Industry News
Facial recognition in currency exchange machines to prevent AML
Currency exchange machines featuring facial recognition technology have been installed in a variety of airports and travel hubs across Europe, in a bid to streamline the user experience and safeguard against fraudulent behaviour.
Currency exchange kiosks may provide the opportunity for criminals to convert illegally obtained cash, making it harder to trace the criminal activity in line with anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. Many countries have implemented transaction limits per day for all users of currency exchange machines as one way to combat this, but this may require customers to show ID and retain detailed records.
However, Swiss manufacturer ECEX Group uses facial recognition software developed by British company Innovative Technology to implement the AI-powered biometric solution into the Automatic Currency Exchange (ACE) machines as a way to automate these transaction limits. The software is within a compact device, ICU Pro, which provides secure, immediate facial recognition that allows users to quickly and efficiently use the currency exchange services.
The use of ICU Pro as a biometric sensor for facial recognition acts as assurance for ECEX and customers alike, helping to adhere to AML requirements by implementing intelligent customer tracking that shows a customer’s previous exchanges and ensuring they stay within their transactional limits.
Similar to how a cashier can visually regulate the amount of times a customer uses a service, the technology enables the kiosks to recognise whether a person has met the standard limits for domestic transactions before they need a passport. This limit can be set in accordance with the AML regulatory requirements of the country, providing a more secure service without intruding on customer privacy.
If the exchange limit is below the threshold, the customer’s facial information is saved locally for one day so the technology can detect whether they make further exchanges during the time period and ensure the threshold isn’t exceeded.
Hizii Denys, Technology & Administrative Officer at ECEX Group AG, said: “We chose ICU Pro for our facial recognition needs because we needed a solution that offered a quick, seamless, secure and – most importantly – compliant service for our customers. The ACE machines are intended to streamline the currency exchange process, and ICU Pro helped us to achieve that.
“The big advantage is that any biometric data cannot be accessed because of the encryption inside the device, so there is no need for GDPR concerns. Our technology is unique and we haven’t found a similar analogous solution around the world, so we’re happy to be able to implement this feature with ICU Pro.”
The implementation of the technology comes during a period of significant public outcry at recent failures to comply with AML protocols by large organisations, and intends to make AML procedures standard within the currency exchange market. The new technology hopes to make it easier for tourists to travel with ease, knowing their money is safe and handled responsibly.
Dr. Andrew O’Brien, Biometrics Product Manager at Innovative Technology, said: “Currency exchange is a complicated process that requires responsibility and regulatory compliance from any services involved. We’re excited to partner with ECEX to enable a further level of compliance and customer security through ICU Pro. Our biometric technology has the ability to link customers’ transactions, and this approach also has exciting opportunities in Gaming, where we can help limit and protect customers from excessive gambling.”
The machines are designed to offer quick and easy access to AI-powered, secure currency exchange, in a range of handy locations including airports, hotels, train stations, banks and more. The ACE machines are already operating in Geneva Airport (Switzerland), Billund Airport (Denmark) and Boryspil International Airport (Ukraine), as well as the Hilton and Opera Hotel in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Apple iSports, a gaming, entertainment, and technology services company, announced that it has signed a Definitive Agreement with LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd (LBC or Lucky Bet), an online gaming, wagering, and payment systems company.
The proposed acquisition underscores Apple iSports’ ability to execute strategic transactions pursuant to its stated business strategy. This transaction will underpin the Company’s ambitions and excellent relationships in the gaming and entertainment communities by securing highly accretive gaming and wagering revenue streams from business-to-business (B2B) and consumers (B2C). In doing so, this will position the Company to become a highly competitive player in the U.S. online gambling services ecosystem.
Ian Parke, CEO of LBC, said: “The proposed acquisition of our company by Apple iSports validates the global opportunity we see in regulated, tech-driven gaming. By combining LBC’s platform and operational expertise with AiS’s capital markets presence and distribution network, we are primed to accelerate our expansion into new markets and scale our white label program. This partnership represents a major step forward for Lucky Bet and the broader LBC ecosystem.”
Joe Martinez, CEO and Chairman of Apple iSports, said: “The Board of Directors is excited to continue rolling out our stated objectives with our proposed acquisition of LBC. Our service offerings to B2B and B2C will now be significantly enhanced in a rapidly growing sector. Combined with our exceptional team, this transaction catapults us into the US and international gaming markets.”
Board member and director Lyndon Hsu, who is based in Singapore, said: “This defining transaction will expand our reach into gaming, wagering, and payment services markets via B2B and B2C opportunities. AiS will also be able to accelerate its stated capital raising objectives and further anticipated business acquisitions. Apple iSports remains on track to become a NASDAQ mainboard-listed company.”
The post Apple iSports Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
“I wanted to create an accessory that would make it easy to remember numbers that are hitting on a roulette wheel as well as your bets, so I invented the MY ROULETTE WHEEL. My design would take the guesswork out of selecting numbers for betting, and it could help improve your odds,” said an inventor, from Las Vegas, Nev.
The invention provides a new accessory for individuals who enjoy playing roulette. In doing so, it helps a gambler select a limited number of numbers. It also would allow the user to keep track of the numbers he had bet on. As a result, it increases entertainment, and it could improve an individual’s odds of winning. The invention features a compact and novel design that is easy to use so it is ideal for casino patrons and individuals who enjoy roulette. Additionally, a prototype is available.
The original design was submitted to the Las Vegas sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers.
The post InventHelp Inventor Develops New Accessory for Roulette Players appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
PTSB has launched a digital voluntary block for customers who wish to stop card transactions involving gambling merchants. This is an important initiative in promoting financial wellbeing and supporting customers in managing gambling-related harm.
The new feature allows PTSB customers to block debit and credit card transactions that are classified as gambling instantly through their PTSB App.
If customers choose to remove the block, a 48-hour impulse delay period will apply before gambling transactions can resume.
Along with betting sites, the block also covers online casinos, poker sites and lottery websites.
An analysis of PTSB banking data from January to June 2025 shows:
• 91% of gambling spend was completed online.
• 80% of gambling spend was completed by men, versus 20% completed by women.
• The age group with the highest spend on gambling sites for both men and women is 40-49.
• 2% of those who gambled in June 2025 spent over €1000, which falls into the threshold of problem gambling, according to ESRI Research.
ESRI research found that there are 130,000 adults with problem gambling in Ireland. There is also growing evidence that gambling offers lure people to bet more, particularly those at risk of problem gambling.
As part of the Bank’s 2025-2027 Sustainability launched earlier this year, PTSB is committed to playing its part in supporting customers with their financial wellbeing and has a continued focus on improving the financial literacy of its customers through education, inclusion supports and the delivery of digital tools. This includes raising awareness of the risks associated with problem gambling and providing support for those affected.
PTSB also has a dedicated Enhanced Customer Support team within their Contact Centre should customers need to access this support via phone.
Patrick Farrell, PTSB’s Retail Banking Officer, said: “At PTSB, the safety and welfare of our customers is of the utmost importance, and we’re committed to ensuring our customers have the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and plan for their future.
“Problem gambling is increasingly becoming a societal issue that warrants the closest attention, as it can have hugely damaging implications for individuals, their families and loved ones. We know from ESRI research that one in 30 adults in Ireland suffers from problem gambling, but worryingly a further 279,000 adults show moderate evidence of it. That’s why we have introduced this voluntary gambling block in-app so that it is accessible when our customers need it most.”
Oisín McConville of GamblingCare.ie said: “I am delighted that PTSB has introduced a Gambling Block feature to their app. Having this service available to customers digitally will make a huge difference as it is accessible to them on the go, which is particularly important given the prevalence and availability of online gambling.
“Initiatives like this from PTSB are crucial in supporting those who experience problem gambling and really complement the support services GamblingCare offers in managing gambling-related harm.”
The post PTSB Launches ln-app Voluntary Gambling Block to Support Customer Financial Wellbeing appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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