The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) recently released its quarterly report for the first quarter of 2024, shedding light on the escalating issue of suspicious betting activities across the globe.
Overview of Suspicious Betting Alerts
The report reveals a significant surge in suspicious betting alerts, indicating a 12% year-on-year increase and a staggering 65% sequential rise, totaling to 56 alerts in 1Q24. This surge underscores the persistent challenge posed by corrupt activities within the realm of sports betting, with Asia emerging as a focal point for such activities.
Asia at the Forefront
Asia emerges as the epicenter of suspicious betting activities, contributing to 41% of all reported alerts. This dominance highlights the region’s susceptibility to illicit betting practices and calls for heightened vigilance from regulatory authorities. In contrast, Europe witnessed a notable decline in reported alerts, signaling a shift in the geographical landscape of suspicious activities.
Asia: 41%
North America: 18%
South America: 18%
Europe: 7%
Sport-specific Insights
Football remains the most targeted sport, accounting for the highest number of alerts at 24. This surge represents a 50% increase compared to the previous quarter, underscoring the persistent threat of corruption within football betting markets. The prevalence of suspicious activities in football warrants concerted efforts from stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the sport.
IBIA’s Role and Impact
IBIA, comprising over 50 companies and 125 sports betting brands, plays a pivotal role in detecting and reporting suspicious betting activities. The association’s utilization of global customer account data provides invaluable insights for advancing investigations and imposing necessary sanctions. With its extensive market coverage, IBIA remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to combat illicit betting practices effectively.
The escalating number of suspicious betting alerts in 1Q24 serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by corrupt activities within the sports betting industry. As Asia emerges as a hotspot for such activities, collaborative efforts from regulatory authorities, sports organizations, and betting associations are imperative to mitigate risks and uphold the integrity of sports betting markets globally. IBIA’s role in providing actionable insights underscores the importance of data-driven approaches in combating illicit betting practices effectively.