CHESTER-based data specialist GB Group has been chosen to provide the online identity verification process for one of Asia’s largest sports betting sites, 12Bet.com.

The company has launched a European operation based on the Isle of Man and is using GB’s ID3 technology which can check the details of more than 800 million people in more than 26 countries.

12Bet.com European chief executive Rory Anderson said: “Following our strategic entry into the European market, a key requirement for us was to be able to accurately verify identities across borders.

“GB Group’s ID verification solution perfectly complements our anti-fraud policies and procedures, helping us to achieve our goal.”

As well as verifying identities GB’s system also allows 12Bet.com to block customers from countries where they do not want to do business.

GB chief executive Richard Law said: “Fraud prevention is high on 12Bet.com's priority list and it is important for them to instil trust amongst their customers.

“We believe we have the best technology in the market to do just this and we are pleased to work with them to offer their customers peace of mind that they are gambling on a protected and responsible site.”

GB’s client list includes blue chip organisations such as BBC TV Licensing, HMRC, Ladbrokes and Lloyds TSB.

12Bet’s market mainly focuses on football, covering more than 75 leagues and on average 7,000 events each month.