Payments for online games must be safe and easy to make in this rapidly growing industry. Players want deposits to happen quickly, checkouts to go smoothly, and payment options that they can trust. That’s why choosing the right Payment Gateway for Gaming Merchants in India is crucial. It has a direct effect on conversions, player trust, and even how people see the platform.
Pluspedirect has compiled a list of the top five payment gateways that Indian gaming businesses are expected to use in 2025. We'll review how each option works, its strengths, and potential flaws. Did You Know?
"UPI now powers over 80% of real-money gaming transactions in India, thanks to its instant payouts, mobile-first experience, and near-zero failure rate—making it the go-to choice for gamers in 2025."
Key Takeaways:
UPI leads gaming payments in India due to speed, trust, and user familiarity.
Google Pay and PhonePe enhance mobile checkout success rates.
Paytm offers flexible options via wallet, cards, and UPI.
IMPS acts as a reliable backup for high-value or failed UPI transactions.
Secure payment for gaming boosts user trust and reduces operational risk.
How to Choose the Best UPI Payment Gateway for Gaming in 2025?
Gaming platforms face a unique set of challenges they must handle high transaction volumes, small ticket sizes, a large number of users simultaneously, and increased scrutiny from regulators. Your gateway needs to be able to:
Volume: Many transactions are going on at once
Speed: Quick confirmation, especially for bets that need to be made quickly or for in-game credits
Security: A place with a lot of crime where fraud is a problem
Flexibility: Users can pay in a number of ways
Let's take a look at the five most popular payment gateways used by Indian gaming stores.
1. UPI – The Most Reliable Payment Method in India
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is India’s best UPI payment gateway and digital payment method. Players love it because it’s simple, fast, and works 24/7; even during weekends and holidays.
Why UPI Is the Backbone of Gaming Payments
Real-time transaction success and feedback
Available via all major banks and apps
No card details required—just a VPA
Near-instant refunds and lower failure rates
UPI Pointers for Gaming Merchants
Display UPI prominently at checkout
Support QR and intent-based flows
Monitor VPA verification failures to reduce drop-offs
UPI is not just a payment option—it’s the default choice for most Indian gamers in 2025.
2. Google Pay – Streamlined Experience for Android Users
Google Pay utilizes the UPI infrastructure while enhancing it with a clean, app-first experience. Many Android users utilize it, comprising a significant portion of India's mobile gaming population.
Why Google Pay is the Best Way to Pay for Games
Few taps are needed from intent to confirmation.
Works on slow networks
No need to add money to your wallet because it's linked to your bank account.
Benefits of Integration
Integration of intent flow for quick processing
If the app isn't installed, smart fallback logic
Keep track of which games perform better with Google Pay bonuses.
Google Pay should be at the top of your payment flow if your platform is aimed at Gen Z and Android users.
3. PhonePe – Trusted by Millions, Perfect for Micro transactions
PhonePe is another UPI-based payment option that is more reliable than others. It is popular in cities of all sizes, ranging from Tier 1 to Tier 3, making it an excellent choice for gaming secure payment methods seeking to reach a large audience. Platforms like Pluspedirect can benefit significantly from PhonePe’s consistent performance and broad user base, especially when targeting microtransactions.
Why PhonePe is Great for Gaming Merchants
Success rates that are the same across all banks
Integrating wallets for prepaid use
In-app authentication for advanced fraud detection
PhonePe Setup Tips:
Give people special PhonePe payment buttons
Point out the cash back or incentives that PhonePe offers
Check user-agent reports and success rate dashboards.
PhonePe is ideal for platforms that have a high volume of transactions that occur repeatedly, such as card games or daily fantasy sports.
4. Paytm – Versatile Gateway with UPI, Wallet, and Cards
Paytm offers a comprehensive range of services, including UPI, a wallet, cards, and online banking. It also boasts a strong brand name and credibility, particularly among individuals accustomed to using digital wallets.
Why Paytm Works Well for Gaming
One checkout with many ways to pay
Refunds to your wallet or source account right away
Cashback, promo credits, and incentives are all loyalty tactics.
Tips for Deployment
Show the wallet balance at checkout
Allow payments in parts (wallet + UPI fallback)
Allow returning gamers to use Paytm FAST checkout
Paytm is the best all-in-one gateway for retailers seeking to offer a wide range of options and capitalize on customer loyalty.
5. IMPS – Reliable for High-Value or Backup Transactions
How IMPS Helps Gaming Platforms:
Instant crediting and settlement
You don't need an app to use it; just an account and IFSC.
Great for people who are nervous about UPI or wallet installations
When to Use IMPS:
When UPI restrictions are surpassed, and you need a backup
For high-end features or tournaments with big prizes
To help those who utilize traditional online banking
IMPS makes your gaming platform more accessible to everyone and stops users from leaving when other payment methods fail.
Why Secure Payment Gateways in India Matter More Than Ever
Gaming transactions occur frequently and often without users being aware of them, until something goes wrong. That's why there has to be fraud control, two-factor authentication, real-time reconciliation, and alarm systems. A secure payment for gaming is no longer optional; it’s foundational.
Check for these things:
Tokenizing user data
Fraud detection powered by AI
Tools for quickly resolving disputes
KYC and data processing that follow RBI rules
If you don't protect your transactions, you might get chargebacks, complaints, or even have your account banned.
Ready to Streamline Your Gaming Payment Experience?
The right payment gateway for gaming merchants in India enables your business to operate faster and more securely, and builds confidence in your organization. These five payment options—UPI, Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and IMPS—cover every ground, whether you're making a fantasy app, a skill-based card game, or a real-time betting site.
Each one meets a different requirement, and when you put them all together, your players may pick the one that works best for them without any problems or delays.
Pluspedirect includes everything you need to get started in 2025 if you want to construct a gaming payment stack that is quick, versatile, and safe.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you integrate the right payment gateway solution for your gaming business.
FAQs
Which payment gateway is ideal for Indian gaming merchants?
Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm are all trusted UPI gateways that many gaming businesses in India rely on for their smooth and dependable transactions.
Is UPI secure for payments for games?
Yes, UPI is a safe way to pay in India. It processes payments in real-time and features two-factor authentication, backed by the Reserve Bank of India, for gamers.
Can you pay for games with Paytm and PhonePe?
Both Paytm and PhonePe accept UPI, wallets, and cards, making them ideal for adding payment options to games.
Why do gambling sites like rapid settlement gateways?
Instant settlement helps gaming platforms maintain a steady cash flow, expedite refunds, and make tournaments and in-game purchases more engaging for players.
How can IMPS assist with high-value gaming transactions?
IMPS is the best way to make secure gaming payments above UPI restrictions, as it allows you to send money from one bank to another instantly without using any third-party apps.
