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As eSports become more popular, time for the industry to get real about security

Published

5 years ago

July 26, 2021

Police in Ukraine recently seized 3,800 PlayStation 4 consoles, which currently retail for around 290 each, and found to their surprise that the operation wasn’t mining cryptocurrency as they assumed but was in fact being used to generate content packs for FIFA Ultimate Team, a popular game mode in the FIFA football series.

The raid and its results underline a fact that may escape more traditionally minded members of the gaming community: eSports is a major industry, and like any industry it is susceptible to fraud. The fact that the games themselves take place virtually is irrelevant to fraudsters who can use the familiar toolkit of multi-accounting, bonus abuse and affiliate fraud to earn thousands.

With many sports teams unable to play throughout much of 2020 and 2021, eSports grew massively. League Championship Series (LCS), one of the largest eSports leagues, became the third most viewed professional sports league amongst 18-34 year olds in the U.S and has retained its corporate sponsors at a time when other leagues were shut down. Success stories like these are blunted by how pervasive eSports fraud is,

So, what kinds of fraud are taking place in eSports, what is it costing eSports organizations and what can be done to stop it?

What kinds of fraud are possible in eSports?

eSports attracts very similar types of fraud to regular sports betting, including:

Bonus Abuse: Like other sports betting companies, eSports companies often give sign-up bonuses such as free bets to new players. By coding automated systems, a fraudster can sign up to hundreds of accounts and use the free bets to win real money. This can cost gaming companies up to 15% of their revenue.
Multi-accounting: Similarly, a fraudster can use multiple accounts to perform other types of fraud, such as matched betting, ‘smurfing’ or arbitrage of affiliate fraud.
Affiliate Fraud: Those eSports betting organizations that draw in some of their new players from affiliates are vulnerable to affiliate fraud in which an affiliate creates fake accounts to gain the pay-out.
Account takeover: Using lists of passwords from data breaches, keyloggers or phishing a fraudster can gain access to a player’s account and drain their funds.
Chargeback fraud: A player, who may be a legitimate gamer and not a professional fraudster, initiates a chargeback on a transaction. This is common in gaming when gamblers regret a bad bet and claim that their account was hacked.

The costs of eSports fraud

Fraud costs have a way of snowballing, with each $1 lost through fraud actually costing companies $3. The above techniques are hardly equivalent to the major data breaches of major banking and tech companies that cost on average $3.86 million, but the constant barrage of low-level frauds can soon drain your company’s security budget. Aside from the cost of the fraud itself, there are a number of hidden costs such as:

Chargeback losses: Investigating and disputing chargebacks will take up your risk team’s time, leaving them little time for more valuable activities. More worryingly, a company with a large number of chargebacks is likely to find it difficult securing credit or loans. Visa and Mastercard’s resolution processes are making things even more difficult for merchants, so you are likely to lose even more.
Affiliate budget waste: You could be paying for useless clicks from bot networks rather than legitimate customers, wasting your marketing budget and reducing overall ROI.
Reputational damage: Once word of mouth spreads about customers losing the entire bank accounts to account takeovers it will not be long until players start deserting your site.
Regulatory fines: The regulations around eSports are not as stringent as with other sports betting, but it will not be long before they catch up. With the industry growing it will not be long before countries put regulations in place to protect players, and without stringent security your company could be fined.

The solutions

You will notice that the majority of the types of fraud common in eSports have to do with fake accounts. These are easy for fraudsters to create using the wealth of publicly available data and leaked information, but fortunately artificial intelligence-based tools have been developed that allow companies to spot synthetic identities.

Through device fingerprinting, email profiling and IP analysis a complete picture of a new signup to your site can be created, allowing software to spot the tell-tale signs of a hastily created account. For example, it could find that an email address does not match any social accounts, or that they use VPNs and data centers to conceal their IP address.

Of course, a sophisticated fraudster could create a convincing fake identity, especially with the wealth of information available from data dumps, so modern technology can also spot the use of pre-paid credit cards or even the speed with which information is entered, which could indicate it is being filled in automatically by a script.

By combining data points from a large and ever-growing set a system can determine whether it is likely that any given new account is fraudulent. For the many cases in which it will not be fully clear whether an account is authentic or not adaptive Know Your Customer checks can be used – customers with several red flags will be given full tests to determine their identity whereas other customers will have less obtrusive tests for a smoother site experience.

eSports has gone from a niche concern to an Olympic sport in a few short years, and that success is going to attract fraud, so it is vital for the industry to pre-emptively defend against fraud by adopting the very highest levels of security.

To learn more, visit: https://seon.io/

Related Topics:eSports latest-news PlayStation 4

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Amusnet

Week 7/2026 slot games releases

Published

1 hour ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by Eastern European Gaming

Spinomenal has launched its newest exciting venture, Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3. The 3×3 reels of Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3 are enclosed in a glowing golden frame on a surface of lava, shimmering embers, and volcanic stones. From the initial spin, players are captivated by a powerful, exhilarating soundtrack that conjures the explosive energy of a volcanic eruption.

Volcano Power — Hold & Hit 3x3 from Spinomenal

BGaming is honoring the Chinese New Year this February by launching three new games themed around Chinese culture. This is the most recent in a series of seasonal promotional game collections launched by the studio. It comes after the successful releases of the Xmas, Halloween, Oktoberfest, and Valentine’s promotional sets in 2025.

Ring in the Chinese New Year with BGaming’s Seasonal Promotion

History is shaped by those who win, but in Medusa vs Perseus: Stone Duel, the new slot from sought-after iGaming creator ICONIC21, the result lies with the player. Transforming one of history’s most renowned rivalries into a 5×5 grid format, ICONIC21 offers a game characterized by intensity, impressive visuals, and clear mechanics.

Enter the sands of history with Cairo Dice from Amusnet, where the allure of Ancient Egypt blends with the lively spirit of contemporary gaming. Drawing from tales of formidable pharaohs, divine deities, and forgotten riches, this visually stunning dice slot game immerses players in the essence of a golden desert kingdom, filled with symbols of wealth and enigma.

Amusnet’s Cairo Dice Takes Players on an Exciting Expedition

Relax Gaming has released Olympus 7’s Dream Drop, a mythological masterpiece containing high-voltage jackpot potential. Set against a backdrop of ancient legend, the new title features a 6×4 grid where the gods of old command six electrifying mini slot games.

TaDa Gaming introduces a fresh and engaging experience with Gallina Fortunata. Designed in portrait mode and built for fast, intuitive play, this innovative release blends reel-based gameplay with a flexible cashout mechanic, giving players full control over when to collect their winnings.

Blueprint Gaming has finalized a significant licensing deal with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) to create a collection of online slot games inspired by Game of Thrones, one of the most iconic entertainment franchises globally. The agreement encompasses upcoming titles influenced by House of the Dragon, contributing to a long-term strategy of high-quality, IP-driven launches.

Blueprint Gaming Lays Out Release Plan for Game of Thrones Slots

Gaming Corps has enhanced its slot collection with the launch of Wild Woof Returns, a follow-up to the popular Wild Woof game that elevates the original’s feature-rich gameplay. Wild Woof Returns immerses players directly into a cartoon-themed Wild West, as Sheriff Woof Garret pursues the notorious Feline Four once more.

Gaming Corps heads back to the Wild West with Wild Woof Returns

Get ready to immerse yourself in a realm of influence, passion, and fortune in Hidden Treasures of Rome: Cleopatra’s Love – the sophisticated latest release from coveted software developer Swintt’s Premium collection where empires converge and the bounty of a kingdom is poised for victory!

ENJOY has enhanced its growing slot collection with the launch of Diamond Slam, an exciting and powerful new game that combines traditional slot charm with contemporary jackpot-oriented mechanics. The small 3×3, 5 fixed payline slot embodies the allure of classic fruit machines with colorful fruit icons, seamless animations, and a lively backdrop, producing a dynamic and engaging environment.

ENJOY debuts Diamond Slam, the next must-play in its jackpot portfolio

Amusnet has released 40 Vampire Beast, a chilling new video slot that drags players straight into a gothic nightmare – where every spin pulses with tension, mystery and untamed power. Built on 40 fixed paylines, the game delivers relentless action amplified by Expanding Wilds and a fearsome multiplier feature that can turn a single spin into a monstrous reward.

Booming Games has introduced Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win this week. The game features a 5×3 layout with 25 paylines, offering significant risks with a top payout of 2,000 times the wager. Offering instant cash prizes at the end of each spin, Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win delivers an exceptional experience for players in search of high-stakes excitement.

Treasure Hunt Revival — Booming Games Launches Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win

ELA Games has officially launched its newest slot, Tea Party of Fortune. Now accessible throughout the studio’s complete partner network, this story-driven title welcomes players into a Secret Garden where engaging mechanics blend with a beloved fairytale theme.

Discover whether there are truly pots of gold at the end of the rainbow in Red Papaya’s newest slot featuring Free Spins, Cash Prizes, Jackpots, Collects, and Wilds to uncover during your gameplay. Do pots of gold truly exist at the rainbow’s end? The only method to discover is to spin the reels on Lucky Rainbow Rush, the newest slot by Red Papaya.

Red Papaya Presents: Lucky Rainbow Rush Adventure

Love on the Reels: Slotland Introduces "Aphrodite’s Kiss"

The post Week 7/2026 slot games releases appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Aphrodite’s Kiss

Love on the Reels: Slotland Introduces “Aphrodite’s Kiss”

Published

1 hour ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

love-on-the-reels:-slotland-introduces-“aphrodite’s-kiss”

A Perfect Union – Enjoy love with 25 Free Spins and a 90% Match Bonus available to All Players.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Slotland.eu encourages players to enjoy a hint of legendary enchantment with the debut of its whimsical new slot, Aphrodite’s Kiss. Drawing inspiration from the timeless Greek goddess of love and beauty, this game combines romantic charm with the possibility of lofty rewards. Every participant is encouraged to experience this with 25 FREE SPINS and a 90% Match Bonus, while VIP members enjoy a 120% Match—promotions valid until February 17th.

Designed with a gentle, whimsical mix of pink and gold, the 3×3 reel collection drifts amidst ethereal clouds. The goddess, wearing a crown of flowers, sends a kiss to the symbols—a golden harp, olive branch, and grand Pegasus—establishing an enchanting, romantic atmosphere.

“Aphrodite’s Kiss captures the essence of passion and chance,” said Michael Hilary, Slotland Manager. “It’s a perfect, heartfelt game for the season, where a single kiss—or spin—can trigger divine surprises.”

Gameplay Features:

Mystery Bonus: A single MYSTERY scatter on the 2nd reel instantly awards a random Coin Win, paid directly to your cash balance, or triggers the coveted Free Spins round.
Heavenly Free Spins: This bonus round begins with a random number of spins, featuring an ever-increasing win multiplier that grows with each spin.
Wild Pays: The Wild symbol appears in both base play and bonuses, with a 3x wild combination paying a 2000x the bet.

Aphrodite’s Kiss is a straightforward yet engaging 10-payline slot made for smooth mobile gaming in both vertical and horizontal orientations, with wagering options ranging from $1 to $10.

Aphrodite’s Kiss debuts on sister site CryptoWins.com, featuring match bonus promotions available until February 22, along with CryptoSlots.com and Winaday.eu.

Allow affection to turn the wheels. Explore Aphrodite’s Kiss now at Slotland, Winaday, CryptoSlots, and CryptoWins:

SLOTLAND

25 FREE SPINS
* Redeem: 1x, Valid: Aphrodite’s Kiss, Wager on Winnings: 28x on all slots, Max Cashout: $100
* Depositing players only
* Bonus Code: LOVESPINS

UP TO 120% MATCH
* 120% For Gold VIP, 110% for Silver VIP, 100% for Bronze VIP, 90% for all
* On deposits $25 – $500
* Redeem: 2x per day, Wager: 25x, Valid: All slots & keno
* Bonus Code: MORELOVE

Promo valid February 13 – 17, 2026: https://www.slotland.eu/en/promotions#new-game-aphrodites-kiss

CRYPTOWINS

MYSTERY LOVE MATCH
* Redeem: 3x per day, Wager: 35x, Valid: Aphrodite’s Kiss
* Bonus Code: MYSTERY

UP TO $115 LOVE MATCH
* On deposits $115 on $200 – $299, $75 on $100 – $199, $35 on $25 – $99
* Redeem: 4x per day, wager: 37x, Valid: Slotland Ent. Games
* Bonus Code: MORELOVE

Promo valid February 14 – 22, 2026: https://www.cryptowins.com/en/new-games

The post Love on the Reels: Slotland Introduces “Aphrodite’s Kiss” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Boomerang Partners

Boomerang Partners announces the launch of the exclusive TIME TO WIN tournament for affiliates

Published

2 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

boomerang-partners-announces-the-launch-of-the-exclusive-time-to-win-tournament-for-affiliates

Boomerang Partners has launched an exclusive affiliate tournament timed to coincide with a pivotal stretch of the 2026 global sports calendar. Running until 31 March, the activation operates under the TIME TO WIN concept — the strategic framework underpinning the company’s collaboration with its Official Regional Partner, AC Milan, throughout the Year of Sports.

The 2026 calendar features a concentration of major competitions, including the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Positioned across February and March — one of the season’s most commercially active periods — the tournament is designed to help sports-focused affiliates capitalize on heightened engagement.

TIME TO WIN tournament prizes

Following a teaser campaign featuring AC Milan players Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alexis Saelemaekers, Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot and Rafael Leão, Boomerang Partners confirmed 12 February as the official launch date. The tournament is hosted on the AC Milan Hub, a digital platform created within the partnership between Boomerang Partners and the Club.

Participants can unlock prize draws by reaching specified point thresholds. Available rewards include match experiences and exclusive club-related trips, such as visits to Milanello Sports Center.

Prize categories include:

TIME TO WIN merchandise packs for teams
Official AC Milan jerseys signed by players
Match trip for AC Milan vs Cagliari
Match trip for AC Milan vs Juventus with pre-match access
Exclusive Milanello experience for affiliate teams

Affiliates earning at least 100 points will also receive bonus points toward the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026.

Participation mechanics

The competition runs from 12 February to 31 March 2026. During this period, affiliates complete tasks across designated segments, accumulate points and progressively unlock access to five prize draws. Activities include social media initiatives, surveys and collaborative promotional efforts coordinated through the AC Milan Hub.

The role of the AC Milan Hub

The AC Milan Hub serves as the central platform for all TIME TO WIN initiatives. Designed as an integrated digital ecosystem, it combines campaign tools, interactive mechanics and access to exclusive club-related experiences. While the tournament represents the flagship activation for Q1 2026, the Hub will host additional partnership initiatives throughout the year.

By embedding the competition within this platform, Boomerang Partners expands the value of participation beyond a standalone performance challenge, positioning affiliates within a broader brand collaboration framework.

Strategic support for affiliates

Participants also gain access to Boomerang Partners’ Sports Marketing & Betting Calendar 2026 — a practical planning resource that outlines tournament cycles, regional sports trends and campaign timing strategies. The guide provides structured insights into market behaviour, enabling affiliates to approach peak sporting periods with data-driven precision.

TIME TO WIN as a strategic framework

TIME TO WIN represents the overarching concept guiding Boomerang Partners’ 2026 partnership with AC Milan. More than a campaign theme, it reflects a shared emphasis on performance, ambition and long-term growth. The concept is designed to support multiple activations throughout the sports season, extending beyond traditional sponsorship formats.

Affiliates are encouraged to prepare campaigns in advance to maximize results during the tournament window.

About Boomerang Partners

Boomerang Partners is a global marketing agency and Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. The company launched the Golden Boomerang Awards in 2024, with more than 400 affiliate teams participating in its 2025 season. Its partner network spans more than 40 markets, offering affiliate and entertainment services supported by localized solutions and multilingual customer support.

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