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The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has reported 219 suspicious betting alerts in 2024, a 17 percent increase from the previous year.
Despite a yearly increase, the IBIA has emphasized that the 2024 figure remains 11 percent below the annual average of 245 alerts during the period spanning 2020 through 2023.
Twelve sports had suspicious betting alerts flagged, spanning 53 countries globally. Competition in the Czech Republic had the most alerts, with 19, followed by Turkey with 11.
Soccer and Tennis made up the majority of reported cases, with 75 and 58 alerts respectively, therefore making up 61 percent of all alerts.
The IBIA revealed it had levied 17 sanctions against clubs, players and officials for betting violations and 33 sporting fixtures were ruled ‘corrupted’ by the Association.
From a geographic perspective, suspicious betting patterns on European sporting events declined 29.2 percent from 113 in 2013 to 80. There was a marked rise in alerts in Asia, with a 135.29 percent increase to 28. The IBIA has said it is “monitoring these trends closely to determine whether they are anomalies or part of a growing pattern requiring further action.”
Khalid Ali, CEO of the IBIA commented: “The integrity position remains relatively consistent with previous years, with the focus of suspicious betting remaining primarily on football and tennis. A geographical shift away from European sporting events was observed, but it is too early to determine if this is an ongoing trend.”
He continued: “As with all potentially corrupt activity, IBIA is analysing the data and working with its members and global integrity network to implement targeted countermeasures. IBIA’s growing membership remains resolute in their commitment to identifying, disrupting, and preventing corrupt sports betting activity and working with stakeholders.”
Strengthening Integrity: IBIA and Sportradar’s Role in Sports Betting Oversight
Sportradar released its annual integrity report last month. The B2B data and integrity company announced a 17 percent decrease in suspicious matches from 2023 to 2024. The number shrunk from 1,335 to 1,108.
Both integrity reports suggest a decrease in suspicious activity in Europe, whereas IBIA reported an increase in Africa, with Sportradar showing a decrease.
Andreas Krannich, Executive Vice President of Integrity, Rights Protection and Regulatory Services at Sportradar commented: “While the notable reduction in suspicious matches in 2024 gives us reasons to be optimistic, it also signals the need for continued vigilance and innovation, given that the number remains significant.”
The Association and Sportradar work in harmony. At the end of 2024, they both signed deals with the Brazilian regulator, the Secretariat for Prizes and Bets. In addition, Sportradar was awarded a Data Standards Kitemark by the IBIA.
Khalid commented: “Companies like Sportradar that pass the audit have demonstrated robust internal procedures for the collation of sporting event data for betting. Accurate data collation reassures sports fans and bettors alike that the events they watch are fair, honest and performed at the highest competitive levels.”
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