Press Releases
Risking more than bets: data privacy concerns in leading betting apps for Super Bowl LVIII
With Super Bowl LVIII fever gripping the US, millions of sports fans are flocking to mobile betting apps for a piece of the action. But beneath the thrill of the game lies a troubling reality: many users are unwittingly gambling with not just their money, but also their personal data. The latest Incogni research uncovers some concerning practices of the most popular betting services. DraftKings emerges as the frontrunner when it comes to extensive data collection, while Caesars stands out as the most generous when sharing users’ data with third parties.
For years, sports betting was heavily restricted due to multiple scandals. However, legislation enacted in the past decade has opened the possibility of making new bets across multiple states. Given the buzz around the 2024 Super Bowl, concerns over data privacy loom larger than ever.
Incogni, a personal data protection company, conducted research that sheds light on the data collection and sharing practices of the 7 most popular betting apps. Researchers analyzed 15 data-point categories to understand the scope of their data collection and sharing practices to better understand the risks involved for users. The findings are concerning: user data is extensively collected and shared, often without clear disclosure or transparency in privacy policies.
DraftKings emerged as the frontrunner when it comes to data collection by gathering 22 data points from users, including precise location, photos, videos, contacts, files, and messages. Close behind it are Caesars, Sky Bet, and William Hill, gathering 17 data points each, including sensitive information such as precise location, in-app search history, health information, purchase histories, and credit scores, which may extend to bank account, debt, and mortgage information. FanDuel follows with 14 data points, including precise and approximate location, as well as information on installed apps.
Caesars stands out for its extensive data-sharing practices. It shares 14 data points with third parties, including precise location and search history. Meanwhile, FanDuel shares “other info,” which, according to Google’s support pages, can include “ any other personal information such as date of birth, gender identity, veteran status, etc.” Some data collection and sharing with third parties is understandable, as they are necessary to provide the service or proceed with payments. Nevertheless, these numbers of data points seem excessive. Unfortunately, the privacy policies of many betting apps can be unclear, raising questions about what data is actually collected and shared.
Among all investigated betting apps, BetMGM claims not to collect or share any data. This is rare among betting apps, and might be attributed to the fact that Google can only partially monitor whether data collection or sharing disclosures are correct.
Given that data breaches and hacking attacks have affected more than half of the investigated apps, including BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars, the risks of giving up any data can be severe. These findings underscore the need for users to be cautious when engaging with betting apps, especially during events like the Super Bowl, where heightened activity may attract malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in these platforms.
“As consumers increasingly rely on mobile applications for entertainment and engagement, it should be a priority for developers and regulatory bodies to protect user privacy and data security. Clear and transparent privacy policies, stricter data protection measures, and proactive steps to reduce the risks of data breaches are essential in building trust and confidence among users” – underlines Darius Belejevas, Head of Incogni.
Having identified the top sports betting platforms in the US and UK, Incogni researchers collected information about their apps from the Google Play Store. In cases where several apps were published by the same company or with similar names, apps used for sports betting were prioritized.
North American Expansion Kicks Off Through Strategic Partnership with Moozi
Golden Matrix Group’s game development division, Expanse Studios, has officially entered the U.S. sweepstakes market, marking a significant milestone in its North American growth strategy. This move is powered by a strategic content partnership with Moozi, one of the most dynamic sweepstakes social casino platforms in the region.
With Moozi now featuring over 50 of Expanse Studios’ top-performing games—including immersive slots, crash games, and table games—this partnership positions GMGI to capture a share of the $5.6 billion U.S. sweepstakes market, projected to more than double to $11 billion by 2025 (Eilers).
Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios, commented:
“This partnership signifies our formal entry into the U.S. market, showcasing the innovation and player-first experiences that define Expanse Studios. Collaborating with Moozi enables us to deliver advanced gaming content to a growing audience in North America, a key region for our global growth.”
James Anderson, Moozi’s CCO, added:
“Expanse Studios has set a high bar for engaging and innovative gaming experiences. Their addition to our platform elevates Moozi’s offerings and strengthens our mission to lead the U.S. sweepstakes social casino space.”
This launch underscores Expanse Studios’ commitment to innovation and its long-term growth trajectory in regulated markets. By entering the North American sweepstakes market, Expanse Studios takes a bold step in expanding its footprint while delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences.
The SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, the largest content hub in the iGaming industry, has secured Brazilian certification, becoming one of the first in the market to achieve this milestone.
Regulatory rules for iGaming come into effect in Brazil on 1 January 2025. According to them, platforms, aggregators, sportsbooks, and providers must undergo certification. Companies aiming to provide their services in Brazil in 2025 and beyond have been preparing for this transition throughout the year.
The SOFTSWISS team announces that its Game Aggregator is the first to fully comply with regulations, completing all necessary preparations and receiving the certificate to ensure smooth and efficient operations for its clients.
SOFTSWISS has also obtained certification for integration with the world’s largest game providers – Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and Playtech. These providers offer a diverse range of games tailored to suit the preferences of Brazilian players, from immersive live dealer experiences to engaging slots and table games, ensuring entertainment for every type of player.
According to recent Kantar research conducted in November 2024, the overall satisfaction index for the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator is 8.1 out of 10. Remarkably, half of the respondents rated the product a 10 or 9. Customer support service satisfaction scored even higher, at 8.4 out of 10.
The Game Aggregator also boasts a key advantage: consistent 99.999% uptime, which is crucial for the iGaming business.
Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, notes: “According to our information, the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator is the first aggregator fully prepared, both technically and legally, to work in Brazil when the new regulations take effect. This is a significant achievement that the team has worked on diligently and systematically. Our work doesn’t stop here – we are actively adding new providers to help our clients expand their presence in this promising Brazilian market, which is no longer ‘the sleeping giant’. It has awakened, and SOFTSWISS is at the forefront of this exciting transformation.”
To support this high level of performance, earlier this year SOFTSWISS appointed Rubens Barrichello, the Brazilian Formula 1 legend, as a Non-Executive Director, demonstrating its strong commitment to the local market. To ensure efficient operations and promptly address ongoing matters, SOFTSWISS also has a dedicated team of local business development managers in Brazil.
SOFTSWISS team will be available to discuss partnership in Brazil and other markets at the first major iGaming event of 2025 – ICE Barcelona, taking place on 20–22 January, at stand 2G42.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has announced an impressive $42,508,200 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2025. This milestone reflects the continued growth and success of the state’s tribal gaming industry, achieved through strong collaboration between the state government and tribal communities.
A Record-Breaking Year for Tribal Gaming
“This achievement is a testament to the strength of the partnership between Arizona and its tribal communities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of ADG. “Consecutive record quarters in FY2025 highlight our shared commitment to fostering a thriving gaming industry. Since FY2004, total tribal contributions have exceeded $2.3 billion, significantly benefiting the state and its residents.”
Supporting Arizona’s Communities
The Arizona Benefits Fund receives 88% of tribal gaming contributions, channeling these funds into key areas that directly impact the state’s residents and natural resources. The Q2 FY2025 contributions will be allocated as follows:
- Instructional Improvement in Schools: $21,186,087
- Trauma and Emergency Services: $10,593,043
- Wildlife Conservation: $3,026,584
- Tourism Promotion: $3,026,584
- Problem Gambling Education, Treatment, and Prevention: $850,164
- ADG Operating Costs: $3,825,738
These contributions reflect the state’s commitment to using tribal gaming revenue for meaningful community support, from enhancing education and emergency services to preserving wildlife and promoting tourism.
A Growing Gaming Landscape
Arizona currently hosts 26 Class III casinos, regulated under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact. These casinos contribute a percentage of their gross gaming revenue to the Arizona Benefits Fund as well as to cities, towns, and counties. This model of tribal-state collaboration has proven instrumental in bolstering local economies and funding critical programs.
About the Arizona Department of Gaming
Founded in 1995, ADG is Arizona’s regulatory authority overseeing tribal gaming, racing, event wagering, and more. Beyond regulation, ADG is deeply committed to problem gambling education, offering support and resources to affected individuals and families through its Division of Problem Gambling and 24-hour helpline, 1-800-NEXT-STEP.
Looking Ahead
As tribal gaming contributions continue to break records, the partnership between Arizona’s government and tribal communities stands as a model for sustainable growth and mutual benefit. These contributions not only fuel essential state programs but also underscore the lasting value of collaboration in driving economic and social progress.
For a detailed breakdown of contributions by year and further information, visit the Arizona Department of Gaming’s official website.
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