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Exclusive Q&A with Alexander Kamenetskyi, Sportsbook Product Owner with SOFTSWISS

Published

3 years ago

August 25, 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes

‘The house always wins’ is one of the oldest adages in sports betting. It must be most trusted quote too, as numerous once-bitten punters would vouch for.

Here is the other side of the story.

Alexander Kamenetskyi, Sportsbook Product Owner with SOFTSWISS, talks about the steps that Sportsbooks take to keep fraudulent activities at bay.

You must read the interview for his lucid and succinct deconstruction of frauds that take place in the betting arena.

Over to the interview now!

Q. We’ve had a fabulous Euro 2020, in which Italy deservedly emerged winners. The betting industry also enjoyed thriving business during the period. But there have been reports that the level of betting frauds increased manifold. As a Sportsbook Product Owner, how do you view the situation?

A. First of all, I would like to congratulate all the fans of the Italian national team on their victory! We were finally able to enjoy the football battles of Euro 2020. In my opinion, it was an amazing championship full of dramatic and exciting moments.

As statistics show, such large events always see a spike in cases of fraud and that’s why we are always ready to track such activity and mitigate the risks for our clients.

Q. Could you share some practical experiences where you faced fraudulent activities and how you dealt with it?

A. Fraudsters always try to find system weaknesses in bookmaker lines and exploit them. This time they knew they had a chance to go unnoticed for a long time, as the attention of all bookmakers’ was drawn to the Euro 2020. Oftentimes bookmakers may also contribute to the appearance of such fraudsters themselves.

Speaking of the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook team – we are perfectly prepared for the arrival of unwanted guests. Over the course of the championship we mainly saw players with counterfeit documents, but our platform had just the tools to track and prevent such manipulations.

Typically, fraudsters bet on unpopular types of sports and weak leagues. Sometimes they are at the matches in person or they bet ahead of the curve when there’s a fast video broadcast. This is quite easy to track, and we resolve such cases pretty quickly.

Quite often in such cases, players ‘artificially’ raise their maximum bets for specific markets (e.g. via betting from several accounts), but we prevent this by analyzing player bets and player activity.

We have our own Risk Management and Anti-Fraud teams, as well as the Betradar Risk Management team and Managed Trading Services. We are also currently in the process of developing automated tracking systems

Q. What kind of frauds do you normally anticipate as a sportsbook operator?

A. The list isn’t vast.

First, come the ‘arbers’, or players who find arbitration situations between bookmakers and exploit them.

Secondly, there are ‘button players’ who place bets seconds after the outcome becomes clear.

There are also ‘valuebetters’, or those who bet on higher odds or odds with an advantage.

Then there are middle betting players, who are mostly playing for the total, and usually with an advantage.

And then there is the very widespread type of fraudster – the bonus hunter. Bonus hunters find weak points in bookmaker promotions and exploit them to their advantage. Some of these can be white hat bonus hunters and we even have someone like that in our team.

Of course, match fixing is the bane of the sports industry and is one of the most serious offenses. Naturally, there are many more types of sports betting fraud, but the ones I mentioned are the most widespread.

Q. How do you plan to tackle the potential frauds?

A. We are working on developing our own Sportsbook Risk Management team. We are also building our internal Risk Management Tools (RMT). Our RMT system is based on long-term experience in the field, market needs, new innovative technologies, and artificial intelligence. The system will be universal in that it will help us work not only with fraudsters, but also with ordinary players.

Q. Could you share some insights into the software-enabled checks and AI-powered analyses that aid fraud detection and prevention in betting?

A. Unfortunately, I cannot reveal all the cards because RMT is an anti-fraud system. I can only say that we are developing tools that rely on artificial intelligence based on data analytics. We are already working on unique tools to combat the main types of fraud, which will react not only to the style of play but also to overall player behaviour.

I can also add that our protection system does not just work for each project separately, but encompasses all brands across our platform.

Q. Coming back to the Euro 2020, what are the new things that happened in connection with fraudulent betting? Is it a case of new-age fraudsters emerging or is it a case of old punters becoming smarter – just like the Italian defenders?

A. The Italian defenders showed us a level of play we can look up to. I can say that the average scammer is rather diverse. The experienced type is always on the lookout for new projects, erroneous proposals, and mainly uses trite and true scam methods. Younger scammers place more emphasis on modern methods such as bots.

Q. Do all the fraud detection and prevention mechanisms affect the pure joy of punting? Will the whole process become cumbersome for the genuine bettors? Would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

A. Our tools work not only with negative players, but also with positive ones. We place a lot of attention on working with those players who have proven themselves to be honest and conscientious. Additionally, we create great bonus offers for our players that encourage their gaming activity and do not use complex wagering systems. We are also very keen on soon introducing gamification to the platform, which is currently in development.

Q. Finally, how do you see fraudulent activities and the prevention mechanisms pan out in the future? What’s your bet on this?

A. The world of betting is huge, but it hasn’t reached its peak yet. Of course, fraud will continue to develop and there are many reasons for this.

First-time bookmakers who are poorly versed in the basics of sports betting will continue to create inaccurate bonus offers, miscalculate the bonus math and create bonus overlap. Errors in the betting lines and a lack of analytical work will continue to generate negative outcomes.

It is our job to create a product that fortifies the operator from negative outcomes, but we aren’t able to entirely wall ourselves off from the market. That is why we will be working on new tools to combat fraud and further improve the quality of our product, first and foremost, so that ordinary players can enjoy the game.

Our main task is to provide a reliable, high-quality product to the players. Sports betting is a great way to have fun. And that’s why we are creating a safe and secure environment around sports betting with SOFTSWISS Sportsbook.

Latest News

GR8 Tech Drives Client Success with New Chief Client Officer

Published

35 minutes ago

February 6, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

GR8 Tech is reinforcing its client-first strategy by promoting Kateryna Pozdnysheva to Chief Client Officer while she continues to lead the CRM Business Unit. Having been an integral part of GR8 Tech since its inception, Kateryna brings deep industry expertise, strong leadership, and a passion for client success to drive strategic growth and operational excellence.

A Holistic Approach to Client Success

Kateryna’s journey to Chief Client Officer started in CRM, where her team focused on developing solutions that enable operators to engage players more effectively. This foundation shaped her philosophy that client success isn’t just about tactics—it’s about creating a seamless ecosystem where product quality, service excellence, and user experience align to drive results.

“In this new role, I am focusing not only on retention strategies but also on driving the overall business growth of our clients. This requires deeper collaboration, a clear understanding of their challenges, and the ability to quickly adapt to market shifts. The key takeaway for me has been the importance of being proactive—anticipating client needs rather than just responding to them, and using cutting-edge technology to deliver tailored solutions,” Kateryna shared.

“The biggest challenge is balancing short-term results with long-term strategic goals. The iGaming industry evolves rapidly, and our clients’ success depends on how quickly we can adapt and offer relevant solutions.”

Data-Driven Personalization in Client Support

Technology plays a vital role in client support, but Kateryna emphasizes that automation alone isn’t enough. “The real value comes from combining automation with a personalized touch. Our goal is to ensure every client interaction is not just fast but also meaningful and relevant.”

Key service metrics she prioritizes include:

NPS (Net Promoter Score) – measuring how likely clients are to recommend GR8 Tech.
CSAT (Customer Satisfaction Score) – assessing satisfaction after specific interactions.

However, Kateryna believes that numbers don’t tell the full story. Direct client feedback through interviews, surveys, and one-on-one conversations provides valuable qualitative insights that drive continuous improvement and the building of stronger, trust-based relationships.

GR8 Tech’s mission is built on client support, keeping commitments, and delivering a personalized approach. With Kateryna Pozdnysheva leading the way, the company is strengthening its ability to solve client requests even more efficiently, deliver more tailored solutions, and uphold its commitments at every stage. With a sharp focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustained growth, the company is raising the bar in iGaming and empowering its clients to lead the industry.

The post GR8 Tech Drives Client Success with New Chief Client Officer appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Playson goes live with Dazzletag Entertainment to extend UK presence

Published

35 minutes ago

February 6, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Playson, the accomplished digital entertainment supplier, has launched a selection of its Hold and Win games with UK operator Dazzletag Entertainment Ltd.

Dazzletag Entertainment owns and operates several online casino sites, including popular brands Casushi and Peachy Games, which continue to enjoy a strong growth trajectory.

Playson’s top-performing titles have gone live in the UK via Light & Wonder, including Supercharged Clovers: Hold and Win and 3 Pots Riches: Hold and Win.

The UK remains a key focus for Playson as it looks to further build its presence within one of the industry’s most recognised online gaming markets. The company’s recent tie-up with Light & Wonder provides a strong platform for future growth, with its games available on the supplier’s content marketplace that operators such as Dazzletag Entertainment are connected with.

Blanka Homor, Sales Director at Playson, said: “We are thrilled to make our debut with Dazzletag Entertainment, bringing engaging gaming experiences to even more players in the UK market.

“As the partnership progresses, we will seek to integrate more games across the operator’s brand to continue our commitment to providing the best content to players of all tastes.”

The post Playson goes live with Dazzletag Entertainment to extend UK presence appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

A Quick Guide to Gambling Apps

Published

2 hours ago

February 6, 2025

Wladimir P.

There are plenty of ways to promote gambling offers, including native ads, email campaigns, teasers, and other traffic sources that direct users to a pre-landing page. However, all these methods share one major issue — strict moderation and the constant need for workarounds, with the added risk of account bans.

To overcome such challenges, webmasters have increasingly turned to mobile apps, which can generate as many, if not more, leads than pre-landers. In this guide, the experts at 888STARZ Partners will delve into what affiliate apps are, the different types available, how to acquire them, and review the five best options for driving traffic to betting offers.

What are affiliate marketing apps?

In affiliate marketing, apps are mobile programs installed on users’ smartphones or tablets, specifically designed to promote gambling offers. These apps often function as fully operational casinos, enabling deposits, withdrawals, and offering mini-games such as slots, roulette, or poker. In some cases, they serve as promotional tools, embedding links to online casinos while offering extra features to engage users and drive traffic back to the main platform.

Types of apps for traffic generation

There are three primary types of mobile apps used to promote gambling offers: Native, Webview, and PWA. Each type differs in its implementation, development complexity, and conversion potential. Let’s dive deeper into each one.

Native applications

Native apps are the classic mobile applications found on popular platforms like Google Play or the App Store. These apps don’t require an internet connection to function, allowing players to enjoy offline activities such as spinning slots, making sport bets, etc. However, an internet connection is still needed for account top-ups and website access.

Due to deeper integration with the device, these applications can access data such as geolocation and biometrics, and they can also be used to send push notifications directly to the player’s smartphone.

Native apps in Google Play to promote gambling offers. Source: Google Play.

Native apps tend to build more trust among users compared to PWAs or Webview apps. They load quickly, perform smoothly, and are generally well-optimized. However, developing a native app demands significant time and financial investment. Additionally, since they must pass App Store and Google Play moderation, techniques like cloaking cannot be used, making their approval challenging. And even when approved, native gambling apps are frequently removed, resulting in developer account bans.

Another challenge is that if the developer account isn’t properly warmed up before publishing, it will likely be blocked immediately after the app is taken down. Due to the high development costs and the inevitability of platform bans, native apps are rarely used for gambling promotion.

Webview applications

Essentially, a Webview is a website embedded within a mobile application. Here’s how it works: once the app is installed through an official platform, all user actions are sent as requests either to an HTML file within the app or to a remote server. Webview apps have the advantage of easily bypassing moderation, thanks to their ability to use cloaking. As a result, they tend to remain on app marketplaces longer — often for weeks or even up to a month.

Webview apps can also be promoted on platforms with strict ad policies, like Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and other social networks. These apps offer the same benefits as native apps, but they’re less complex to develop, cost less, and can even be rented from specialized services.

However, running Webview campaigns requires “warming up” your account to avoid a block after the app is banned. Additionally, since Webview apps are always connected to a website, they need an internet connection and tend to load slower than native apps.

Harrah’s online casino webview app. Source: Apps.Apple.

PWA applications (Progressive Web App)

PWAs and Webview apps are quite similar in terms of implementation, as both are tied to websites. The key difference is that while Webview apps embed the website directly inside the app, PWAs are essentially links to a website, designed to look and feel like a mobile app.

To set up a PWA, you’ll need to purchase a separate domain, as they can’t be uploaded to official app stores. Instead, you’ll have to find alternative platforms or fake app stores that mimic the App Store or Google Play. However, exercise caution when using these alternative platforms, as some are unreliable or even fraudulent, putting your app at risk of being permanently lost.

PWAs tend to generate less trust among users, are optimized only for Android, and have the lowest conversion rates compared to other app types. That said, they remain popular because they’re the easiest to create, cost the least, and are often offered for free by affiliate programs.

Example of a fake Google Play page with PWA app. Source: 66pwa.

Why are mobile apps so popular?

We’ve outlined the specifics of each app type, but beyond their unique pros and cons, all of them share common advantages that make them so popular for promoting gambling offers:

Easier moderation:

Platforms like Facebook, Google Ads, TikTok, and Instagram typically prohibit online casino promotions, often blocking ads that link to gambling landing pages. However, when promoting gambling through mobile apps, these platforms tend to be more lenient, and ads are less likely to be banned. This removes the need for complex cloaking techniques or the use of anti-detect browsers.

Mobile traffic popularity:

The share of mobile traffic in affiliate marketing has grown significantly over the past few years. Today, almost all users respond to ads and play online casinos from their smartphones. As a result, gamblers have shown increased interest in gambling apps due to their convenience and interactive elements.

Push notification campaigns:

Mobile apps can integrate a feature to send push notifications to users’ smartphones, informing them about special offers, promotions, and other updates. This not only boosts first-deposit conversions but also helps retain players to casino and betting.

Higher trust levels:

Users are familiar with how easy it is to create a landing page, and many of these landing pages are used to promote unreliable or even scammy products. Apps, on the other hand, are harder to create and often require a significant investment and professional expertise. As a result, there are far fewer spammy platforms operating through apps, which increases user trust.

How to obtain apps?

As we’ve seen, mobile apps are effective for promoting online casinos and betting sites, but the process of acquiring them can be more complex than simply setting up a landing page. Depending on the type of app, there are different methods for obtaining one, ranging from easy to more challenging. Here’s a breakdown of the main ways to acquire mobile apps:

- Via affiliate programs.
  Many affiliate programs specializing in gambling and betting niches often provide webmasters with PWA apps as promotional materials for their offers. Apps from affiliate programs come optimized for specific GEOs and can include custom features upon request;

App rentals.

There are various services that allow you to rent mobile apps for gambling promotions. You can either choose from an available catalog or request a customized app. This method removes the need for development or ongoing maintenance. However, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee or a per-download fee (typically a few cents per download). Popular rental services include iRent, ZM Apps, Trident Rent, Wild Wild Apps, [FBM] Apps;

App builders.

If you prefer to create an app yourself, there are app builders that allow you to design gambling traffic apps using pre-made templates. While these platforms can generate high-quality apps in just a few days, they are expensive, with prices reaching thousands of dollars. The functionality of these apps may be more limited than custom-built apps but can still serve most purposes.

Custom development.

Custom development is the most expensive and time-consuming option for creating gambling apps. Freelancers typically charge high fees, and since apps are often removed from stores, you’ll need to commission new ones regularly, which can become costly. While larger teams may have in-house developers, most webmasters can’t afford to hire full-time professionals. Custom development is best suited for offers that require unique features or specifications.

Conclusion

While many webmasters still rely on traditional landing pages to promote gambling offers, mobile apps have the potential to represent the next evolution in affiliate marketing. Apps can be leveraged to promote not just gambling, but also betting, dating, e-commerce, and various other verticals, all while simplifying the process of bypassing moderation.

The key to success lies in choosing the right app acquisition strategies and selecting the most effective platforms for promotion. By doing so, you can enjoy higher conversion rates and attract quality leads, setting your campaigns up for long-term success.

Ready to level up your affiliate game? Join 888STARZ Partners and take advantage of exclusive opportunities to drive traffic and boost your profits. Integrate today and gain access to top resources and unbeatable support that’ll help you scale your campaigns for lasting success. Don’t just wait — sign up now and start seeing results!