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Risking more than bets: data privacy concerns in leading betting apps for Super Bowl LVIII

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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.

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GR8 Tech Brings “Best Workplace 2024” and Fresh LatAm Insights from BIS SiGMA Americas

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GR8 Tech Brings “Best Workplace 2024” and Fresh LatAm Insights from BIS SiGMA Americas

 

GR8 Tech’s participation at the recent BIS SiGMA Americas event held in SĂŁo Paulo was quite successful, highlighted by winning the ‘BEST WORKPLACE 2024’ award at the SiGMA Americas Awards and holding over 150 meetings with operators and other stakeholders. These interactions have laid a solid foundation for GR8 Tech’s strategic expansion in the region and provided the team with significant insights into the evolving Latin American iGaming market.

A Closer Look at the Brazilian Market and Wider LatAm

Brazil is not synonymous with Latin America. Each country on the continent has its own unique characteristics,Evgen Belousov, GR8 Tech CEO.

The most important thing to understand in the LatAm region is that it’s very diverse. There are significant cultural and operational differences that necessitate a localized approach. For example, “Brazil’s rhythm is distinct; life starts in the afternoon, and business interactions reflect this laid-back pace. To thrive here, understanding and integrating into the local lifestyle is essential.

Belousov further discussed the Brazilian market’s competitive nature, highlighting retention strategies’ crucial role. “The churn rate is high as players frequently shift between operators lured by aggressive marketing. Hence, having robust retention mechanisms, such as real-time tools and enticing bonus mechanics, is crucial to maintaining a loyal customer base,” he added.

Yevhen Krazhan, CBDO, addressed trending compliance and market preferences. “Regulation is a hot topic, with a keen focus on product compliance. Moreover, while classic sportsbooks saturate the market, emerging interests lie in areas like fantasy sports and social gaming, which present new opportunities for differentiation and growth.”

Thomas Carvalhaes, Senior Business Development Manager for the Latin America region, provided his expertise during the panel discussion “Understanding the demands and evolution of the B2B market”, highlighting the demand for localization and intuitive technology. “In Latin America, where many markets are still learning the ropes of iGaming, the simplicity of the technology is key. Products need to be user-friendly to ensure they meet the expectations of a clientele that values straightforward and engaging gaming experiences,” Carvalhaes explained.

Future Directions and Engagements

Building on the insights and achievements from BIS SiGMA Americas, GR8 Tech is actively expanding its presence in Brazil and LatAm, establishing its reputation as a key player in the region. The company is also exploring opportunities in other global markets, with Asia as the next target at SiGMA Asia, scheduled for June 3-6 in Manila, Philippines. This upcoming event presents another fantastic opportunity for GR8 Tech to demonstrate the capabilities of its flagship GR8 Sportsbook platform and forge new partnerships in another exciting and diverse region. We invite all our partners and clients to stay tuned, following our updates at https://gr8.tech/.

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Kambi Group plc Signs Landmark Sportsbook Partnership with Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

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One of the largest Indian nations in the United States to utilize Kambi’s market-leading turnkey sportsbook on property and online in exclusive nationwide partnership

Kambi Group plc (Kambi), the world’s trusted sports betting partner, has signed a landmark multi-state sportsbook agreement with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (Choctaw Nation), one of the largest Indian nations in the United States, to provide its sports betting technology and services to Choctaw Nation’s gaming entities.

Choctaw Nation, operator of Choctaw Casinos and Resorts, owns a selection of gaming and hospitality destinations throughout southeastern Oklahoma and is the official and exclusive casino and resort partner of the Texas Rangers, Major League Baseball’s World Series Champion. Choctaw Nation’s flagship resort is located near the Texas border and in close proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with a population of more than eight million people.

The long-term deal will see Choctaw Nation combine its digital and ecommerce expertise with Kambi’s market-leading turnkey sportsbook with the ambition to become an online and retail sports betting powerhouse. Pending regulatory approvals, the agreement includes the scope to expand into multiple states.

The relationship with Choctaw Nation strengthens Kambi’s position as the sportsbook partner of choice for Indian nations across the United States, with Choctaw Nation selecting Kambi for its proven online and retail technology as well as its collaborative approach to delivering tailored sports betting solutions.

“This is a landmark partnership for Kambi with exciting long-term potential,” the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer for Kambi, Kristian Nylen, said. “Not only does Choctaw Nation have fantastic, well positioned gaming and entertainment facilities in Oklahoma, but its proven track record in developing successful digital businesses gives me every confidence that together we will create thrilling sports betting experiences for its players.

“Due to these exciting credentials, Choctaw Nation was an obvious partner, so I am therefore delighted it saw the benefits of Kambi’s proven technology and recognized our shared values. Trust remains paramount through each tribal partnership and we look forward to delivering a best-in-class sportsbook that generates long-term sustainable revenues for the Choctaw Nation.”

“We are thrilled to have entered into a long-term agreement with Kambi,” the Commerce Senior Executive Officer for Choctaw Nation, Heidi Grant, said. “Adding Kambi’s best-in-class technology and custom player offerings to Choctaw Nation’s brand and market positioning, Choctaw Nation is poised to remain well positioned as the premier, full-service, vertically integrated gaming operator throughout our region.”

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Play’n GO announces expansion of PokerStars partnership with Pennsylvania launch

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Play’n GO announces expansion of PokerStars partnership with Pennsylvania launch

 

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced its partnership with world-famous gaming brand PokerStars has expanded into a third US state, as the studio’s games are now live with the operator in Pennsylvania.

Play’n GO and PokerStars have already established a successful partnership in the US, following agreements in the states of Michigan and New Jersey, as well as teaming up for a Michigan-exclusive game built around the state’s National Hockey League team, the Detroit Red Wings. This latest announcement sees PokerStars players in the Keystone State gain access to classic Play’n GO titles such as Book of Dead and Reactoonz.

Play’n GO is now licensed in six US states and is aiming to be active in every regulated market, in the US and around the world.

Magnus Natt och Dag, Commercial Director North America at Play’n GO, said: “Following our recent licensing approval in Pennsylvania, we eagerly anticipate the launch of our games with PokerStars, our third operator to go live in Pennsylvania. PokerStars share our vision for a safe, regulated iGaming industry, and we’re confident of further success together in the coming months and years.”

Brent Rovner, North American Casino Director at PokerStars said: “We are thrilled to launch Play’n GO in Pennsylvania, making their games available in all our active US states. We’re confident that our customers will enjoy these games for years to come.”

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