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The Big Game: perfect target for cybercriminals?

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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 the US, 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 American 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

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. 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.

Discussion: networking event for gambling professionals in London

In partnership with Sardine, an  industry leading fraud prevention platform, Sumsub announced Gambling Pros Party, a private networking event for gambling professionals which will take place at Clays Canary Wharf, London on February 6, 2023 at 18:30 UK time. This event will be useful for experts, businesspeople and professionals working in the betting and gambling companies.

Participation is free of charge and for gambling professionals only. To save your seat, please register with your business email: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/520357091067/?discount=Sumsub

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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WinSpirit Redesigns VIP Experience to Drive Retention and Long-Term Player Value

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Player loyalty is evolving — and so is WinSpirit’s approach. They’ve unveiled a fully redesigned VIP program, merging loyalty mechanics and exclusive rewards into one clear, gamified journey. The goal? Drive deeper engagement, long-term satisfaction, and higher lifetime player value (LTV) through transparency and simplicity.

This combination of permanent progression and time-limited campaigns positions WinSpirit’s VIP Club as a modern retention tool — one designed to reduce churn while giving players a clearer sense of achievement.

Data-Driven Response

The updated VIP model is a direct response to user behavior and feedback. WinSpirit observed that, for some users, the previous program might have been a little complex — primarily due to separated loyalty levels and the pressure of maintaining temporary statuses. So the brand decided to simplify the progression path.

“We consistently listen to our players, and their desire to retain earned progress was clear,” said a WinSpirit representative. “This redesign is our commitment to them—we’re replacing complexity with simplicity, ensuring every player feels valued and their long-term journey is rewarding.”

How the New VIP Club Works

The redesigned VIP Club merges lifetime progress with seasonal engagement to create a system that rewards both consistency and activity. Players unlock a permanent VIP status that never resets — a key benefit that builds trust and long-term motivation.

On top of this, rotating seasonal levels introduce fresh challenges and time-limited bonuses that keep engagement high. Even when players take a break, their status stays — removing pressure and encouraging steady play.

All progression and rewards are tracked in a centralized VIP dashboard, giving players full visibility and control without the need to contact support. This clarity minimizes friction and churn.

Seasonality as a Strategic Engagement

WinSpirit’s new format introduces quarterly campaigns, each with a dedicated theme and bonus structure. The current activation, Flame of Thrill, designed to re-ignite player motivation during autumn campaigns, features:

  • Increased cashback tiers and deposit insurance
  • Personalized bonuses and access to exclusive promotions
  • Limited seasonal rewards and much more

Even for long-term players, these rotating seasons bring something new — keeping the program exciting well beyond the first few tiers.

Why It Matters for Business

From a business perspective, the redesigned VIP Club introduces several measurable advantages:

  • Increased retention (reduced status loss anxiety).
  • Higher LTV (steady progression over time).
  • More consistent activity (recurring seasonal goals).
  • Fewer negative touchpoints (clear rules).

The introduction of a permanent VIP threshold (VIP Iron) creates a strong psychological anchor for re-engagement — aligning well with known gamification strategies in product design.

Overall, WinSpirit’s transformation reflects a broader commitment to listening to players. The brand is shifting toward a more sustainable model that fosters long-term relationships through clarity, fairness, and flexible progression. It’s a big step toward a smarter, player-first future — where loyalty is truly rewarded, and progress never goes unnoticed.

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INSPIRED UNVEILS GOLD CASH FREE SPINS SUPER WHEEL™ FEATURING THE REVOLUTIONARY PLAYER LINK™ MECHANIC

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Inspired Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: INSE), a leading B2B provider of gaming content, systems, and solutions, has launched Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel, a supercharged evolution of Inspired’s classic hit slot, Gold Cash Free Spins. Available across the UK and Malta iGaming markets.

Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel introduces a new industry-first shared bonus mechanic named, Player Link (United States Patent No. 12,350,596). For the first time, players can share and compete in the anticipation and excitement of a bonus trigger in the form of the Super Wheel. This innovative mechanic generates a sense of community and competition, delivering the lucrative “Super Bonus” to a winning player, before resetting and starting the competition all over again.

Set on 5×4 reels with 40 win-lines, the game combines the much-loved Gold Cash Free Spins gameplay with electrifying new features. The shared Super Wheel awards instant cash prizes, lucrative Super Cash rewards, or triggers the high-value Super Bonus. Each spin of the super wheel builds suspense, with segments that progressively upgrade to increase the chances of hitting the Super Bonus. The Super Bonus awards eight Super Free Spins featuring only the highest-paying symbols and dramatic Wild Spins, with Wilds dropping onto the reels for big win potential.

Steven Collett, Chief Product Officer at Inspired Entertainment, commented: “Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel is a major leap forward in slot innovation. With the revolutionary Player Link mechanic, we’ve created a shared, community-driven experience that builds excitement for every player. This game blends the trusted Gold Cash Free Spins brand with fresh, competitive gameplay designed to engage players and deliver strong results for operators. We’re excited to see its performance and look forward to launching more fun content, featuring our groundbreaking Player Link technology. Each title will incorporate the Super Wheel as a consistent feature while offering a distinct Super Bonus aligned with the game’s theme.”

With escalating rewards, shared excitement, and iconic features, Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel sets a new benchmark for iGaming. It combines big wins, big action, and a shared sense of fun, to keep players engaged and highly entertained.

The post INSPIRED UNVEILS GOLD CASH FREE SPINS SUPER WHEEL™ FEATURING THE REVOLUTIONARY PLAYER LINK™ MECHANIC appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Wagercomms and Million Games Launch Hard Eight Poker™ – A Fast, Strategic Table Experience

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Million Games, in partnership with Wagercomms, has officially launched Hard Eight Poker, a high-speed, strategic casino table game that combines classic card play with dual progressive jackpots and sleek, mobile-first design.

Developed under the Million Stars partner program, Hard Eight Poker represents the next step in Wagercomms’ mission to deliver proprietary, high-performing table content for online operators.

The game introduces a dynamic mix of Ante betting, Red/Black decisions, and optional Progressive Eight side bets, giving players the freedom to raise, insure, or cash in at every stage. With multi-tier payouts — including 5:1 for a Pair of Eights, 25:1 for a Hard Eight, and 50:1 for Triple Eights — the action builds round after round.

“Hard Eight Poker delivers exactly what today’s casino audience wants — something fast, strategic, and fair,” said Thomas Nimstad, CEO of Million Games. “Wagercomms has created a table game that’s easy to learn but layered with strategic depth, giving operators a powerful new addition to their lobbies. It’s the perfect example of how the Million Stars program helps studios like Wagercomms transform great concepts into market-ready games”

Following Draw Sevens, Hard Eight Poker marks the next milestone for Wagercomms under its Wagercomms Originals series — a growing portfolio designed for lasting player engagement and differentiation in slot-heavy environments.

“With Hard Eight Poker, we wanted to create a table game that feels familiar but plays with a fresh edge — fast, strategic, and designed for the modern player,” said Peter Bengtsson, CEO of Wagercomms. “Working with Million Games allowed us to focus on gameplay depth and balance, while their platform and publishing expertise helped us bring it to operators worldwide.”

With a 2.74% house edge, mobile-first design, and certified RNG, Hard Eight Poker is now available for integration via Million Games, offering both casual and competitive players an elevated table experience.

The post Wagercomms and Million Games Launch Hard Eight Poker™ – A Fast, Strategic Table Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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