Online consumers should be aware that gambling websites are targets for cyber-criminals, according to an internet security consultancy.

Alan Phillips, chief executive officer of 7Safe, highlighted the importance of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Stamp (PCI DSS).

"It is a big deal. It is something that every company that accepts credit cards, if they store and process credit card information, should be compliant with," he added.

"Gambling companies deal with millions of transactions and they are definitely targets for people who are trying to get this kind of information."

Mr Phillips went on to say that complying with the PCI DSS standard makes it very difficult for people to steal from companies with an online presence.

Earlier this year, a survey carried out by the Gambling Commission found that 8.8 per cent of adults had participated in some sort of remote gambling, using a computer, mobile phone or interactive television.


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