Betfair launches facial recognition log-in
iPhone X users now able to log into their Betfair apps using new Face ID technology
Betfair users will be able to log into their accounts using facial recognition technology, following the latest update to the company’s app.
The update utilises the iPhone X’s Face ID technology to streamline the log-in process and beef up the app’s security.
Face ID unlocks the phone by using infrared and visible light scans to uniquely identify your face.
Betfair originally launched the feature when the iPhone X first came out, but the firm said it has now optimised the customer journey, with the original iteration “not ideal”.
Betfair is one of the first major bookmaker to add Face ID log-in to its app, although PokerStars sportsbook BetStars has told EGR it is also looking into utilising the technology.
The iPhone X was first released on 3 November featuring facial recognition technology for the first time, Photo: Apple
The Stars Group CTO Jerry Bowskill told EGR Tech recently: “In perhaps a year’s time Face ID will be the standard for most users across most devices.”
However, the feature is not welcomed by everyone in the industry, with Chris Benstead, digital strategist at app development agency Degree 53, claiming face ID is only a minor update on touch ID, which is already utilised by several major operators.
Benstead said face ID fails to make logging in any more convenient as users still have to unlock the feature before connecting with it.
Tech experts have also warned about accidental log-ins, although Apple assured customers the feature will not work if the user is not directly interacting with the phone, or if the user is looking away or has their eyes closed.