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Popular Gambling App Exposed Millions of Users in Massive Data Leak

Published

5 years ago

July 8, 2020

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Led by Noam Rotem and Ran Locar, vpnMentor’s research team discovered a data breach on casino gambling app Clubillion.

The breach originated in a technical database built on an Elasticsearch engine and was recording the daily activities of millions of Clubillion players around the world.

Aside from leaking activity on the app, the breached database also exposed private user information.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

With this information publicly available, Clubillion’s users were vulnerable to fraud and various online attacks with potentially devastating results.

Company Profile

Clubillion is a free online casino game available for iOS and Android, offering players 30+ free slot games. While each app is listed under a different developer – Ouroboros on iOS and T7 Games on Android – these are most likely owned by the same company.

Both versions of Clubillion were released in 2019 and became instant hits. Each is now ranked the #1 ‘social slots’ casino app on Google Play and the App Store, with a 4.8 star on both.

Timeline of Discovery and Owner Reaction

Sometimes, the extent of a data breach and the owner of the database are obvious, and the issue quickly resolved. But rare are these times. Most often, we need days of investigation before we understand what’s at stake or who’s leaking the data.

Understanding a breach and its potential impact takes careful attention and time. We work hard to publish accurate and trustworthy reports, ensuring everybody who reads them understands their seriousness.

Some affected parties deny the facts, disregarding our research, or playing down its impact. So, we need to be thorough and make sure everything we find is correct and accurate.

In this case, the database was built on Elasticsearch and hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), with Clubillion’s name on its apps, and links to assets owned by the company.

Once Clubillion was confirmed as the owner of the database, we reached out to the developers. While awaiting a reply, we also contacted AWS with details of the leak. It was closed a few days later.

Date discovered: 19th March 2020

Date vendors contacted: 23rd March 2020

Date of contact with AWS: 31st March 2020

Date of Action: Approx. 5th April 2020

Example of Entries in the Database

Clubillion’s exposed database contained technical logs for millions of Clubillion users around the world, on both iOS and Android devices. Every time an individual player took any action on the app, a record was logged. Examples of records include:

“enter game”
“win”
“lose”
“update account”
“create account”

During our investigation of the database, new entries continued to appear continuously. We estimated an average of approximately 200 million records per day – and sometimes, considerably more.

In total, this amounted to over 50GB of exposed records in the database every single day.

Within many of these records, were various forms of user Personally Identifiable Information (PII) data, including:

IP addresses
Email addresses
Winnings
Private messages

This data breach was truly global, with millions of records originating from Clubillion’s daily users all over the world. The following list is just a sample of countries affected, along with the average number of daily users from each country:

USA – 10,000+
UK – 2,475+
France – 1,650+
Israel – 408+
Germany – 1,582+
Spain – 1,026+
Italy – 2,407+
Netherlands – 622+
Australia – 6,251+
Canada – 7,792+
Brazil – 3,859+
Sweden – 191+
Russia – 547+

Other countries affected included Uzbekistan, India, Poland, Romania, Vietnam, Lebanon, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand, Austria, Hungry, and Latvia.

As you can see, on a single day, 10,000s of individual Clubillion players were exposed. Each one of these players could be targeted by malicious hackers for fraud and cyberattacks – along with millions more whose records were also contained in the database.

Data Breach Impact

Studies have shown that free gambling and gaming apps are especially prone to attacks and hacking from cybercriminals. They are routinely targeted for theft of private data and embedding malicious software on users’ devices.

Despite their popularity, gambling and casino apps often lack transparency, and it can be impossible to know what steps they’re taking to prevent cybercriminals successfully targeting their users.

One study of 23,000 free gambling apps found that: 3,200 posed a ‘moderate risk’ to users; 379 had known security vulnerabilities; 52 contained malicious software.

Any of these issues could be exploited to target app users in a wide range of frauds and cyberattacks, and Clubillion is no different.

With the exposed user PII and knowledge of their activity on the app, hackers could create elaborate schemes to defraud users. For example, some entries also included transaction errors for attempted card payments on Clubillion.

With the information in these transaction errors, hackers could target users with phishing campaigns, with the following aims:

Trick them into providing their credit card details
Trick them into providing additional PII to be used against them in further fraud
Clicking a link that embeds malware, spyware, or ransomware onto their device.

If cybercriminals used Clubillion to embed malware or similar onto a user’s phone, they could potentially hack other apps, access files stored on the device, make calls, and send texts from the hacked device. They could even access a user’s phone contacts and steal the PII data of their friends and family.

Worse still, as people across the globe now find themselves under quarantine or self-isolation, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, the impact of a leak like this is potentially even more significant.

Clubillion stands to gain many new users, along with regular users playing more frequently. Hackers will be aware of this and looking for opportunities to exploit any vulnerabilities in the data security of such a massively popular app.

Had criminal hackers discovered Clubillion’s database, they could have targeted millions of people around the world, with devastating results.

Impact on Clubillion and it’s Developers

The most immediate risk for Clubillion is the loss of players. Data security is a growing concern for everyone these days, and this leak could turn many players off the app. Clubillion is not unique, and players have plenty of other choices for free gambling apps.

With fewer players, Clubillion will lose advertising revenue and reduced profits.

As many of Clubillion’s players reside within the EU, the app is under the jurisdiction of GDPR. The rules of GDPR also apply to apps, and Clubillion will need to take specific actions to ensure the regulatory body in charge doesn’t reprimand it.

Finally, Clubillion could also potentially be removed from Google Play and the App Store. Both Apple and Google are clamping down on apps that pose a risk to their users, removing apps embedded with malware, and taking data leaks much more seriously.

Each of these outcomes has a different likelihood of happening, but they would all negatively impact Clubillion’s revenue and business.

Advice from the Experts

Clubillion’s developers could have easily avoided this leak if they had taken some basic security measures to protect the database. These include, but are not limited to:

Securing their servers.
Implementing proper access rules.
Never leaving a system that doesn’t require authentication open to the internet.

Any company can replicate the same steps, no matter its size.

For a more in-depth guide on how to protect your business, check out our guide to securing your website and online database from hackers.

For Clubillion Users

If you play on Clubillion and are concerned about how this breach might impact you, contact the app’s developers directly to find out what steps it’s taking to protect your data.

To learn about data vulnerabilities in general, read our complete guide to online privacy.

It shows you the many ways cybercriminals target internet users, and the steps you can take to stay safe.

How and Why We Discovered the Breach

The vpnMentor research team discovered the breach in Clubillion’s database as part of a huge web mapping project. Our researchers use port scanning to examine particular IP blocks and test different systems for weaknesses or vulnerabilities. They examine each weakness for any data being leaked.

Our team was able to access this database because it was completely unsecured and unencrypted.

Whenever we find a data breach, we use expert techniques to verify the owner of the database, usually a commercial company.

As ethical hackers, we’re obliged to inform a company when we discover flaws in their online security. We reached out to Clubillion’s developers, not only to let them know about the vulnerability but also to suggest ways in which they could make their system secure.

These ethics also mean we carry a responsibility to the public. Clubillion users must be aware of a data breach that exposes so much of their sensitive data.

The purpose of this web mapping project is to help make the internet safer for all users.

Source

Latest News

RankRadar Launches “Operator’s Top Games” – Empowering Game Providers to Track and Compare Competitor Performance

Published

2 hours ago

June 18, 2025

George Miller

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

RankRadar, the innovative game tracking and analytics platform for game providers, has launched a powerful new feature: Operator’s Top Games.

This new functionality enables game providers, their product teams, and account managers to gain deeper market insights by tracking and comparing the top-performing games of competitors across all monitored operators.

With this addition, game providers gain clear visibility into the competitive landscape. They can now track which competitor games are performing best across all monitored operators, stay ahead of market trends and shifts in player demand, and identify performance gaps as well as emerging opportunities. These insights enable providers to plan smarter release and marketing strategies — all backed by real-time data.

RankRadar Co-Founder & CEO Gjorgje Ristikj commented: “Operator’s Top Games was built to help RankRadar clients make faster, more informed decisions and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. Whether analysing competitors, monitoring market changes, or improving their own game positioning — this new feature gives teams the visibility and intelligence they need to drive success.”

The post RankRadar Launches “Operator’s Top Games” – Empowering Game Providers to Track and Compare Competitor Performance appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

SBC Summit 2025 Adds Latin America & Brazil Track

Published

2 hours ago

June 18, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

sbc-summit-2025-adds-latin-america-&-brazil-track

SBC Summit 2025 introduces a Latin America & Brazil track, further aligning its conference strategy with the global nature of the event, which is set to welcome 30,000 attendees from around the world this September.

The track will form part of the Global Markets stage, which was introduced this year alongside the Emerging Markets stage to spotlight some of the industry’s hottest regions as well as those that deserve early attention from industry stakeholders.

The decision to include a dedicated track builds on the remarkable 126% surge in Latin American attendance in 2024, reinforcing the event’s position as the go-to destination for professionals seeking to engage with and understand this rapidly evolving region.

Held on Tuesday, 16 September at Lisbon’s Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), the track will deliver five expert-led sessions exploring some of the region’s most pressing issues, from Brazil’s evolving post-regulation landscape to Peru’s tax reforms and Mexico’s regulatory direction.

Delegates will gain exclusive insights from the industry leaders driving growth across Latin America. These experts will share how they’ve built market presence through strategic local partnerships, culturally relevant marketing, and a clear understanding of regulatory complexity, offering essential knowledge for any company looking to succeed in these high-potential markets.

Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “Latin America represents not just one of the most dynamic regions in global gaming, but also one of the most nuanced.

“Our programme gets to the heart of the challenges businesses face in Latin America and Brazil, whether it’s navigating local rules, understanding cultural differences, or keeping pace with shifting tax policies and digital trends. If you want to grow in this region, these sessions offer insights you can’t miss.”

The track will open with the LATAM Leaders: Latin America First – the Home-grown Operators Reinventing the Game, which will unite industry heavyweights Zeno Ossko (CEO, Betwarrior) and Sebastian Salazar (Founder, EstelarBet) as they discuss how regional operators are outmaneuvering international brands by creating locally-tailored innovations that resonate with Latin American audiences.

The Brazil Leaders Panel: The Bubble That Just Won’t Burst – Looking Back at the Launch of Sports Betting will explore Brazil’s post-regulation landscape and why operators must tailor strategies to local contexts. Regional experts Andreas Bardun (CEO, KTO Group), Alex Fonseca (CEO, Superbet Brazil), Almir Silva (CEO – Brazil, BetMGM) and panel moderator Neil Montgomery (Founding Partner, Montgomery Sociedade de Advogados), will discuss how partnerships with local providers and gaming influencers are key to long-term success in Brazil.

The session Peru and the Impact of ISC: All Eyes on the Andes will examine what Peru’s new tax measures will mean for operators in the region. Experts Xabier Maribona (CEO, RETABet Group), Alejandro Rivero (CEO, Estelarbet), Gonzalo Perez (CEO, Apuesta Total), and Gonzalo Rosell (CEO, La Tinka) will tackle the implications of the new Selective Consumption Tax (ISC) and what it could mean for growth, compliance, and the pace of market development.

Another key session centres on the Mexican market. In Mexico: Reaching Market Maturity, or More to Go?, industry leaders George Athanasopoulos (CEO, Novibet), JD Duarte (CEO, Betcris), Ohad Narkis (CEO, PlayUZU), Dr Miguel Angel Ochoa (President, AIEJA), Aviv Sher (CEO, Codere), and Yono Sidi (CEO, Winpot.mx) will examine the country’s stalled regulatory progress and whether an ongoing lack of clarity is creating the conditions for black market activity to thrive.

The track will also feature the panel Casino in Latin America: from Land-Based to Mobile, where regulatory leaders will examine the evolving legislative frameworks driving the region’s digital gaming transition.

Beyond the Latin America and Brazil spotlight on day one, the Global Markets track will also feature in-depth sessions on Western Europe and North America, rounding off this dedicated summit stream.

Complementing this, a separate Emerging Markets stage will focus on key regions including Africa, Eurasia & the Middle East, and Asia, reinforcing SBC’s commitment to providing comprehensive insights into the markets shaping the global gambling landscape.

Secure your ticket to SBC Summit 2025 today.

The post SBC Summit 2025 Adds Latin America & Brazil Track appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

iGaming

The LATAM Online Casino Market: Where Innovation Meets Localization

Published

3 hours ago

June 18, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

the-latam-online-casino-market:-where-innovation-meets-localization

Latin America, or LATAM, is quickly rising on the global radar as a hot new playground for online casinos. A lively mixture of tech-hungry young people, wider Internet access every month, and rules that are slowly but steadily growing friendlier to gaming makes the region a tempting patch of soil for operators eager to plant their brand. Unlike older markets that are already crowded and tightening the regulatory screws, LATAM still feels fresh and open, letting companies chase fast gains by leaning on bold ideas, local flavors, and mobile-first thinking.

Why LATAM Is a Key Growth Market for Online Gambling

A few key trends are stacking the deck in favor of LATAM casinos. First, smartphones have practically become a third arm for many residents. The GSMA Mobile Economy report for 2023 says more than 73 percent of the region now carries a smartphone, and that share keeps climbing. Such broad pocket-sized connectivity lets gaming sites reach players, even in remote towns, without the extra cost of shops or kiosks.

Second, LATAM’s population is much younger than Europe or North America. Millennials and Gen Z together make up a huge slice of the online betting crowd. Because these generations live, shop, and play through apps, they slide into digital payments and gamified screens with little friction, exactly the kind of audience casinos dream about.

Third, even though rules still differ from nation to nation, the general trend is toward looser, friendlier legislation. Brazil, for example, just passed a law covering fixed-odds sports betting and other online games, a clear sign that officials want licensed, taxable sites.

For LATAM players who prefer local touches, a one-stop hub such as Ingamble proves useful. The service directs users to casinos in their language, accepts their usual payment methods, and meets local laws, building the trust and ease that a young market needs.

How Cultural Differences Shape Casino Preferences

Grasping what people like in each country is critical to success, and LATAM shows that well. Its mix of cultures, customs, and histories means a blanket offer will disappoint in most places. In Mexico, for instance, community bingo nights and brightly themed slots still rule the floor, echoing deep traditions. Developers win by weaving folkloric images, regional music, and familiar tales into those games.

Brazilians, by contrast, look for platforms that merge casino fun with sports betting heat. Because football is almost a second religion, sites that serve live odds alongside a spinning wheel or table gain a clear and lasting advantage.

Localizing a product goes well beyond swapping English words for Spanish or Portuguese. It means building every step of the user journey around local holidays, favorite sports, and even the colors people associate with luck. When a digital service reflects the rhythm of daily life in a country, users stay longer and come back more often.

LATAM’s payments landscape is fragmented, so every casino must meet players where they are. Many customers are underbanked or lean on alternative tools, which makes integrating local methods essential rather than optional. Accepting Brazil’s PIX or the classic boleto bancario has moved from a bonus feature to a bare minimum.

Across the region, Argentina’s Mercado Pago rules wallets while Colombia’s Mercado Pago leads transfers through PSE. If these gateways are missing, carts are abandoned and trust disappears.

Currency support matters just as much. Enabling deposits and withdrawals in pesos or reales spares players conversion fees, and signals the operator treats them like a local. Casinos that add instant payouts and clear fee structures speed up service and earn a valuable edge.

Mobile Dominance: Data-Light Designs Win

Smartphones drive almost all online traffic across LATAM, so any brand that ignores them is courting failure. Yet mobile success goes beyond fitting a website on a small screen; it means building services that run smoothly on flaky networks and budget handsets.

Enter Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), a lightweight layer that gives casino players app-like speed without the hassle of Big Store downloads. Pair that with smart tricks: images that shrink on command, offline pockets so play never halts, and a no-frills layout that cuts data costs for users counting every megabyte.

Market leaders also roll out lite skins, peeling off heavy animations and endless scripts in favor of bare-bones speed and rock-solid uptime. Research shows delays of even a second can send players packing, turning lean design from a tech choice into a profit-or-loss showdown.

Localization Beyond Language: Bonuses and UI

Translation may get the words right, but it rarely captures what a player actually feels. Rewards, loyalty plans, and promos need to mirror local rhythms or they fade into the noise. A Holy Week rebate or a Festas Juninas gift card, for example, speaks straight to a Brazilian wallet and makes gaming personal.

User interfaces should always respect the tastes of the region. Across most LATAM markets, bold colors and lively animations win users more reliably than soft, stripped-back looks. Themes that borrow from local myths, beloved athletes, or street parties hit harder and draw stronger emotional ties.

Clear, honest talk about bonuses – especially wagering rules – matters just as much. LATAM players often arrive wary and quick to abandon sites that hide or twist the fine print. Simple, plain-language promises and fair play keep satisfaction high and churn low.

LATAM Regulation: Fragmented Today, Unified Tomorrow?

The legal landscape across LATAM still looks like a patchwork quilt, with every nation moving at its own rhythm. After years of debate, Brazil has at last laid down the first stones for an official iGaming market. Rules passed in 2023 set out licensing, tax rates and ad norms, marking a huge step for the region.

Colombia stays ahead, having greenlit online gambling in 2016 and handing out more than twenty operators’ licences since then. Its clear framework shows how steady oversight can tempt first-class global brands while still shielding everyday players.

Yet nations such as Venezuela and Bolivia remain at the back, relying on vague or years-old laws. So, firms chasing regional growth move quickly, launching under Curacao or MGA permits and promising to shift to local licenses once the rules firm up.

This patchwork of regulations calls for clear-eyed planning. Online casinos must link arms with lawyers and compliance pros who can steer them through local quirks, keep them out of gray markets, and support lasting operations.

LATAM’s online casino field is tricky but lucrative. Brands that respect local culture, invest in thorough localization, and build mobile-first sites stand a strong chance. As rules continue to modernize and user appetite grows, happy young audiences and friendly smartphone stacks regions shine as a fresh frontier for global iGaming.

The post The LATAM Online Casino Market: Where Innovation Meets Localization appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.