By Will Whitehead, Commercial Director, mkodo
The recent decision by the U.S. Federal Circuit Court to declare GeoComply’s anti-location spoofing patent unenforceable marks a significant shift in the landscape of geolocation technology within the gaming and sports betting industries. This ruling not only dismantles a longstanding monopoly but also opens the door for a more competitive market where innovative solutions like mkodo’s GeoLocs can flourish. As regulatory compliance remains critical for gaming operators, this decision ushers in new opportunities for flexibility and cost-effective options that better align with operators’ specific needs.
The Essential Role of Geolocation in Gaming
In the highly regulated U.S. gaming market, geolocation technology is indispensable. It enables operators to meet state-level compliance by verifying user locations in real time, preventing cross-border activities where betting is restricted. GeoComply has traditionally held a dominant position, providing location services to industry giants like DraftKings and FanDuel. However, as the industry grows, the need for accessible, versatile geolocation solutions has become clear, making this court decision a turning point for gaming platforms.
Why the Court Deemed GeoComply’s Patent Unenforceable
The Federal Circuit Court’s ruling hinges on the Supreme Court case Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank International (2014), which established the “Alice test” for evaluating the patent eligibility of software-based inventions. This test assesses whether a patent claim is based on an abstract idea and, if so, whether it includes a transformative, inventive concept. In GeoComply’s case, the court found that the anti-location spoofing patent applied conventional geolocation methods without offering an innovative twist, failing the Alice test.
Both the Delaware District Court and the Federal Circuit Court agreed that GeoComply’s patent lacked originality, describing it as a straightforward application of standard programming. With the patent now ruled unenforceable, GeoComply can no longer restrict competition on these claims, allowing other providers to expand in the market.
Implications for the Industry: Freedom, Flexibility, and Innovation
For gaming operators, the ruling brings a new era of choice, offering them greater freedom to select geolocation solutions that align with their unique needs and budgets. By fostering competition, the decision encourages a more dynamic market where new entrants and smaller players can drive innovations to improve geolocation accuracy, anti-fraud measures, and compliance services. This shift promises a future where geolocation technology is more reliable, flexible, and cost-efficient—ultimately empowering operators to choose the best tools for their platforms.
Why GeoLocs Is Leading the Way for Geolocation in iGaming and Sports Betting
In light of these changes, mkodo’s GeoLocs stands out as a trusted and innovative choice for iGaming and Sports Betting operators. With over 12 years of experience, GeoLocs has become a reliable partner for top-tier operators across North America, offering technology that ensures compliance, seamless integration and flexibility. Its mobile-first approach and user-friendly portal enable operators to manage compliance effortlessly, while its robust infrastructure can handle up to 18 million geolocation lookups per day.
Key Metrics & Achievements
- 12+ Years Trusted by Top Operators: GeoLocs has a long-standing history of supporting the industry’s top players, proving its reliability within regulated markets.
- 12+ Operators Served Across North America: GeoLocs has proven its effectiveness and adaptability and effectiveness across diverse jurisdictions across North America.
- 18 Million Geolocation Lookups Per Day: Handling high daily volumes highlights GeoLocs’ capacity to serve even the busiest operators seamlessly.
Justin Park, Co-Founder & CEO at Betty said of their partnership with GeoLocs, “GeoLocs allows us to offer our players a genuinely unique and mobile-first experience. It ensures that we remain compliant with Ontario’s regulations. We are grateful for the incredible support and expertise provided by the team.”
Advantages of Choosing GeoLocs
- Commercially Competitive: GeoLocs provides a quick to integrate, easy to configure, and cost-effective solution, designed to maximize ROI.
- Lightning-Fast Integration: Integration in as little as five days ensures a smooth onboarding experience for operators and players alike.
- Proven Trust: GeoLocs’ decade-plus track record reinforces its role as a dependable solution for iGaming and Sports Betting operators.
- Mobile-First Approach: Supporting play on iOS, Android, and desktop without the need for additional downloads, GeoLocs provides a superior user experience.
- Self-Service Portal: The intuitive GeoLocs Portal allows operators to self-manage compliance, customize geo-allow areas, and streamline reporting without relying on support or development teams.
As the gaming industry navigates this new landscape, SCCG Management and its partnerships, including GeoLocs, remain committed to guiding operators toward adaptable, compliant, and cost-effective solutions. GeoLocs exemplifies how competitive geolocation services can address industry needs without monopolistic constraints, embodying the innovation and flexibility made possible by the recent court ruling. GeoLocs is a strategic ally for gaming operators in navigating this new era of geolocation technology—where flexibility, expertise, and compliance converge.
