What is Sport Betting Manipulation?
Sports betting manipulation is not exactly a new phenomenon. Our Definition of match fixing is “The aim to fix a match is usually to break or bend the rules of a game or event to change the outcome or result in their favor, gaining monetary value.” Using easy money and a quick win is tempting to gain an advantage in a match. Also known as fixed Betting or Fixing, this suspicious activity is on the rise in unregulated markets. New findings have shown that regulations have had an impact, and suspicious game activity has moved to South America, where Gaming and legislation are more loosely regulated. Starlizard Integrity Services (SIS) recently investigated and monitored approximately 70ooo football matches and found suspicious activity in 160. A majority came from South America, where regulations in local areas do not have the full extend of the law.
Who is involved in matching Fixing?
- People receiving bribes to influence a result against the official sporting rules
- Employees of bookmakers or consortiums of Bookmakers
- Sports bettors directly involved with the team or athlete
- Blackmailing is not uncommon
- Competitors, teams, and Athletes perform poorly intentionally to gain a future advantage in tournaments, drafts, or race orders.
In a word, this could be anyone actively involved in or part of an organization or syndicate. To combat this unfair behavior, IT departments worldwide are developing systems to detect and prevent crime or rule-breaking.
Latest update on Sports Betting Manipulation
The latest figures on suspicious activity in sports betting have shown a better picture. Overall, results fell by a modest two-digit number compared to 2023. This is based on known cases only, and the number could be much lower. However, the trend has set alarm bells in motion. South America has been showing signs of growing activity of fixing in sport. Indicators of match fixing are on the rise, especially in domestic leagues and Cup Competitions for regional Clubs.
Why are domestic and Cup Competitions vulnerable to Fixing?
Domestic Events and competitions are most vulnerable because of their close relations to teams, players, and athletes.
- A more significant influence by family, friends, and related ties can give an advantage to the outcome of a game or event.
- Indider knowledge about injury, personal issues, and financial troubles is used to put pressure on people.
- “Do me a favour” type of negligence – Most commonly heard of
- Criminal activities such as Blackmail intend to influence the game and ranking.
