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October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global initiative dedicated to promoting online safety and equipping enterprises with the knowledge needed to mitigate cyber threats.

To recognise this important occasion, we connected with Continent 8 Technologies – widely recognised as the trusted cybersecurity partner for the iGaming sector. In this Community Voices feature, we speak with Craig Lusher, Product Principal of Secure Solutions at Continent 8, as he shares expert perspectives on the evolving cybersecurity landscape within the iGaming and online sports betting industry, including emerging challenges, opportunities, and industry-leading best practices.

How have cyber threats changed in the iGaming world lately?

Historically, most attacks were single-vector events focused on individual organisations. Today, we are seeing a marked increase in complex, coordinated threats. For instance, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are often used to divert attention from concurrent credential stuffing attempts, and large-scale campaigns now target multiple entities – such as land-based casinos and online sportsbooks – simultaneously. Threat actors employ layered techniques to conceal their true objectives, executing multifaceted attacks across diverse groups.

Social engineering has emerged as one of the most prominent and rapidly evolving risks. Phishing techniques such as email scams, fake websites, text messaging or SMS and fraudulent voice calls have advanced significantly with the development of sophisticated AI language models and automation tools, empowering attackers to convincingly impersonate individuals or organisations. The capabilities of modern AI mean that realistic voice messages and video representations can now be created within minutes, underscoring the pressing need for organisations to enhance their security posture and maintain robust vigilance across all digital channels.

Are there any weak spots in the iGaming industry – like certain countries or regulations – that make it easier for cybercriminals to attack?

Jurisdictions with more rigorous cybersecurity regulations often see operators and suppliers achieving a higher standard of cyber resilience. However, one of the challenges that the industry faces is that regulatory frameworks are often inconsistent, particularly in multi-jurisdictional markets. For example, in the US, each state maintains its own regulatory body, resulting in varying cybersecurity standards across state lines. Gaming operators and suppliers should strive to not only meet but exceed regulatory requirements wherever possible.

We are also seeing a notable increase in third-party vulnerabilities within the iGaming and online sports betting industry. This sector operates within a highly interconnected environment, where the integration of third-party partner software and APIs can pose potential security risks. For example, our customer Alea leverages a single API integration, this helps reduce their attack surface area to introduce standardisation. Through our comprehensive suite of cybersecurity assessment services, we have partnered closely with Alea to test their infrastructure.

Learn more about the partnership here:

What are some of the best ways iGaming companies are protecting themselves from hackers today? Are there rules or systems we follow to stay safe?

To strengthen the cybersecurity posture of iGaming and online sports betting platforms, organisations must shift from a reactive response model to a proactive, defence-in-depth strategy. Rather than waiting for vulnerabilities to be exposed within systems, platforms or personnel, it is imperative to anticipate and mitigate risks through structured, preventative measures. Key best practices include:

• Conducting regular security audits and comprehensive risk assessments
• Utilising advanced threat detection and response technologies
• Establishing and maintaining well-documented procedures for identifying, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents
• Providing continuous cybersecurity training and awareness programmes for all personnel
• Equipping staff to recognise phishing campaigns, social engineering techniques, and other prevalent attack vectors
• Enforcing timely software updates, effective patch management, and strong authentication protocols such as multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Enhancing supply chain security by rigorously evaluating and monitoring third-party vendors and partners
• Investing in next-generation technologies and methodologies to address emerging threats, especially in the context of developments in AI and artificial general intelligence (AGI)
• Ensuring strict compliance with all relevant cybersecurity regulations and standards, moving beyond a checkbox approach to security

These initiatives establish a resilient security foundation, enabling organisations to effectively mitigate risks in an evolving threat landscape.

How can new technologies like AI or machine learning help detect suspicious activity, prevent fraud, or keep the platform safe for players?

Artificial intelligence is enabling threat actors to increase the speed, scale and effectiveness of their attacks – malicious actors are leveraging AI to rapidly identify vulnerabilities, automate exploit generation, develop advanced malware that evades detection and execute attacks on a global scale.

The good news is that AI is also a powerful ally for cybersecurity teams that can be used to counter these threats. Strategic applications include:

• Deploying AI-driven threat detection for real-time identification of security incidents
• Automating incident response processes to isolate compromised devices, block malicious traffic, and implement mitigation measures swiftly
• Using AI to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities within internal systems before adversaries can exploit them
• Implementing automated patch management to remediate security gaps as soon as they are discovered
• Utilising threat intelligence platforms powered by AI to analyse and disseminate emerging attack patterns, equipping organisations to prepare for future threats

By embracing these advanced capabilities, organisations can strengthen their posture and stay ahead of sophisticated AI-driven threats and attacks.

How often should employees across departments get cybersecurity awareness training, and what should it include?

Human error remains a primary vector for cyber threats – 70% of security breaches are caused by the human element.

To effectively counteract this risk and build up the ‘human firewall’, organisations must implement a comprehensive, layered cybersecurity strategy, comprising the following components:

Employee training and awareness: People represent the first and most critical line of defence. Regular, organisation-wide cybersecurity training is essential to ensure all staff can identify the latest phishing tactics and practice strong cyber hygiene. This training should encompass the recognition of suspicious communications, the risks of interacting with unknown links or attachments, and the importance of vigilant online behaviour.

Simulated phishing attacks: Leveraging targeted simulations such as our SafeBait solution empowers employees to safely experience and recognise a variety of attack scenarios. These simulations can be customised to reflect real-world phishing attempts across multiple attack vectors, including SMS, WhatsApp, voice and QR code-based attacks.

Endpoint protection: Deploying robust endpoint security – such as our Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) service – protects devices from malware and phishing attempts by offering real-time monitoring, rapid anomaly detection and immediate threat response.

Mobile protection: As mobile usage continues to rise, the deployment of advanced mobile security solutions is essential. Our Mobile Protect service delivers comprehensive protection for iOS and Android devices, effectively mitigating mobile-specific attack vectors.

At Continent 8, as well as our cybersecurity specialist division, C8 Secure, we prioritise ongoing internal security assessments with our own teams, upholding the standards we recommend to our customers through continuous practice and vigilance.

What trends or best practices do we anticipate will influence and shape the industry in 2025 and beyond?

There are a couple of developments that we should monitor.

First, threat intelligence. This has been an underutilised practice, due to the complexity of managing and analysing large-scale, complex datasets to effectively detect and correlate emerging, sector-specific threats in real time. I

We recently announced how we are able to address these requirements through the launch of our Threat Exchange solution – the industry’s first dedicated cyber threat intelligence (CTI) platform. This game-changing solution delivers actionable, real-time intelligence, enabling gaming operators, platform providers and B2B gaming technology companies to proactively detect emerging threats, improve indecent response and understand the threat landscape

Secondly, as we’re aware, regulatory frameworks are always evolving, gradually introducing changes that will further impact and strengthen industry security requirements. Importantly, these regulatory advancements are being applied not only to organisations but also to individual users, encouraging best cybersecurity practices and hygiene to protect systems at every level. It is essential for iGaming operators and suppliers to deliver comprehensive training platforms that incorporate realistic simulations, such as phishing exercises, to ensure staff are well-prepared for current and emerging threats.

October is recognised as Cyber Awareness Month – a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and adherence to best practices. However, cyber threats remain persistent, and it is essential to embrace an always-on, 2/7 cyber-defence strategy that delivers comprehensive, year-round, end-to-end protection.

The post HIPTHER Community Voices: It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month – Interview with Product Principal of Secure Solutions at Continent 8 Technologies, Craig Lusher appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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European Gaming speaks with Wedia Group CEO, Carl-Henrik Tuwezén, about building a modern affiliate and streamer-led marketing group that thinks beyond acquisition.

Can you take us back to Wedia’s founding story: what sparked the idea, and what sets you apart from other affiliate and streamer-led marketing groups?

For me, it all started with a streamer I believed had real potential. I helped him informally at first – how to get better deals, what to prioritise on stream, and a few years later an investment opportunity came up for him. He asked if I wanted to join and I left my role at Videoslots to scale what was, at the time, essentially a small stream into a broader operation. From late 2021 we’ve grown to a core team of 16–17 plus a wider network of writers, streamers and editors, and we run a multi-channel mix across SEO sites, streaming and paid social. What differentiates us is the mindset – we try to manage the full lifecycle of a player. We don’t want to be the affiliate that ranks, sends traffic and disappears. We build reasons for people to come back to the brands we’ve introduced.

You’ve said Wedia focuses on long-term value rather than pure acquisition. What does that look like in practice for operators and providers?

Practically, it means planning retention and reactivation from day one. We will try to agree with partners what happens three months after the first push: what are we doing to re-engage those players? That’s not always an easy conversation as many Affiliate Managers are still measured on acquisition alone, but operators value it. We also leverage social and product ideas to create repeated touchpoints and also build their brand via us. One example is a free-to-play sportsbook concept we trialled; another is running content and campaigns with game and software providers. The point is that we’re not just chasing a keyword win. We want sustained usage of our products and a measurable lift in lifetime value for partners, by being a reliable, good source for players to come back to.

Streamia.io is a big part of that story. What is it, and why is it a game-changer for streamers, providers and operators?

Streamia is a transparent, gamified way for streamers and influencers to start earning, and for providers and operators to activate creators at scale. Streamers pick up “missions” with clear criteria and rewards; as they level up, they earn more while our cut reduces. That alignment matters – we only win if they do, and over time they keep more of the upside. On the provider side we’ve run missions like “stream the new title this week and submit a highlight clip” with the potential for cash or merch rewards. On the operator side we can add performance missions: hit a target this week and unlock a payout. We also give vetted streamers an offer wall – essentially a dynamic link hub that aggregates offers from multiple operators. It’s Geo-IP targeted, so the wall automatically localises to each viewer’s country and surfaces the most relevant operator offers. That lets creators present a mix of brands inside a single stream and convert audiences beyond their home market without manual juggling. It’s simple to start, transparent to grow, and built for repeat collaboration.

You’re entering new territories over the next year. Which regions are you most excited about, and what opportunities or challenges do you see?

We view Streamia through a global lens, with a strong focus on Europe and LATAM – Asia is also on the radar. Across Wedia’s in-house affiliate brands, we typically launch with SEO first, then add streamer activations once there’s traction. Wherever we go, we do it properly: local language, local nuance, local community. The opportunity is clear, creator-led engagement travels well when you respect the market.

When choosing partners, what do you look for in operators and providers, and how do you ensure relationships deliver value on both sides?

We operate a thorough ‘KYC’ process because we want reliable, long-term partners. We also try to be fair on deal setup and very transparent on performance. If a launch underperforms, we don’t wait for a quarterly review – we’re the first to call and ask what we can test, where the funnel drops and what “good” looks like relative to a benchmark. Sometimes it’s a landing-page tweak, sometimes a different creator, sometimes timing. That proactive stance is part of our USP – it’s better for operators and it’s better for us.

Looking ahead to the next couple of years, what’s your vision for Wedia and Streamia?

Affiliation will always reward teams that are quick and light-footed, so we’ll keep that adaptability. For streaming, the ambition is simple: if a brand wants to try or scale streaming, we want them to think of us first, to come to Streamia to connect with creators in a structured, measurable way. And as Wedia Group, we want to be seen as more than a Nordic player. The plan is to add more markets, more depth and more product so we can offer a broader, acquisition and retention-oriented proposition to operators and providers. Ultimately, we’re building products, websites and communities that people enjoy and return to. We care that the players we send genuinely like the experience, not just that they signed up once.

The post Wedia on retention-first affiliation and the rise of Streamia.io appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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DSTGAMING and Digital Marketer John Tan, join us ahead of the European Gaming Congress 2025.

DSTGAMING brings over a decade of expertise in delivering advanced iGaming solutions, and will be supporting this year’s European Gaming Congress as Lanyards Sponsor. Known for its white-label and turnkey casino platforms, custom game development, powerful aggregation, and secure payment solutions, DSTGAMING empowers operators to launch, scale, and succeed with confidence in today’s competitive landscape.

John, DSTGAMING has built a reputation as a trusted iGaming solutions provider. From your perspective, what makes the company stand out in such a crowded industry?

DSTGAMING stands out by combining over a decade of industry expertise with a truly end-to-end portfolio. While many providers specialize in a single area, DSTGAMING integrates platform solutions, aggregation, payment systems, and bespoke development under one umbrella. This holistic approach ensures that operators not only gain access to advanced technology but also benefit from a partner that understands scalability, compliance, and market dynamics across regions.

Many providers offer white label and turnkey solutions. How does DSTGAMING approach these models differently, and how do you see operators deciding which is the right path for them?

DSTGAMING approaches both models with flexibility and operator growth in mind. White-label solutions are designed for newcomers seeking a fast and cost-effective market entry, complete with licensing and operational support. Turnkey solutions, on the other hand, cater to established operators who want greater control over branding, customization, and scalability. By clearly defining the strengths of each pathway, DSTGAMING helps operators choose the model that aligns with their resources, goals, and long-term strategy.

With over 10,000 games integrated from 100+ providers, your aggregator is one of the strongest in the market. How does this scale benefit operators and players alike?

For operators, this scale reduces integration complexity and ensures they can meet diverse player preferences with a single API. For players, it translates into variety and choice, whether they are looking for classic slots, live dealer tables, or innovative new mechanics. The sheer depth and diversity of the portfolio allows operators to maximize engagement and retention while staying competitive in multiple markets.

Beyond ready-made solutions, DSTGAMING also offers custom game development. Could you share how bespoke development enhances brand identity and player engagement for your clients?

Custom development enables operators to stand out in a marketplace where many platforms look similar. By creating games that reflect a brand’s theme, culture, or promotional goals, DSTGAMING helps operators deliver a unique experience that strengthens brand recognition and loyalty. Bespoke games also give operators the opportunity to innovate around player preferences, building stronger engagement through originality.

Secure, seamless payments are vital to iGaming. What are the biggest challenges DSTGAMING solves for operators when it comes to multi-currency and crypto transactions?

Operators often face fragmented payment channels, regulatory complexities, and cross-border transaction hurdles. DSTGAMING addresses these by offering a unified payment gateway that supports multiple fiat currencies and leading cryptocurrencies. The focus is on ensuring fast, reliable, and compliant transactions that reduce player friction while safeguarding operators from risk.

Gamification has become a buzzword in the industry. How do DSTGAMING’s gamification tools, like loyalty programs, mini-games, and missions, translate into measurable retention results?

Gamification tools are built to extend the player lifecycle and drive consistent engagement. Loyalty programs reward repeat activity, missions add a layer of progression, and mini-games offer instant entertainment. Together, these elements encourage players to stay active longer, return more frequently, and increase their lifetime value. The measurable impact for operators is higher retention rates, stronger brand stickiness, and improved revenue sustainability.

Looking ahead, what trends in iGaming solutions excite you most, and how is DSTGAMING preparing to stay ahead of the curve?

Key trends include the rise of localized content, the growing role of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in payments, and the increasing demand for AI-driven personalization. DSTGAMING is actively investing in these areas by expanding its crypto solutions, enhancing data-driven tools for player engagement, and building stronger localization capabilities. The company’s strategy is to anticipate shifts in player behavior and regulation, ensuring operators can adapt quickly and capture new opportunities.

Thank you, John, for sharing DSTGAMING’s perspective on building scalable, innovative iGaming platforms that empower operators worldwide!

Join us at the European Gaming Congress 2025 | 30–31 October | Warsaw

Secure your spot today, network, and dive deeper into how industry leaders like DSTGAMING shape the future.

The post Building the Future of iGaming Business: DSTGAMING on Powering Casinos from Launch to Scale appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.