Inside the Cyber Battle: Betting Operators Fight Fraudsters and Deepfakes

The digital betting economy is expanding rapidly, but this growth brings significant risks for both operators and customers. Fraudsters are exploiting the speed of the internet and the rise of mobile wagering to impersonate trusted brands. Especially during major sporting tournaments, when many casual players enter the market for the first time, criminals find fertile ground. They create fake websites or social media profiles in minutes that are nearly indistinguishable from the originals.

Artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword in this environment. While AI is used for large-scale monitoring of the internet, attackers are increasingly utilizing it for deepfakes and automated scams. Simon Baggs of Corsearch describes the internet as a giant shop window. If these windows are not kept clean and trustworthy, consumers are left vulnerable to manipulation. Protecting a brand is no longer just a legal task; it is a vital part of ensuring player safety.

Numbers and facts

Concrete data illustrates the scale of the challenge. An analysis of 12 major international operators by Corsearch found that trademark abuse accounted for 58% of all brand infringements enforced in 2025. Copyright infringement represented a further 29%. Alarmingly, during major summer sporting tournaments last year, enforcement actions against betting-related phishing scams increased by 118% month-on-month. Social platforms are a primary battleground, accounting for 51% of all actions taken. However, strong cooperation delivered a 94% takedown success rate. The financial impact can be devastating, as shown by the 2023 attack on MGM by the Scattered Spider group, which resulted in a $100 million revenue loss.

Background

The fight against cybercrime happens on multiple levels. Simon Baggs explains the strategy of modern protection firms:

“AI enables organisations to monitor these environments at scale. It helps identify potentially harmful activity, filter out irrelevant noise and prioritise the issues that matter most. However, AI is only part of the solution. The real value comes from combining technology with human expertise.” - Simon Baggs, Executive Chairman at Corsearch

Threat landscapes are evolving. While monitoring used to focus on domains and text, video content on platforms like TikTok is becoming a major concern. Fraudsters use deepfakes of celebrities or brand ambassadors to drive traffic to unauthorized platforms. These platforms operate without licenses and lack responsible gambling measures, exposing users to high financial and personal risks.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the danger of fake websites is particularly insidious. A player who believes they are wagering with a licensed German operator might end up on an unregulated fake site. On these sites, the strict rules of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) do not apply. There is no cross-operator deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month, and no connection to the OASIS exclusion system or the LUGAS monitoring system. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that winnings will be paid out. German users should always verify if an operator is on the official whitelist of the GGL. Clicking on the official GGL seal can protect against data theft and financial loss.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos with a GGL license must act proactively to protect their brand and their customers. In Germany, player trust is the most valuable asset, as legal operators compete directly with the black market. Licensed operators invest heavily in compliance and IT security. They are required to verify player identities strictly, often during registration. An attack on brand identity not only hurts revenue but undermines efforts in player protection. German operators must ensure their official channels are clearly communicated and that fraudulent clones are reported and removed immediately to keep the regulated market safe and attractive for players.