Ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Paysafe’s Zak Cutler discusses how Louisiana and the broader U.S. sports betting markets can prepare for record-breaking engagement by leveraging fast, secure, and flexible payment solutions.
As the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Feb. 9 approaches, excitement is reaching fever pitch across Louisiana and the rest of the United States. The game represents not just the pinnacle of American football but also the year’s main event for sports betting – and the evolving payments ecosystem facilitating wagering. During last year’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers in Vegas, the American Gaming Association (AGA) estimated that Americans bet $23.1bn on the big game, showcasing the sheer volume of wagers placed on this event.
Recent insights from Paysafe’s All the Ways Players Pay 2025 research report provide a detailed look at how U.S. and Louisiana players in particular connect with online sportsbooks, emphasizing the role of seamless payment systems in shaping player experiences.
Louisiana: A state ready for action
Louisiana is no stranger to the thrill of sports betting. Since mobile sports wagering went online in early 2022, the state has become an important U.S. market, with 2024 bringing in gross gaming revenue (GGR) of nearly $465 million, marking a 25% year-over-year increase.
As more Americans in the Pelican State have tried online sports betting, 59% of players have identified a preferred sportsbook, according to our 2025 research. However, the competition remains fierce, and operators need to focus on building trust and loyalty to capture a larger share of the market.
For bettors in Louisiana choosing a sportsbook, quick and easy payouts remain paramount, with 38% prioritizing fast access to winnings, while 37% value the ability to deposit and withdraw with their preferred payment method. This showcases how important the payment experience is to players and that operators need to provide payment flexibility and speed to retain users.
Digital wallets, a preference of 44% of U.S. players overall, are increasingly popular for their speed and security in competitive states like Louisiana, with 45% of players in the state listing it as a go-to payment method. That said, debit cards reign supreme in the Bayou State, with 54% considering them a preferred payment method. This preference underscores the importance of seamless digital experiences for operators aiming to stand out during marquee events like the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl also presents a unique opportunity to convert prospective bettors — those who are new to online wagering but are drawn in by the excitement of the big game. Among these potential players in Louisiana, 44% would like to deposit using digital wallets, showcasing the importance of offering this payment method from the outset. By providing fast, secure, and easy-to-use payment options, sportsbooks can not only attract first-time bettors but also lay the groundwork for lasting loyalty.
The national picture: What U.S. bettors want
Our recent report also highlights the growing adoption of alternative payment methods (APMs) across the U.S. market. In addition to digital wallets, eCash solutions are gaining traction, with 20% of American players listing this as a preferred payment method. This shift reflects the demand for flexible, secure, and anonymous transactions. Indeed, privacy concerns remain high, with 81% of players globally, and a substantial proportion in the U.S., citing anonymity as a top priority when selecting payment options.
Speed is another non-negotiable. 45% of American bettors expect instant payouts — a figure likely to grow as real-time payment technologies become more widespread. Additionally, 73% of players anticipate that real-time payments will become the industry standard by end of 2026, setting the stage for a transformative betting experience.
Super Bowl’s impact on betting and payments
The Super Bowl is expected to drive record-breaking betting volumes in Louisiana and across the country. To capitalize on this and retain these players, sportsbooks need to prioritize user-friendly payment experiences. Our research indicates that 69% of American players are unlikely to return to a sportsbook if they have a bad payment experience. For operators, this is a clear call to action: optimize cashier systems, streamline deposits and withdrawals, and cater to the diverse payment preferences of U.S. players.
In Louisiana, where the Super Bowl will be played, the stakes are even higher. The event is not just an opportunity to engage existing players but also to attract newcomers who may be betting online for the first time. 12% of Americans that are interested in sports betting but haven’t already placed a bet are considering their first online wager this year, with that number even higher in Louisiana specifically (16%). Therefore, providing a seamless, secure, and efficient payment experience could be the difference between gaining a loyal customer or losing one to a competitor.
Preparing for Feb. 9
As New Orleans gears up to host the biggest game of the year, online sportsbooks have a unique chance to shine – especially at their cashiers. By prioritizing speed, security, and flexibility in their payment stacks, they can meet the demands of passionate fans across the U.S., while setting a new benchmark for player satisfaction nationwide.
For operators, the Super Bowl isn’t just a game; it’s a game-changer.
