Industry News
Impact of COVID-19 on Virtual Gambling Sector: ConnectPay Calls to Fortify Payment Security as Industry Fraud on Rise

Online gambling has increased during the pandemic. Evidently, so did the illegal activity related to the industry. Scammers are abusing the vulnerability of the circumstances, which is reflected by the rise in financial fraud and exploitation schemes. ConnectPay, an online banking service provider, encourages businesses, especially the ones considered to be higher-risk, to make the security of payment transactions their top priority in order to build trust with new and existing clients, and protect them from falling victim to fraudulent payments.
Illicit activity concerning monetary transactions has been a long-standing issue for the virtual gaming industry even prior to the pandemic, with financial crime estimated to be at $2.1 trillion per annum. That said, the COVID-19 crisis has brought new challenges as new fraud schemes started to plague various markets. This has influenced some countries, fearing an increase of illicit activity in online gambling, to issue tighter measures for the vendors to protect consumers during the lockdown.
“The increased online gambling sessions correlate with the noticeable jump in payment transactions”, explained Liutauras Varanavičius, Head of Business Development at ConnectPay. “When comparing data from January with the stats from April, we have noticed a 30% increase in gambling-related transactions. Even though it’s hard to predict how prolonged will the aftermath of the pandemic be, the necessity of instating more precautionary measures to support secure payments is too apparent to be left unaddressed.”
The surge of online gambling activity has greatly increased the public’s exposure to digital risks. While others are capitalizing on the crisis, businesses have to face the conundrum on how to disassociate from the perpetrators, remain credible and retain their target audience.
“The spike in fraudulent financial activity could hit the sector even harder than others: it’s already under a magnifying glass due to the nature of acquired revenue, thus any association with financial fraud could be leveraged as a pretext to revoke acquired licenses and restrict business”, said L. Varanavičius.
As the global health crisis continues, the need for reliable security measures and prevention of illicit financial flows will only continue to grow. Implementing timely and adequately prepared safeguards to combat arising threats is paramount, as, until brick-and-mortar casinos are once again operational, gambling industry relies on digital-only vendors.
Preserving secure payment transactions could be the difference between remaining operational or having to close up shop. The pandemic has already hampered AML supervision and presented new threats that could aid criminals in avoiding customer due diligence. However, having acknowledged current obstacles enables businesses to evaluate measures that would help avoid being juxtaposed with illicit activity and choose partnerships accordingly.
To keep the scammers at bay, ConnectPay continuously invests in innovative fraud prevention solutions, latest AML safeguards and other smart tools, helping companies in underserved markets to maintain credibility and keep the associated risks to the bare minimum. Furthermore, the company places high emphasis on a thorough screening process: this prevents taking on clients involved in unethical business practices, limiting the grounds for financial fraud. In 2020, ConnectPay is planning to invest additional 750 thousand euros in Anti Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism compliance solutions.
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Affiliate Industry
Meet MegaList: The Rising Force in iGaming Affiliation

There are affiliate networks, and then thereâs MegaList â a performance-first, hype-last kind of operation built for casino and sportsbook brands that prefer results over buzzwords.
In an industry that sometimes feels like itâs powered by vague metrics and recycled content, MegaList steps in as the âMega Mapâ â a practical, data-driven network guiding both players and operators to higher ground. Less âlook at our reach,â more âhereâs your conversion rate.â
So no, this isnât just another logo-stamped brand promising traffic and delivering bounce rates. This is a carefully engineered affiliate engine built on smart SEO, qualified leads, and just enough caffeine-fueled obsession with results to make even the most skeptical operators pay attention.
The iGaming Affiliate World: Why It (Still) Matters
Letâs be honest â the affiliate space in iGaming has had its fair share of bad actors and empty promises. But when done right, affiliate marketing is still one of the most effective and efficient ways to connect licensed operators with the right players.
Players want fewer popups, more clarity. Operators want actual ROI, not vague impressions.
Enter: the data-driven affiliate network.
Itâs simple:
- Informed players make better choices.
- Strategic affiliates deliver better traffic.
- Everyone wins. Except, of course, the shady operators who preferred it the other way.
Meet the MegaList Brands
These arenât vanity microsites. Each MegaList brand has a specific mission, actual humans behind the content, and a reputation for, well⊠telling it like it is.
MegaCasinoList
Letâs face it â players donât need another affiliate promising âtop 10 casinosâ based on whatever ad paid the most. They need honest, transparent, expert-backed reviews.
Thatâs where MegaCasinoList comes in â a platform that filters out the noise and delivers legit info on licensed casinos, security, fairness, and gameplay. Slots? Live dealer games? Payout speed? Yep, itâs all in there, and itâs all vetted.
They work with reliable operators only, because â and hereâs a crazy idea â not every shiny site deserves your deposit.
MegaTipsList
If you like sports predictions that read like a 20-page legal document, youâre in the wrong place.
MegaTipsList is built for bettors who want real insights, fast reads, accurate tips, and actual value. It delivers predictions, sports news, and timely promotions â minus the fluff and with none of that âwin guaranteedâ nonsense.
Designed for bettors who like to stay informed without needing a PhD to understand the odds.
MegaBetList
For the practical bettor who just wants the facts: which sites are legit, which ones pay fast, and what to expect before placing your first wager.
MegaBetList reviews betting platforms with a clear, no-nonsense voice. Itâs not trying to dazzle; itâs trying to help people bet smarter â and itâs doing a pretty solid job of it.
From licensing to promotions to usability, everything is covered â and everything is filtered through what actually matters to sports fans.
Why This All Matters (And Why Itâs Working)
The iGaming world doesnât need more noise. It needs better filters, smarter partners, and affiliates that actually care whether the traffic leads somewhere useful.
Thatâs where MegaList comes in â not to impress with buzzwords, but to perform, to scale, and to make sure both operators and players are on the same page for once.
And if we may drop in a little vision while weâre at it:
âAt MegaList, we believe informed players and strategic operators shape a stronger, smarter iGaming industry.â
For once, a statement that isnât just inspirational filler.
So the next time someone pitches you an affiliate network, ask one thing: âDo they have a plan, or just a landing page?â
 MegaList has both, and a track record to prove it.
Explore MegaListâs network:
đ MegaAffiliatesList.com
The post Meet MegaList: The Rising Force in iGaming Affiliation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup â June 2-8

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Merkur Gaming is going to participate in this yearâs Peru Gaming Show, taking place from June 18 to 19 at the Centro de Convenciones Jockey Plaza in Lima. Representatives from the companyâs German headquarters and its local subsidiary, Merkur Gaming Peru, will be on site to present the latest product innovations and engage with customers and visitors alike. The main attraction at the Merkur Gaming stand will be the linked progressive jackpot system Clash Link. This system stands out for its wealth of unique jackpot mechanics, which keep the excitement level consistently high.
PENN Entertainment has launched a new PGA TOUR-branded Blackjack game in New Jersey and Ontario. PGA TOUR Blackjack, now available via online Hollywood Casino in New Jersey and theScore Casino in Ontario, is the first iCasino game featuring PGA TOUR branding across any platform. PGA TOUR Blackjack, created by PENNâs in-house game development studio, PENN Game Studios, offers classic blackjack gameplay, plus poker and pairs side bets. The golf-themed table features official PGA TOUR logos, custom playing cards, chips and golf-themed celebrations. The new title is available on the standalone Hollywood Casino and theScore Casino platforms and is also accessible through ESPN BET in New Jersey and theScore BET in Ontario.
International Game Technology PLC announced the launch of IGT PlayDigitalâs MEGA VAULT offering â a new innovation on its player engagement solution. Powered by the IGT PlayDigital Engagement Platform, a customisable suite of player engagement tools, MEGA VAULT brings together its industry-renowned engagement toolsâPrize Drops, Leaderboards, Marketing Jackpots and moreâinto a single promotional experience. Designed to maximise excitement, engagement and rewards, MEGA VAULT aims to deliver seamless high-impact campaigns that captivate players and drive long-term retention.
Partnerships
Zitro has installed its revolutionary CONCEPT cabinets at the Casino La Cima in MĂ©rida, YucatĂĄn. The CONCEPT cabinets feature the Magic Lighting system, which syncs lights and sound with gameplay for a fully immersive experience, and the largest Screen Deck button panel on the market, offering unmatched comfort and ease of use for players and operators. This launch is backed by some of Zitroâs most successful titles â Fortune Legacy, Legendary Sword and King Fu Frog â all proven crowd favourites known for their engaging mechanics and strong performance.
Aristocrat Interactive, under NeoGames US, signed a six-year contract with the Michigan Lottery to provide its full solution of iLottery product offerings, reaffirming its leadership in the U.S. iLottery industry. Under the contract, from July 2026, Aristocrat Interactive will provide services to the Michigan Lottery for six years, with six additional one-year extension opportunities. The relationship with the Michigan Lottery began in 2014 with the launch of its iLottery programme using NeoGamesâ iLottery platform and games. This new deal will provide the Michigan Lottery with eInstant games, draw-based games and add-on offerings produced by Aristocrat Interactiveâs NeoGames Studio, along with continuing to leverage the companyâs iLottery technology. Aristocrat Interactive will also provide the Michigan Lottery with a new website and mobile application services with Gambyt â a software company specialising in the lottery, casino and sports betting industries.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup â June 2-8 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
EGBA Announces Dates for This Yearâs European Safer Gambling Week

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The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has announced that this yearâs European Safer Gambling Week will take place from November 17 to 23.
European Safer Gambling Week is an annual collaborative initiative to raise awareness about safer gambling in Europe and foster a strong culture of player protection. Organised by EGBA, the initiative serves as a platform to inform citizens about safer gambling and promote information and best practice-sharing between stakeholders across Europeâs gambling sector, including operators, regulators, technology providers, support organisations and experts-by-experience.
This year will be the fifth edition of the initiative and follows the unprecedented success of 2024, which saw 195 partners participate in a social media campaign across 26 countries reaching 3.1 million social media users with important safer gambling messages. There were also 20 events held during the week that gathered 3000 attendees.
Building upon this momentum, the 2025 edition will be underpinned by a social media campaign and an array of insightful workshops. These will aim to raise awareness about safer gambling, share best practices and tips, signpost crucial resources and services, and facilitate meaningful discussions about the latest developments in regulation and research.
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said: âWeâre pleased to announce the dates for European Safer Gambling Week 2025 and are excited to build on the exceptional momentum of last yearâs campaign. The initiative has become Europeâs leading platform for safer gambling awareness and last year brought together a record coalition of 195 partners across 26 countries to promote player protection. This is a shared commitment and we invite organisations across the industry to join us for this yearâs edition and help us foster a strong culture of safe and sustainable gambling in Europe.â
The post EGBA Announces Dates for This Yearâs European Safer Gambling Week appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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