How Skrill Became a Large Force in the UK iGaming Sector

Skrill has firmly positioned itself as one of the most trusted and widely used digital wallets. Founded in 2001, Skrill has become a major player in the online gambling space, offering features tailored to operators and players.

Recent data from Paysafe highlights that 22% of UK players prefer digital wallets, like Skrill and Neteller, for gambling transactions. This preference reflects the demands of modern players who want quick deposits, near-instant withdrawals, and a layer of financial privacy that traditional payment methods cannot always provide. 

To better understand Skrill’s enduring success in this competitive and highly regulated space, we contacted industry expert Joonas Karhu. He is the CEO of Bojoko, one of the most prominent comparison platforms for iGaming in the UK casino. They actively cover British casinos that accept Skrill and follow user behaviour trends, the impact having Skrill has on sign-ups, and more.

When asked about Skrill’s popularity, Karhu doesn’t hesitate to highlight the digital wallet’s long-standing relationship with the gambling industry. “Skrill has been around for over two decades,” he begins, “and during that time, it’s established itself as a payment method players can trust. It’s not just about being a familiar name – it’s about consistently delivering on what players need, and Skrill has done that brilliantly.”

Karhu explains that Skrill’s strengths are particularly well-suited to the demands of online gambling. “Players value three things above all when it comes to payments: speed, security, and convenience. Skrill ticks all three boxes. Deposits are instant, which is crucial in keeping players engaged, and withdrawals are processed much faster than traditional banking methods. No one wants to wait days for their winnings, and Skrill understands that.”

The UK iGaming sector has experienced significant changes in recent years, particularly following the 2020 ban on credit card payments for gambling. According to Karhu, this regulatory shift opened up opportunities for alternative payment methods like Skrill. 

“The credit card ban was a major turning point,” he explains. “Players who were used to funding their accounts with credit cards suddenly had to find a new way. Skrill became an obvious choice because it’s not tied directly to a bank account, which offers an extra layer of safety. That peace of mind is something players really appreciate.”

Karhu notes that privacy is one of Skrill’s standout features. “We hear this a lot from players – they don’t want their gambling transactions showing up in their bank statements or being directly tied to their main financial accounts. Skrill acts as a middleman, keeping those transactions discreet while maintaining robust security. For many players, particularly high rollers, that privacy is a game-changer.”

Another reason for Skrill’s enduring success, Karhu points out, is its widespread acceptance by UK iGaming operators. “At Bojoko, we’ve reviewed over 100 UKGC-licensed casinos that offer Skrill as a payment option, and that number is growing all the time. Operators understand that Skrill is a payment method players actively look for. If they don’t offer it, they’re likely to lose those players to competitors who do.”

Skrill’s appeal isn’t just limited to players; it’s also a hit with operators, thanks to its reliability and ease of integration. “From an operator’s perspective, Skrill is a no-brainer,” says Karhu. “It’s a system that works seamlessly, with minimal downtime and excellent customer support. Casinos want payment methods they can trust, and Skrill delivers on that.”

Karhu is confident that Skrill’s position in the UK iGaming sector will remain strong. “The payments landscape is always evolving, but Skrill has shown time and time again that it knows how to stay ahead of the curve. Skrill continues to innovate, whether adapting to new regulations, enhancing security features, or embracing trends like mobile-first solutions.”

“At the end of the day, it comes down to trust and reliability. Players trust Skrill to handle their money securely, and operators trust it to integrate seamlessly into their platforms. The more players use Skrill, the more casinos offer it, and the cycle continues. Skrill isn’t just a payment method – it’s a key part of the iGaming ecosystem.”