According to a 2023 report by Optimove, iGaming operators who invest in onboarding increase their first deposit rates by 17% to 30% and see up to 25% more users completing their initial transactions.
First impressions matter
Onboarding is the user's first contact with the platform and sets the tone for the entire journey. Studies across digital sectors show that a poor first experience can drive users away permanently—and in iGaming, where alternatives are just a click away, the stakes are even higher.
Today’s customers expect simplicity, speed, and transparency. If the registration process is too long, asks for excessive information, or seems untrustworthy, they’ll give up. According to the Baymard Institute, the average cart abandonment rate in e-commerce is nearly 70%, and in iGaming that number can be even higher during onboarding if not properly optimized.
How to deliver a great onboarding experience
A strong onboarding process removes unnecessary barriers while maintaining regulatory compliance. The ideal flow includes:
* Fast and simple registration
* Instant account verification (eKYC)
* Seamless payment method integration
* Interactive tutorials or guides
* Personalized content and game suggestions
Every step should be optimized for speed, clarity, and usability, especially on mobile, which dominates user access in iGaming.
Simplified registration
One of the most common mistakes iGaming operators make is requesting too much user information during sign-up. Despite regulatory requirements, the process can be simplified by offering login options through social media (like Google, Facebook, or Apple ID), which speeds up onboarding and builds trust.
Progressive disclosure is important, i.e. asking only for essential data at the beginning and allowing more detailed information, such as address or payment details, to be collected as the user engages more.
Fast, compliant eKYC
Identity verification (KYC) is essential in regulated iGaming markets but can frustrate users. Traditional methods take hours or even days, often leading to drop-offs. Today’s modern eKYC solutions use AI, facial recognition, and document scanning to verify identities in just minutes.
Seamlessly integrating these technologies into the onboarding flow ensures both compliance and speed. Real-time feedback—such as flagging a rejected document—also helps reduce user frustration.
Payment integration
Another critical step is payment method setup. Platforms that make this process difficult risk losing users. Offering a variety of trusted options—credit cards, Pix, PayPal, digital wallets, and crypto—simplifies access. Moreover, integrating payment setup into the onboarding flow (without redirects) improves the overall experience.
Interactive guides and tutorials
After registering, users need to understand how to play and win. Empty dashboards or game lobbies with hundreds of options can be overwhelming. Short, interactive, and gamified tutorials help users explore the platform, learn the features, and place their first bets. Offering demo or “practice” games with no financial risk builds confidence and excitement.
Personalization
The more relevant the experience, the higher the retention. By leveraging data collected during sign-up or early interactions, the platform can personalize onboarding, suggesting games based on interests, customizing promotional offers, or showing local events based on geolocation.
Impact on conversion
How does onboarding actually improve conversion rates? Key factors include:
* Reduced abandonment – Simple registration and verification keep users engaged
* Faster time to first bet – The quicker the user starts playing, the greater the engagement
* Increased trust – Structured processes convey security and credibility
* Higher lifetime value (LTV) – Happy users return more often and spend more
* Improved return on investment (ROI) – More converted users means greater acquisition efficiency
Providing an exceptional onboarding experience can be a key differentiator for sustainable growth in iGaming. Investing in intuitive design, fast identity verification, and personalized user journeys not only improves conversion—but also builds trust and long-term user value.
Contact inplaySoft
inplaySoft specializes in delivering cutting-edge iGaming solutions tailored to meet the dynamic needs of today’s gaming operators. Our company offers fully compliant KYC and global document verification services and is fully aligned with Brazilian regulatory requirements.
To learn more about us, click here to visit our website or contact us at [email protected]!
Source: inplaySoft
