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Gamgem is PaySway’s comprehensive dataset that helps banks effectively identify and block illicit gambling payments. This dataset contains up-to-date information about gambling platforms and their payment destinations, enabling banks to protect customers and ensure regulatory compliance.
Gamgem overview

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The problem

Traditional gambling blocks rely primarily on Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), which are easily circumvented by unlicensed gambling operators through several methods:
  • Direct bank transfers: Using open banking for transfers to gambling platforms’ accounts
  • Cryptocurrency on-ramp: Using bank cards to purchase cryptocurrency that is then transferred to gambling platforms’ wallets
  • Merchants of new types: Routing payments through businesses that sell digital goods
  • E-wallets: Using e-wallet platforms as an obfuscation layer
  • Crypto transfers: Using cryptocurrency wallets to receive gambling payments directly
These loopholes allow vulnerable users to bypass existing protections.

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How Gamgem works

1

Comprehensive data collection

PaySway maintains real-time data pipelines that identify and catalog payment destinations for both licensed and unlicensed gambling platforms, including:
  • Merchant data (including merchant IDs and merchant names)
  • Local and international bank account details
  • Crypto wallet identifiers
2

Continuous monitoring

The dataset is continuously updated as gambling platforms change payment methods and providers. This dynamic process addresses the “whack-a-mole” nature of illicit payment channels by rapidly identifying new channels as they emerge.
3

Easy integration

Data is delivered in formats that banks can easily implement within existing transaction monitoring and fraud prevention systems, enabling real-time blocking of suspicious payments.
4

High accuracy blocking

Leveraging real-time data, our solution enables banks to detect nearly all illicit gambling transactions, even those intentionally disguised. Banks retain final decision-making authority and have full visibility into blocks that could potentially affect legitimate payments (e.g. certain e-wallet top-ups, which could impact gaming gift cards).