Online gaming is competitive, and providing customers with the best possible experience is essential to delivering a compliant, premium gaming experience. Payments are no exception to this rule.
Sonic, the holding company for notable Belgian brands Versailles Casino and PlayOne, is at the forefront of A2A Payments (Pay by Bank) for deposits and withdrawals through its adoption of Brite Instant Payments.
We spoke to CEO, Ludovic Lefevre, about its adoption of instant payments, its reception with customers and the impact such a payment method has made on the wider business of the group.
Why did Sonic choose Brite as its payments partner? Was there a specific catalyst?
Ludovic Lefevre, CEO of Sonic, Versailles Casino and PlayOne: Honestly, I often say I didn’t choose Brite; Brite chose me! In 2021, we were looking for a new payments provider that could offer instant payments. Our competitors in Belgium were starting to adopt this feature, and we knew we needed to offer it on our websites as well.
Right as we were researching, I received an email from Hector at Brite. He happened to be in Brussels the following week, so we met, and he presented the deposit and instant payment services. It was the right person at the right place at the right time. It was an “action-reaction” deal; the solution fell from nowhere just when we needed it.
The industry has changed rapidly since then. How has the adoption of A2A payments looked on your end?
Ludovic: Before Brite, all our payments were processed manually. It took an enormous amount of time – players had to wait for the withdrawal to be accepted, processed, and then finally settled in their bank account. It was a long wait.
When Brite went live, utilisation went from 0 to 100 instantly. The number of withdrawals actually increased because of the “facility of use.” Players realised they could deposit, play, and take their money back with total confidence. It was a game-changer for our growth.
When customers first tried Brite, what enticed them to trust it?
Ludovic: They receive their money faster. On our site, we offer a one-hour window for players to cancel a withdrawal if they change their mind, but for standard amounts (up to €500), the process is fully automatic.
Once that hour passes, the money is triggered and settled. Even with bank delays (like weekends or holidays), once a player sees that “the money arrives when they say it will,” trust is built. It’s no longer about the operator; it’s about the reliability of the Pay by Bank payment method.
What problems did Brite help your business to resolve?
Ludovic: Brite allowed us to offer direct banking with all major Belgian banks through a single integration. It also helps us save a significant amount of time in payment processing, reducing operational complexity and minimising manual errors.
Since implementing Brite, what key performance indicators (KPIs) have seen the most significant movement?
Ludovic: Without hesitation, the most significant improvement has been in the reduction of manual support volume. In addition, the average number of withdrawals has increased significantly. We immediately saw that our users had been waiting for this feature. More withdrawals are often linked with higher trust and engagement.
How has switching to Brite helped you achieve your goals?
Ludovic: In a huge market like Belgian gambling, you need to offer a premium service to differentiate yourself. Brite brings real added value; it isn’t just a legal obligation like compliance – it’s a choice that improves the customer perception.
We are seeing great growth. Within the group, we launched a second site in 2023 and our third brand, PlayOne, in late 2025. Because the first integration was so successful, the technical team was able to set up Brite on the new sites almost instantly. This allowed us to offer instant payments from day one of a new launch, which is vital for building trust with new customers.
What is the next step for gaming payments?
Ludovic: For younger players, everyone mentions cryptocurrency, but for a regulated Belgian operator, the volatility and compliance risks make it difficult right now.
Instead, the immediate next step is frictionless retention. We are already using features like “Brite Pass” (Faster Payments) to speed up the process. I believe the future lies in securely storing player data so they can manage their money as easily as with a “single sign-on.” In a player’s mind, the moment they win, it is their money. They want to be able to manage it instantly.
How have you found the support from the Brite team?
Ludovic: The support is fantastic. Most issues aren’t even with Brite; they are often with the processing banks during holidays. But the Brite team is efficient and seamless – the support mirrors the payment flow: it’s quick and reliable.
Can you summarise why you chose Brite in three words?
The three words I would choose are: efficient, simple, and reliable.
Want to know more about how Brite works with gaming brands?
If you would like to learn more about how Versailles works with Brite, then read the case study now. Or you would like to learn more about how Brite works with gaming brands, visit our Gaming Industry page now.
