Bonus Abuse Emerges because the Most Widespread Form of Online Gaming Fraud in North America

Fraudsters exploit promotional incentives and frictionless onboarding as gaming operators search to steadiness participant expertise with safety, based on LexisNexis Risk Solutions survey

ATLANTA, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LexisNexis^® Risk Solutions in the present day launched the outcomes of its first Fraud and Identity Industry Pulse: Online Gaming in North America report, an evaluation of fraud developments impacting on-line casinos, sportsbooks and that iGaming platforms throughout the area. The research, primarily based on a survey of 993 on-line gaming trade determination makers, reveals that bonus abuse now ranks as the one most prevalent type of fraud in North America’s gaming sector, cited by 78% of respondents as a prime risk to their enterprise.

Bonus abuse schemes, the place fraudsters repeatedly exploit new-account bonuses utilizing artificial identities, stolen credentials and a number of accounts, are costing operators tens of millions of {dollars} per 12 months. Global contributory networks detected over 95,000 fraud occasions tied to a single abuse community, representing an publicity of as much as $3.2 million.

Fraud is most concentrated at first and finish of the client journey, particularly throughout account creation and withdrawals which accounts for roughly 60% of whole fraud publicity. While direct monetary losses stay probably the most seen consequence, operators additionally report rising compliance prices, buyer churn and model harm as key areas of influence.

“Bonus abuse has become the gaming industry’s version of first-party fraud,” stated Sean Britt, senior director, world gaming markets, LexisNexis Risk Solutions. “It’s organized, repeatable and difficult to detect without multi-layered intelligence. As gaming operators compete for players through incentives and faster onboarding, they must also strengthen their defenses at the point of entry.”

Despite mounting threats, the report finds that North American gaming professionals stay targeted on frictionless consumer experiences. Eighty one p.c (81%) of respondents stated even average onboarding friction can drive clients to rivals, prompting elevated funding in automated KYC processes and real-time fraud detection instruments.

The research additionally reveals that information collaboration is an underused but highly effective protection: Only one in 5 operators presently share fraud intelligence, although those who do report sooner detection, fewer false positives and improved buyer belief.

As on-line gaming operators proceed to navigate the twin pressures of delivering seamless participant experiences whereas combating more and more refined fraud networks, the trade’s path ahead will rely on smarter, extra collaborative defenses. The findings from the report clarify that bonus abuse isn’t just a monetary threat however a structural problem that calls for coordinated motion, superior intelligence and a renewed deal with belief.

Methodology: LexisNexis® Risk Solutions Fraud and Identity Industry Pulse: Online Gaming in North America research carried out a survey in collaboration with SIS Competitive Gaming of 993 decision-makers throughout the web gaming trade, together with fraud and id professionals liable for buyer safety, ID verification and compliance. The research gives organizations with information and evaluation to grasp the challenges and most popular mitigation methods of fraud and id professionals within the area.

Download the Fraud and Identity Industry Pulse: Online Gaming in North America report.

About LexisNexis Risk Solutions

LexisNexis® Risk Solutions leverages the ability of information, superior analytics platforms and built-in AI options to offer insights that assist companies throughout a number of industries and governmental entities cut back threat and enhance choices to learn individuals across the globe. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we have now places of work all through the world and are a part of RELX (LSE: REL/NSE: RELX), a worldwide supplier of information-based analytics and determination instruments for skilled and enterprise clients. For extra data, please go to LexisNexis Risk Solutions and RELX.

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Rebecca Bender
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SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions