SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Two 2021 Wimbledon matches are under investigation after bookmakers flagged ‘possible irregular betting patterns’ to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
According to German newspaper Die Welt, the probe is centred around a first-round singles match and a first-round men’s doubles match, which raised suspicion when a series of bets were placed. The Times also added that no British players are involved.
The German publication reported that a five-figure sum was wagered at the end of the second set on the exact result of the match, with special bets placed on the number of service games in the match.
Both bets placed at irregular intervals came to fruition, with the opponent of the German player raising suspicion.
In addition, operators also picked up on high bets placed in a first-round men’s doubles clash, with the duo going on to win the opening set before losing the remaining sets.
The ITIA, which safeguards the sport from threats of corruption, has not commented on the matter for ‘operational reasons’.
Between April and June 2021, the ITIA received a total of 11 match alerts through its confidential Memoranda of Understanding with the regulated betting industry. However, no alerts were received at the French Open Grand Slam.
“Every alert reported to the ITIA is recorded, assessed and followed up as an indicator that something inappropriate may have happened,” the organisation said in its second-quarter 2021 report. “It is important to note that an alert on its own is not evidence of match-fixing.
“Unusual betting patterns can occur for many reasons other than match fixing – for example incorrect odds-setting; well-informed betting; player fitness, fatigue or form; playing conditions and personal circumstances.”
