Industry News
Digital Fraudsters Increase Attacks Against Multiple Industries During Pandemic; Use COVID-19 Scams to Target Younger Generations
TransUnion quarterly global fraud analysis also examines the types of fraud targeting businesses and where it originates
TransUnion released its quarterly analysis of global online fraud trends finding that the telecommunications, retail and financial services industries have been increasingly impacted. From a consumer perspective, Millennials have been most targeted by fraudsters using COVID-19 scams.
Given the changing economic environment with COVID-19, this quarter TransUnion analyzed fraud trends through April 28 to ensure the impacts following the March 11 World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic declaration were included in the analysis
Overall, TransUnion found the percent of suspected fraudulent digital transactions rose 5% from March 11 to April 28 when compared to Jan. 1 to March 10, 2020. TransUnion identified more than 100 million risky transactions from March 11 to April 28.
“Given the billions of people globally that have been forced to stay at home, industries have been disrupted in a way not seen on this massive of a scale for generations,” said Shai Cohen, senior vice president of Global Fraud & Identity Solutions at TransUnion.
“Now that many transactions have shifted online, fraudsters have tried to take advantage and companies must adapt. Businesses that come out on top will be those leveraging fraud prevention tools that provide great detection rates and friction-right experiences for consumers.”
Examining Fraud Types and Their Impact on Industries
TransUnion analyzed the below industries for a change in the percent of suspected fraud against them, comparing Jan. 1 to March 10 and March 11 to April 28.
Suspected Fraud Post Pandemic Declaration
| Industry | Suspected fraud increase | Top type of fraud | Top country for suspected fraud origination |
| Telecommunications | 76% | Credit card | Timor-Leste |
| E-Commerce | 12% | Promotion abuse | Indonesia |
| Financial Services | 11% | Identity theft | Syria |
| Gambling | -1% | Promotion abuse | Sri Lanka |
| Public Sector | -1% | Account takeover | Nigeria |
| Insurance | -3% | Ghost broking | Pakistan |
| Logistics | -7% | Shipping | Philippines |
| Communities | -11% | Phishing | Ivory Coast |
| Travel & Leisure | -38% | Credit card | Haiti |
| Healthcare | -40% | Identity theft | Finland |
| Gaming | -43% | Gold farming | Myanmar |
“Our data shows that as social distancing changes shopping patterns, fraudsters have taken notice and targeted the more digital forward industries while following the money,” said Melissa Gaddis, senior director of customer success for TransUnion Global Fraud & Identity Solutions. “For instance, although we found online gaming increased 64% as people stay home, it isn’t immediately lucrative to target those companies since financial information isn’t generally shared there. However telecommunications, e-commerce and financial services all have large digital adoption, financial information and payments at the center of their online experience, and fared relatively well compared to other industries during the pandemic.”
Globally across industries, TransUnion found the countries with the highest percent of risky transactions were: 1) Yemen, 2) Syria and 3) Kazakhstan. In the U.S. overall, TransUnion found the cities with the highest percent of risky transactions were: 1) Springfield, Mass., Akron, Ohio and Louisville, Ky.
Consumers Targeted By COVID-19 Schemes
To better understand the impacts of COVID-19 on consumers, TransUnion surveyed 9,215 adults in the U.S., Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, South Africa and the U.K. during the week of April 13. Nearly three out of 10 respondents (29%) said they had been targeted by digital fraud related to COVID-19, with Millennials (those persons between the ages 26-40) being the most targeted at 34%.
Furthermore, TransUnion found that consumers who said their household income is being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are more likely to experience digital fraud with 32% reporting being targeted by online COVID-19 scams compared to 22% of people not financially impacted.
“A common assumption is that fraudsters target older generations who are perceived to be less digitally capable,” said Gaddis.”Our data showed the opposite with younger generations, Millennials and Gen Z (those born in or after 1995), being the most targeted. Adding insult to injury, our survey found Millennials are being financially challenged the most during the pandemic.”
Methodology
For its transactional data, TransUnion analyzed the billions of online transactions its flagship fraud and identity solution, TransUnion IDVision® with iovation®, assessed for fraud indicators for more than 40,000 websites and apps. It compared the percent of suspected fraudulent transactions it saw from Jan. 1 to March 10, 2020 to those from March 11 to April 28, 2020.
For a hub of relevant educational resources aimed to help fight fraud during this time, go to the TransUnion Global Fraud & Identity Solutions COVID-19 resource center.
About TransUnion:
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.®
TransUnion Global Fraud & Identity Solutions unite both consumer and device identities to detect threats across markets while ensuring friction-right user experiences. The solutions, all part of the IDVision with iovation suite, fuse traditional data science with machine learning to provide businesses unique insights about consumer transactions, safeguarding tens of millions of transactions each day.
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.
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
Bragg Gaming Group confirmed that it will release its first quarter 2025 financial results prior to the opening of the financial markets on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The release will be followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, hosted by Bragg Chief Executive Officer, Matevž Mazij and Chief Financial Officer, Robbie Bressler, to discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a business update. During the call, management will review a presentation that will be available on the day of the call.
Context Networks Inc, the first programmatic advertising platform engineered for the gaming industry, has announced the rollout of its groundbreaking Deep Intelligence Marketing strategy, redefining how brands engage consumers in bars, taverns and on-premise slot route operations. Leveraging the power of AI-driven data analytics, machine learning and context-aware digital couponing, Context Networks is turning local venues into the next frontier of high-impact retail media. Through its Contextual Promotions Media Network (CPMN), Context is converting digital screens—such as slot machines in bars—into dynamic, smart advertising surfaces. These systems use advanced data signals to deliver highly targeted promotions based on real-time factors like venue type, consumer behaviour, time of day, and even emotional context, moving far beyond traditional static or cyclic Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising.
ACR Poker’s Blitz Bonus Boost promotion is back by popular demand to supercharger players’ bankrolls, offering a 50% bonus up to a sizzling $500. To take advantage, players need to deposit $25 or more by 11:59 pm ET on Saturday, May 31 using bonus code: BLITZ and ACR Poker will match 50% of it, up to $500.
Partnerships
International Game Technology PLC announced that IGT PlaySports technology is now powering retail sports betting at Silver Reef Casino Resort in Ferndale, Wash. This technology agreement builds on IGT PlaySports’ leadership in the region, marking the 11th casino in Washington State to deploy the Company’s award-winning sports betting platform, and the 10th casino in the State to leverage its trading advisory services.
Playtech and Hard Rock Digital (HRD) have launched New Jersey’s first-ever dedicated trivia experience on the top-rated Hard Rock Bet online casino platform. This milestone establishes Hard Rock Bet as the first operator to launch a dedicated Live Trivia Game Show in the state. Since the announcement of their strategic partnership in 2024, Playtech has provided a wide range of gaming content through Hard Rock Bet, including slots, card & table games, and live dealer games.
Everi Holdings Inc. announced the Company’s digital CashClub Wallet technology is powering Penn Entertainment Inc’s (PENN) “PENN Wallet” at M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson, NV. The “PENN Wallet” offers M Resort guests the ability to access cashless payments throughout the gaming floor via integrations with existing loyalty and payments systems. PENN currently utilises CashClub Wallet technology across 22 properties in 11 jurisdictions. CashClub Wallet elevates patron engagement with frictionless, omni-channel payments. Everi’s industry-leading cashless payments solutions drive additional volume, improve operational efficiencies and transform the traditional casino cash-centric environment into a modern, seamless experience for an enhanced player journey.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – May 5-11 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Amusnet’s Live Casino 2025 strategy is to empower operators and differentiate their offerings with bespoke game environments, exciting gameplay and enhanced winning potential through special features and significant multipliers integrated into a variety of new releases planned for the year.
“2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for our Live Casino division. We are introducing a diverse range of standout games that blend entertainment, technology, and interactivity in new ways,” said Marin Dimitrov, Head of Live Casino.
One of the key highlights is Showtime Roulette 500x, a fresh take on the classic roulette experience.
“What sets Showtime Roulette 500x apart is its unparalleled customization capabilities. Operators can fully tailor the game environment to reflect their brand identity,” Dimitrov said.
This fast-paced European roulette reinvents the classics, featuring a host who presents, entertains and spins the wheel for a seamless, engaging experience. Thanks to advanced chroma technology, operators can uniquely brand the game, showcasing their logo and any bespoke background theme they desire. This creates a tailored and immersive experience that feels truly one of a kind for each operator and their players. Further enhancing player engagement, the thrill of potential rewards is heightened through random multipliers on every spin, with payouts amplified up to 500x, creating a truly exceptional gaming experience that elevates player excitement and satisfaction.
Another highlight of the year is Extra Crown Deluxe Live, which is “inspired by our slot top performer Extra Crown and offers an engaging blend of traditional slot excitement and the dynamic atmosphere of live casinos,” added Dimitrov.
This innovative live slot game retains the charm of the original while introducing upgraded mechanics and captivating gameplay. A dynamic studio setting, complete with a charismatic host, fosters a strong sense of community, bringing players together 24/7 to share in the excitement of every spin. With ten traditional symbols across 5 reels and 20 paylines, players can enjoy this classic slot action enhanced by features like Free Spins (with retrigger potential), Respins with expanding symbols and lucrative Cash Prizes (multipliers). The innovative Dynamic Reel Prizes and real-time Statistics further enhance the immersive gaming experience, topped off by the ever-popular Jackpot Cards bonus game and the chance to multiply wins via the Gamble Feature.
The latest release is Football Thrill, a high-speed live casino game that brings the excitement of football to the casino floor with instant, easy-to-play mechanics. With its simple gameplay and dynamic pacing, this Live Casino addition is designed to captivate both sports fans and casino enthusiasts. Fast, intuitive and built for excitement, this Live Casino game is the perfect addition to any live casino looking to attract players who crave action-packed, easy-to-play games.
Amusnet’s Live Casino strategy for the upcoming year centers on delivering innovative and immersive gaming experiences. This will be achieved through the introduction of enhanced roulette variations featuring captivating gameshow elements and significantly larger multipliers, boosting excitement and winning potential. The company is set to expand its offerings with a diverse selection of card games that blend classic gameplay with modern twists to appeal to both traditional and modern players. Further enhancing player engagement will be the range of interactive wheel-based games and gameshows incorporating thrilling new mechanics.
The post Amusnet Unveils Live Casino Strategy for 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
- Vixio forecasts that regulated online GGR in North and Latin America will grow at a compound annual rate of 3 percent from US$22.3bn in 2023 to US$56.3bn by 2028, drawing level with regulated European market.
Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, ahead of SBC Americas forecasts that the regulated online gambling market in the Americas to be worth US$32.5bn by 2026, compared to US$15.6bn in 2022, more than doubling in size in a period of four years. This growth rate is more than double the equivalent in Europe, with the European regulated online gambling market projected to be worth €37.3bn in 2026, up from just under €30bn in 2022.
By 2028, regulated online gambling markets in the U.S., Canada and Latin American countries are expected to generate US$56.3bn, drawing level with Europe or potentially surpassing it depending on currency fluctuations.
“Prior to 2018, the regulated online gambling market was highly euro-centric but legalization of sports betting and iGaming in various U.S. states as well as the major markets of Ontario and Brazil has coincided with stricter regulations in European countries that has restricted growth in a number of cases,” said James Kilsby, Chief Analyst, Vixio.
Vixio will be showcasing its data forecasting and regulatory intelligence solutions in more detail at the SBC Summit Americas 2026 at stand B175, with additional information in its Latin America Online Outlook report, available at vixio.com/research/latin-america-outlook-2025.
Vixio forecasts that regulated online GGR in North and Latin America will grow at a compound annual rate of 20.3 percent from US$22.3bn in 2023 to US$56.3bn by 2028, drawing level with regulated European market.
Providing further insight into one of the most closely watched online gambling markets globally, Kilsby, Vixio’s award-winning analyst, will be speaking during a panel session titled “Brazil 2025: A Surge in Licensing and Lessons So Far.” James was recently recognized as a Silver Stevie® Award Winner for Thought Leader of the Year in the 2025 American Business Awards®. The panel will take place on Wednesday, May 14, at 11 a.m. in conference room four.
In addition, Vixio has been shortlisted for Compliance Solution of the Year at the 2025 SBC Awards, which will be announced on the second day of the conference.
Visit us at stand B175 at SBC Summit Americas to learn more about how Vixio can help your business navigate the regulatory challenges of the gaming industry.
For more information, or to book a meeting with a Vixio representative at SBC Americas, visit vixio.com.
The post Americas Online Gambling Market To Soon Eclipse Europe’s, Finds Vixio Forecasts appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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