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Case studies

How a High-Risk PSP Scaled 3× by Improving Traffic Intelligence — Not Infrastructure

iGaming · High-risk · Smart Routing · SmartCheck • April 2026
3× Transaction volume In 12 months, without new infrastructure
↑ Approval rate Fewer declines from mis-routed traffic
0 New MIDs added Existing channels, better classified
At a glance
Client
A European high-risk PSP working with iGaming merchants and processing a high volume of recurring traffic
Challenge
No reliable way to separate primary from secondary traffic — routing on limited data, sensitive MIDs at risk, approval rates unpredictable
Solution
SmartCheck + Smart Routing
Result
3× transaction volume growth over one year
Segment
iGaming PSP
Region
Europe
Timeline
1 year
Solution used
SmartCheck Smart Routing
Case study 01 · names protected by NDA
Case study 01

Challenge

The client needed a reliable way to distinguish between primary and secondary traffic. Without this clarity, routing decisions were based on limited local data, increasing the risk of sending sensitive traffic to the wrong channels and putting MIDs under pressure.

The challenge was not a lack of acquiring options — it was a lack of confidence in traffic quality.

Case study 01

Solution

The eComCharge team integrated SmartCheck into the client's routing setup and configured Smart Routing rules based on aggregated historical card data.

This allowed the PSP to
Evaluate transactions using real behavioral signals (successful payments, payouts, refund patterns)
Define clear, data-driven rules for traffic classification
Route transactions accordingly while protecting sensitive MIDs
Case study 01

What changed

Instead of relying only on isolated, local data, the PSP began making routing decisions based on a broader, aggregated view of card behavior. Traffic classification became more precise, and routing logic — more controlled and predictable.

Routing logic

Example of routing logic using SmartCheck data

To make routing decisions more precise, the PSP defined rules based on historical card behavior:

Routing logic powered by SmartCheck data

Each transaction is evaluated against aggregated historical card behaviour, then routed accordingly

Step 1 Incoming transaction Card + transaction data enters the system
Step 2 SmartCheck Card history looked up — payments, payouts, refunds across the network
Step 3 Smart Routing rule Traffic classified as primary or secondary based on card signals

Transaction routed to

Trusted card Secondary channel 5+ payments, no refunds in 6 months → stable, cost-efficient acquiring
New card Primary channel First-time or limited history → controlled processing path
Risky card Safer processing path Pattern of failures or refunds → additional restrictions applied
If a card had 5+ successful payments and no refunds in the last 6 months
Then classified as secondary traffic → routed to stable, cost-efficient acquiring channels
If a card appeared for the first time or had limited history
Then treated as primary traffic → routed through more controlled channels
If a card showed a pattern of failed transactions or refunds
Then additional restrictions applied → redirected to a safer processing path

These rules are flexible and can be adapted to each PSP's risk model and acquiring setup.

Case study 01

Result

Over the course of one year, the client
Scaled transaction volume by 3×
Improved approval performance
Reduced pressure on sensitive MIDs through more precise traffic segmentation
When to use

When to use SmartCheck together with Smart Routing

SmartCheck and Smart Routing are most effective when used together. SmartCheck provides aggregated historical data on card behavior — including successful payments, payouts, and refund patterns across multiple PSPs. On its own, this data is useful. Its real value appears when it is used inside Smart Routing rules.

This combination allows PSPs to
Distinguish between primary and secondary traffic with greater confidence
Route transactions based on real behavioral signals, not assumptions
Protect sensitive MIDs by directing higher-risk traffic more carefully
Improve approval rates without increasing exposure to risk
This approach is especially relevant for
High-risk PSPs working with iGaming or forex merchants
Businesses with a large share of recurring traffic
Cases where routing decisions directly impact MID stability

Results after 1 year

European iGaming PSP · SmartCheck + Smart Routing

3×
Transaction volume

Scaled without increasing operational risk or adding infrastructure

↑ Approval
Approval performance

Better traffic classification reduced declines from mis-routing

✓ MIDs
MID stability

Sensitive channels protected via precise traffic segmentation

Growth came from better traffic intelligence — not from adding more infrastructure or acquiring channels.

Want to discuss a similar setup for your platform?

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