Loot.Bet becomes the latest to join ESIC

In a bid to further investigate possible instances of match-fixing and fraud, esports bookmaker Loot.Bet has joined the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC).  

The bookmaker has agreed to share betting data with the independent monitoring body, with the hope of protecting integrity in esports.

“As a major esports bookmaker, we’re deeply interested in high trust not only in our brand in particular but in betting and esports in general,” Paul Brel, the head of communications at Livestream Ltd, the operator of Loot.Bet, said.

“That’s why for us, being a part of the ESIC’s mission in both an honor and in a certain degree a pleasant need. ESIC’s infrastructure, experience, and expertise will help us and the whole industry to more effectively detect match-fixing and protect ourselves as well as our customers from possible harm caused by third party’s illicit activities.

“In addition, we’re happy to join ESIC as a regular sponsor of esports events since, in this status, we’re standing for those tournaments’ integrity more than anyone else.”

According to data published by ESIC, the number of betting alerts which may be connected to match-fixing, from 2017 to 2018 nearly doubled from 39 to 74.

“In reaching our goal which is to make esports as fair as possible, bookmakers play a crucial role since their internal data analysis makes it easier to recognize the signs of a rigged match,” ESIC commissioner Ian Smith added. 

“We’ve been working in cooperation with Loot.Bet for months by now, and the bookmaker proved their readiness for full collaboration and has already helped us in one of our investigations.

“We’re glad to officially welcome Loot.Bet as our new anti corruption supporter. We believe that signing the Memorandum of Understanding with them is another step towards the future where esports is free from corruption and fraud.”

ESIC recently rebranded as the Esports Integrity Commission, having previously been known as the Esports Integrity Coalition. The rebrand, according to the Director of global strategy and partnerships Stephen Hanna, is hoped to reflect ESIC’s changing focus in the esports industry.