Quarterly external scans of the internet-facing systems that take player deposits, provided through our strategic alliance with Risk Associates.
Payment security and platform integrity go together in online gaming, and PCI DSS requires internet-facing systems that handle card payments to be scanned externally by an Approved Scanning Vendor at least every quarter. Gaming Associates provides PCI ASV scanning through its strategic alliance with Risk Associates, with an attestation issued once the scanning requirements are met. Operators use it for the systems that take player deposits, and aggregators for internet-facing systems within their payment scope.
What is a PCI ASV Scan?
A PCI ASV scan is a specialized external vulnerability assessment performed on all internet-facing IP addresses, domain names, and web applications that store, process, or transmit cardholder data, or connect to cardholder data environments (CDE).
To achieve and maintain PCI DSS compliance, organizations must perform external ASV scans:
Requirement 01
Quarterly
At least once every 90 days.
Requirement 02
Post-Significant Change
Following any major infrastructure update, system rearchitecture, network modification, or cloud migration.
Requirement 03
Passing Result Requirement
Achieving a clean “Passing” scan report without any vulnerabilities scored at CVSS 4.0 or higher (or specific high-risk misconfigurations).
Core Components of Our PCI ASV Service
Our ASV scanning framework goes beyond basic automated reports to deliver actionable security insights tailored for complex online gaming architectures:
Scanning all external-facing endpoints, API gateways, Remote Gaming Server (RGS) nodes, load balancers, and cloud ingress points.
Evaluating identified threats using standard Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) methodologies to pinpoint critical risks instantly.
Direct access to senior security engineers who review scan results alongside your tech team to resolve false positives and issue verified exceptions efficiently.
Generating formal PCI ASV Scan Reports and Executive Summaries required by acquiring banks, card brands, and regulatory commissions.
Illustrations show how the service works, not scan results. Outcomes are determined solely by testing.
Why PCI ASV Compliance Matters in iGaming
Future-Proof Against AI Regulations
Stay ahead of incoming AI governance mandates (such as the EU AI Act and evolving jurisdictional gambling guidelines on automated processing).
Build Player & Operator Trust
Prove to tier-one operators, investors, and players that your AI models operate ethically, securely, and without hidden bias.
Accelerate B2B Partnerships
Secure enterprise platform deals faster by offering independently verified AI governance alongside traditional ISO/IEC 27001 information security standards.
Prevent Operational & Legal Liabilities
Catch model drift, unverified training inputs, or runaway algorithmic behavior before it leads to regulatory fines or public fallout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PCI ASV scan, and which iGaming systems does it cover?
A PCI ASV scan is an external vulnerability scan of internet-facing systems that handle card payments. For an iGaming business, that can mean the cashier and deposit pages, payment APIs, and the servers behind them. Gaming Associates provides these scans for operators and aggregators through its strategic alliance with Risk Associates.
Which assets must be included in an iGaming PCI ASV scan?
Internet-facing IP addresses, domain names, and web application endpoints that form part of the cardholder data environment, or that route into it, belong in the scan scope. Systems hosted by a cloud provider or another third party can be included, but access usually needs to be arranged with the host first. An independent testing laboratory like Gaming Associates agrees the scope with the client.
How is a PCI ASV scan different from general vulnerability scanning?
A general vulnerability scan can be run with any tool, including an organization’s own. A PCI ASV scan has to be carried out by an Approved Scanning Vendor recognized by the PCI Security Standards Council, using the scanning and reporting rules it sets. Gaming Associates offers general vulnerability scanning and PCI ASV scanning as separate services
How is a PCI ASV scan different from PCI DSS compliance in iGaming?
A PCI ASV scan is one requirement within PCI DSS, the external vulnerability scan. PCI DSS compliance covers the full set of requirements, including access control, logging, and security policies, and is assessed separately. A passed scan does not mean an organization is PCI DSS compliant. A conformity assessment body like Gaming Associates offers each as its own service.
What makes a PCI ASV scan a passing scan?
Under the PCI SSC’s scanning rules, a scan passes when no vulnerabilities at or above the set severity score are found, no conditions that cause an automatic fail are present, and the scan covers all in-scope systems. The result is reported through the Approved Scanning Vendor, which for Gaming Associates clients is its alliance partner, Risk Associates.
How often does an iGaming operator need a PCI ASV scan?
PCI DSS asks for external scans at least every quarter, and also after significant changes to the systems in scope, such as a new cashier page or a payment provider change. A testing laboratory like Gaming Associates can say what applies once the systems and the acquirer’s requirements are known
What happens if an iGaming platform fails a PCI ASV scan?
The report lists the findings that caused the failure. The organization then makes the changes needed on its own systems, and a rescan is run until the requirements are met. Gaming Associates reports the results and does not carry out the fixes.
Is a PCI ASV scan the same as penetration testing?
No. A scan checks for known vulnerabilities in an automated way, while penetration testing involves a tester trying to exploit weaknesses to see what could be reached. An accredited test lab like Gaming Associates offers both as separate services, and a passed scan does not replace a penetration test.
Who performs the scan and issues the attestation?
Gaming Associates provides PCI ASV scanning through its strategic alliance with Risk Associates, which holds Approved Scanning Vendor status. An attestation of scan compliance is issued through Risk Associates once the scanning requirements are met.
PCI ASV (Approved Scanning Vendor)
PCI ASV Services
PCI ASV Scanning through Strategic Alliance
Gaming Associates offers comprehensive PCI vulnerability scanning services to help organisations meet the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) external scanning requirements through its strategic alliance with Risk Associates, an PCI ASV and PCI QSA company.
Our ASV scanning services identify, analyse, and report vulnerabilities within internet-facing systems, ensuring your network remains secure and compliant with PCI DSS mandates.
What is PCI ASV Scanning?
PCI ASV scanning is an external vulnerability assessment required under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
It involves conducting quarterly scans of internet-facing environments to identify, assess, and report vulnerabilities that could expose payment card data.
For iGaming platforms, this means validating that all public-facing servers, payment interfaces, and portals are secure against known threats, an essential step to maintaining regulator confidence and operational continuity.
PCI ASV Compliance Phases
Our structured approach ensures that your systems are continuously evaluated against PCI DSS requirements — supporting compliance readiness and maintaining trust in your payment and iGaming environments.
Our PCI ASV Services Includes
Securing Payment Environments in iGaming and Regulated Industries
Quarterly External Vulnerability Scans
Automated and authenticated scanning of internet-facing systems, ensuring consistent compliance with PCI DSS mandates.
Detailed Compliance Reports
Comprehensive reports categorising vulnerabilities by severity and compliance impact — aligned with PCI SSC reporting templates.
Remediation Guidance and Validation
Expert support to interpret scan findings, prioritise fixes, and complete re-scans to confirm vulnerability closure.
Integration with iGaming Compliance Programs
Seamlessly integrates with your existing information security or regulatory frameworks, helping maintain compliance with both PCI DSS and gaming regulator standards.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
