Swiss expansion highlights growing demand for hybrid payment models in iGaming
Neosurf, the Paris-based cash-to-digital payment provider, has today (May 29) launched operations in Switzerland in a bid to serve the country’s iGaming sector with a hybrid solution that supports both traditional cash users and the demands of modern compliance.
Available through national payment app TWINT and at SBB rail kiosks via SweePay, Neosurf’s services include prepaid vouchers, a digital wallet, and cash-to-online top-ups. These products aim to give players more flexibility in how they fund their gaming accounts, while also helping operators meet Switzerland’s strict regulatory standards.
Switzerland’s payments market is unusual by European standards. While card and mobile transactions are common, cash remains a strong preference, particularly among older users and those concerned about data privacy. According to the Swiss Payment Monitor 2024, cash still accounted for 29.2% of in-person transactions, only slightly behind debit card usage.
For iGaming, the preference for cash is even more pronounced. Citing operator feedback, Neosurf says around two-thirds of gambling transactions in the market continue to involve cash. This creates a significant access gap for users who want to engage online but prefer not to link bank accounts or credit cards.
“The exciting thing about entering the Swiss market is that Neosurf is addressing a demand from cash-based users that’s currently underserved,” said Andrea McGeachin, Global CEO of Neosurf.
“Given we know how to handle cash for online deposits in a safe, secure and traceable manner that ensures AML standards and prevents fraud, this is increasingly becoming a unique advantage.”
Compliance becomes part of the product
Switzerland’s gambling sector is tightly regulated. Under the supervision of Gespa, all online gaming activity must adhere to robust requirements, including anti-money laundering (AML), player protection, and responsible gambling policies. Operators must also demonstrate effective user verification and transaction monitoring systems.
To support this, Neosurf’s product suite includes built-in compliance tools. Every transaction can be traced back to a voucher or wallet user, ensuring operators meet local AML and Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations without introducing unnecessary friction into the user experience.
“We believe the role of a payments company is about more than just providing simple deposits and withdrawals,” added McGeachin. “It should also extend to building stronger user experiences and offering ongoing AML and compliance support.”
This integrated approach aligns with a broader industry trend where payments are no longer treated as background infrastructure, but as central to regulatory strategy and customer experience.
Strategic partnerships for local integration
Neosurf’s partnership with TWINT is a key part of its market strategy. The app, which processed 773 million transactions in 2024, is now accepted by almost all merchants in Switzerland. By embedding its services into a trusted national platform, Neosurf gains instant visibility and reach among local users.
The company is also working with SweePay, a Swiss fintech that provides access to digital products via physical kiosks. This makes it possible for users to purchase Neosurf vouchers with cash at rail stations and retail points across the country.
“We are delighted to welcome Neosurf to our growing portfolio of digital products in Switzerland,” said Rodolphe Texier, CEO of SweePay.
“By partnering with innovative companies like Neosurf, we continue to expand the range of convenient and responsible payment options available to Swiss users — both online and at the point of sale.”
A model for other high-compliance markets
Switzerland serves as a litmus test for the iGaming and fintech industries. It combines high levels of affluence and digital maturity with one of the strictest regulatory frameworks in Europe.
Success here can serve as a proof point for expansion into other tightly controlled markets, such as Germany, Sweden or parts of North America.
Over the coming months, Neosurf plans to form new partnerships with operators and expand access through more retail locations. It will also localise its services further, including language support and market-specific features aimed at increasing usability and adoption.
