Spotting the Signs: How CLMS Helps Combat Machine Fraud

by Simon Barff, CLMS Managing Director 

Fraud in gaming machines is a persistent threat - one that costs operators and the wider industry not only financially, but reputationally too. While some may associate machine fraud with clumsy coin tricks of the past, the reality today is far more complex and damaging. From anomalies in game logic to sophisticated software hacks, the tactics used by fraudsters continue to evolve and so must the defences.

At CLMS, we act as an independent early warning system for the UK’s gaming industry, using live data to spot the signs of fraud before they result in serious losses.

A National Overview - Powered by Data

With over 35,000 connected machines across the UK, CLMS gathers real-time transactional data through our OLGA monitoring system. This data is continuously analysed by our expert team of data analysts at CLMS HQ, allowing us to track machine performance and player behaviour patterns at scale.

Often, unusual player patterns are the first indicator that something’s not right. Whether it’s a sudden spike in payouts, abnormal stake behaviour, or play patterns that don’t match the machine’s intended game flow, we’ve learned to recognise the red flags. In many cases, CLMS has been the first to raise concerns to both manufacturers and operators - even when their own systems hadn’t flagged anything.

The Cost of Fraud

CLMS estimates that fraud could be responsible for the loss of tens of thousands of pounds from UK Category C machines annually. This fraud can take many forms:

Exploiting anomalies in gameplay logic to force unfair outcomes
Installing rogue software patches directly to hard drives
Dark web intelligence, where known exploits are traded for significant sums, fuelling ever more sophisticated attacks
Simon Barff, Managing Director of CLMS, puts it plainly:

“This is a constant battle for the industry. I’ve seen it from all angles including during my time in manufacturing and now as a data aggregator. It’s costly and damaging, which is why catching it early is absolutely essential. The fastest way to spot an issue is through the data. We know what honest play looks like. When we see a deviation from that, it’s like a doctor noticing a sudden spike in temperature - it’s a warning sign, and we act fast to investigate the cause.”

Why Independent Monitoring Matters

For independent operators and retail customers, CLMS provides reassurance that no matter who supplied the machine, it’s being monitored by a national, independent system that works in their best interests.

Unlike isolated monitoring systems, the scale of CLMS’s network gives it a significant diagnostic advantage. The more machines connected to a centralised system, the easier it becomes to identify when something falls outside of expected norms.

And crucially, CLMS doesn’t just provide information; it provides actionable insight. Early detection means operators can pull a game before damage spreads, investigate issues thoroughly, and collaborate with manufacturers to resolve vulnerabilities before they are more widely exploited.

Strength in Numbers

In the face of increasingly complex threats, data is our best defence. The more machines connected to CLMS, the stronger and more accurate our early warnings become. It’s not just about protecting revenue, it’s about safeguarding the integrity of the gaming experience and ensuring a fair playing field for everyone.

If your machines aren’t connected to a monitoring system - or if you’re relying solely on manufacturer tools - it might be time to ask what’s missing. Because when it comes to fraud, the sooner you know, the safer you are

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27 August 2025

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