Fraud and bonus hunting present serious threats to bookmakers and their affiliate programs. These activities can lead to significant financial losses and damage the brand's reputation. In this article, we will explore the main types of fraud, protection methods, and tools that can help minimize risks.

Types of Fraud in Bookmaking​

1. Bonus Hunting​

Bonus hunting is the practice of exploiting bookmaker bonus offers to generate profits with minimal expenses. Bonus hunters register at various sportsbooks or create multiple accounts within a single bookmaker to repeatedly claim welcome bonuses, cashback, and free spins. Common schemes include:
  • Betting on opposing outcomes at different sportsbooks using bonus funds.
  • Withdrawing bonuses via arbitrage strategies.
  • Using special programs to automate the creation of new accounts.

2. Multi-Accounting​

Multi-accounting involves creating several accounts by one user to bypass bookmaker restrictions. It is often used by bonus hunters but can also be applied to evade bet limits and conceal professional betting. Common multi-accounting methods include:
  • Using VPNs and proxy servers.
  • Registering accounts under someone else’s name.
  • Using virtual phone numbers to verify accounts.

3. Fraud with Payment Systems​

Some fraudsters use payment systems to launder illegal funds. Popular schemes include:
  • Depositing via stolen cards and then initiating chargebacks.
  • Using fraudulent accounts to withdraw money through illicit schemes.

4. Bots and Scripts​

Automated programs may be used for placing bets according to certain strategies or to instantly activate bonuses as soon as they appear. This creates unfair competition for real players and damages the bookmaker’s operations.

Megapari Recommendations: How to Protect Your Brand from Fraud and Bonus Hunting?​

1. KYC (Know Your Customer)​

To ensure security on the platform, players undergo verification:
Providing documents (passport, driver's license, ID card), as well as additional documents if necessary.

2. Anti-Fraud Systems​

To enhance security and prevent fraud, it is recommended to follow these basic rules and restrictions:
  • Account verification
  • Confirmation of email addresses and phone numbers.
  • Example analysis of the user’s playing style.
  • Automated payment checks.
  • Ability to withdraw funds only to e-wallets and cards owned by the account holder.
Additionally, each user is allowed to have no more than one account. Creating a second account will violate one of the main site rules, and the account will be banned.

3. Bonus Restrictions​

To avoid mass bonus hunting, bookmakers can implement the following restrictions:
  • Personalized bonus offers.
  • Wagering requirements.
  • Exclusion of players using fraudulent schemes.

4. Payment Transaction Monitoring​

Regular analysis of payment operations helps detect fraudulent schemes. Recommended measures include:
  • Implementing withdrawal limits for new users.
  • Analyzing the frequency of deposits and withdrawals.
  • Using 3D Secure for payment protection.

5. Working with Affiliate Programs​

Some affiliates may attract fraudulent traffic. To avoid this, use:
  • Regularly checking traffic sources.
  • Restricting payouts for suspicious users.
  • Using dynamic payment models (RevShare, CPA with deferred payments).
Fraud and bonus hunting remain significant issues in the betting industry, but modern technologies allow for effective countermeasures. Strengthening KYC, implementing anti-fraud systems, controlling bonuses, and monitoring affiliate programs can help reduce risks and protect the brand from financial losses. The main challenge for bookmakers is finding a balance between protection and convenience for honest players, to ensure loyal customers are not lost.