GAMING SECURITY
Xpoint reimagines geolocation in the US
Chris Chapman, Engineering Lead at Xpoint, provided insights into the company’s automated tech and how it can be adapted to fit different regulatory requirements in US states.
stretching, using a rule-based system that enables adjustment to regulatory updates without extensive development cycles, Chapman expanded, “By leveraging configurable rules, Xpoint empowers operators to comply effortlessly with evolving compliance standards, such as adjusting verification intervals or implementing new requirements.
T
he US iGaming landscape is ever-growing and changing state-by-state, which means the regulatory framework and its geo- compliance to online gambling is more important than ever. Verifying players within state lines or blocking the use of VPN’s requires robust technology and a dynamic approach to ensure compliance with every new jurisdiction. Chris Chapman, engineering lead at Xpoint, explained that the company’s geolocation service, “is utilising automation to ensure it delivers the fastest integrations and eliminates fraud, playing a pivotal role in compliance, player safety, and operational efficiency.” Most online betting occurs on mobile devices, and ensuring accurate geofencing near state borders is crucial for compliance regulations.
Xpoint’s Trust Mode feature has been designed to reduce the number of geolocation checks while remaining compliant with state-mandated check frequencies, even if a player is near a state border. By verifying that a device is connected to a residential or office WiFi, geolocation checks can be performed less frequently meaning operators can save costs and stay accurate.
Regulations vary state-by-state in the US, so geolocation services must have flexible approaches. Xpoint has certainly done its
12 OCTOBER 2024 GIO
“Xpoint also streamlines this integration process, allowing operators to shift their attention to customer engagement and marketing efforts rather than grappling with technical intricacies.” Here, Chapman assured that Xpoint can adhere to the speed of the market, which can be a decisive factor for operators seeking a competitive advantage. Regarding geolocation services, operators must consider certain obstacles; and the lengthy and intricate task of incorporating the technology into their systems. “Integration and user experience are critical for operators,” said Chapman, Xpoint’s SDK emphasises this by automating complex processes like token management, which traditionally burdens operators with manual oversight. Chapman continued, “Unlike alternatives where operators must manually refresh tokens and manage intervals, Xpoint’s technology simplifies this process with a session-based system. “In addition, Xpoint’s rule-based configuration system allows it to quickly adapt to regulatory changes, offering operators peace of mind and faster time-to-market.”
Another counter to geolocation is the widespread use of VPNs and compromised IP’s, which can challenge fair play and maintaining security. Xpoint has addressed this, with a strategy
that employs data and analysis to detect location jumping and mocking, as well as preventing VPN usage.
Xpoint also thresholds customers jumping from one location to another, and in certain states, Xpoint’s geolocation service can block users when this is detected, meaning operators do not have to take any punitive actions themselves. Device tampering and fraud issues can also be detrimental. To combat this, Chapman explained: “Xpoint supports diverse platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and a web SDK. For web platforms, methods are implemented to detect location mocking and plugins that manipulate browser location APIs.
“On Android, Google’s Play Integrity system is leveraged to identify tampered devices, supplemented by proprietary checks. Similarly, on iOS, Apple’s attestation feature may be utilised alongside Xpoint’s methods to ensure device integrity.”
Geolocation services are crucial in creating a secure and safe gaming environment. By accurately verifying locations and detecting unauthorised actions, Xpoint empowers operators to provide a fair and transparent gaming experience. The technology not only supports regulatory compliance but also encourages user trust, which is ultimately at the core of sustainability for the online gambling sector.
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