SOLID , TRANSPARENT ,
UNCHANGEABLE
Why blockchain is critical for the future of casino gaming regulation
BY EARLE G . HALL
The world has finally evolved through the confusion between blockchain and cryptocurrency . Blockchain is an information security protocol and cryptocurrency is digital currency .
It is true that blockchain is the foundation of cryptocurrency from a technology perspective . However , the world has embraced the true meaning of blockchain in recent years as cybersecurity threats continue to accelerate to unprecedented levels .
The global gaming industry has painfully entered a pivotal moment . System , process and technology debt can no longer be ignored from a supplier , operator , and most importantly , a regulator ’ s point of view . The ever-accelerating cyber threat in which casinos operate requires regulations , procedures , standards and tools to address the existential threat to integrity .
This requires regulators to look for solutions for real-time , integral means of oversight to maintain the integrity of casino gaming .
As an interested and engaged industry stakeholder , I am grateful to have the opportunity to address regulators and jurisdictional organizations about the need to educate and regulate this technology that promises to revolutionize the industry ’ s regulatory landscape .
A Crisis on the Horizon : The Role of Data
The gaming industry operates within a highly regulated framework where data forms the backbone of licensing , surveillance and compliance . Many jurisdictions house mountains of printed documents that are vulnerable to tampering , destruction and integrity attacks .
The migration to a standard database does not offer much solace . Standard databases can be manipulated , tampered with and easily hacked . The current regulatory data landscape is facing three major threats that will increasingly jeopardize the sanctity of the integrity on which these institutions are founded .
1 . Cybersecurity Risks Current on-premises server systems are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks . Ransomware incidents and data breaches are escalating , exposing critical gaming operations to unprecedented risks . These vulnerabilities not only threaten individual operators but also undermine the legitimacy of the entire industry .
2 . Data Integrity Challenges Existing systems are siloed and fragmented , leading to redundant , inconsistent and manipulable data . In such an environment , ensuring the authenticity and reliability of information becomes a daunting task , leaving room for errors and exploitation .
3 . The Demand for Real-Time Oversight Regulators require real-time data to combat money laundering and address problem gambling effectively . Current systems reliant on delayed reporting fail to meet the industry ’ s need for instantaneous monitoring and proactive intervention .
14 Global Gaming Business MARCH 2025