Gambling Sector Becomes a Growing Target for Fraud in Canada

The TransUnion report points to a notable rise in digital fraud within Canada's gambling industry, especially since Ontario legalized online gambling in 2023. This has heightened concerns for both operators and players regarding the security of their experiences. The report highlights that the increase in fraudulent activity is more than a financial issue—it's a trust issue that could impact the entire industry. For gambling platforms, enhancing fraud detection measures is now critical to maintaining customer confidence and trust.

Compared to global figures, Canada's gambling sector stands out. Across 19 markets where TransUnion monitors fraud, the average fraud rate in gambling sits at 7.2%. Yet Canada's rate has soared, marking a 79.3% increase year-over-year from the first half of 2023 to 2024, the second-highest spike among Canadian industries after logistics, which saw a staggering 172.9% increase.

Fraud Prevention Urgently Needed

The surge in fraud attempts in Canada contrasts starkly with trends in other regions, including the U.S., which, although showing a higher overall fraud rate of 13.3%, experienced a 9.2% decline in gambling-related fraud during the same period. This disparity underlines Canada's need for a more robust and proactive approach to fraud prevention in gambling.

Patrick Boudreau, Head of Identity Management and Fraud Solutions at TransUnion Canada, called for the adoption of advanced fraud prevention technologies to combat this issue. "Protecting customers and their businesses from fraud is essential to enabling safe and tailored consumer experiences," Boudreau stated. He emphasised the importance of using advanced tools like identity verification, IP intelligence, device reputation checks, and synthetic identity detection. These tools, Boudreau noted, should form the foundation of any fraud prevention strategy for a secure consumer experience.

Financial Impact on Canadian Businesses

Phishing, smishing, and vishing—three of the most common fraud tactics—pose an ongoing risk for Canadian businesses, with phishing accounting for 45% of fraud incidents. Canadian businesses are estimated to have lost about 6% of their total revenue in the past year due to fraud, totaling around $78 billion. For the gambling industry, which faces significant threats from scams, account takeovers, and synthetic identity fraud, these losses are particularly severe.

The report identifies scam fraud as the most common type of fraud businesses face, accounting for 31% of losses, followed by account takeovers (19%) and synthetic identity fraud (18%). These schemes not only impact businesses financially but also erode customer confidence, further challenging the gambling industry.

The Future of Canada's Gambling Sector: A Call for Vigilance

The TransUnion report signals a critical point for the Canadian gambling industry. Without effective fraud prevention, operators risk financial losses and severe reputational damage. As fraudsters continue to evolve their tactics, the gambling industry must adopt advanced technology to safeguard platforms, ensuring players experience a secure and reliable gaming environment.

With digital fraud on the rise across various sectors, the gambling industry can set an example by fortifying its defences. Prioritising fraud prevention will help protect customer trust, providing players with a safe and enjoyable experience, free from the ever-growing threat of fraud.