Gambling in the USA

iovation Research Finds People in U.S. are Taking More Evasive Measures Than Others Worldwide to Gamble Online

Published

6 years ago

May 16, 2019

According to iovation, gambling transactions from the U.S. are using evasion techniques 119 percent more than those internationally

iovation, a TransUnion company, released findings that show how people in the U.S. are bypassing system controls on gambling websites and apps.

The iovation analysis found that 4.13 percent of online gambling transactions originating from the United States, predominantly to European gambling operators, used evasion techniques such as trying to hide their location. This is 119 percent higher than iovation’s finding that 1.89 percent of online gambling transactions from outside the U.S. used evasion techniques. In many countries and states, online casinos are restricted from accepting payments from U.S. citizens and therefore are unable to offer them gambling services.

“There is indeed a pent-up demand in the U.S., where gamblers will go to rather extreme measures to try to get around restrictions to become a customer of a foreign gambling site,” said iovation Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Co-Founder, Jon Karl.

Some of the most glaring types of evasion techniques iovation has detected with online gambling transactions include:

The use of the Tor Browser: Tor is a privacy protocol that is intended to help people browse the Internet anonymously.
Hiding behind a proxy: Accessing the Internet through a proxy, a service that masks users’ actual browser data, makes it more difficult to locate a user by means of an IP address.
Geolocation mismatch: A person isn’t in the same time zone as their device displays.

“Device intelligence has proven effective at detecting customers trying to play on gambling sites from which they are restricted,” Karl continued. “This will be essential for gambling operators launching in the U.S. that will need to comply with interstate regulations and limit play by geographic boundaries.”

With the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Assn. et al giving power to individual states to regulate sports betting, many states have introduced, or plan to introduce, legislation to legalize online sports gambling. Today there are a handful of states where online betting is authorized, with the highest profile being Nevada and New Jersey. With online gambling laws varying from state to state, gambling operators must be able to tell whether or not someone is placing a bet from inside a state where online betting has been legalized.

Methodology
iovation came to its conclusions by analyzing the more than half a billion online transactions it evaluated for its global gambling customers from March 2018 to March 2019. Those operators use iovation’s intelligence based on its experience with nearly 6 billion devices, insight into unique device behavioral patterns and cryptographically secure multifactor authentication methods to fight fraud, maintain security and ensure compliance.

iovation will discuss its findings at the ICE North America gambling conference that is underway in Boston at booth D50 or in two separate sessions today at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. For other iovation intelligence about online gambling trends, read iovation’s 2019 Gambling Industry Report.

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About iovation:
iovation, a TransUnion company, was founded with a simple guiding mission: to make the Internet a safer place for people to conduct business. Since 2004, the company has been delivering against that goal, helping brands protect and engage their customers, and keeping them secure in the complex digital world. Armed with the world’s largest and most precise database of reputation insights and cryptographically secure multifactor authentication methods, iovation safeguards tens of millions of digital transactions each day.

Source: iovation

Gambling in the USA

California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.

Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage

The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.

Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved

The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.

Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions

Among key licensing matters:

500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.

Key Employee Licensing Actions

The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:

Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.

Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny

The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.

Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.

Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals

Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:

HCAL, LLC
JCM Global
Konami Gaming, Inc.
PDS Gaming, LLC

Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.

Notable Withdrawals and Denials

In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.

A Broader Look Ahead

With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.

Gambling in the USA

NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO

Published

3 weeks ago

April 8, 2025

Peter Tolan

The renowned Mexican operator Logrand has installed Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets and a selection of its latest games at the New York Casino in Monterrey.

Building on its global success, the CONCEPT cabinet line stands out for its Magic Lighting, immersing players in a synchronized light display, resulting in a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the cabinet’s large Screen Deck blends comfort with intuitive functionality, optimizing the experience for players and operational teams.

The installation of the CONCEPT cabinets is complemented by the addition of the medieval-themed multi-game Legendary Sword, in which players can double their prizes through unique mechanics with the help of a magic sword.

On the other hand, Fairyland Quest takes players to an enchanted forest where Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while a friendly Fairy will give a special bonus that doubles the playing area.

Juan David Baracaldo, Director of Operations and Product, highlighted: “The addition of Zitro’s CONCEPT cabinets is a great step to continue offering unique and high-quality experiences to our players. The unique combination of technology, spectacular graphics, and the experience these cabinets offer will further elevate our casino’s entertainment offering.”

For his part, Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, expressed: “We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Logrand, a strategic partner that shares our vision of providing exceptional gaming experiences. The new CONCEPT cabinets and games like Legendary Sword and Fairyland Quest are just the beginning of what will transform how players enjoy entertainment.”

Gambling in the USA

Sky River Casino Guest Wins Half-million Dollars Playing Progressive Blackjack

Published

3 weeks ago

April 8, 2025

Niji Narayan

Sky River Casino has announced that an Elk Grove resident has won a whopping $511,311 while playing progressive blackjack on March 31, 2025. The Sky River Rewards member hit the big win after playing the table game for less than an hour.

“Our progressive table games and slot machines continue to be really hot here at Sky River Casino. Our players have had an impressive number of life-changing jackpots and our winning streak continues. We look forward to the next big win and welcome adults near and far to visit to explore and enjoy our high-energy atmosphere, lively promotions, exciting gaming, and unparalleled dining experiences,” said Michael J. Facenda, President of Sky River Casino.

The lucky local guest plans to use her winnings to renovate a kitchen and build a house back home.

“Without question, the best part of my job is watching our valued members and guests experience jaw dropping wins like this one. We all share in the incredible excitement that is absolutely contagious and can be felt throughout the casino,” said Charleen Ripley, VP of Casino Operations for Sky River Casino.