Top 5 iGaming Fraud Trends by Region 2025

Payment fraud in the iGaming world is evolving fast, with fraudsters targeting weaknesses in systems and regulations. The threats vary by region, requiring tailored solutions. Here's a quick look at the top fraud challenges in 2025:

• Europe: Click fraud and fake traffic dominate, impacting player trust and ad budgets.

• Latin America: Deepfake and synthetic identity attacks rise, complicating user verification.

• United States: Multi-accounting and bonus abuse exploit state-specific promotions.

• Affiliate Fraud: False attribution and manipulated tracking systems strain global affiliate programmes.

• Ad Injection & Domain Spoofing: Players are misled by malicious ads and fake websites.

Operators are turning to AI tools like Fluid’s digital cashier to detect and address these threats in real time. Fraud prevention is no longer optional - it's a must to protect revenue and player trust.

Cyber Threats 2025 | What’s Attacking iGaming Now

1. Click Fraud and Fake Traffic in Europe

Click fraud continues to be a pressing issue for the European iGaming industry, where fraudulent clicks and bot-driven traffic can mask genuine player interactions. To tackle this, operators are turning to sophisticated detection tools to separate authentic player activity from deceptive patterns. These tools are at the core of Europe's efforts to combat fraud.

By leveraging real-time analytics, detection systems monitor player activity and flag unusual behaviour. This allows operators to dive deep into player habits, gaining essential insights into the entire customer journey. Such analysis helps pinpoint discrepancies in traffic quality, making it easier to spot and address fraudulent sources.

Another effective approach is enhanced affiliate quality tracking. By scrutinising the full player journey, operators can quickly identify low-quality traffic sources and act promptly to reduce potential risks.

A notable example of innovation in this space came in May 2025, when Hero Gaming teamed up with Fluid to integrate an AI-powered iGaming cashier solution. This partnership aims to identify risky players and affiliates early on, bolstering defences against click fraud while maintaining a seamless experience for genuine players. This collaboration highlights Europe's commitment to staying ahead of evolving fraud tactics.

2. Deepfake and Synthetic Identity Attacks in Latin America

Latin America is grappling with a surge in deepfake and synthetic identity attacks, as criminals turn to AI to create fake identities. Unlike Europe, where click fraud dominates, or the US, which faces issues like multi-accounting, Latin America’s challenges highlight a distinct and growing problem.

Fraudsters are blending real data with fake details to bypass basic verification systems, making secure user onboarding a much tougher task. They’re even using AI-generated videos and photos to create convincing fake IDs that can slip through Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. This puts traditional verification tools under immense pressure, as they struggle to detect these sophisticated forgeries.

Regulatory measures across the region differ. Some authorities have adopted stricter protocols, such as multi-factor biometric checks and cross-referencing with official databases. However, inconsistent enforcement has left gaps that fraudsters continue to exploit. The consequences? Increased financial losses, not just from theft but also from compliance penalties and the rising costs of security measures.

To counter this, operators are turning to advanced AI solutions. These systems analyse behavioural patterns, device fingerprints, and biometric data to spot irregularities in documents. Real-time monitoring of facial micro-expressions and voice patterns during live sessions is another tool being used to detect AI-generated content.

Collaboration is also playing a key role. By working with law enforcement and sharing information, operators are identifying recurring fraud patterns and dismantling cross-border criminal networks. This approach highlights how Latin America’s response to synthetic identity fraud is evolving, with a focus on tailored, AI-powered strategies that reflect the unique challenges of the region’s iGaming landscape.

3. Multi-Accounting and Bonus Abuse in the United States

In the United States, iGaming fraud presents a unique set of challenges. While regions elsewhere grapple with issues like synthetic identities or click fraud, American operators are often targeted by multi-accounting schemes and bonus abuse, which take advantage of the promotional environment.

Fraudsters exploit bonus offers by creating multiple accounts, often using slight variations in personal details, different email addresses, and alternative payment methods. The problem is made worse by the fragmented state regulations in the U.S., where operators run different promotions depending on the jurisdiction. This patchwork approach makes it harder to combat such fraudulent activities effectively.

The financial cost of bonus abuse can be steep. Operators not only lose money directly but also see their promotional budgets drained. In some cases, organised groups coordinate attacks across multiple platforms, amplifying the damage. These fraudsters use a variety of techniques, like switching devices, changing browsers, clearing cookies, and employing virtual machines and VPNs, all to hide their digital tracks.

To tackle these schemes, U.S. regulators have introduced strict measures tailored to their specific states. For instance, New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement enforces stringent identity verification protocols, while Pennsylvania's Gaming Control Board requires operators to cross-check player data against state databases. However, the lack of a unified, interstate data-sharing system leaves gaps that skilled fraudsters can exploit.

Technology is also playing a major role in addressing these challenges. Modern systems powered by machine learning can analyse betting behaviours, session patterns, and promotional claims in real time, flagging accounts that show suspicious similarities or appear to be coordinating bonus claims. While geolocation checks help verify a player's location, GPS spoofing remains a persistent issue, forcing operators to strike a delicate balance between security and user experience.

Collaboration across platforms is proving to be an effective strategy. By sharing anonymised fraud data through industry networks, operators can track and identify repeat offenders who jump between platforms. This approach helps limit the reach of organised bonus abuse rings.

Platforms like Fluid are taking fraud prevention a step further, integrating advanced tools like device fingerprinting and real-time behavioural analytics. These systems are continually refined to adapt to evolving fraud tactics, providing operators with stronger defences against multi-accounting and bonus abuse.

The ever-changing nature of these schemes highlights the importance of staying ahead with region-specific fraud detection strategies. Continuous innovation and collaboration remain key to protecting the industry.

4. Affiliate Fraud and False Attribution Across Regions

Affiliate programmes in different regions face a range of challenges, with fraud and false attribution being some of the most pressing. Affiliate fraud happens when tracking systems are manipulated, or programme rules are broken, allowing affiliates to earn commissions without actually bringing in genuine players. This problem is made worse by the fragmented structure of iGaming affiliate programmes, which leaves gaps that can be exploited. False attribution adds another layer of complexity - it occurs when tracking systems mistakenly credit affiliates for player activity that didn’t truly involve them. This creates an urgent need for operators to find reliable ways to validate affiliate traffic.

Fluid steps in with a cutting-edge approach, integrating real-time fraud detection into its payment process. By monitoring the entire player journey, Fluid's AI-driven solution enables operators to separate legitimate affiliate traffic from fraudulent activity. This not only improves security but also provides a clearer and more trustworthy performance marketing framework.

5. Ad Injection and Domain Spoofing Threats

Ad injection and domain spoofing are growing concerns for iGaming platforms, as attackers exploit weaknesses to hijack traffic, disrupt user experiences, and tarnish brand reputations. These attacks are not confined to a single region but vary in execution based on local infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.

Ad injection happens when unauthorised ads are embedded into legitimate iGaming websites. This is often achieved through malware, rogue browser extensions, or compromised networks. For instance, when a player visits a trusted casino site, malicious code might intercept the page and either inject ads for competing gambling platforms or redirect users to fraudulent websites. The result? Potential loss of customers and revenue.

These attacks have become more sophisticated, often targeting specific regions with localised ads that seem authentic. Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in content delivery networks (CDNs) or advertising networks that service multiple iGaming sites at once. This allows them to infiltrate several platforms from a single weak point, amplifying their reach and impact.

Domain spoofing, on the other hand, involves creating near-perfect replicas of legitimate iGaming websites. Attackers register domains that mimic established brands, using tricks like swapping similar-looking characters or adding prefixes and suffixes. These counterfeit sites can rank high in search results for branded keywords, luring in players who mistype URLs or fall for misleading ads. Such tactics are becoming more advanced, demanding smarter countermeasures.

Fluid’s AI-powered tools are tackling these challenges head-on. By monitoring the entire payment journey, their system can detect unusual behaviours, such as players arriving through suspicious links or showing signs of ad injection manipulation. This real-time fraud detection, embedded directly into the payment process, gives operators the ability to respond quickly and effectively.

To stay ahead, continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies are essential. As attackers refine their methods and uncover new vulnerabilities, iGaming operators need security solutions that can evolve just as rapidly. This proactive approach is crucial for addressing the ever-changing landscape of fraud and will be explored further in the upcoming regional comparisons.

Regional Fraud Comparison Table

Expanding on earlier insights into regional fraud trends, it's clear that each market faces its own set of challenges. These variations stem from differences in local infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and the behaviours shaped by regional norms. As a result, fraud prevention strategies must be customised to address these unique factors.

In Europe, the prevalence of click fraud and fake traffic is a major concern. This is largely due to the intricate nature of the digital advertising landscape and the widespread use of affiliate networks. Meanwhile, synthetic identity attacks are on the rise in Latin America, where fraudsters exploit weaknesses in identity verification systems and the complexities of cross-border data management. Over in the United States, multi-accounting and bonus abuse remain key issues. These challenges are driven by high transaction volumes and evolving state-level regulations.

Here's a summary of regional fraud patterns and the regulatory priorities shaping prevention efforts:

This table highlights the need for fraud detection systems that are adaptable to regional threats. Issues like affiliate fraud and domain spoofing continue to plague multiple regions, calling for unified countermeasures. Tools such as Fluid's AI-powered digital cashier offer tailored, region-specific monitoring, helping organisations tackle fraud effectively while staying ahead of evolving threats.

Conclusion

The landscape of iGaming fraud presents distinct challenges across different regions. As explored earlier, Europe, Latin America, and the United States each grapple with unique threats, requiring customised approaches to effectively combat fraud.

At the same time, the growing complexity of fraud techniques - like affiliate fraud and domain spoofing - poses cross-regional risks. These challenges highlight the need for advanced monitoring systems capable of addressing multiple attack methods simultaneously.

Compliance with regional regulations remains a cornerstone of effective fraud prevention, ensuring operators meet jurisdictional demands while protecting their platforms.

To stay ahead of these threats, operators must embrace AI-powered fraud detection systems. Tools like Fluid's AI-driven digital cashier combine advanced monitoring with personalised payment solutions, allowing operators to counter fraud in real time without disrupting the player experience. These systems adapt to evolving threats and regional patterns, offering the robust protection that today’s iGaming environment demands.

As fraud becomes more sophisticated and global threats persist, proactive investment in AI-driven solutions is no longer optional - it’s essential. Such measures not only safeguard revenue but also reinforce player trust, ensuring long-term success in the competitive iGaming market. Tailored, AI-led strategies are the key to navigating diverse fraud tactics and securing the future of the industry.

FAQs

How can AI help iGaming operators tackle fraud challenges specific to different regions?

AI has become a key player in helping iGaming operators tackle fraud by addressing the specific challenges unique to different regions. Using real-time behavioural analysis, machine learning, and adaptive algorithms, it can identify and counter fraudulent activities with precision.

Take Latin America, for example - AI can spot unusual betting behaviours and quickly adapt to new fraud tactics as they emerge. Meanwhile, in regions like Europe and the US, AI tools are honed to uncover more subtle, long-term fraud schemes and automation-based attacks. By tailoring AI systems to address the specific threats of each region, operators not only strengthen security but also minimise fraud risks, ensuring players enjoy a smooth and secure payment process.

What impact do synthetic identity attacks have on the iGaming industry in Latin America, and how can operators prevent them?

Synthetic Identity Attacks in the Latin American iGaming Market

Synthetic identity attacks are becoming a pressing issue in the Latin American iGaming sector, with fraud cases escalating at an alarming rate. These attacks don't just dent operators’ finances; they can also tarnish their reputation and invite closer scrutiny from regulators.

To address this challenge, operators need to step up their security measures. This includes using cutting-edge identity verification tools like biometric authentication and AI-powered fraud detection systems to identify and block fake identities. Adding real-time monitoring and multi-layered authentication protocols can strengthen these defences, ensuring a more secure environment for players while safeguarding operators from potential threats.

Why is it important for operators and regulators in the US to work together to tackle multi-accounting and bonus abuse?

Collaboration between operators and regulators in the US plays a key role in tackling multi-accounting and bonus abuse effectively. By joining forces, they can exchange vital data, uphold compliance standards, and create unified approaches to spot and stop fraudulent activities.

Such teamwork makes it easier to identify and shut down fraudulent accounts, fostering a fair and secure space for players. Protecting regulatory standards is essential to ensure the iGaming industry's long-term stability and credibility in the US.