To entice customers to sign up for its service, Netflix is offering subscribers access to a library of mobile games. It's not a particularly impressive library. There are some fun and well-known titles, but for the most part it's kind of meh. So much so that we can't say we're surprised to learn that Netflix is considering monetizing it.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Netflix is apparently discussing how to generate more money from its mobile titles. This can take the form of popular models like in-app purchases, ads, or paywalls.

We can't fault Netflix for potentially discussing these ideas, but we're not sure that's the right move. Earlier reports have revealed that a tiny percentage of Netflix's subscribers actually play their games. This shouldn't come as a shock because games aren't really something you might think of when subscribing to a video streaming service.

Adding monetization features, which most people dislike already, could alienate those users even further. If Netflix is considering recouping its mobile games investment through these methods, they could be in for a rude awakening. Imagine paying a subscription for Netflix, only to play its games and find out that you have to fork out more money or put up with ads.

Welcome to a world where productivity reigns supreme, and you often forget your own well-being. In today's fast-paced society, taking breaks may seem like weakness or laziness. As professionals, you often feel pressured to work long hours, take on more responsibilities, and stay available 24-7 through technology. Yet, did you know that taking breaks is essential for mental and physical wellbeing and increasing productivity? Yes, taking breaks can actually increase productivity. Set aside any guilt or stigma associated with taking a break and embrace its importance in terms of overall success and happiness. Whether you are an overworked employee or a busy entrepreneur, this post will discuss why breaks should be included as part of your daily routine.

The science of breaks

Take time for yourself. Taking breaks is not simply a way to procrastinate or avoid work; it is essential for productivity. Your body needs time to unwind and recharge so you can operate at your best, studies have proven this through taking short breaks during the day can significantly improve focus, motivation, and overall job satisfaction. Studies also indicate productivity declines sharply after working more than 50 minutes without taking breaks. Allowing yourself to take breaks allows you to reduce stress levels and avoid burnout. Remember this next time you feel guilty stepping away. Taking care of yourself makes you more productive long term. So next time, when feeling guilty, taking care of yourself makes you more productive long term.

Breaks can increase productivity

Breaks are integral to maintaining focus and increasing productivity, so instead of mindlessly scrolling social media or watching videos for distraction, consider taking something more rejuvenating like walking outside to take in some fresh air and stretch your legs. Even just a few minutes of stretching exercises can relieve muscle tension while increasing blood flow to your brain. Listening to music may also provide relief and restore the mind. Experiment with various genres to see what works for you. Whenever you feel stuck or overwhelmed, remember that taking breaks can lead to better long-term results.

Build breaks into your busy schedule

Modern life can often leave you feeling overwhelmed. Finding time for relaxation can often prove challenging. Integration of short breaks throughout your day can do wonders for both productivity and overall wellness. Try the Pomodoro technique, in which working for 25 minutes followed by taking five-minute breaks is beneficial in both productivity and wellbeing. Scheduling break times in your calendar is another effective way to ensure you prioritize self-care. Instead of scrolling mindlessly through social media during breaks, try going for a walk or meditating instead. Finding the appropriate balance between work and rest can lead to long-term success.
You can do what you want during this time, as long as you'll enjoy it. You could look up the best online casino Australia has to offer or do some research for your next vacation. What matters is you're taking a break.

Conclusion

Breaks aren't indulgences. They're essential to productivity and wellbeing. By including short, frequent breaks in your daily schedule, taking regular breaks can increase focus, creativity, and job satisfaction. Not by how many hours are spent but by how well they are spent. So, let go of any guilt associated with taking breaks. The path to success doesn't involve constant hard work without enough rest time in between.

Online gaming sites can be a honey source for money laundering. And if casino operators slip up the chance to detect such attempts or simply lack the appropriate measures, they can have their license revoked and even face penalties.

One such illustrative example is the trendiest scandal of The Star Entertainment Group in 2022. According to Sarah Court, ASIC Deputy Chair, Star’s board and executives failed to prevent money laundering at its Sydney Casino. If in a few words, the Star Entertainment Group allowed 1,222 users to gamble over $617.6 million via high-risk payment channels. As a result, the company’s NSW license was suspended, and it was fined $62 million dollars. And similar cases are more than enough in the iGaming space.

Actually, gaming operators have much remaining on their plates that need to be done when it comes to fighting against money laundering. The most crucial thing they can do is to implement an efficient CDD (Customer Due Diligence) check and follow AML processes.

However, even these can sometimes not be enough to confront powerful hacking attacks and malicious acts. Gambling organizations first need to learn how to identify suspicious behavior and what the most common laundering schemes are to minimize the risk.

In this article, we will shed light on the 6 most used types of money laundering techniques hackers practice in online casinos. So, get comfortable and let's begin.

What Are the Most Widespread Money Laundering Schemes in Online Gaming — Top 6

When it comes to money laundering, it can take up different shapes at both KYC and withdrawal without verification casinos. Here, we have highlighted the most common ones.

#1 Cash-in, Cash-out

Probably, this is the most typical and the simplest money laundering scheme in the gambling sector. The essence of this method is as follows: a malicious actor just exchanges dirty money with casino chips in physical gambling venues or electronic money in online casinos. Then, these chips or electronic funds are used to play various casino games before the scammer cashes them out as clean money in the form of a check (in physical casinos) or online winnings (in online casinos).

As a result, dirty funds can be mistaken for money earned at a gambling site. Normally, fixed-odds betting terminals are used in this method since they let the player only lose a small amount when cashing out.

One such example is the case in 2006 when a lawyer from Virginia used this cash-in, cash-out approach to launder $250,000 at the Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City. To make it possible, he first transferred $250,000 embezzled money into a betting account, then purchased a casino marker with $10,000, lost $1,000, and cashed out the remaining funds.

#2 The Vancouver Model

If we go back to the time period between 2008 and 2018, we can see that gambling establishments in Vancouver were massively used to launder money in large sums from China. The reason for this was the restriction imposed on Chinese citizens, according to which they were prohibited from bringing more than $50,000 out of the country. That's when criminals in Vancouver thought of a workaround and offered it to local players.

The scheme required people to wire funds to the Chinese banking account of a Vancouver-based crime gang. Upon their arrival in Vancouver, they could get cash in exchange.

In the next step, they just needed to take this cash to a casino in Vancouver, place several small bets, and then cash it out as casino winnings. As a result, it will be cleaned of its illegal source.

#3 Collusion Between Gamers

Another money laundering strategy is the Collusion Between Players. If in simple words, it requires one gamer to intentionally “lose” their dirty money, which was exchanged for physical casino chips or electronic money beforehand, to an accomplice gamer at online or brick-and-mortar casinos, for example, in a poker game. This way, the money is no longer related to its criminal roots and can easily be withdrawn as “clean” funds.

The “advantage” of this method is that it gives launderers a chance to escape any AML detection policies, as currently, they can only be triggered by successful bets against the gambling platform itself and not other gamers.

#4 Exchanging Goods Through Gambling

This method allows a gamer to clean their funds at the same time as they receive illegal money and sell illegal goods. Simply put, both the seller of illegal goods (like weapons or drugs) and the buyer takes part in the same casino game. This way, the buyer can easily send funds to the seller through the bet or game using the player-to-player transfer option. Then, the seller cashes out the money from their payment account in exchange for goods. It is quite efficient if we look from the criminal perspective.

Technically, as funds come via gambling, they can't simply be traced as an illicit transaction.

#5 Purchasing Chips from Someone Else

The next common method of money laundering is when people try to clean their funds by buying casino chips or the winnings of other players at a higher price. For instance, the launderers can approach jackpot winners at a poker game venue and offer them cash at a premium in exchange for their winning cheques.

In some cases, these malicious actors can even pay off the gambling debts of the gamer in return for getting payments in the form of chips later.

#6 Mixing Non-Gambling and Gambling Methods

More professional criminal groups are practicing various ways to further conceal traces of funds laundered through gambling sites. They typically involve virtual assets like NFTs, cryptos or even property purchases to achieve their goal.

Simply put, criminals use their dirty money to place small bets at online casinos, which will help them clean their money and then use these funds to buy various properties. Later, they sell these properties and cash out money.

Through this method, criminal groups try to confuse authorities by masking the origin of the money.

Key Vulnerabilities in Online Casinos

Both land-based and online gambling venues are often abused by criminals to launder money. The cause of such frequent hacks lies in the security vulnerabilities that most online casino platforms come with.
Overall, according to FATF (The Financial Action Task Force), there are multiple potential vulnerabilities that gambling operators might have that result in money laundering. These cover:

1. Transferring funds between customers;
2. Cash payments;
3. Deposit accounts;
4. Third parties;
5. Multiple accounts;
6. Identity fraud;
7. Receiving crime proceeds;
8. Multiple operators.

Even though these are not the only “faulty elements” that lead to illegal activities, they are still the key ones.

In order to prevent or minimize the risk of money laundering cases, gambling operators should implement some precautionary measures. The most common ones cover:

1. Utilizing customer due diligence procedures (gathering personal data, verifying the source of money, etc.);
2. Integrating KYC procedures;
3. Reporting suspicious transfers;
4. Organizing employee training from time to time, etc.

And don't forget about the most effective method, which requires compliance with AML regulations.

In today's digital age, mobile gaming has become incredibly popular, providing millions of users with a convenient and immersive gaming experience right at their fingertips. However, with convenience comes the potential for cybersecurity risks. As a mobile gamer, it's crucial to adopt secure web practices to protect yourself as well as your devices from potential cyber threats and ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming environment.

In this article, you will find 6 foolproof measures to ensure the utmost security when gaming on mobile. 

1. Stay Updated

One of the most critical steps in ensuring security while gaming on your mobile device is keeping your operating system and gaming apps updated.

Developers often release security patches and updates to address vulnerabilities and enhance overall security. Regularly updating your mobile device and gaming applications will help safeguard against potential attacks and ensure you have the latest security features.

2. Strong Authentication

Implementing strong authentication measures is another crucial aspect of secure mobile web practices in gaming.

Implementing strong authentication is crucial in guaranteeing data security. It is imperative to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multifactor Authentication (MFA) whenever feasible, as it necessitates an extra verification procedure beyond passwords ensuring that only you can access it. This additional safeguard greatly mitigates the threat of unauthorized entry into your gaming accounts.

3. Secure Payment Options

Another necessary mobile practice when browsing and visiting gaming websites or downloading mobile gaming apps is to check for the app or the site’s payment options.

In the realm of mobile gaming, in-app purchases are a predominant feature, allowing players to acquire virtual goods and upgrades. Since these transactions may involve sharing credit card details, it is imperative to provide secure payment options. A gaming platform that ensures secure payment processes not only fosters trust and confidence among gamers but also enhances the overall user experience.

For gamers who value their hard-earned winnings, generous bonuses, and cashback rewards, it is imperative to choose a gaming website that prioritizes secure payment options. One such website that guarantees the safety of your funds and even your precious free spins is the casino gaming sites. Don't compromise your peace of mind—opt for the safest online casinos that provide top-notch security measures for all your financial transactions.

Furthermore, adhering to stringent security practices is crucial for gaming companies to meet data protection regulations and legal obligations. Neglecting these measures could lead to reputational harm, legal ramifications, and financial penalties.

4. Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps

While it is tempting to explore alternative app stores or download unofficial gaming applications, it is essential to exercise caution.

One of the primary risks associated when browsing game applications or web sites are malware and data leak concerns. To avoid network disruptions and even financial losses, it is best to stick to trusted and reputable app stores like Google Play Store or Apple App Store when browsing for mobile games, as they have mechanisms in place to detect and remove potentially malicious apps.

Unauthorized or untrusted apps can carry hidden malware that can compromise the security of your device and personal information.

5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks may seem convenient and widely available for mobile gaming, but they can be a breeding ground for hackers and cybercriminals.

For most experts, public Wi-Fi networks are usually unsecured or use weak encryption protocols that might make it easier for hackers to intercept sensitive data transmitted between devices and access personal information.

These public networks, generally, have weaker security measures as compared to private ones and are therefore easy to be exploited for their vulnerabilities. As such, it is recommended to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks when gaming or, if necessary, utilize a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and enhance security to enjoy a secure gaming experience.

6. Mind App Permissions

When you download and install gaming apps, it is crucial to be vigilant about the permissions they request.

Some mobile gaming apps might ask for access to unnecessary information or functions on your device, which should raise concerns. It is important to only grant the essential permissions needed for the app to work properly, reducing the likelihood of data breaches or unauthorized access. This can include permissions to access your contacts, location, camera, or even microphone.

By carefully reviewing and limiting the permissions you give to gaming apps, you can help protect your personal data and privacy.

Final Thoughts

Secure mobile web practices are vital to preserving your privacy and protecting your personal information while enjoying the world of mobile gaming.

By staying informed, updating software regularly, employing strong authentication measures, and making informed choices about app downloads and secure network connections, you can create a safer gaming experience for yourself. Remember to always err on the side of caution and prioritize your online safety.

With these practices in mind, you can embark on your gaming adventures with confidence and peace of mind.