What matters here
- Typical format
- In-app / soft currency
- Key risk
- Gambling overlap, item disputes
- Risk tone
- High
- We check first
- License boundary, delivery logs
What is usually possible
Selling in-game currency and items, premium subscriptions, paid access to a game and additional content. The terms must be clear to the player before payment.
What is prohibited or restricted
Gambling, betting, games with cash prizes and models where a player can withdraw real money are usually prohibited or need separate permission and a licence. The rules change, so check them against Stripe’s current policy.
Age and family disputes
Purchases by minors lead to disputes. You need payment confirmations, spending limits, parental controls and a clear refund process.
Typical risks
A high dispute rate from accidental or children’s purchases, card fraud and unclear refund terms. If the dispute rate grows, the account may be restricted.
We assess the model in advance and say honestly whether it fits Stripe.
Gaming / in-game screening
We review soft currency, skins, battle pass and in-game P2P markets. Age/region rules matter; real-money gambling mechanics need a license.
Disputes: “item not received”, chargebacks after toxic PvP, vague ToS. Delivery logs, peak support and strict antifraud are required.
Stripe can work for a clean game product without gambling. Mixing betting/loot schemes is a different risk profile — often another acquirer or a license.
Niches: how screening usually looks
Not a yes/no ranking — a typical pre-application picture. Outcome still depends on the site, refunds and dispute rate.
| Niche | Typical risk | What we check first | Common format |
|---|---|---|---|
| SaaS / subscriptions | Medium | Trial, cancel flow, dunning | Processing or own merchant |
| Online courses | Medium | Access delivery, refunds, terms | Merchant / rental for a pilot |
| Marketplace | High | Who sells, Connect vs standard account | Connect or company + bank |
| Digital goods | Medium+ | Instant delivery, license, refunds | Merchant after screening |
| Gaming | High | In-game purchases, geo, age limits | Only after model review |
| Forex / high-risk | Very high | License, offer, money flow | Often a refusal; honest review |
Stripe rules change. We do not promise approval — we match the model first, then the format.
Frequently asked questions about Stripe: Stripe for gaming: in-game purchases, subscriptions and limits
Can I take payments in a game with prizes?
Games with cash prizes and gambling models are usually prohibited or need a licence. Each case is assessed individually and we do not promise approval.
How do I reduce disputes on in-game purchases?
You need purchase confirmations, limits, parental controls and a quick refund for mistakes.
What if Stripe does not fit?
Specialised providers exist for game projects, but their terms are stricter. We explain the options.
Can we charge for in-game items?
Yes if it is not unlicensed gambling/betting and delivery is logged. Mixing real-money wagering is a different profile — Stripe is often unavailable.