transparent payment methods, with younger urban populations more inclined towards digital solutions. Moreover, the European Commission’s Open Banking proposals and the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services highlight the trend towards flexible, innovative payment solutions.

iGaming European Payment Preferences

In the European iGaming market, card processing for debit and credit cards remain widely used. APMs such as digital wallets like PayPal and Skrill are favoured by 28% of players due to their convenience and security. Additionally, eCash solutions, such as Paysafecard, are popular for privacy.

Moreover, mobile payment methods, such as Boku and cryptocurrencies, are gaining traction in various countries. Their quick and secure transactions appeal to tech-savvy users. Local regulations and cultural attitudes significantly influence these payment preferences. For instance, strict gambling laws often lead to more use of alternative payment methods that ensure compliance and privacy.

Looking ahead, the future of iGaming payments in Europe will likely see ongoing decentralisation and various payment methods thriving. This trend towards diverse payment options and technological innovations will continue, preventing any single method from dominating the market.

Stay Ahead of European Payments with GumBallPay

The Dutch payment market is on the brink of substantial growth, fueled by the expansion of digital wallets, the surge in contactless payments, and the rising adoption of mobile payment solutions. As emerging technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies start to make their mark, secure and transparent transactions are set for a revolutionary transformation.

In the broader European context, there’s a clear trend towards digital and contactless payments, urging businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Business owners must continuously innovate and provide cutting-edge, adaptable payment solutions to remain competitive. This means embracing the latest technologies, ensuring seamless and secure transactions, and staying attuned to shifting consumer preferences.

Payment providers like GumBallPay are already stepping up to the challenge, benefiting iGaming across Europe with innovative technology, APMs, high transaction approval rates and coverage via local acquiring banks to meet the demands of this dynamic market. GumBallPay covers everything from advanced fraud prevention and secure payment processing to integrating with the latest payment methods and alternatives. 

We ensure your business stays ahead with seamless, reliable, and versatile payment options.  Contact us to learn how our secure and modern payment solutions, card processing, and alternative payment methods (APMs) can elevate your iGaming platform.