Written by: Merchant Connect UK
If you operate in a high-risk industry like gambling, adult entertainment, CBD, forex, or crypto, finding the right payment gateway is critical to running a smooth, secure, and scalable operation. Not all gateways are created equal—especially when your business model is considered high-risk.
In this guide, we explore the top payment gateways for high-risk businesses in 2025, what makes them stand out, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Before diving into the best gateways, here’s why some industries are considered high-risk:
High chargeback rates
Regulatory or legal uncertainty
Large transaction volumes
Subscription or recurring billing models
Cross-border activity or multi-currency sales
Banks and mainstream gateways often decline to work with these businesses, which is why specialised high-risk gateways are essential.
Why it’s great:
Paysafe is a trusted name in high-risk processing with deep experience in iGaming, online casinos, sports betting, and adult content.
Key features:
Global acquiring coverage
High chargeback tolerance
Real-time fraud detection
Payout solutions for players and affiliates
👉 Ideal for: Gambling, eGaming, adult, and FX businesses
While Authorize.Net is not high-risk-friendly by default, some certified resellers can get you approved.
Key features:
Strong fraud protection tools
Recurring billing support
Wide integration with CRMs and eCommerce platforms
👉 Ideal for: Subscription models, nutraceuticals, and dating sites (via reseller)
Nuvei is gaining popularity in high-risk spaces for its modern API and broad risk tolerance.
Key features:
150+ currencies supported
Crypto payment support
Advanced risk scoring
Trusted by large-scale iGaming operators
👉 Ideal for: Crypto gaming, forex, international gaming operators
Instabill offers tailored gateway solutions for very high-risk industries and has a reputation for securing offshore and EU acquiring partners.
Key features:
Multiple acquiring bank options
High-volume merchant accounts
Easy offshore account setup
Dedicated account managers
👉 Ideal for: CBD, adult, e-cigarettes, forex, online gaming
SecurionPay provides a developer-friendly, high-conversion gateway with tools designed for high-risk online sales.
Key features:
Seamless checkout flow
Recurring billing
API and plugin integrations
Risk management tools
👉 Ideal for: SaaS, dating, adult, and digital services
At Merchant Connect, we work with a global network of high-risk payment providers and acquiring banks to deliver custom gateway solutions tailored to your business—no matter how complex your needs are.
Whether you operate in gambling, crypto, adult, forex, or CBD, we help you:
Get approved quickly
Access multi-currency and international support
Reduce chargebacks
Stay compliant with regulators
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation.
Industry experience – Do they understand your vertical?
Integration – Is it compatible with your CMS/eCommerce platform?
Chargeback protection – What tools are in place?
Settlement terms – Are payouts flexible and timely?
Support – Will you get a dedicated account manager?
The right payment gateway can make or break your high-risk business. Don’t settle for providers that don’t understand your challenges.
At Merchant Connect, we specialise in helping high-risk merchants thrive in complex environments. From gateway setup to compliance support, we offer solutions that scale with your business.
👉 Explore our payment gateway services today: https://merchantconnect.uk/service-post/high-risk-payment-gateway/