Bonus Abuse Emerges as the Most Widespread Form of Online Gaming Fraud in North America

Rhea-AI Summary

LexisNexis Risk Solutions released its Fraud and Identity Industry Pulse: Online Gaming in North America on March 5, 2026, surveying 993 industry decision-makers. The report finds bonus abuse is the most prevalent fraud (78% cited it), with networks tied to over 95,000 events and exposure up to $3.2 million.

Fraud concentrates at account creation and withdrawals (~60% of exposure). Only 20% of operators share fraud intelligence, while 81% say onboarding friction drives customers away, boosting interest in automated KYC and real-time detection.

Positive

• 78% of respondents identify bonus abuse as top fraud threat
• Global networks detected >95,000 fraud events tied to one abuse network
• Operators report increased investment in automated KYC and real-time detection

Negative

• Estimated exposure up to $3.2 million from a single abuse network
• Approximately 60% of fraud exposure occurs during account creation and withdrawals
• Only 20% of operators share fraud intelligence, limiting collective defenses

News Market Reaction – RELX

+2.93%

1 alert

+2.93% News Effect

On the day this news was published, RELX gained 2.93%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Survey respondents: 993 decision makers Bonus abuse threat: 78% of respondents Fraud events in network: Over 95,000 events +4 more

7 metrics

Survey respondents 993 decision makers Online gaming fraud and identity study sample size

Bonus abuse threat 78% of respondents Share citing bonus abuse as top fraud threat

Fraud events in network Over 95,000 events Fraud events tied to a single abuse network

Fraud exposure Up to $3.2 million Exposure linked to a single bonus abuse network

Fraud concentration Roughly 60% Share of fraud exposure at account creation and withdrawals

Friction sensitivity 81% of respondents Those saying moderate onboarding friction drives customers away

Data collaboration adoption One in five operators Operators currently sharing fraud intelligence

Market Reality Check

Price: $35.18 Vol: Volume 3,461,253 is below...

low vol

$35.18 Last Close

Volume Volume 3,461,253 is below the 20-day average of 5,806,763 (relative volume 0.6). low

Technical Price at 34.18 trades 39.32% below the 52-week high and 24% above the 52-week low, and is below the 200-day MA of 45.07.

Peers on Argus

RELX was down 2.18% while key peers were mixed: TRI +0.2%, CTAS -0.53%, CPRT -1....

1 Up

RELX was down 2.18% while key peers were mixed: TRI +0.2%, CTAS -0.53%, CPRT -1.04%, RBA +2.48%, GPN -0.35%. Momentum scanner only flagged RTO at +12.25%, suggesting stock-specific factors over a sector-wide move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 24 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 24	Analyst recognition	Positive	+2.4%	Named a Leader in IDC MarketScape for provider data management.
Feb 19	Product launch	Positive	+1.4%	Launched AI-powered identity management platform for healthcare.
Feb 18	Sector data report	Positive	+0.3%	Reported record U.S. auto insurance shopping and new policy growth.
Jan 29	Product launch	Positive	-3.2%	Introduced LexisNexis IDVerse for Insurance to combat AI-driven threats.
Jan 27	Regulatory progress	Positive	-2.9%	Announced achieving FedRAMP "In Process" status for U.S. government work.

Pattern Detected

Recent news has generally been positive, with three events seeing positive price reactions and two showing negative reactions despite constructive narratives, indicating occasionally mixed responses to favorable updates.

Recent Company History

Over recent months, RELX news centered on LexisNexis Risk Solutions advancing data, AI and security capabilities. Highlights include being named a Leader in an IDC MarketScape on Feb 24 and launching AI-driven identity tools for healthcare and insurance on Feb 19 and Jan 29. Additional milestones include record U.S. auto insurance shopping metrics on Feb 18 and achieving FedRAMP "In Process" status on Jan 27. Today’s online gaming fraud report continues this theme of fraud and identity insight.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement details a LexisNexis Risk Solutions study showing bonus abuse as a major online ga...

Analysis

This announcement details a LexisNexis Risk Solutions study showing bonus abuse as a major online gaming fraud risk, cited by 78% of surveyed decision makers and linked to exposure of up to $3.2 million from a single network. It reinforces RELX’s focus on fraud, identity, and data collaboration themes seen in recent launches and recognitions. Investors may watch for how such insights translate into product demand and adoption across gaming operators.

Key Terms

synthetic identities, onboarding, kyc

3 terms

synthetic identities financial

"fraudsters repeatedly exploit new-account bonuses using synthetic identities, stolen credentials"

Synthetic identities are fake customer profiles created by combining real and fabricated personal details—like pieces of different IDs, Social Security numbers, or addresses—to open accounts, obtain credit, or hide transactions. For investors, they matter because this kind of fraud can inflate loan books, hide losses, trigger regulatory fines, and damage a lender’s trust and profitability; think of it as termites quietly weakening a building’s foundation until the damage becomes obvious.

onboarding technical

"as gaming operators compete for players through incentives and faster onboarding, they must also"

Onboarding is the process a company uses to bring new customers, employees, partners or clients up to speed with its products, services and procedures so they can start getting value quickly. It matters to investors because efficient onboarding speeds revenue growth, reduces churn and lowers support costs—like giving a new neighbor a useful map and keys so they settle in fast—while poor onboarding can stall adoption and raise expenses.

kyc financial

"prompting increased investment in automated KYC processes and real-time fraud detection tools."

KYC (Know Your Customer) is the routine of checks and questions that financial firms use to confirm who a client is, understand their financial profile, and spot risky or illegal activity. It matters to investors because it helps prevent fraud and money laundering, ensures companies follow the law, and protects the integrity of markets—think of it like an identity and background check a bank or airport runs before allowing access.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Fraudsters exploit promotional incentives and frictionless onboarding as gaming operators seek to balance player experience with security, according to LexisNexis Risk Solutions survey

ATLANTA, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LexisNexis^® Risk Solutions today released the results of its first Fraud and Identity Industry Pulse: Online Gaming in North America report, an analysis of fraud trends impacting online casinos, sportsbooks and iGaming platforms across the region. The study, based on a survey of 993 online gaming industry decision makers, reveals that bonus abuse now ranks as the single most prevalent form of fraud in North America's gaming sector, cited by 78% of respondents as a top threat to their business.

Bonus abuse schemes, where fraudsters repeatedly exploit new-account bonuses using synthetic identities, stolen credentials and multiple accounts, are costing operators millions of dollars per year. Global contributory networks detected over 95,000 fraud events tied to a single abuse network, representing an exposure of up to $3.2 million.

Fraud is most concentrated at the beginning and end of the customer journey, specifically during account creation and withdrawals which accounts for roughly 60% of total fraud exposure. While direct financial losses remain the most visible consequence, operators also report rising compliance costs, customer churn and brand damage as key areas of impact.

"Bonus abuse has become the gaming industry's version of first-party fraud," said Sean Britt, senior director, global gaming markets, LexisNexis Risk Solutions. "It's organized, repeatable and difficult to detect without multi-layered intelligence. As gaming operators compete for players through incentives and faster onboarding, they must also strengthen their defenses at the point of entry."

Despite mounting threats, the report finds that North American gaming professionals remain focused on frictionless user experiences. Eighty one percent (81%) of respondents said even moderate onboarding friction can drive customers to competitors, prompting increased investment in automated KYC processes and real-time fraud detection tools.

The study also reveals that data collaboration is an underused yet powerful defense: Only one in five operators currently share fraud intelligence, though those that do report faster detection, fewer false positives and improved customer trust.

As online gaming operators continue to navigate the dual pressures of delivering seamless player experiences while combating increasingly sophisticated fraud networks, the industry's path forward will depend on smarter, more collaborative defenses. The findings from the report make clear that bonus abuse is not just a financial risk but a structural challenge that demands coordinated action, advanced intelligence and a renewed focus on trust.

Methodology: LexisNexis® Risk Solutions Fraud and Identity Industry Pulse: Online Gaming in North America study conducted a survey in collaboration with SIS Competitive Gaming of 993 decision-makers across the online gaming industry, including fraud and identity professionals responsible for customer security, ID verification and compliance. The study provides organizations with data and analysis to understand the challenges and preferred mitigation strategies of fraud and identity professionals in the region.

Download the Fraud and Identity Industry Pulse: Online Gaming in North America report.

About LexisNexis Risk Solutions

LexisNexis® Risk Solutions leverages the power of data, advanced analytics platforms and integrated AI solutions to provide insights that help businesses across multiple industries and governmental entities reduce risk and improve decisions to benefit people around the globe. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we have offices throughout the world and are part of RELX (LSE: REL/NSE: RELX), a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, please visit LexisNexis Risk Solutions and RELX.

Media Contact:
Rebecca Bender
Montieth & Co
rbender@montiethco.com 

 

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SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions

FAQ

What did LexisNexis Risk Solutions report about bonus abuse in online gaming (RELX) on March 5, 2026?

Bonus abuse is the most prevalent fraud, cited by 78% of respondents; networks produced over 95,000 events and up to $3.2 million exposure. According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions, this shows organized, repeatable abuse exploiting onboarding and incentives.

How much of online gaming fraud exposure occurs at account entry and withdrawals according to LexisNexis (RELX)?

About 60% of total fraud exposure happens during account creation and withdrawals. According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions, this concentration highlights the need for stronger entry-point controls and withdrawal monitoring to reduce losses.

What proportion of operators share fraud intelligence in North American online gaming (RELX report)?

Only one in five operators currently share fraud intelligence. According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions, those who collaborate report faster detection, fewer false positives, and improved customer trust, indicating clear benefits to data sharing.

How are North American gaming firms responding to fraud vs. friction trade-offs (RELX findings)?

Eighty-one percent say moderate onboarding friction drives customers to competitors, prompting investment in automated KYC and real-time fraud tools. According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions, firms are balancing user experience with layered fraud defenses.

What financial impact did the LexisNexis (RELX) report highlight from bonus abuse networks?

The report identified exposure up to $3.2 million linked to a single abuse network and >95,000 fraud events. According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions, these figures demonstrate tangible direct losses and operational costs for operators.