🎰 Cybersecurity for Betting & Gaming Operators

Specialized security consulting for online betting and gaming operators: ISO 27001 certification, regulatory compliance, DDoS protection, and fraud prevention

🎯 The Gaming Industry Security Landscape

💰 Market Overview

€50B+ European Online Gaming Market

  • High profit margins justify premium security investment
  • Strict regulatory requirements across jurisdictions
  • 24/7 operations requiring continuous security monitoring
  • High-value targets for cyber attacks (DDoS, fraud, APTs)
  • Mandatory security certifications for license approval

⚖️ Regulatory Compliance Requirements

Multi-Jurisdiction Licensing Complexity

  • MGA (Malta): ISO 27001 mandatory, comprehensive security audits
  • UKGC (United Kingdom): Stringent security and player protection standards
  • SGA (Sweden): Spelinspektionen licensing requirements
  • Curaçao: Gaming license with security assessment
  • GDPR: Player data protection and privacy compliance
  • PCI DSS: Payment card security for transaction processing

🛡️ Gaming Industry Security Challenges

🚨 DDoS Protection

Gaming platforms are high-value DDoS targets

  • Attacks during major sporting events (World Cup, Champions League)
  • Extortion attempts before high-revenue periods
  • Competitor attacks to gain market advantage
  • Multi-vector attacks (application + network layers)

Our Solution: AWS Shield Advanced, CloudFront WAF configuration, DDoS mitigation strategy, 24/7 monitoring, incident response planning

🕵️ Fraud Prevention

Multiple fraud vectors requiring comprehensive detection

  • Bonus Abuse: Multi-accounting, arbitrage exploitation
  • Payment Fraud: Stolen cards, chargeback fraud
  • Account Takeover: Credential stuffing, phishing attacks
  • Arbitrage Betting: Exploiting odds discrepancies
  • Money Laundering: AML/KYC compliance violations

Our Solution: Fraud detection system design, machine learning anomaly detection, device fingerprinting, behavioral analysis, real-time risk scoring

💳 Payment Security

PCI DSS compliance for payment processing

  • Secure payment gateway integration
  • Tokenization and encryption of card data
  • PCI DSS Level 1 compliance (>6M transactions/year)
  • Payment fraud monitoring and prevention
  • Chargeback management and dispute resolution

Our Solution: PCI DSS gap analysis, secure payment architecture, payment gateway security review, compliance documentation

🔐 Player Data Protection

GDPR compliance and responsible gambling

  • Personal data protection (identity, financial, behavioral)
  • Consent management and privacy rights (GDPR Articles 15-22)
  • Responsible gambling data (self-exclusion, deposit limits)
  • Data breach notification (72-hour requirement)
  • Data retention and secure deletion

Our Solution: GDPR compliance assessment, data protection framework, privacy policy development, responsible gambling security measures

🏆 Our Gaming Industry Services

1️⃣ ISO 27001 Implementation for Gaming Licenses

Complete certification support for license applications

  • Gap analysis against ISO 27001:2022 requirements
  • ISMS design tailored to gaming operations
  • Policy and procedure development (30+ security policies)
  • Risk assessment specific to gaming threats
  • Control implementation and evidence gathering
  • Internal audit preparation
  • Certification audit support (MGA-approved auditors)

Timeline: 6-9 months | Investment: €30,000-€60,000 total

ROI: License approval, customer trust, reduced security incidents, competitive advantage

2️⃣ Security Architecture Review

Comprehensive security assessment of gaming platforms

  • Gaming platform security architecture review
  • Payment system security assessment
  • Cloud infrastructure security (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • API security review (third-party integrations)
  • Database security and encryption
  • Network segmentation and access control
  • Security control maturity assessment

Deliverable: Detailed security architecture report with prioritized remediation roadmap

3️⃣ Penetration Testing & Vulnerability Assessment

Proactive security testing before attackers find vulnerabilities

  • Web application penetration testing (OWASP Top 10)
  • Mobile app security assessment (iOS/Android)
  • API security testing (authentication, authorization)
  • Infrastructure vulnerability scanning
  • Social engineering and phishing simulation
  • Red team exercises (advanced persistent threat simulation)

Compliance: Meets MGA, UKGC, and SGA security audit requirements

4️⃣ DDoS Mitigation Strategy

Protect revenue during high-traffic events

  • DDoS risk assessment and threat modeling
  • AWS Shield Advanced implementation
  • CloudFront + WAF configuration
  • Rate limiting and geo-blocking strategies
  • Incident response playbooks
  • 24/7 monitoring and alerting
  • DDoS simulation testing

Result: 99.99% uptime during major sporting events, extortion prevention, revenue protection

5️⃣ Fraud Detection System Design

Multi-layered fraud prevention tailored to gaming

  • Fraud risk assessment and pattern analysis
  • Machine learning anomaly detection
  • Device fingerprinting and behavioral analysis
  • Real-time risk scoring and automated blocking
  • KYC/AML compliance integration
  • Bonus abuse and arbitrage detection
  • Chargeback fraud prevention

ROI: Typical fraud reduction: 60-80%, bonus abuse prevention: €100K-500K annually saved

6️⃣ Incident Response Planning

Be prepared when (not if) incidents occur

  • Gaming-specific incident response plan
  • Breach notification procedures (GDPR 72-hour requirement)
  • Regulatory reporting (MGA, UKGC, SGA notification)
  • Crisis communication planning
  • Forensic investigation procedures
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery
  • Incident response team training

Compliance: Meets GDPR Article 33/34, regulatory authority requirements

💡 Why Choose Hack23 for Gaming Security

🎯 Gaming Industry Expertise

  • Deep understanding of MGA, UKGC, SGA regulatory requirements
  • Experience with gaming license application security audits
  • Knowledge of gaming-specific threats (DDoS, fraud, bonus abuse)
  • Understanding of payment processing security (PCI DSS)
  • Expertise in responsible gambling security measures

🏆 Proven Security Framework

  • Public ISMS: 30+ security policies on GitHub (demonstrable expertise)
  • ISO 27001 Experience: Complete ISMS implementation and certification support
  • AWS Advanced: Cloud security architecture expertise
  • Certifications: CISSP, CISM, AWS Security Specialty
  • Transparency: Our security practices are publicly verifiable

⚡ Practical, Business-Focused Approach

  • Security that enables business, not hinders innovation
  • Clear ROI on security investments
  • Risk-based prioritization (not checkbox compliance)
  • Remote or in-person consulting (Gothenburg-based)
  • Flexible engagement models (project, retainer, advisory)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What security certifications do I need for an MGA license?

A: ISO 27001 certification is mandatory for Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license applications. Additionally, PCI DSS certification is required for payment processing. MGA-approved security auditors must conduct periodic security assessments. Investment typically ranges from €30,000-€60,000 total (consultant fees + certification costs). ROI includes license approval, enhanced customer trust, and reduced security incidents.

Q: How long does ISO 27001 certification take for a gaming operator?

A: Complete ISO 27001 certification typically takes 6-9 months for gaming operators:

  • 3-4 months: ISMS implementation (gap analysis, policy development, controls implementation, staff training)
  • 2-3 months: Internal audits and remediation
  • 1-2 months: Certification audit by accredited body

Expedited timelines possible for urgent license application deadlines.

Q: What are the main cybersecurity threats to betting platforms?

A: Primary threats include:

  • DDoS Attacks: Gaming platforms are high-value targets during major sporting events
  • Fraud: Bonus abuse, multi-accounting, payment fraud, arbitrage betting
  • Account Takeover: Credential stuffing, phishing
  • Payment Security: PCI DSS violations, card fraud
  • Insider Threats: Employee access abuse
  • Money Laundering: AML/KYC compliance violations

Comprehensive security requires multi-layered defense: WAF, DDoS mitigation, fraud detection systems, secure payment processing, and continuous monitoring.

Q: How much does DDoS protection cost for a betting platform?

A: DDoS protection costs vary by traffic volume and attack sophistication:

  • Basic Protection: CloudFlare, AWS Shield Standard (€200-500/month)
  • Enterprise Protection: AWS Shield Advanced, Akamai, CloudFlare Enterprise (€3,000-10,000/month)
  • Implementation: Consulting, infrastructure upgrades, 24/7 monitoring (€10,000-30,000 one-time)

ROI: Prevented downtime during high-value events (major sporting events, tournaments) - single hour of downtime can cost €50,000-500,000 in lost revenue.

Q: What fraud detection capabilities should a gaming operator implement?

A: Essential fraud detection includes:

  • Multi-accounting Detection: Device fingerprinting, behavioral analysis, IP/geolocation tracking
  • Bonus Abuse Prevention: Wagering pattern analysis, velocity checks
  • Payment Fraud Detection: Card testing prevention, chargeback monitoring
  • Arbitrage Betting Detection: Odds comparison across operators
  • AML/KYC Compliance: Identity verification, source of funds checks

Modern systems use machine learning for anomaly detection and real-time risk scoring.

Q: Do you provide ongoing security support after ISO 27001 certification?

A: Yes, we offer ongoing support options:

  • Annual ISMS Review: Continuous improvement and recertification preparation
  • Security Retainer: On-demand security consulting (10-40 hours/month)
  • Incident Response Support: 24/7 emergency response availability
  • Compliance Updates: Regulatory changes (MGA, UKGC, SGA updates)
  • Penetration Testing: Annual or quarterly security assessments

🚀 Ready to Secure Your Gaming Operation?

Contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss your gaming security requirements.

📧 Email: Contact via LinkedIn

💼 LinkedIn: James Pether Sörling

🏢 Company: Hack23 AB on LinkedIn

📍 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden (Remote consulting available)