The iGaming industry is one of the most competitive markets in the world. Operators spend heavily to attract new players but keeping them loyal is the real challenge. And while game quality and promotions matter, payouts are what players remember most.
Smooth deposits bring players in, but fast and seamless withdrawals keep them coming back. In fact, research shows that 79% of players expect instant or near-instant payouts. For businesses, that’s a number too big to ignore.
That’s exactly why iGaming could benefit from Original Credit Transactions (OCT).
What are OCT payments?
An Original Credit Transaction (OCT) is a type of card payment where money is pushed directly onto a cardholder’s account instead of being pulled from it. It’s the reverse of a standard card payment: instead of pulling money, the operator pushes it to players Visa or Mastercard. For players, OCTs feel like getting a refund, but in reality, it’s their winnings arriving, often within minutes. This makes it a fast, convenient, and secure way to cash out without the delays of traditional bank transfers.
Visa Direct and Mastercard Send are the card schemes’ solutions for OCT. They run on the same trusted card rails that already handle deposits, which means operators don’t need extra account details as the same card used to play can be used to withdraw.
Because OCT rides on existing card infrastructure, it’s secure, PCI-DSS compliant, and available globally. It also requires only the card details already on file, making the process simple for both players and operators.
OCT Benefits
OCTs have changed the way money moves in iGaming. For years, withdrawals were the pain point of the player journey, but OCT turns that around and is the ultimate win-win for both players and businesses. Here’s what makes OCT so valuable:
Always on: OCT works 24/7/365, including weekends and holidays. No waiting for banking hours means players can withdraw when they want, and operators can keep payouts flowing around the clock.
Cost-effective: OCT transactions are often cheaper than international wire transfers or manual payout methods, reducing operational costs for operators handling high volumes.
Simpler reconciliation: operators receive near-instant confirmation on whether a payout succeeded or failed. That keeps support tickets down, reduces manual follow-ups, and streamlines financial reporting.
Security: OCT are PCI DSS-compliant and backed by the card schemes’ fraud monitoring and protections, giving both players and operators peace of mind.
Instant withdrawals: For players, the ability to access winnings within minutes is a game-changer. Fast payouts build trust, encourage repeat play, and improve overall user satisfaction.
More efficient operational setup: Funds move directly through Visa and Mastercard without multiple intermediaries, cutting delays and reducing errors.
Convenience: Players don’t need to provide additional bank details or set up new accounts. The same card they used to deposit can be used to withdraw, making the experience familiar and hassle-free.
Global reach: With Visa and Mastercard accepted in over 200 countries, OCT allows operators to pay out to players worldwide through a single channel.
Traceability: Every payout is fully traceable on the card network, making it easier to track transactions and resolve issues quickly when they arise.
Why OCT is non-negotiable in iGaming
It’s clear that fast payouts aren’t just a “nice-to-have” feature, especially in iGaming.
Players see payments as part of the game experience. A fast payout enhances trust while a slow one damages it. Regulators are also increasingly focused on transparency and player protection, which makes OCT, backed by the most trusted card networks, an even stronger choice. Moreover, it helps operators:
✅ Acquire new players with instant payout feature
✅ Retain existing players by delivering on payout promises.
✅ Strengthen brand reputation in a highly competitive market
To put it simply – payments drive trust and trust drives retention.
At PAYSTRAX, we believe payout solutions has shifted from a nice-to-have to a must-have for iGaming businesses. And more importantly see the value it provides our merchants in securing a good standing within the industry and their player’s base. Contact us to learn more about the payout service.
