Exclusive Interview with the Head of Risk Management at Atlaslive: “Our Risk Management Tool is designed to be highly adaptable and serves both sportsbook and casino customers effectively”

In this interview, Andrii Rybalchenko, the Head of Risk Management at Atlaslive, explains how the company’s effective tool identifies and addresses various risk situations. He also shares why Atlaslive Platform has gained worldwide recognition as a top Sportsbook Platform, earning titles such as Best Sports Betting Provider and a Rising Star in Sports Betting Technology across the CEE, Nordic, and Baltic markets in 2024.

Andrii emphasizes that predictive analytics, intelligent technology, and constant updates are essential for staying agile in the fast-evolving iGaming industry.

For any sports betting or casino business, risk management and anti-fraud strategies are crucial. They turn iGaming into a savvy business investment rather than just a game of chance. But every market and company has its nuances, making the right risk management approach both challenging and rewarding. Andrii shares more details on how Atlaslive Platform rises to this challenge with customized tools, enabling clients to manage risks effectively and confidently.

As the Head of Risk Management at Atlaslive, you’re focused on keeping the platform safe and helping iGaming businesses manage costs. Could you break down what risk management means on the Atlaslive Platform? How does it work to safeguard your partners’ businesses?

Absolutely, that’s really at the core of my role here. In our tech-driven company, risk management is about combining advanced data analysis with machine learning to keep an eye on betting activity and spot potential fraud, both before events and as they happen in real time. We also ensure that everything we do aligns with regulatory standards by conducting regular audits and providing staff training to stay up-to-date.

Beyond that, we collaborate closely with our partners to build risk management strategies tailored specifically to their businesses. This approach not only protects their operations but also enhances their financial performance. We understand that the most effective way to combat sophisticated fraud in iGaming is to safeguard each stage of the player journey—from sign-up through to withdrawals. This includes using KYC (Know Your Customer), behavioral analysis, database checks, and more. At Atlaslive, all these checks come together to review customers with over 200 triggers, offering comprehensive security.

Our fraud detection system is fully customized to match our partners’ unique needs, delivering top-notch fraud protection while still keeping the player experience smooth and enjoyable. To stay accurate and avoid misidentifying genuine players, the system thoroughly analyzes betting history, watching for any patterns of unusual or repetitive behavior that could indicate something suspicious.

“We understand that the most effective way to combat sophisticated fraud in iGaming is to safeguard each stage of the player journey — from sign-up through to withdrawals.” Andrii Rybalchenko, Head of Risk Management at Atlaslive.

Based on your extensive experience and available industry data, what are the most common risks or fraudulent behaviors that the Atlaslive system detects? How can operators keep track of these cases and identify suspicious users? Also, is the Risk Management Tool suitable for both sportsbook and casino customers?

Fraud in online casinos and sports betting has so many forms that it’s tough to name them all. To help our partners stay secure and compliant, we make sure they have solid user identity verification right at onboarding, along with continuous monitoring of betting patterns and transactions.

In 2023, Statista highlighted that fraud losses in mobile casinos and betting platforms reached USD 1.2 billion. With stricter regulations now leading to hefty fines and even license suspensions, businesses that neglect security are risking severe financial and reputational harm.

We commonly detect risks like account takeovers, arbitrage betting, money laundering, and other similar tactics. Our real-time analytics tools give operators the insights to keep an eye on these activities by monitoring for unusual betting patterns and quickly flagging anything out of the ordinary. Our Risk Management Tool is designed to be highly adaptable and serves both sportsbook and casino customers effectively, providing a comprehensive layer of protection across different gaming platforms.

In live and pre-match betting, what actions are taken if your system detects a customer potentially involved in fraudulent activities? Can operators set automatic restrictions, or is manual intervention required?

When our system picks up on potentially suspicious behavior, whether during live betting or pre-match, it can automatically apply limits to the user’s bets or temporarily pause their account. At the same time, it sends an alert to our risk team, which reviews the case manually and decides if further action is necessary. This two-step approach allows us to respond quickly while also ensuring a thorough investigation, balancing automated responses with careful, in-depth analysis.

What types of measures does the Atlaslive platform use to anticipate and prevent potential security breaches or fraud before they happen? How do these actions contribute to a safer platform?

As I mentioned earlier, we rely on advanced tools like predictive analytics and machine learning to catch security threats before they arise. Our system monitors everything in real-time, and we keep it up-to-date with the latest security protocols and best practices in the industry. Additionally, we empower operators to set limits on players who show suspicious behavior, such as those with highly aggressive betting patterns or who appear on our blacklist. Operators can also define maximum win amounts and customize various settings to address unique situations. These features work together to create a safer, more secure platform for everyone.

When discussing risk, it’s not only about operators; players and bettors also face risks. Andrii, how does the Atlaslive Platform support casino players and sports bettors in avoiding irresponsible or risky choices?

Any platform must consider not just business needs but also the well-being of players. Players are diverse, each looking for a unique experience in sports betting and casino games, and we know that sometimes people make impulsive or risky decisions. That’s why we’ve built features that anticipate different player scenarios.

The Atlaslive Platform includes a dedicated Responsible Gaming section, offering several tools to help players manage their gaming responsibly. For instance, users can set spending limits over specific periods, whether it’s for sportsbook, general spending, or individual casino limits. We also have a reality check feature that reminds players of their session time, with intervals ranging from 1 minute to 2 hours. Additionally, we provide self-exclusion options for 1 day, 7 days, 30 days, or even permanently. If a player selects permanent self-exclusion, they won’t be able to access the platform again.

These tools allow players to stay in control, making for a safe and responsible gaming experience.

What are Atlaslive’s plans for enhancing the Risk Management Tool? Are there any new features or developments in progress that you can share with us?

We’re focused on taking our risk management tool to the next level by adding even more advanced AI and machine learning capabilities, which will improve both prediction accuracy and detection speed. We’re also developing more sophisticated real-time monitoring features and customizable risk management dashboards for our partners, giving them deeper insights and more control.

This is vital because fraud doesn’t just result in financial losses for operators, it can seriously harm their reputation. Players want to feel confident that the platform they’re on is fair and secure, trusting it with their personal and financial information. Effective fraud prevention is key to maintaining that trust. As fraud threats evolve, operators must stay proactive. Our team at Atlaslive is devoted to advancing, with constant enhancements of our tools to ensure that our partners and their players experience the highest levels of security and confidence.

“We’re focused on taking our risk management tool to the next level by adding even more advanced AI and machine learning capabilities, which will improve both prediction accuracy and detection speed.” Andrii Rybalchenko, head of Risk Management at Atlaslive.