SBC News IBIA reports 61 cases of suspicious betting during Q1 2020

IBIA reports 61 cases of suspicious betting during Q1 2020

The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has revealed that it had reported 61 cases of suspicious betting to the relevant authorities during Q1 2020.

The figure marks a 36% increase on the number of cases reported during Q4 2019, and a 65% increase compared to the same period last year.

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: “The industry’s main focus is quite understandably on product availability and business viability in a particularly challenging period for the sector globally. That said, it is important to note that the vulnerability of sports and betting to corruption remains an ever-present danger to operator finances.

“IBIA saw an increase in suspicious betting activity in the week leading to the global sports shutdown highlighting the opportunism of corrupters.

“Whilst there has since been a relative lull, we fully expect the business threat to rise as sport is restored and betting product catalogues return to a level of normality. Indeed, it is clear that corrupters are still operating and seeking to exploit the current situation.

“IBIA will continue to utilise its unique global monitoring platform to protect its members and sports from fraud during this difficult time; product integrity and consumer trust will be key to the sector’s recovery.”

Europe accounted for the majority of Q1 2020 alerts, with 44%. This compared to 30% of alerts originating in Asia, 11% in Africa, 10% in South America and 5% in North America.

Russia was responsible for the highest number of alerts reported, recording 11 instances of suspicious activity.

Continuing long term trends, tennis generated 31 alerts, the highest of any sport. Meanwhile 18 cases were reported for football, 5 for basketball, 4 for table tennis and one each in volleyball, cricket and boxing

Check Also

SBC News IBIA: Liberal sports betting regulation weakens offshore operators

IBIA: Liberal sports betting regulation weakens offshore operators

A new study on the liberal practices of sports betting regulation and their effects on …

SBC News Yolo Group joins IBIA ahead of anticipated Brazilian market launch

Yolo Group joins IBIA ahead of anticipated Brazilian market launch

Yolo Group has become the latest member of the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).  The …

SBC News Oddin.gg becomes IBIA’s latest esports anti-corruption partner

Oddin.gg becomes IBIA’s latest esports anti-corruption partner

The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has announced a new partnership with B2B esports odds …