IP2Location — Localization & Geoip

IP2Location — Localization & Geoip logo
IP2Location is one of the most established providers of IP geolocation databases and APIs on the market, founded in 2002 and operated by Hexasoft Development from Penang, Malaysia. With over 20 years of experience, their non-invasive solution identifies the geographical location of website visitors via their IP address without requiring explicit user permissions. This significantly streamlines compliance workflows on iGaming platforms, where onboarding friction directly impacts conversion rates.

For iGaming operators, IP2Location offers a comprehensive set of data for each queried IP address: country, region, city, postal code, geographical coordinates, time zone, connection speed, ISP, domain name, area code, mobile operator, elevation, and usage type. This wealth of data enables the construction of multi-layered geolocation verification systems that go far beyond simple country detection, facilitating compliance with region- or state-specific regulations.

Their complementary product, IP2Proxy, is particularly relevant to the iGaming sector, as it allows for the detection of anonymous proxies, VPNs, Tor nodes, residential proxies, data hosting ranges, and search engine bots. The combined detection of geolocation and connection type enables operators to implement differentiated policies: directly blocking users from prohibited jurisdictions and adding additional verification layers for users in permitted jurisdictions but with suspicious connections.

IP2Location offers its data both as a downloadable database (monthly updates) and via a real-time web API, allowing operators to choose between direct integration for higher speed or real-time queries for more up-to-date data. Their plans include free options for development and testing, as well as commercial licenses for production deployment, with competitive pricing compared to major North American providers.

For iGaming platforms operating in Latin America, IP2Location's coverage for IPs in the region is robust, with updated data for major ISPs in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru. Reference clients such as Sony, Kaspersky, IEEE, and Ubisoft endorse the reliability and accuracy of their data, providing the necessary assurances for use in regulated environments where geolocation inaccuracies can lead to regulatory penalties.

IP2Location - Technical Sheet
Founded2002
HQBayan Baru, Penang (Pulau Pinang), Malasia
CountryMalasia
Webhttps://www.ip2location.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was IP2Location created, which company developed it, and what is the difference between its free and commercial database versions?
IP2Location was founded in 2004 by Hexasoft Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian software company specializing in IP geolocation. The main difference between its versions lies in the granularity and quantity of data. The free version offers basic information such as country and region. The commercial version, on the other hand, provides much more detailed data including city, postcode, latitude/longitude, ISP, usage type (commercial, residential), connection type, proxy, and VPN detection, which is crucial for compliance and security in iGaming.
What levels of accuracy does the IP2Location database offer?
IP2Location provides granularity ranging from country down to city level and latitude/longitude coordinates. For iGaming, this allows for very precise regional blocking rules, ensuring that users only access content allowed under the legislation of their specific province or state.
What information can a casino operator obtain about a player using IP2Location: country, city, ISP, connection type, and proxy?
A casino operator can obtain a variety of geographical and connection data from a player using IP2Location. Specifically, it can identify the country, region, and city of the IP address. Additionally, it provides the internet service provider (ISP) name, connection type (e.g., mobile broadband or fixed-line), and, crucially, whether the connection is made via a proxy server, VPN, or TOR. This information is vital for fraud prevention and regulatory compliance.
How does IP2Location help detect Tor network usage?
The platform identifies IP addresses linked to Tor exit nodes, which are frequently used to anonymize browsing. Detecting these connections is a priority for betting operators, as it helps mitigate fraud risks and prevents access from players attempting to hide their true identity.
Can IP2Location identify mobile connection types or ISPs?
Yes, the tool provides data on the internet service provider (ISP) and the mobile network name. This information is crucial for verifying that the connection comes from a legitimate provider and not a suspicious data center, strengthening KYC and anti-money laundering processes.
Why IP2Location is more accessible for medium-sized operators than MaxMind or Digital Element in terms of price and ease of integration?
IP2Location is often more accessible to medium-sized operators due to its more flexible pricing structure and simplified integration options. While MaxMind and Digital Element may have more complex licensing models and higher costs, IP2Location offers scalable plans that fit tighter budgets. Its API and databases are relatively easy to integrate with existing systems, reducing the learning curve and initial development costs, making it attractive to companies with limited resources.
What differentiates IP2Location's data packages?
The organization offers different levels of packages (from DB1 to DB26) that allow companies to scale data depth according to their needs. For an iGaming platform, advanced packages including proxy detection and connection types are highly recommended for full compliance.
How IP2Location's VPN and proxy detection works and how often it updates its database to maintain accuracy?
IP2Location's VPN and proxy detection relies on an extensive database of known IP addresses associated with anonymity services. It identifies traffic patterns and correlates IPs with VPN providers, public proxies, and Tor nodes. Its database is updated daily, and even multiple times a day for critical data, ensuring high accuracy. This continuous process is essential for countering new anonymization IPs and maintaining the effectiveness of detection for iGaming operators.
Is it possible to integrate IP2Location with firewall services?
Yes, IP2Location easily integrates with security solutions and firewalls to automatically block traffic from restricted countries. This perimeter defense layer is an essential first step in protecting the integrity of any online betting site.
How do casino operators in Argentina use the IP2Location database to enforce geoblocking rules and comply with their licenses?
In Argentina, where online gambling regulation is provincial, casino operators use the IP2Location database to enforce strict geoblocking rules. By obtaining the precise geolocation of a user's IP address, they can determine if the user is in a jurisdiction where the casino is licensed to operate. This allows them to deny access to players from unregulated provinces or from outside the country. The use of IP2Location for casino geoblocking is an essential tool to ensure compliance with their licenses and avoid penalties, guaranteeing that only authorized users access their platforms.