Bookmaker News – ICO Software Investigation

Are bookmakers covertly using technology to weed out non-profitable clients?

Bookmaker News

We’ve just had the biggest betting weekend in the sporting calendar but The Information Commissioner’s Office is investigating whether some online bookmakers are actually breaking the law by downloading software on to punters’ computers without their permission.

Two gamblers have alleged that the software could be used to track betting history and close accounts if they were too successful. The ICO has agreed and launched an investigation, though gambling companies deny that are breaching data laws and claim they only use the software to protect against fraud.

The programme at the centre of the controversy is called iesnare or iovation and downloads automatically when you log in to some online gambling websites. In some cases, it’s downloaded as soon as you visit the homepage.

Brian Chappell, who runs the campaign website Justice for Punters, has had his accounts closed with online bookmakers after placing winning bets and found the software on his computer after visiting the Skybet website, he told the BBC.

Skybet replied, “Like many other operators, we use iesnare to tackle fraudulent activity. We notify customers we use iesnare in a banner at the top of our website and also in our privacy policy.” There have always been claims that bookmakers shut down the account of punters who become unprofitable but this is one of the first cases in which technology, it is claimed, is being used to monitor activity.

In April 2016, the Horseracing Bettors Forum reported more than 1,000 closed accounts and some 4,000 restricted accounts in the previous six months. Of those surveyed, 59 per cent said their interest in the sport had fallen as a result, which is not what the Horse Racing Authority want to hear!

Totesport are another company who use iesnare and there are claims that you can’t access accounts with them if the software is disabled. Totesport also deny that they use iesnare to collate customer information but they, and others, may find themselves on the wrong side of the law if it’s proved that data protection rights are being ignored. The report from the ICO investigation will be eagerly awaited in several quarters.