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The Big Game: perfect target for cybercriminals?
In 2022, the BlackByte ransomware group published a 292MB file containing sensitive information from the San Francisco 49ers. Like teams, venues and vendors, bookmakers are also in danger as they handle a large volume of personal data in the run-up to major events, during the events themselves and in the aftermath.
With the Big Game coming up soon in Arizona, Sumsub, an all-in-one verification platform that secures the entire customer journey with customizable KYC, KYB, transaction monitoring and AML solutions, has outlined what to expect and how to avoid threats associated with major events.
Expected traffic increases
Last year’s Big Game registered more than 101 million viewers according to the Nielsen consultancy. American fans avidly continue to bet on major sporting events as more and more states legalize gambling following the removal of a federal ban. By the end of 2022, the online betting industry registered a growth of two billion dollars, driven by sports pools.
Based on its experience with traffic spikes at major sporting events, Sumsub expects to see a traffic increase of more than 83% at sportsbooks around the last game of the football season.
“Though major sporting events attract much-desired traffic to betting platforms, cybercriminals and scammers increase in number as well, so bookmakers need to take extra care. Manual verification is not optimal because, with the increased user traffic, onboarding time grows accordingly, so the best choice would be to find a trusted all-in-one verification provider offering an advanced automated solution for KYC, AML and anti-fraud,” said Andrew Sever, co-founder and CEO of Sumsub.
As user traffic increases and verification takes longer, it can be tempting for betting platforms to cut some expenses. This is especially true for bookmakers used to performing manual verification, which can take more than 24 hours under normal circumstances and much longer during big events. Bookmakers know that if verification takes too long, users will go to the competition. As a result, they may be willing to sacrifice verification accuracy for speed.
However, this type of compromise inevitably leads to regulatory sanctions. For example, Entain, the owner of Ladbrokes, was fined £17 million ($20.6 million)—the largest ever fine in the UK—for failing to enforce player security and anti-money laundering measures.
Surge in fraud
Fraud is increasing in the gaming sector. In Q1 2022, fraud increased 50.1% compared to Q1 2021. There was also an 85% increase in fake account registrations compared to Q4 2021. The upcoming Big Game is expected to attract even more fraudsters.
The list of fraud schemes that bookmakers experience is extensive:
- arbitrage betting
- multiple accounts
- identity theft
- account takeover
- money laundering
- affiliate fraud
Cybersecurity threats
“Big sporting events and hacking go hand in hand and the bigger the event, the more threats there are. Attackers can be individual hacker groups looking to make a quick buck or politically oriented groups wanting to steal sensitive information,” added Andrew Sever.
Cyberattacks range from hacking into match broadcasts and security cameras to stealing the personal data of athletes, organizers and spectators. More attention needs to be paid to collecting and storing user data securely, as well as increasing the overall resistance of betting platforms to hackers.
Best ways to avoid threats while enjoying high traffic?
During major sporting events, the challenge for bookmakers is to onboard users without reducing approval rates, all while remaining AML (anti-money laundering) compliant and maintaining security.
The solution is to create an automated verification flow that allows users to easily onboard and go through extra checks only where and when it really matters. Below is a list of checks bookmakers can employ at each stage of the customer journey. There are also some suggestions on how to make this flow even more agile:
Request a minimum number of checks at the time of registration. When a user registers for the first time, platforms may limit verification procedures to collecting names and checking phone numbers or email, and verifying the user’s Social Security Number (SSN). This way, the user becomes familiar with the service and is more motivated to go through the full verification procedure when he really wants to place a bet.
Deploy simplified checks when appropriate. For low-risk users, bookmakers can introduce a simplified check using a single document, as long as it contains identity and address information. This allows users to avoid uploading additional documents to verify their address, thus increasing approval rates.
Add additional checks when users make their first deposit. This could include bank card verification and facial biometric check to ensure that the true cardholder is making a deposit.
Introduce facial recognition to prevent fraud. Doing this at the onboarding stage combats multi-accounting. Adding biometric verification when users log in or recover their account ensures that fraudsters can’t hack it. And it’s often even more important to use it at the stage of withdrawal of funds, which is where more fraud tends to occur.
“Adding these checks to the flow reduces verification time and still ensures security. For example, Kaizen Gaming moved from manual verification to Sumsub’s automated solution, reduced their average onboarding time to 1 minute 39 seconds and increased its overall performance by 350%, all while eliminating fraud,” concluded Sever.
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BMM INNOVATION GROUP TO SHOWCASE ITS WORLD-LEADING TESTING SERVICES FOR BRAZIL’S FAST-GROWING GAMING MARKET AT BIS SIGMA AMERICAS SUMMIT APRIL 7–10
Company to share expert insights and highlight its fast-track product certification and lottery support at São Paulo, Brazil show
BMM Innovation Group (“BMM,” “BIG Group,” or “BIG”), a technology conglomerate focused on product compliance testing, cybersecurity solutions, and virtual training for the global gaming industry, will exhibit at BiS SiGMA Americas April 7-10 at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo, Brazil in Stand No. F133.
As Brazil’s gaming landscape undergoes a significant transformation under new federal regulations, BMM is heavily partnered with operators, suppliers, and regulators through this transition. With its three expert divisions – BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training – the BIG Group brings unmatched expertise in product testing, cybersecurity, and responsible gaming education, all vital for success in the dynamic Brazilian market.
At the show, BMM will highlight its fast-track product testing and certification process, developed specifically to address Brazil’s recertification requirements for B2B and B2C operators. This streamlined service ensures that gaming companies meet all regulatory standards while maintaining their operating licenses with minimal disruption.
BMM Testlabs’ Marzia Turrini, President of iGaming & Cybersecurity, said, “BMM is committed to guiding customers through the certification process with speed, precision, and expert support. Our goal is to reduce regulatory risks and accelerate time to market in Brazil’s evolving regulatory environment.”
At BiS SiGMA, BMM will highlight its support for Brazil’s expanding state lottery market, working closely with operators to support multi-jurisdictional entry and growth. BMM’s lottery and iLottery testing services help ensure full compliance while enabling faster, broader market access.
Visitors to BMM Innovation Group’s stand at BiS SiGMA Americas will gain insights into the Company’s full suite of services for cybersecurity and defense, as well as responsible gaming, including:
- Vulnerability assessments, penetration tests, PCI:DSS evaluations, and a suite of managed security services featuring CYREBRO’s Security Operations Center, KnowBe4’s security awareness training, and Maxxsure’s risk management platform.
- RG24seven Virtual Training, offering expert-led education on responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, and many other important topics, available in Portuguese, Spanish, and English for gaming professionals worldwide.
Turrini added, “BMM is more than just a test lab. We are a long-term strategic partner, helping shape a secure, responsible, and compliant gaming industry in Brazil and globally.”
BMM invites all BiS SiGMA attendees to stop by Stand No. F133 and discover how the Company drives innovation, reliability, and trust across Brazil’s regulated gaming industry. For more information on BMM’s Brazil support, visit the BMM Brazil Hub at brazil.bmm.com/.
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No fooling! The All-Inclusive Hotel Room Package is back for summer stays at the Plaza Hotel & Casino
Tomorrow might be April Fool’s Day but this is no joke, the Plaza Hotel & Casino is bringing back Las Vegas’ only all-inclusive hotel room package starting at $125 per person per night.
The Plaza introduced its all-inclusive hotel room package last summer. It was so well received by guests that the iconic downtown Las Vegas property is bringing it back and extending it for all of June, July and August.
“At a time when tourists are concerned about increasing costs in Las Vegas, including resort fees and paying to park, we wanted to give our guests a more affordable summer vacation option by again offering our all-inclusive hotel room package,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
The Plaza’ all-inclusive hotel room package waives all resort fees, but guests will still have free access to the fitness center, self-parking, and rooftop pool. It also includes bottomless drinks from the Omaha Bar and Sports Book Bar on the casino floor as well as breakfast and dinner from various dining outlets, and more.
The Plaza’s all-inclusive hotel room package is available for booking beginning today. Rooms must be booked online by Aug. 29 for a stay June 1 through Aug. 30.
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Jogo da Zebra: The Most Thrilling Version of the Classic Minesweeper Arrives from Vibra Gaming
Vibra Gaming, the leading game and platform developer in the LatAm market, unveils its latest and most exciting release: Jogo da Zebra, a high-adrenaline experience where every click can multiply your winnings. Designed especially for the Brazilian audience, this game reimagines the classic Minesweeper with visuals and gameplay that resonate with local culture.
The game unfolds on a 5×5 grid with 25 hidden tiles. Players can choose how much to bet and how many zebras will appear on the board, directly influencing the level of risk and potential rewards.
To win, players click on the tiles to reveal golden squares, increasing their bet multiplier. At any moment, they can cash out and secure their winnings before encountering a zebra.
The game also incorporates innovative mechanics to enhance the excitement. By selecting the number of hidden zebras on the board (from 1 to 20), players can adjust the difficulty and raise the prize multiplier as they progress. Additionally, if a zebra is revealed followed by a heart, the game grants an extra life, allowing the player to continue without ending the round. This unique feature adds a new layer of thrill and strategy, as only one extra life can be earned per game.
Jogo da Zebra also includes a Turbo Button, which speeds up tile reveals for a more dynamic gaming experience. A Cash Out button allows players to stop and collect their winnings before risking another click.
Ramiro Atucha, CEO of Vibra Gaming, commented: “Jogo da Zebra combines the nostalgia of a classic with captivating gameplay and big rewards. It’s the perfect game for thrill-seekers who enjoy risk, where every click can make a difference in winning big. We developed it with the Brazilian audience in mind, incorporating a local theme that connects with their culture and gaming preferences.”
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