Biometrics in iGaming: Increase Security and Release New Slots

Experts of the Online Casino Market studio explain the benefits of the new technology for the gambling industry. You will also learn how operators use the tool, and what perspectives the solution has.

About the Concept

Biometrics is data on a person’s physiological and biological parameters that help identify them. The most famous examples are fingerprinting, eye scanning, and facial recognition.

Characteristics of this type of information:

• exist among the entire population at the same time (universal);
• is inimitable for each person (unique);
• persists throughout life (stable).

There are 3 types of biometrics:

1. Biological. It is based on genetic features and molecular signs. Blood or DNA samples are usually taken for analysis and testing.
2. Morphological. It considers the physical characteristics of the human body. These are the pattern of the iris, fingerprints, and the shape of the auricle.
3. Behavioural. This type is based on habits that are unique to each person, such as the walking style, the way people sit and type, as well as gestures and facial expressions.

The rapid development of the technology began in the 2000s. Initially, it was used only by large IT corporations (Google, Apple, and Oracle) due to the high cost and the lack of necessary equipment. In the 2010s, there was a new round of growth, which coincided with the increase in the popularity of mobile devices.

How Biometric Authentication Works

The tool consists of the following components:

• a reading device for recording individual characteristics;
• software for converting the collected details into a digital format (encrypted code) and comparing it with a reference value (identifier);
• a database for secure storage of information and the history of verification processes.

For the correct operation of the technology and its distribution, special scanners are needed. Modern gadgets have been released with such programs for over 10 years, which simplifies the use of biometrics in everyday life.

For example, Apple's proprietary iPhone X contains a system for projecting more than 30 thousand dots onto the face in the infrared range. After that, the service instantly analyses the collected details and creates a unique authenticator. With its help, operators can quickly identify their clients.

Neural networks are widely used as well. They compare photographs and video/audio recordings made at the time of verification with encoded templates from a special database.

Algorithms search for matches between key parameters (such as the location of the eyes’ corners or the geometry of the lips) and indicate the person on the other side of the screen. The latest technology can distinguish real people from photos, find fake images, etc.

Today, biometrics is actively used in many sectors of the economy, primarily to improve security and increase productivity. The solution is helpful in insurance, banking, medicine, pharmaceuticals, logistics, air transportation, and, of course, gambling.

Andrew O'Brien, CEO of Innovative Technology, noted:

To make the tool more useful, entrepreneurs need to overcome several problems. This is a reduction in gender and demographic bias, improved privacy and transparency of data, resistance to spoofing and other cyber threats.

Why It Is Worth Using the Solution in the Casino Niche

Let us consider the key advantages of the option:

1. Ensuring stable operation. The main reason for using the product is the desire of companies to stay afloat. Business owners have a high risk of encountering scams and bonus abuse, which negatively affects the liquidity of brands and worsens the user experience. Biometrics adds another layer of security to the entertainment sector.
2. Compliance with regulatory demands. The world’s leading authorities have not yet put forward specific rules for the implementation of the technology. On the other hand, licensees should comply with the requirements regarding the authentication of customers. This is much easier to do when special verification tools are implemented.
3. Cost optimisation. This is achieved by consolidating security efforts and providing a personalised gaming experience. For example, instead of relying on several protective measures (passwords and cross-checks), it is possible to apply only one universal method.
4. Increased competitiveness. The introduction of biometrics is an excellent opportunity to stand out from the competition and become a progressive iGaming brand. Today, the technology is used by very few companies, so there is room for growth and development.
5. Improvement of image indicators. If operators invest money in advanced protection and personalisation options, this is only for the best. It will inspire confidence in their firms among clients and B2B partners.

Data That Gambling Companies Rely On

Let us consider what information casino owners use most often:

1. Facial image. This is the main identifier. It is created using a neural network scanner, which is built into smartphones, laptops, video cameras, and other modern devices. The technology has found applications in various areas, from the simplest (for example, unlocking phones) to more complex ones (payment initiating).
2. Voice. It has different intonation, pitch, and modulation. By combining all these characteristics, it is possible to easily recognise a person and understand whether he is an honest gambler or a bot. During authentication, the program asks players to reproduce a random set of words or phrases to minimise the manipulation of results.
3. Fingerprints. Today, dactylography is used in many business areas, although this method originally came from criminology. A successful check opens access to a personal gadget or payment wallet, from which a customer makes deposits in virtual casinos.
4. The iris of the eye. It has a rather complex pattern. This increases the reliability of biometric identification and makes any fraudulent actions and abuses impossible.

How and Where Operators Use Biometrics

Let us consider the main areas of use of the technology:

Personalised Gaming Experience

Special software studies and remembers the habits of clients, after which it creates a unique offer for each person or group of players. They get access to interesting content (slots, table games, and cards), individual bonuses, the best access levels, and other functions.

A unique impression is formed by studying the following behavioural characteristics:

• typing style (speed/position of the hands);
• power of keystrokes;
• gestures;
• breaks between moves in the game, etc.

Automation of Routine Tasks

The technology facilitates and speeds up key business processes in land-based and web casinos:

1. Account registration. When creating a profile, people can provide their biometric data (voice, facial features, and fingerprints). The received information is converted into a unique identifier, which is then used each time they visit the platform.
2. Authentication. The solution provides quick and secure access to the website and protects against fraudsters and bots. The tool can also be integrated with traditional verification methods, such as passwords or PIN codes. This will create a multi-factor system without disruptions and a negative influence from the outside.
3. Regulatory compliance. Encrypted identifiers are matched with a photo from the passport or ID card. This approach ensures that the identity and age criteria are met and that entrepreneurs work legally. The technology complies with international KYC (Know-Your-Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations.

The Flamingo casino complex is one of the first gambling establishments in North Macedonia to implement access control based on fingerprints.

The biometric recognition system installed in the main lobby allows:

• to identify all players;
• to deny entrance to the premises to those guests who have been added to the list of unwanted visitors because of unacceptable behaviour.

A similar practice is used in many entertainment locations all over the world, including the most famous ones in Macau, Las Vegas, and Atlantic City.

Increased Security

The main ways to introduce the technology:

1. Secure access to the account. Clients instantly log on to iGaming sites using this tool on smartphones or tablets. The solution prevents unauthorised access to information by bots or attackers.
2. Protection against duplication. Biometrics helps combat multi-accounting and reduces the cases of copying profiles. For example, players may be required to take a simple selfie during verification or at selected entrance checkpoints to verify that they are the rightful owners of their accounts.
3. Prevention of bonus abuse. Companies follow the principle of “one person, one reward”, thus minimising the incorrect distribution of incentives. The technology can scan the existing customer database to understand whether a user is committing fraud or not.

Improved Payment Options

The first financial products based on biometrics were Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Android Pay. These services made a real revolution in various industries: it became possible to transfer money for products, book tickets, and even make deposits in casinos.

Today, such solutions are used to quickly authenticate settlements. They also act as an additional layer of transaction security, lowering the existing risks.

Compliance with Responsible Gambling Principles

A digital ID makes age checks easier and faster, preventing minors from entering offline or online entertainment locations.

The technology can be integrated into special programs. This will simplify the identification of users and limit access for those who voluntarily entered themselves into the self-exclusion registry.

The proprietary Yoti system is one of the best examples of the implementation of biometric algorithms in security software. The service takes pictures of potential clients near gaming terminals or people who are on the other side of the screen and determines their real age within 2 seconds.

Legal Aspect of Using the Solution

Each country introduces its identification rules, as well as methods for protecting confidential details and storing biometric data.

In South Australia, in 2022, a package of measures was adopted to reform the gambling business. Now, all casinos that have permission to offer 30 or more slot machines are required to install approved facial recognition technology in their halls.

In 2022, an identification card was introduced in Denmark. It is designed to restrict access to lotteries and betting shops for minors and individuals with signs of ludomania. The product instantly reveals self-excluded customers and blocks access to the wagering process.

New Jersey is the first US state to present a mandatory three-factor authentication using:

• information known to a person (for example, a password);
• a unique element, such as a special token;
• biometric data (like facial recognition or fingerprint scanning).

It is expected that other regions with legalised online entertainment (Pennsylvania, Nevada, Delaware, etc.) will soon follow New Jersey's lead.

The Main Things about Biometrics in the Casino Niche

The technology is actively used in the gambling and sports betting industry.

Key aspects that operators need to take into account:

• For the solution to work correctly, some reading devices and software are needed. They convert information into unique identifiers. iGaming brands need servers or special clouds to store the details they receive.
• Entrepreneurs focus on several types of data. These are facial images, fingerprints, voice, and the iris of the eyes. Behavioural features are also of great importance: gestures, typing style, the force applied by key presses, etc.
• Biometrics is useful in various areas of work that can be found in land-based and digital entertainment locations. The tool provides a personalised gaming experience, automates routine tasks, and improves security.
• The technology helps business owners comply with industry needs. These are responsible gambling measures, timely verification of payments, anti-money laundering, and exact user authentication.

You can buy modern and secure program components from the Online Casino Market studio.

We offer ready-made turnkey online projects, White Label platforms, Bitcoin portals, a unique design of iGaming sites, and other interesting options. You can also create your own gambling start-up with our configurator.

From us, it is also possible to order the following useful services:

• sale and rental of entertainment products;
• creation of HTML5 slots based on individual sketches;
• security software installation;
• payment system integration, and much more.

Order a service