Unmasking the Hidden Dangers: How Illegal Streaming of Olympic Games Exposes Users to Gambling Scams
Illegal Streaming of Olympics: Gambling Advertisements Dominate Black Market Content
Overview
A recent report from Yield Sec, a technical intelligence platform, has revealed alarming figures regarding the illegal streaming of the Paris Olympic Games that took place from July 26 to August 11, 2023. According to the data published on August 21, illegal gambling adverts dominated the black market streaming landscape, appearing in 46% of all illegal streams covering the Games.
The Scale of Illegal Streaming
Yield Sec’s report outlines the extensive illegal streaming activities that occurred during the Olympics, estimating that there were approximately 266.7 million views of illegal streams lasting 90 seconds or more. The high volume of illegal viewership raises concerns not only about copyright infringement but also about the safety and security risks associated with illegally accessing content.
Risks Associated with Illegal Streaming
As Yield Sec points out, illegal streaming is not simply about accessing free entertainment; it poses serious risks to users, who often do not recognize how vulnerable they are when engaging with such platforms. ‘Users believe that they get premium entertainment content for ‘free’ but in fact settle their ‘bill’ through the unknowing provision of their data, devices, and device processing power to illegal streamers and the often criminal groups that back them,’ the report states. In essence, the report warns that in the world of illegal streaming, users become the product.
Gambling Ads Outpace Other Industries
The report revealed that unlicensed gambling operators overwhelmingly dominated advertising content on illegal streams during the Olympics. With 46% of all illegal streams featuring gambling advertisements, this sector far outpaced the next top industry. Online gaming ads were shown in 18% of streams, followed by adult entertainment ads (11%) and cryptocurrency promotions (9%).
Notably, viewers of these illegal streams were inundated with gambling advertisements, reportedly encountering such ads an average of four times every ten minutes.
Manipulation of Bettors
Yield Sec also highlighted a concerning tactic used by some operators of illegal streams. The report noted that these streams often had built-in delays, allowing illegal gambling operators to manipulate the betting process. Individuals who placed bets based on these streams risked wagering on events where the outcomes were already known to the operators, essentially leading to a fraudulent betting experience.
Geographical Breakdown of Illegal Streaming
In terms of the origins of illegal streams during the Olympics, Yield Sec identified nearly 12,000 unique online locations hosting these streams. Additionally, the report noted over 120,000 sites that served as mirrors and redirects, complicating efforts to combat illegal streaming.
Geographically, Asia emerged as the leading region for illegal streams, accounting for 36% of total views. Europe and the UK collectively contributed to 21% of illegal streams, followed by Latin America (17%), North America (16%), and Africa (9%). Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand represented a mere 1% of the illegal viewing market.
Conclusion
The findings from Yield Sec highlight the significant issues surrounding illegal streaming during major events like the Olympic Games. The prevalence of gambling ads on these platforms not only indicates a serious regulatory challenge but also poses risks to consumers who may unknowingly expose themselves to data theft and fraud. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need for stricter regulations and consumer education on the perils of illegal streaming becomes increasingly urgent.