Connect with us

Africa

Bet9ja’s hit by CYBER CRIMINALS, company assures customers data, funds are intact

Published

on

Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

Nigeria’s biggest betting platform Bet9ja has been hit by a criminal cyber-attacker which has left customers unable to have access to their accounts, data and funds.

The ransomware attack, which happened on April 6, is being attributed to Blackcap Group.

Even though customers are finding it difficult to access their data and funds on Bet9ja due to the attack, management of the betting site have assured customers that their data, accounts and funds are intact.

They said the company is working around the clock to get back on track once it is technically possible, adding that they are planning to reward customers with juicy offers once the site is operational again.

Below is a full statement from the CEO of Bet9ja following the attack:

“The past few days have been challenging for us as a business. In the early hours of Wednesday, 6th April, 2022 we suffered an unprovoked and unjustified sophisticated criminal cyber-attack on our platform.

Many of our customers and stakeholders have had to deal with the inconvenience of not being able to access their accounts or place bets on the bet9ja.com platform. On behalf of the management and every member of the team, I would like to apologize for this and express that we deeply regret this situation.

We can confirm that the ransomware attack came from the Blackcat Group. You can find information about the cyber criminal organisation online.

As a result of the significant attack on our platform, we have taken steps to reduce and mitigate any risk to our network systems & operations. We have deployed international cyber security and forensic experts to help us analyse and improve our network security and strengthen our operations to be more resilient and secure.

As Nigeria’s leading and foremost sports betting company, we want to assure you that we have taken these steps because we know the importance of protecting you, our customers. I want to assure you that your data is safe & your funds are intact. The security of your personal data is not compromised even with these attacks.

We are doing everything to get back up in a phased approach. The team has since been working relentlessly to achieve this objectives.

At this time, I want to particularly extend a great deal of appreciation to our agents, for sticking with us through this difficult time, they are truly the best-in-class. To our stakeholders, National and State lotteries board and most importantly our loyal customers, we see your support all over social media, we are indeed grateful. Once again, we apologise for any inconveniences caused, as a business, we will always be committed to serving you better and providing you with the highest standards of professional service.

While the work continues, I have since directed our marketing team to make compensations readily available and for the first time, I have just approved a never before seen bonus package on the Bet9ja platform that will take effect immediately the site is back up. This is our way of showing appreciation for your unwavering loyalty, patience, and understanding during such a difficult time.

Finally, as a proudly Nigerian business and market leader in our industry, we will not be intimidated, bullied or pressured into submission. At Bet9ja, we are exceptional, we do not claim to have all the answers. Instead, we come together as a community of experts to protect this business we all love as exemplified through our team of professional experts, agents, government stakeholders and loyal customers. This is our culture.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and the loyalty that you have shown through this period, once again you have our strongest assurances that we are in full control of the situation and that all accounts, data, and funds are safe and secure. Our best days still lie ahead.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Africa

Tanzania Gaming Board Warns Families About Risks Posed by Betting on PlayStation Games

Published

on

tanzania-gaming-board-warns-families-about-risks-posed-by-betting-on-playstation-games
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

The Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) has warned parents about the risks posed by betting on PlayStation games, urging families to take action.

Last week, Daniel Olesumayan, Acting Director General of GBT, addressed the issue during a meeting with media editors organised by the Treasury Registrar’s Office.

The gathering aimed to increase awareness about gambling activities and clarify the GBT’s regulatory responsibilities. Olesumayan stressed the importance of keeping children away from gambling, highlighting that it is primarily the parents’ duty to supervise their children’s gadget usage.

“As parents, we must protect our children. It is important to track how they use gadgets intended to stimulate their minds. PlayStation games turned into gambling must only operate in board-approved locations,” he said.

The growth of Tanzania’s gambling industry is evident, with the GBT registering 62 companies and issuing a remarkable 8549 licenses in the 2024/25 financial year.

This number includes licenses for various activities, such as the National Lottery and sports betting, with some companies holding multiple licenses to operate different types of gambling across various locations.

“The sector’s tax revenue surged by 97 percent, from Sh131.9 billion in 2020/21 to Sh260 billion in 2024/25,” Mr Olesumayan said.

He also noted that the ability to place bets as low as Sh1000 has contributed to the impressive growth.

Even with recent advancements, the GBT still faces significant challenges, particularly with illegal slot machines that operate without registration. These machines often attract children, posing risks not only to minors but also to the integrity of the gambling sector.

To tackle these issues, GBT is looking to the future with plans to utilise technology for better management of the industry and also enhance the skills of staff for more effective oversight. The regulator has also established more zonal offices and recently banned foreigners from operating slot machines.

Additionally, the board is set to launch a nationwide responsible gaming campaign aimed at educating young people about the dangers of problem gambling and promoting safer gaming habits.

The post Tanzania Gaming Board Warns Families About Risks Posed by Betting on PlayStation Games appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Africa

Ghana Gaming Commission Introduces Mandatory Biometric Verification

Published

on

ghana-gaming-commission-introduces-mandatory-biometric-verification
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

The Ghana Gaming Commission has introduced a significant change to the gambling industry by mandating biometric identification for every bet placed within the country. This new rule applies to all forms of gambling including online and physical sportsbooks, casinos and promotional games. Alongside recent tax reforms, this measure represents a strong move toward modernising and securing the gambling landscape in Ghana.

Gambling operators are now required to integrate their platforms with the National Identification Authority’s (NIA) database. Every player must verify their identity using fingerprint or facial recognition technology both at the point of placing bets and when claiming winnings. The only acceptable form of identification will be the Ghana Card, issued by the NIA.

According to Emmanuel Siki Quainoo, the acting commissioner of the Gaming Commission, this initiative aims to protect the industry from criminal misuse and enforce stricter responsible gambling measures. It is designed to slow down betting activities, allowing players to make more thoughtful decisions regarding their gambling behaviour.

Operators have a strict timeline of just one month to fully implement and test these biometric verification systems. Non-compliance could result in suspension of licenses or refusal of renewals, as the Commission has pledged to enforce these regulations rigorously without exceptions.

The primary goals behind these updated regulations are to prevent fraud and stop underage gambling. Additionally, these measures aim to increase transparency in the gambling industry, which has been scrutinised over possible money laundering and unmonitored cash flows. By associating all gambling transactions with verified biometric data, authorities can more effectively monitor and identify irregular activities.

The mandatory biometric checks also enhance responsible gambling protections. Regulatory bodies can monitor dangerous betting behaviors, impose limits on spending, and provide exclusion options for self-excluded players. This policy is part of a larger national digital initiative that uses identity-based verification across multiple regulated sectors.

The post Ghana Gaming Commission Introduces Mandatory Biometric Verification appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Africa

QTech Games recruits Agatha Wanjugu as Sales Manager for East Africa

Published

on

qtech-games-recruits-agatha-wanjugu-as-sales-manager-for-east-africa
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Leading distributor for emerging markets announces the fulfilment of its new dedicated role for East Africa, based in Kenya

QTech Games, the leading game aggregator for all emerging markets, has recruited Agatha Wanjugu for the new role of Sales Manager for East Africa, as it continues its concerted push into the African market.

Based in Kenya, Agatha joins QTech Games after successful stints at iGaming Afrika, where she served with distinction as Business Development Manager – and, more recently, Pragmatic Play where she spent several years as Account Manager for Africa. In this previous position, she routinely proved herself in both account management and business development capacities, building and maintaining enduring client relationships, collaborating with sales forces and technical departments to optimise the overall customer experience.

This experience has seen Agatha establish a reputation as a natural leader with a communicative and consultative approach. Her igaming insights and recommendations for the region have helped deliver on revenue targets and inform strategic guidance, advancing the sales cycle and populating its pipeline with new leads.

Now Agatha brings those transferable skills to bear at the sector’s leading aggregator for developing markets, where she will be responsible for managing and growing QTech’s existing partners in East Africa.

QTech Games CEO, Philip Doftvik, said: “We’re thrilled that Agatha is already underway in her new role at QTech Games, as we train our sights and broaden our scope across East Africa. She is a precocious and natural sales lead and account manager, with the ability to develop client growth or retention strategies.

“She’ll be a true asset to both QTech Games and all our clients, as we grow in Africa to make it a substantial part of our total revenue mix. We have high growth ambitions here in the coming years. Ultimately, we want to dominate and build a stellar and agile brand in the region.”

Agatha Wanjugu added: “I’m excited to be starting at QTech Games, and really feel they have given me the support to put my shoulder to the wheel for expansion in this bubbling and evolving marketplace.

“I’ll be responsible for managing QTech’s existing East African partners, alongside stewarding our expansion into neighbouring local territories. I’ve always based my business relationships on the ability to add value. Working with QTech, I’ve not only found a string of products that complement the different igaming verticals but also a strong, experienced team who are client-focused and always eager to make it work for the client.”

The post QTech Games recruits Agatha Wanjugu as Sales Manager for East Africa appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending