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The Big Game: perfect target for cybercriminals?

Published

2 years ago

February 1, 2023

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

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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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Casino Kings Knocks Out Partnership with Boxing Powerhouse BoxNation

Published

2 days ago

May 9, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

Two titans of entertainment are joining forces! UK-licensed casino and sportsbook, Casino Kings, and the legendary boxing platform, BoxNation, have announced a dynamic new partnership, set to deliver a knockout blow of exclusive content, promotions and responsible betting experiences for fans. Becoming their official boxing betting partner, Casino Kings is stepping into the ring with one of the most respected names in the fight game, promising fans a ringside seat to even better betting.

This isn’t just a bell ringing for another sponsorship deal; it’s a knockout partnership designed to bring you closer to the action than ever before. Casino Kings branding will be engrained into the boxing industry, prominent across BoxNation’s popular YouTube channel through branding and content, where the biggest names and personalities in boxing step into the spotlight for exclusive interviews.

For you savvy fight fans, Casino Kings will be rolling out a series of exclusive offers, adding even more thrill to 2025’s already-explosive boxing schedule. And here’s a great way to kick things off: Casino Kings is welcoming new members with a £35 Free Bet! Just deposit a minimum of £10 and place bets of £10 or more to grab yours. Don’t miss out!

Given BoxNation’s powerful presence in the boxing arena and Casino Kings’ reputation as a premier UK online casino and sports betting platform, this partnership is bound to be a knockout you won’t want to miss.

“We’re buzzing to partner with BoxNation—this really puts Casino Kings in the heart of the action.” Says Jack Dunn, COO of Casino Kings. “The team have been absolutely brilliant, and we’re excited to get stuck into some top-tier behind-the-scenes boxing content for the fans!”

“BoxNation is delighted to announce our partnership with Casino Kings. Casino Kings has a great reputation for delivering sports and entertainment options for users. We look forward to working together with Casino Kings to create a safe and enjoyable experience for fans.” adds Umar Ahmed, BoxNation Channel Lead.

Want to be the first to know? Follow Casino Kings and BoxNation on social media now for instant updates, special offers, and all the ringside action!

About BoxNation:

BoxNation is a dedicated boxing news and media outlet, providing fans exclusive interviews and behind the content featuring the boxing’s biggest names and personalities. With over 95k YouTube subscribers and 50 million plus views, BoxNation is delivering the best boxing content from all around the world. To find out more about BoxNation, visit: www.youtube.com/@BoxNationOfficial

About Casino Kings:

Casino Kings isn’t just another UK-licensed online casino and sportsbook – it’s a platform that puts player well-being first. Deeply committed to responsible gambling, they offer a secure environment equipped with robust tools to empower users to manage their play effectively. Beyond this dedication, Casino Kings delivers consistently fair and competitive odds across a thrilling selection of sports. Plus, the king casino team consistently provides their players with the best welcome bonuses, weekly promotions, daily offers, and much more!

Let’s keep the fun in the game. Please remember to gamble responsibly. 18+ only. For more information, visit: www.gambleaware.org.

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Grand View Research: Global Sports Betting Market Size is Estimated to Reach USD 187.39 Billion by 2030

Published

2 days ago

May 9, 2025

Niji Narayan

The global online gambling market size is estimated to reach USD 153.57 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 11.9% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research.

Sports Betting Market Report Highlights:

• The offline segment accounts for a significant revenue share in the sports betting industry in 2024, particularly in regions with a mature gambling infrastructure such as Europe and Australia.

• Based on the sports type football segment dominated the sports betting market, holding the largest share due to its vast international fan base and the continuous presence of domestic and international tournaments.

• Live/In-Play Betting emerged as the leading segment in the sports betting market in 2024, thanks to its real-time and interactive nature.

• Europe sports betting market accounts for the largest revenue share of around 48% in 2024. The sports betting market in Europe is continually evolving, bolstered by established regulations in several countries and increasing digital engagement.

The growth of the global sports betting market is driven by the proliferation of internet infrastructure and evolving regulatory landscape of the entire gambling industry across the world. In addition, the increase in the number of sports events and leagues worldwide such as the NFL, FIFA World Cup, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Europa League has positively influenced the growth of the market. Furthermore, an increase in disposable income and the rising usage of AI and blockchain technologies to improve the prediction algorithms in betting software are likely to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Esports, which is an organized, multiplayer video game competition, played by professional players, individuals, or teams, has gained massive popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and witnessed a surge in the number of events worldwide. Market players are utilizing the increased number of esports events to offer an opportunity for their customers to bet on such esports competitions and earn extra income. The surge in online sports events backed up by a rise in the number of esports tournaments offers stable growth opportunities for the betting industry. For instance, according to the report by the UK Gambling Commission, there was a huge 2922% year-on-year rise in esports betting revenue from March 2019 to March 2020.

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CANJ Launches “Casinos United Against Hunger” Campaign

Published

2 days ago

May 9, 2025

Niji Narayan

In an effort to address food insecurity in New Jersey, the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) has launched the Casinos United Against Hunger campaign in partnership with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ). Atlantic City casinos collectively are donating more than $170,000 to support CFBNJ’s mission.

“Ending hunger will take all of us stepping up to do more for our neighbors. Atlantic City casinos are coming together to form Casinos United Against Hunger, a new campaign dedicated to strengthening our efforts to combat food insecurity in New Jersey. By supporting important organizations like the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, we will help address hunger by providing meals to families throughout the state,” said Mark Giannantonio, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey.

The donation was presented at CFBNJ’s Night of 300,000 Meals on May 1, 2025, a culinary event that brings together local chefs, restaurants and community members to help provide 300,000 meals for neighbors in need. Chefs from Atlantic City casinos participated in the annual event.

“Atlantic County has some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the state. We’re grateful to the Casino Association of New Jersey for helping to honor the FoodBank’s 50th anniversary with their generous support and for uniting the Atlantic City casino community to help address hunger. Through this partnership, we can provide more meals to local families in need and make a lasting impact in the area,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, president & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

In addition to the CFBNJ’s 50th anniversary, the partnership between the CANJ and CFBNJ comes at an especially crucial time given the level of food insecurity in New Jersey. Nearly 1 million people in the state, including more than 260,000 children, are at risk of hunger. Atlantic County, home to Atlantic City’s casinos, has some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the state, with 12.2% of residents and 17.4% of children affected.

The casinos involved in the Casinos United Against Hunger initiative – Bally’s Atlantic City Casino Resort, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Caesars Entertainment’s Atlantic City Resorts, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort and Resorts Casino Hotel – are joining a long-standing tradition of support for CFBNJ. Many properties in Atlantic City are longtime supporters of CFBNJ, and this collective effort demonstrates their commitment to addressing this critical issue. Through this partnership, CFBNJ will be able to distribute more meals to families in need, especially in areas that are most impacted. The $170,000 donation is a total of all financial, grant and in-kind contributions from each Atlantic City casino to the CFBNJ this year.