Being a gaming operator can prove to be very difficult when trying to obtain your own merchant account when your operation’s focus is gambling.  Even more difficult, is trying to obtain one domestically, this includes designated banks.  Though online gaming is a very lucrative business, one must look carefully when choosing a merchant account provider.  What may seem like a minimal fee difference could be very costly in the long run.  When dealing with online gaming you are dealing with enormous amounts of deposits and withdrawals.  Another thing to consider is that there must be funds available for immediate access during gaming play.  It is very important when being a gaming operator to be aware of all laws and regulations.  If you leave yourself ignorant to these requirements, you are making yourself highly susceptible to illegal actions and fraud. 

Due to the refusal of such a large portion of merchant account providers to provide a gambling operator their own merchant account, the operator takes alternative action and seeks sanction of the numerous international and offshore agencies already in service as gaming merchant account providers.  To find such a provider, you can perform a simple search on the internet and get numerous results.  This is where a prospective operator needs to proceed with caution.  The majority of offshore and international gaming merchant account providers are well versed in what they do; just make sure that you research the company you choose.  When picking a reputable provider they should get fast approvals and set-ups, offer reasonable set up fees and discount rates between 3%-6%.  They should also provide secure, encrypted immediate processing and state of the art fraud protection.  If a company falls between these general guidelines, they are probably a good choice to consider. 

With the increasing popularity of online gambling, it is becoming more customary to start at the offshore or international gaming providers.  It is quick and easy, and they are efficient enough to get everything up and running within 48 ours on average.  Some providers will do a credit check and others will offer an account without it.  If you choose an account without a credit check, expect to pay more fees.  A credit check can prove you are not a liability personally, and you can take on responsibility.  Also, they may want to know how long you have been an operator.  If you are not new, or just looking to change providers it can be beneficial to have experience.  This will also qualify you as being a lesser risk.  Most importantly when filling out your questionnaire, be honest.  If you intend to bring in $500,000 per month state that.  Your accounts are going to be watched closely, regardless of your answer, they will know the truth within a matter of time.  All exaggerating, whether less or more, will do is hold up your approval process.