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Playing it safe: Financial transparency, privacy and data protection in online gambling

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Online casino customers want to know they are playing at a casino that protects their privacy, data and financial information. Providing this creates several challenges, but licensed UK online operators still champion security protocols and compliance.

Player trust – essential for successful gambling businesses

Financial transparency, privacy, and data protection are crucial to player security and determine whether consumers trust a gambling site. Customer trust is the litmus test of a successful gambling brand. Untrustworthy sites don’t survive long, scoring low with players and review sites. 

When considering where to play the best slots in the UK, it’s not enough for players to only look at games choice; customers also need to consider a casino’s reputation, ensuring it has up-to-date licensing, sufficient privacy terms, and state-of-the-art security features.

Reading online reviews can help with research and is one of the easiest ways to narrow down the options. Review sites test online casinos for security, ensuring licensing and site encryption. If a gambling site consistently has terrible reviews, it’ll put prospective players off and limit its success.

Security challenges for operators

Online gambling sites in the UK are held to licensing standards and UK laws, which cover data privacy protocol (following GDPR), fraud prevention, Know Your Customer Checks, Source of Fund inquiries, Anti-Money Laundering prevention, levels of site and server security (SSL and physical considerations), secure payment gateways and methods, and more. These measures, along with game testing and certification, are created to ensure that gambling remains crime-free and that consumers are assured of the industry’s legitimacy. 

Despite the measures, the gambling industry is constantly under attack from criminal forces. In the last several years, major scale hacks have exposed the vulnerability of the global online gambling industry from a security point of view. 

These include the Betway breach in 2011 (cyber criminals accessed the consumer database), William Hill hack in 2016 (a DDoS attack that took down the site, costing millions in lost bets), the DraftKings fiasco in 2022 (that led to $600,000 being withdrawn from player accounts by a teen) and BetMGM also in 2022 (user data was breached from May-Nov, 22).

These wide-scale attacks on market-leading gambling operators remind us of the pace of tech growth and that cyber criminals pose an ongoing threat to the online gambling industry. This is why operators must invest in robust protections, software and AI and conduct regular security audits with bodies like eCOGRA to expose vulnerabilities.

Data protection and Anti-Money Laundering laws

While some areas of regulation are the remit of the UK Gambling Commission, others, like data protection and AML compliance, are governed by separate laws. Data protection laws for personal and financial details are provided by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018). These two regulations govern how businesses and gambling operators can use, and process data, with GDPR considered the latest update. 

“Fairness, transparency, accuracy, security, data minimisation and respect for the rights of the individual whose data a business wants to process – these are all things that businesses should already be doing with data. GDPR seeks to build on those principles.”

Data protection laws and rules are complex and include details on encryption, SSL coverage, employee training in best practices, audits and testing, and data retention. UK casinos are experienced in data handling and storage protocol; they also employ the latest security software to ensure player accounts and data are kept secure. 

We’ll go more into AML below, but just to add, on financial transparency, UK gambling sites must be completely transparent and even separate player funds to ensure they are protected in cases of solvency issues. All financial records are reported to the Gambling Commission for tax purposes.

Account security

Both consumers and casinos have a role to play in account security. In line with gambling and AML laws, online casinos in the UK must complete Know Your Customer Checks on new accounts. This includes age and ID verification. It helps satisfy source of funds regulations and financial transparency; on the individual level, cases of financial fraud by players have taken place in the past. The Gambling Commission’s primary aim is ensuring gambling remains crime-free, which chiefly means avoiding money laundering efforts.

In avoiding outside hacking efforts and to better reassure players, operators can also increase account security by using 2-factor sign-in accounts, fingerprint logins on apps and for payments, plus security questions. 

Security audits and testing

Online casinos and gambling sites can pay third-party auditing companies, like eCOGRA and iTech Labs, to test their platforms. These attack the platform to expose any areas of weakness from an outside perspective. Conducting third-party security audits is considered the best practice for online gambling operators in the UK, at least every two years.

Future of fraud detection and gambling harm indicators

Gambling operators are increasingly using AI to flag cases of suspicious account activity. It’s decreasing the space for error, especially when coupled with the UK’s new rules regarding loss limits and financial checks (these are loss, so will include targeted interventions with players who are not experiencing harm or fraud – early intervention raises awareness of harmful partners of betting).

As AI can process large data sets and uses machine learning, it is getting ever better at flagging cases of fraud and gambling harm at the individual account level. It is also instrumental in detecting bonus abuse, brute force hacking attempts and unusual payments. 

However, as the amount of data casinos process regarding players increases, so do the concerns relating to ethical uses of data, including how operators use this for targeted marketing and promotions, which, as the past has shown, has an impact on the behaviour of vulnerable players – we are of course thinking about how some UK operators used VIP schemes and promos to encourage large and unchecked spending on some accounts, which led to new Gambling Commission guidance.

At the end of the day, where there are cases of it going wrong, for the most part, operators play it safe and do their utmost to ensure consumers can trust the UK gambling industry. This means providing the highest standard of online security, financial transparency, privacy and data protection and encouraging responsible, sustainable play.

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GR8 Tech Launches CRM Bonus Shop to Boost Player Engagement and Retention

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GR8 Tech has rolled out CRM Bonus Shop—a fully integrated player-facing feature designed to drive engagement, increase retention, and optimize bonus budgets through gamified rewards.

The Bonus Shop enables operators to offer various virtual and real rewards, including free spins, free bets, gamification items, even physical items, spins in Wheel of Fortune, and more, in exchange for custom-branded artificial currency. Players earn coins through behavioral triggers like deposits or email verification, then choose their preferred rewards from a personalized shop interface.

Built directly into GR8 Tech’s CRM, the Bonus Shop offers full back-office control, real-time player wallet tracking, and complete front-end customization to match any brand’s tone, style, and language.

Key Benefits of GR8 Tech’s Bonus Shop for Operators

  • Enhanced Player Choice & Satisfaction: Players select rewards they actually want, increasing perceived value and engagement compared to traditional fixed bonuses.
  • Cost-Effective Bonus Management: Artificial currency provides greater value to players while reducing operator costs compared to traditional cash bonuses.
  • Behavioral Motivation: Automated currency distribution encourages specific player actions, improving key performance indicators.
  • Strategic Flexibility: A/B testing capabilities enable operators to compare traditional bonuses against gamified approaches and optimize strategies across different markets.

“Personalization is at its core. By tailoring offers to custom player segments, we ensure every user sees and can purchase the bonuses they truly want, boosting engagement significantly,”  said Kateryna Schevchenko, CRM Product Manager at GR8 Tech. “Additionally, the platform gives operators full control over the in-game economy by allowing them to set custom ‘prices’ for products using virtual currencies. This flexibility helps optimize retention costs, manage bonus budgets effectively, and maximize ROI.”

With advanced segmentation tools and engagement elements like gamification, GR8 Tech’s CRM transforms player interactions into engaging, value-driven experiences. The company’s approach has led to impressive results, including a 25% uplift in first-time deposits, an average 80% retention rate, and 75% monthly active users interacting with gamified tools. GR8 Tech’s CRM is a strategic asset for operators aiming to deliver highly personalized and performance-oriented player journeys.

 

GR8 Tech. Platform for Champions

GR8 Tech is an award-winning provider, delivering high-performance sportsbook and iGaming solutions that empower operators to lead and win in competitive markets. Key elements of GR8 Tech’s comprehensive portfolio include the Hyper Turnkey solution, ULTIM8 Sportsbook iFrame,  Infinite Casino Aggregation, and Platform Acceler8 suite, featuring its proprietary affiliate management platform, Aff.Tech.

With a geo-specific approach to solutions, a focus on practical innovations, and an operator-first mindset, GR8 Tech helps its clients achieve measurable results in their target markets quickly and efficiently. Trusted by top operators worldwide, GR8 Tech has over 100 successful cases and earned multiple recognitions, including the title of the Best Sports Betting Provider in CEE by GamingTECH Awards 2025.

The post GR8 Tech Launches CRM Bonus Shop to Boost Player Engagement and Retention appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Chris Barranco Joins Quick Custom Intelligence as Director of Business Development

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Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading provider of AI-driven analytics and enterprise solutions for the gaming and hospitality industry, today announced the addition of Chris Barranco as Director of Business Development.

Barranco brings 25 years of experience leading high-performing teams, driving revenue, and building durable client relationships. He is adept at solution-selling methodology and full sales-cycle management, with a proven track record of mentoring top-tier account executives, delivering high-impact presentations, and retaining key accounts. Known for a tenacious approach to new-business development and customer loyalty, Barranco will focus on expanding QCI’s market footprint, strengthening the partner ecosystem, and advancing go-to-market execution across QCI’s product portfolio.

“I’m excited to join the clear market leader and work with the exceptional team at QCI,” said Chris Barranco, Director of Business Development at QCI. “QCI’s commitment to turning data into action aligns perfectly with my approach to helping customers achieve measurable revenue impact. I look forward to working closely with our clients and partners to accelerate growth and deliver exceptional outcomes.”

We’re delighted to welcome an industry veteran of Chris’s caliber to the QCI team,said Andrew Cardno, CTO and Co-Founder of QCI. “His leadership, mastery of solution selling, and passion for customer success will further strengthen our ability to scale, deepen client relationships, and deliver the operational results our customers expect.”

As Director of Business Development, Barranco will lead initiatives to expand QCI’s presence across key markets, refine sales enablement programs, and collaborate with product and customer success teams to ensure a seamless path from discovery to measurable value realization.

The post Chris Barranco Joins Quick Custom Intelligence as Director of Business Development appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Be Heard Above the Noise: Booming Games’ Dorota Gruszka on Standing Out in the Crowded Slot Studio Market

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With over 600 online slot studios competing for operator attention, cutting through the noise has never been harder. In this exclusive article, Booming Games’ Head of Marketing, Dorota Gruszka, shares her strategy for building a distinctive brand, forging lasting operator relationships, and creating campaigns that resonate in a crowded iGaming marketplace.

There are now more than 600 online slot studios, with each vying for operator attention and a solid position for its titles within casino lobbies. These 600+ studios are making a lot of noise, and this makes it incredibly difficult for individual studios to be heard.

But it is possible, requiring a clear strategy, creativity and consistency. Being loud is important – it’s the only way you’re going to be heard – but you also need to be relevant and authentic. And this requires a strong understanding of self.

Studios absolutely must know who they are and what they bring to the table, and ensure that these values are reflected in everything they do, from the games themselves to how they are launched and the nature of the partnerships forged with operators. It even extends to events and social media.

A sharp brand, meaningful relationships and marketing collateral that not only engages but also connects are critical to success. Of course, this is easier said than done, but when you have a strong team, defined goals and a product you believe in, it can be achieved.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the challenges studios face when it comes to marketing their brand and games.

 

There are plenty of hurdles to clear

The biggest challenge is, of course, standing out in the market, but second to that is navigating the complex and ever-changing regulatory landscape. Providers need to demonstrate compliance and responsible gaming practices, which means marketing must be transparent and aligned with operator expectations.

Another challenge is building and maintaining trust. Operators demand reliable partners that deliver quality products on time while supporting them beyond the initial sale. That means marketing needs to focus on relationship building, not just quick wins.

Then there’s flexibility, which has become a major differentiator. Operators look for partners that can adapt to their needs – the more flexible and collaborative a partner can be, the more value they bring, and this is a message that needs to come across clearly in B2B marketing activity.

 

Take a multi-layered approach

At Booming Games, we have taken a multi-layered approach to marketing our studio and the games we produce. This includes combining creativity, strategic planning and consistency. Brand awareness isn’t gained overnight – it’s an ongoing process across all channels and touchpoints.

Tactically, we have invested in strong PR and media partnerships and maintain a presence at major industry events. We also leverage social media, posting high-quality content across various channels and digital platforms.

We always go big with our game launches and invest in creative campaigns that showcase each title and ensure it gets noticed by casino managers. This is combined with tailored client communications and eye-catching merchandise that reinforces our visual identity.

 

The power of LinkedIn

One of the most effective marketing channels for a slot studio is LinkedIn, and we have focused a lot of our efforts on the platform. Since joining Booming Games in 2023, we have grown our follower base from 5,000 to almost 18000.

This growth has given us a much stronger platform from which to showcase our games, share company updates and connect directly with industry professionals. This, in turn, has driven exposure, engagement and, ultimately, led to additional operator partnerships.

Thinking outside the box is also important, especially in such an overcrowded industry.

A good example of this is our Ronaldinho Mascot campaign, which was a huge hit across the expos and saw thousands of people taking and sharing photos with the mascot across various social media channels.

But just as important is to listen carefully to partners, players and the wider market to ensure your brand, values and campaigns evolve and remain relevant and interesting. It’s about creating a brand people recognise, trust and enjoy interacting with.

 

Brand ambassadors are an important piece of the puzzle

Increasingly, studios are turning to brand ambassadors to help them do this. But it’s important to make sure the ambassador is the right fit – it’s about more than just attaching a famous name to your brand.

At Booming Games, we know first-hand just how effective brand ambassadors can be off the back of our highly successful partnership with footballing legend, Ronaldinho.

We struck a partnership with him just as the Brazilian market was moving toward regulation, and I truly believe it has allowed us to establish a strong foundation and presence in the region.

Ronaldinho is still relevant and popular, and having him associated with Booming Games has given us exposure, recognition and trust. It has also helped us become one of the first game providers to get certified in Brazil, allowing us to leverage the first-mover advantage.

That said, not all brand ambassador deals are as successful as ours with Ronaldinho. Sometimes, they require a lot of effort, coordination and investment and the return might not justify this. That’s why it’s important to evaluate every potential partnership carefully.

Ultimately, the brand ambassador must genuinely resonate with your audience, complement your brand values and support your long-term goals. When done right, it can be a game-changer.

Driving awareness for a studio is harder than ever, but there are plenty of tactics to turn to that can deliver results while having plenty of fun in the process. Being heard is important, but you must be making the right noise in the first place.

The post Be Heard Above the Noise: Booming Games’ Dorota Gruszka on Standing Out in the Crowded Slot Studio Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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