How operators can protect players with biometrics in iGaming

Player security has always been essential for iGaming operators, who work tirelessly to ensure their platforms are safe, and that players’ data remains behind virtual lock and key.

But this has become increasingly challenging as the threat landscape changes, with evolving technologies offering both new ways to improve security, while also arming threat actors with more advanced tools.

One of the tools used by operators to counter this threat is biometric authentication – seen as an easy-to-use and dependable solution to improve verification processes. But biometrics are changing, and operators should be aware of how they can embrace these changes to offer the most secure experience possible for players.

What is biometric authentication?

Most consumers have experienced some form of biometric authentication – likely using fingerprint mapping or facial recognition to open their mobile devices on a day-to-day basis.

And security really is front-of-mind for many consumers. According to our recent Lost in Transaction research, 64% of those who shop online say security is the most important factor when choosing how to pay.

However, security doesn’t exist in a vacuum – ensuring a players’ data is safe is vital, but if it comes at the cost of experience, players may look elsewhere.

This is why biometrics are so appealing for iGaming operators -- offering a seamless, secure player experience without the hurdles of, say, two-factor authentication.

How are biometrics used in iGaming?

For iGaming operators, the need to verify identities quickly and efficiently has made biometric authentication a key part of their security make-up. For example, many operators are now using them to identify synthetic IDs (a combo of real and fake IDs used to fool verification methods) or deep fakes.

We’ve spoken before about the evolution of biometric authentication in payments but put simply: operators must work to stay ahead of attackers and keep players safe. This could mean a continued push towards multi-factor authentication methods, incorporating health data, for example – which may become the norm as the threat landscape changes.

How to encourage player use of biometrics

When embracing an emerging technology, it’s vital that adoption is as simple and clear for users as possible – anything that may add complexity to the security process could push players away. Clarity here is important, ensuring players are aware of how these measures will work, so they’re not put off by a new layer of security.

Operators must also strike a balance when introducing different security measures – anything too strong or intrusive will provide a stumbling block for consumers. In addition, it’s important to provide alternatives in case biometrics authentication doesn’t work.

This may be because a thumbprint isn’t reading, or a camera isn’t working for face authentication – regardless, players should be presented with another way to identify themselves and pass through security.

And more broadly – this applies to all industries – consumer adoption of biometrics relies on businesses pushing security and trust as part of their brand values. Consumers want their data to be handled by businesses that take security seriously and will ensure it won’t be shared with other parties.

By being open about why biometrics are key to improving security, operators will see players more readily accept this emerging technology.

What next for biometrics in iGaming?

By using biometric authentication tools, operators can increase trust from players and get ahead of potential regulatory changes. Without strong security, brands risk facing the wrath of regulatory boards.

And there are further benefits of biometrics that many brands may not have considered. By helping protect operators against fraud – which costs businesses huge amounts of money each year – biometrics can improve profitability and allow them to reinvest and improve offerings to players.

For operators and players alike, biometrics in iGaming can offer protection, peace of mind and more.

To learn more about biometrics in iGaming, as well as all things affiliate marketing, head to the Income Access content hub.