The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has released its 2020 first quarter (Q1) figures which has revealed a reported 61 cases of suspicious betting to relevant authorities so far.
The total is 36% higher than the 45 cases in Q4 2019 and 65% higher than the 37 alerts reported in Q1 2019, with IBIA members registering an increase in suspicious betting activity in the week before the widespread suspension of sport in mid-March due to the COVID-19 global outbreak.
Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, stated: “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.”
Key data revealed in its Q1 alerts show that 44% of alerts in sporting events were triggered in Europe, with the North American sector only accounting for 5% of the alerts (3 cases) and Latin America accounting for 10% (6 cases).
The report also showed that tennis remained the highest report generating sport, registering 31 alerts, with soccer following closest behind having generated 18 alerts. Basketball and table tennis followed generating five and four alerts respectively, with volleyball, cricket and boxing rounding off the list with one alert each.
Ali continued: “Whilst there has since been a relative lull, we fully expect the business threat to rise as sport is restored and betting product catalogs 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 utilize 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.”
Other key data for Q1 2020:
- 15 – number of alerts reported in the week before the widespread suspension of sport
- 11 – Russia ranking the highest country for alerts reported
- 7 – alerts reported since the widespread suspension of sport in mid-March
The entire report can be viewed here.
