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The Importance of Data Quality Review Checks in the Gaming Industry

Published

2 weeks ago

April 29, 2024

George Miller

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

By Lorenzo Nardini, Head of Technical Compliance and Maths Services

In the dynamic world of online gaming, data plays a pivotal role. Databases containing personal and financial information, often referred to as “Safe” databases, serve as the backbone of any gaming platform.

In this short article, I focus on control databases (CDBs) – that is how Safe databases are referred to in the Dutch landscape – and why it is important to ensure their completeness, accuracy, and consistency through continuous data quality review. In any case, the topics here covered apply to most regulated markets.

Control databases contain critical information related to player accounts, financial transactions, game rules, and security protocols. Essentially, they ensure the smooth functioning of the entire gaming ecosystem. It is no wonder that the Dutch regulator (KSA) enforces specific technical regulations on them and often perform audits on these systems that can result also in fines in cases errors are detected.

Data quality review checks

Data quality review checks play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of control databases, ensuring continuous compliance. Here are some key reasons why they are essential:

Accuracy and Consistency: Control databases handle vast amounts of data, including player profiles, game logs, and financial records. Ensuring accurate and consistent data is crucial for fair gameplay, financial transparency, and regulatory compliance.
Player Experience: Imagine a player losing progress due to a database glitch or loss of connectivity. Such incidents can lead to frustration and loss of trust. Data quality checks ensure that the control database is correctly functional, and the information therein contained can be used to handle such incomplete games, enhancing the overall player experience.
Regulatory Compliance: Gaming companies must adhere to strict regulations regarding data privacy, security, and fairness. Regular reviews ensure compliance with industry standards and legal requirements.

Most importantly, regular reviews can help gaming companies reducing the risk of an unsuccessful audit that could typically lead to a fine and negative PR.

Ideally, data quality reviews should be ongoing. Real-time monitoring is crucial for identifying issues promptly. Additionally, scheduled audits—monthly or quarterly—help catch any long-term discrepancies or trends.

Key areas of data quality reviews

When performing checks on the quality of CDBs, the following are the main areas to consider:

Data Completeness: Ensure that all necessary fields are populated correctly. Missing or incomplete data can lead to errors downstream.
Data Accuracy: Cross-check data against reliable sources. For example, player balances should match financial records.
Data Consistency: Verify consistency across different databases and systems. Inconsistencies can cause confusion and operational inefficiencies.

Starting from the specific Dutch case and then expanding to other markets, here at ComplianceOne Group we have developed a data quality review service using our experience in dealing with this form of analysis. Leveraging feedback obtained directly from regulators, we created a testing procedure that performs the following:

Tests on triggering reports from staging environment. We access the client’s staging environment with test accounts and perform actions that are aimed at triggering specific reports in the control database. We then check that these have been correctly generated and that they contain all necessary information, checking their accuracy against the back-office.
Data quality tests on production environment. We download a large number of reports directly from production and run a battery of tests that we have designed and that is tailored specifically at checking completeness and consistency of the information contained in the control database.

All findings are promptly reported to the client and, if needed, we can assist with solving any issues found.

Conclusion

When I started being exposed to control databases, I understood that for many this is a very technical area and that maintaining this environment functioning correctly can be quite cumbersome. Nevertheless, a commitment to data quality is a necessary for ensuring continuous compliance of gaming platforms. If you are interested in running regular data quality reviews, or even just a one-time overall check, contact me and I will be happy to assist!

The post The Importance of Data Quality Review Checks in the Gaming Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Aviatrix pairs with Cactus Gaming in latest Latin America deal

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

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Innovative crash game Aviatrix has partnered with Cactus Gaming in an agreement that will extend its reach further into Latin America.

Aviatrix will integrate with Cactus Gaming’s online casino solutions, becoming available to the provider’s partners in Brazil and beyond.

This means more players in Latin America can enjoy the one-of-a-kind crash game with NFT-based engagement mechanics.

Gabriela Novello, Head of Business Development LATAM at Aviatrix, said: “We’re looking forward to this partnership with Cactus Gaming blooming for both sides. We’re impressed by their reach across Latin America, particularly in Brazil, where they are well placed to help us bring Aviatrix to new audiences.”

Tiago Carneiro, CRA at Cactus Gaming, added: “Cactus Gaming has as one of its main differentials the conversion power of the platform, which turns users into loyal players. The partnership with Aviatrix will further enhance this. The game is one of the most exciting we’ve seen in recent times, and we’re thrilled to offer it to our partners.”

The collaboration between Aviatrix and Cactus Gaming is set to further raise the bar for online casino in Latin America, with both sides committed to delivering the very best user experience to players.

Aviatrix has been rapidly expanding in Latin America over the past few months, signing deals with some of the biggest aggregators and operators in the region.

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New Game Release by Zillion Games – Wolf’s Moon

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

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Embrace the wild wolf’s spirit and follow the moon’s glow into the forest!

Explore the world of the mysterious forest with the Wolf’s Moon slot! Exciting Mystery symbols, powerful Boost symbols, and the thrilling Hold & Win feature await you here.

About Game

Wolf’s Moon slot has a captivating design that offers an enchanting gaming experience due to its complex mechanics. The game is meticulously structured around a 5-reel grid, featuring 25 distinct paylines, which provides multiple opportunities to the player to secure his winnings. Step in to the adventure with Wolf’s Moon and let yourself transported to a nocturnal world where the forest spirits join your hunt under the glow of the full moon.

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Scientific Games Off to Epic Start With Launch of First GAME OF THRONES Lottery Scratch-off Game in the U.S.

Published

4 hours ago

May 15, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

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Colorado Lottery Winners Will Be Lucky Participants in THE SEVEN KINGDOMS EXPERIENCE Set to Take Place in Napa.

Scientific Games’ newest multi-state branded GAME OF THRONES Linked Games, developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, has kicked off successfully with GAME OF THRONES branded instant scratch, Fast Play and iLottery games offering players the chance to win prizes instantly, plus an opportunity to win an experiential prize package, THE SEVEN KINGDOMS EXPERIENCE.

Inspired by one of the most-watched HBO television series of all time and set to captivate the GAME OF THRONES fandom, THE SEVEN KINGDOMS EXPERIENCE event will take place in a medieval-style castle winery in Napa Valley, California in 2025. Trip winners will be divided into seven “Houses”, such as House Targaryen, House Stark and House Lannister.

The event will include multiple rounds of brand-immersive games, giving trip winners a second chance to win their share of up to $7 million. The trip winners will get to cheer on their own “Champion” in a live jousting tournament, and one “Ruler” will be chosen from each house to play for prize money split amongst every member of the house.

The Colorado Lottery is the first U.S. lottery to launch a GAME OF THRONES-themed lottery Linked Game to give players in the state an opportunity to win the once-in-a-lifetime experience. The game achieved the highest first-week index of any of the Lottery’s $10 games launched in fiscal year 2024. It continues to lead, with four-week sales surpassing all other Colorado Lottery $10 games in fiscal year 2024 and most games in other price points, placing third behind a $20 and $50 game. THE SEVEN KINGDOMS EXPERIENCE has limited availability remaining for North American lottery participation, with most of the current trip winner spots filled.

Tom Seaver, Director of the Colorado Lottery, said, “Our players are very excited to play the GAME OF THRONES scratch game. It’s been a great addition to our game lineup, and as the sales numbers show, it is performing really well for us.”

According to Scientific Games research, the GAME OF THRONES brand resonates especially well with younger adult players.

Tina Hoover, V.P. of Licensing for Scientific Games, said, “Our teams are continually innovating to make every lottery winners’ event unique and exciting. We worked with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment to create an immersive GAME OF THRONES-themed winners experience and to deliver a top-notch winners’ event that we’ve refined over the past 17 years doing prize trips for more than 5,000 lottery players. Based on the response we have received and participation so far for THE SEVEN KINGDOMS EXPERIENCE, we are looking into a potential second trip opportunity.”

Scientific Games pioneered the lottery Linked Games concept in 2007 and games produced by the company offering the opportunity to win experiential prizes themed to brands like DEAL OR NO DEAL, MONOPOLY, THE PRICE IS RIGHT and WILLY WONKA represent more than USD$4.6 billion in retail sales to date.

With a portfolio representing more than 100 licensed brands, Scientific Games provides retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries worldwide.