In the latest episode, Robin Harrison and Ed Birkin are joined by Jack Crabtree, head of sales at GameCheck, who discusses the company's efforts to combat the prevalence of fake slot games in the gaming industry.
Jack details how GameCheck identifies counterfeit or manipulated slot games that operate on unlicensed or grey market platforms. For operators with legitimate offerings, GameCheck provides the SEAL, an independent certification badge that assures players of a game's authenticity. Jack notes that the SEAL has gained significant traction in less regulated areas, particularly in Turkey.
As highlighted by Robin in previous discussions, Brazil has emerged as the largest market GameCheck monitors, with more than 6,800 fake games identified in that region alone. Jack explains that the rapid expansion of Brazil's gaming market has created a perfect environment for unscrupulous operators to thrive.
GameCheck collaborates with both operators and suppliers, but has recently transitioned from solely focusing on revenue protection for suppliers to adopting a more sustainable approach. Jack elaborates on what this shift entails during the conversation.
The issue of revenue loss due to fake games is significant, with data from GameCheck and H2 Gambling Capital indicating approximately 8,500 counterfeit games identified globally; however, Jack believes the actual number is likely much higher. Most of these issues are concentrated in grey or unregulated markets, and research conducted with BetBlocker reveals that many sites not included on its blocklist are indeed running fake games.
Jack raises concerns about the scale of revenue leakage within the industry and offers a specific figure, inviting listeners to tune in for the details. He also references insights from Evolution's CEO, who has highlighted game cloning as a major contributor to revenue loss—effectively reducing the return-to-player (RTP) rate to zero for every cloned game, as the company profits nothing from those unauthorized instances.
With gaming studios already facing challenges from decreasing profit margins and an oversaturated content market, Jack questions whether this issue may become one they can no longer overlook.
Before the episode concludes, there’s a candid exchange that nearly didn’t make it to air, including a lighthearted debate where one of the hosts expresses a preference for Thundercats over He-Man.
