Bonus Abuse and Gnoming in Sports Betting: A Historical Perspective

Introduction

The history of sports betting is complex and multifaceted, with various practices emerging over time. Two notable phenomena in this context are bonus abuse and gnoming. This research aims to explore the historical development of these practices and their impact on the sports betting industry.

Bonus Abuse

Bonus abuse refers to the exploitation of promotional offers by bookmakers, such as sign-up bonuses or free bets, with the intention of making a profit without taking on significant risk. This practice has been a concern for bookmakers since the early days of online sports betting, as evidenced by studies such as [1] and [2].

Gnoming

Gnoming, also known as 'multi-accounting,' involves creating multiple accounts with different bookmakers to take advantage of promotional offers. This practice is considered fraudulent and is against the terms and conditions of most bookmakers, as noted in [3] and [4].

Historical Context

The rise of online sports betting in the late 1990s and early 2000s created an environment conducive to bonus abuse and gnoming. As bookmakers competed for customers, they offered increasingly generous promotions, which were exploited by individuals seeking to make a profit, as discussed in [5].

Conclusion

Bonus abuse and gnoming have been persistent issues in the sports betting industry, with significant implications for bookmakers and regulatory bodies. Understanding the historical context of these practices is essential for developing effective strategies to prevent them and ensure a fair and transparent betting environment, as argued in [6].