Why age verification is essential for major sporting events

Major sporting events, such as the recent Euro Cup football tournament or the Olympics, signify much more than a celebration of athletic talent and international competition. These massive events capture the attention of millions of viewers worldwide, generating significant economic and social impact. However, alongside this universal appeal, significant challenges arise, particularly in the realm of sports betting and the need for robust identity verification systems.

Major challenges for the digital sports betting sector  

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he rise of online sports betting platforms has been remarkable in recent years. According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), the global sports betting market reached a record 17.67 billion dollars in the first quarter of 2024, a 5.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Annually, this figure already exceeds 200 billion dollars. During the Super Bowl final alone, nearly 68 million Americans place bets: 26% of the country’s total population. Events like the Euro Cup and the Olympics act as catalysts for this growth, as they attract a significant increase in betting activity. 

One of the main challenges facing the online sports betting industry is ensuring that only users of legal age can access and participate in these platforms. The minimum legal age for betting varies by country, generally ranging between 18 and 21 years. However, without strict protocols, unauthorised access by minors can be facilitated, posing serious ethical and legal concerns. 

Additionally, sporting events are attractive targets for fraudsters. Effective identity verification systems can mitigate these risks by ensuring that only legitimate users can participate in betting. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties and damage the platform’s reputation. 

Another significant challenge is the increasing regulation surrounding sports betting, which requires platforms to implement rigorous measures to comply with laws and protect users. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties and damage the platform’s reputation. 

Scalable and robust age verification 

To address these challenges, it is crucial to implement robust identity verification systems. These systems must accurately determine the user’s age and verify the authenticity of the information provided. A trusted provider will be able to design the most suitable verification strategy to set necessary limits and safeguard the interests of betting companies. Age verification systems will be a valuable tool for managing the spikes in growth mentioned earlier in the article while handling large amounts of data efficiently and securely. 

The combination of cutting-edge solutions is essential to ensure precise and secure identity verification on sports betting platforms. 

1. Identity document verification: Users must provide official documents such as passports or driver’s licenses, which are then verified using advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology and other automated tools to confirm their authenticity and validity.
2. Biometrics: Biometric technologies such as facial recognition and fingerprints provide an additional level of security by comparing the user’s physical features with the data stored on their identity document.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI algorithms can analyze behavioral patterns and detect suspicious activities that may indicate fraudulent use of an identity. These systems “learn” and adapt, continually improving their ability to detect fraud.
4. Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more forms of verification, such as a password and a code sent to their mobile phone, before accessing a platform.
5. Video Identification: Users engage in a live video call with an expert agent who verifies their identity in real-time using various security measures, such as life tests. 

Social responsibility and protection of minors 

Beyond legal compliance, there is an inherent social responsibility in protecting minors from the dangers associated with gambling. Early exposure to gambling can lead to addiction issues and negatively impact the psychological and emotional development of young individuals. Gambling platforms must be proactive in implementing measures to prevent access by minors, not only for legal reasons and to preserve their image but also for ethical reasons. 

• Education and awareness: It is essential for gambling platforms to invest in educational programs that inform users about the risks of gambling and promote responsible gambling practices. 

• Self-control tools: Offering tools that allow users to self-exclude or set betting limits to prevent the development of addictive behaviors. 

• Collaboration with mental health organizations: Working with specialized entities in the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction can provide additional resources to those in need. 

• Support from committed providers: Engaging with support companies that understand technology as a holistic project to enhance people’s lives and protect the most vulnerable. 

The online sports betting market continues to expand alongside high-impact sporting events. Implementing advanced technologies and responsible practices, such as age verification, will be a legal obligation and a crucial social commitment to safeguard the well-being of participants. 

Learn about our solutions for the correct age verification and avoid economic consequences for your company