The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has released its annual report on suspicious betting alerts, revealing a total of 236 cases flagged in 2021.
Overall Decrease in Alerts: A Closer Look at the Numbers
In 2021, the IBIA recorded a 13% decrease in suspicious betting alerts compared to the previous year. The report highlights a total of 236 cases across 13 sports and 49 countries, indicating a positive trend towards maintaining integrity in the global betting landscape.
Football’s Record Alerts: The Sport in Focus
Football takes the spotlight with a record 66 alerts, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. This surge in suspicious activity within the football sector raises concerns and emphasizes the need for continued vigilance to safeguard the integrity of the game.
Tennis: Consistently in the Spotlight
Tennis remains a sport of concern in terms of suspicious betting activity, accounting for the highest number of alerts with 80 cases. While this represents a decline from 2020, the sport still requires robust measures to address any potential integrity risks.
Notable Contributions from Other Sports
Table tennis contributes 40 alerts, solidifying its position as a sport vulnerable to manipulation. Esports follows closely with 30 alerts, highlighting the emerging challenges within the digital sports realm. Basketball, volleyball, and ice hockey also feature in the report, raising awareness of potential threats to their integrity.
Regional Distribution: Europe at the Forefront
Europe emerges as the region with the highest number of alerts, accounting for exactly half of all cases reported. Notably, Russia records the highest number of alerts from a single country, with 27 cases. Asia, Africa, South America, and North America also experience varying levels of suspicious betting activity, emphasizing the global nature of the issue.
IBIA’s Role in Safeguarding Integrity
The IBIA acts as a critical link in the integrity ecosystem, receiving alerts from its member operators and disseminating information to relevant sports governing bodies and regulators. The 11 successful sporting or criminal sanctions resulting from IBIA alerts in 2021 underscore the association’s commitment to ensuring fair play and integrity in the industry.
Addressing Ongoing Challenges
While the decline in alerts is encouraging, challenges persist. Private sports events pose a growing concern, necessitating the establishment of integrity protocols akin to traditional sports bodies. The IBIA collaborates with stakeholders to enhance integrity provisions and combat emerging threats.
The IBIA’s annual report provides valuable insights into the state of suspicious betting alerts in 2021. The decrease in overall alerts signifies progress in maintaining the integrity of the global betting landscape. However, the rise in football-related cases and the prevalence of alerts in various sports demand continued efforts to preserve fair play and integrity. The IBIA’s proactive role and collaboration with stakeholders remain crucial in ensuring a transparent and trustworthy betting environment.