Industry News

As Online Gambling Legalization Expands, So Do Scams and Regulatory Issues

Published

6 years ago

January 30, 2020

iovation research finds large rise in bonus abuse, credit card fraud and self-exclusion reports

iovation, a TransUnion company, today released its 2020 iGaming Report. Now in its fourth year, the report analyzes more than four billion global online gambling transactions iovation screened for fraud indicators over the past 15 years.

Among the findings, bonus abuse was the number one reported fraud by iovation’s iGaming customers for the third year in a row, rising 72% from 2018 to 2019 (pg. 10). Gambling bonuses often include giving a new player house money to gamble or existing customers incentives to play more. Bonus abusers then use multiple accounts with different email addresses in order to claim the same bonus sometimes hundreds of times, which is often against gambling operators’ terms.

“Deposit bonuses can be a valuable tool for attracting and retaining players,” said Greg Pierson, TransUnion’s senior vice president of business planning and development. “Unfortunately, a few bad apples can abuse otherwise effective programs to the point of eliminating all their value.”

Another key trend in the report was the rise in self-exclusion (pg. 12). iovation received over 363,000 reports of player self-exclusion in 2019, a 63% increase over 2018. Self-exclusion is when a player admits they have a gambling problem and tells an operator not to allow them to gamble. The operator is now legally obligated to ensure the player does not resume gambling activities. In many instances a self-excluded gambler tries to set up a new account, many times with the information of another family member, when they have a change of heart. Or fraudsters set up a new account using a stolen credit card, deposit funds using that card and then self-exclude before the chargeback – a forced transaction reversal initiated by the cardholder’s bank.

“When looking at devices and accounts associated with self-exclusion reports in 2019, we saw eight times (three million) the number of devices and three times (1.2 million) the number of accounts in comparison to reports of self-exclusion. This paints a clear picture that those who self-exclude are not always walking away,” said Angie White, iovation product marketing manager. “Having multiple devices and accounts linked to self-exclusion reports could point to a self-excluded player trying to use another device to set up a new account or something more problematic like a fraud ring.”

Other key findings in the report include:

Credit Card Fraud Continues Climb: iovation iGaming customers reported a 37% growth in credit card fraud from 2018 to 2019. While operators look to stop credit card fraud, consumers expect reduced transaction reviews and unnecessary step-up authentication with their credit card transactions. (pg. 11)
Significant Majority of Transactions go Mobile: 79% of all iGaming transactions came from mobile phones and tablets in 2019, an increase of 13% over 2018. It’s clear consumers expect a mobile-first experience. (pg. 6)

“Providing a secure and friction-right mobile experience to onboard new players has never been more important for competing effectively in the iGaming market with new countries and states seemingly legalizing online gambling every week,” said Pierson.

Download iovation’s 2020 iGaming Report. To discuss it in person Feb. 4-6, visit iovation at the ICE London gaming technology event, stand N9-500. For more details about the findings, register for the Feb. 19 2020 iGaming Report webinar.

About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU):

TransUnion is a global information and insights company that makes trust possible in the modern economy. We do this by providing a comprehensive picture of each person so they can be reliably and safely represented in the marketplace. As a result, businesses and consumers can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good.®

A leading presence in more than 30 countries across five continents, TransUnion provides solutions that help create economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for hundreds of millions of people.

About iovation:

iovation, a TransUnion Company, was founded with a simple guiding mission: to make the Internet a safer place for people to conduct business. Since 2004, the company has been delivering against that goal, helping brands protect and engage their customers, and keeping them secure in the complex digital world. Armed with the world’s largest and most precise database of reputation insights and cryptographically secure multifactor authentication methods, iovation safeguards tens of millions of digital transactions each day.

Industry News

Ex-Paysafe VP Justin Fraser takes chief revenue officer role at Yaspa to drive global growth

Published

26 minutes ago

February 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

ex-paysafe-vp-justin-fraser-takes-chief-revenue-officer-role-at-yaspa-to-drive-global-growth

Yaspa, the renowned fintech focusing on instant payments and identity solutions, today reveals the appointment of Justin Fraser as its Chief Revenue Officer.

Fraser becomes part of Yaspa’s executive team during a crucial period of global growth. He has more than 20 years of commercial leadership experience in the payments ecosystem, having occupied senior leadership positions at notable industry companies like Cybersource, Visa, and Paysafe.

Having a career centered on maneuvering through intricate payment environments, he offers knowledge in rapidly expanding, regulated sectors such as iGaming, cryptocurrency, and financial technology.

As the new CRO, Fraser will manage Yaspa’s worldwide commercial strategy, concentrating on expanding the company’s Intelligent Payment platform, which integrates open banking with AI-powered customer insights, throughout the UK, Europe, and North America.

Yaspa CEO James Neville said: “We are thrilled to welcome Justin to the team during this period of rapid acceleration. His deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments and his proven track record in scaling payment solutions are invaluable assets as we expand our footprint in the US and beyond. Justin’s appointment further strengthens our leadership as we continue to help businesses lower costs, grow revenues, and enhance financial compliance through open banking.”

Justin Fraser said: “Yaspa is at the forefront of the shift toward real-time payments. The company’s unique blend of open banking and AI-verified insights solves genuine friction for merchants, particularly in industries like iGaming. I am excited to join such an innovative team and look forward to driving the next phase of our commercial growth globally.”

Fraser will collaborate closely with the recently strengthened US team, which includes the newly appointed US Sales Lead, Peter Kula, and US Senior Solutions Manager, Jackson Esoda.

This statement comes after a year of significant growth for Yaspa, highlighted by increasing its workforce from 15 to 75 employees and successfully securing a $12 million investment round spearheaded by Discerning Capital. In this timeframe, the firm broadened its international presence with new ventures in Atlanta and Leeds, while winning esteemed honors such as the 2025 Payments Award for Real-Time Payments Innovation and a spot on the CB Insights Top 100 Fintech list.

The post Ex-Paysafe VP Justin Fraser takes chief revenue officer role at Yaspa to drive global growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Blueprint Gaming

Blueprint Gaming names Mattia Luchesini Head of International Account Management

Published

2 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

blueprint-gaming-names-mattia-luchesini-head-of-international-account-management

Blueprint Gaming has named Mattia Luchesini as Head of Account Management – International, enhancing its commercial leadership as the company continues to grow in regulated markets.

In his new position, Mattia will oversee Blueprint’s global account management function, prioritizing the establishment of strategic operator partnerships and fostering ongoing growth in vital regions. He will collaborate closely with commercial, product, and delivery teams to guarantee that partners receive support through a cooperative, value-oriented strategy.

Mattia comes to Blueprint from Games Global, where he dedicated more than two and a half years to senior account management positions, fostering robust relationships with operators throughout EMEA and acquiring substantial experience in international market dynamics.

This recent appointment demonstrates Blueprint Gaming’s ongoing investment in its commercial strengths, guaranteeing that partners receive support from seasoned leadership while the company advances its growth strategy.

Mattia Luchesini, Head of Account Management – International at Blueprint Gaming, said: “It’s a great opportunity to join Blueprint at a time of strong international momentum.

“The business has a clear vision and a reputation for working closely with its partners, and I’m looking forward to contributing to that approach while helping to drive growth across global markets.”

Matt Cole, Managing Director at Blueprint Gaming, added: “Mattia brings valuable international experience and a strong understanding of what operators need from a long-term content partner.

“His appointment supports our continued focus on strengthening relationships and delivering a high standard of account management as Blueprint grows its global footprint.”

The post Blueprint Gaming names Mattia Luchesini Head of International Account Management appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

GR8 Tech

GR8 Tech Introduces Swipe-Based Matchmaking for iGaming

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

gr8-tech-introduces-swipe-based-matchmaking-for-igaming

The most compelling relationship narratives seldom begin with a sales presentation. They start with a spark, a bond, with something unique that’s difficult to describe.

This Valentine’s Day, GR8 Tech suggests setting aside formal meetings and allowing chemistry to lead with its “Perfect iGaming Match,” resembling Tinder: operators can swipe through GR8 Tech solutions and products like profiles on a dating app, connecting with those that suit their business: quick, straightforward, and with undeniable chemistry.

Prefer it fast and direct to GGR? Perhaps the Infinite Casino Aggregation will grab your attention.

Are you involved in domination and affiliate management? Discover what Aff.Tech offers…

Consider that a date is most enjoyable when safety is a priority? Risk Management completely concurs!

However—no additional spoilers. It’s time to swipe and discover for yourself.

How operators can find “the one”:
● Swipe-based discovery: Like any good Valentine’s day flirt, swipe right on what feels like “the one,” left on what doesn’t.
● Find the right product fast: From sportsbook to full turnkey, operators can meet their perfect match immediately.
● Start the right conversation: Once there’s a match, operators aren’t starting from scratch. They’re starting from “this is what we need.”

“Choosing the right tech stack shouldn’t feel like an endless first date with spreadsheets,” said Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech. “This Valentine’s Day experience makes it fun to explore what you actually need, and makes it easier to start the right conversation with our team. When operators match with the right solutions, everything gets smoother: launches, growth, and day-to-day operations.”

This Valentine’s Day, GR8 Tech encourages operators to bypass the uncomfortable chit-chat, engage purposefully, and explore how compatibility manifests when technology, growth, and operations align seamlessly.

The post GR8 Tech Introduces Swipe-Based Matchmaking for iGaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.