ESSA detects 18 Cases of suspicious betting in Q3

Eighteen cases of suspicious betting patterns were detected in the third quarter of 2015 by the sports betting integrity association, ESSA, which represents many of the world’s largest regulated betting operators.

Whilst these figures represents a slight fall from those detected by ESSA in Q1 (24 cases) and Q2 (23 cases), it highlights the continuing threat to sport, consumers and betting operators from fraud linked to the manipulation of sporting events.

ESSA’s members raised a total of 73 alerts between 1 July through to 30 September 2015. After detailed examination, 18 were found to be suspicious and reported to the relevant regulatory body for further investigation. Tennis again constituted the highest number of alerts (72%) reflecting a trend identified in Q1 and Q2.

“The figures show an on-going need to continue to monitor integrity issues within the sports sector. Whilst we work closely with a number of committed and effective sports and regulatory bodies, there remains the need to see sports governance move up the political agenda. The recently agreed UK Action Plan shows how all stakeholders can work together with a common aim.” stated ESSA Chairman, Mike O’Kane.

Such issues will be the focus of the discussion around match-fixing and sporting integrity that will take place at ESSA’s betting integrity event in the European Parliament on 14 October. ESSA will use that event to spell out the association’s vision of how best to protect sport and betting markets from match-fixing, and to strengthen working in partnership with other stakeholders.

The event will be hosted by UK MEP Dan Dalton, with speakers including Professor Ben Van Rompuy of the ASSER Institute, along with representatives from the British Gambling Commission, player associations and sports governing bodies. Szabolcs Horvath, a Member of EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Tibor Navracsics’ Cabinet, will close the event.

Commissioner Navracsics has provided an article on the European Commission’s efforts to address match-fixing in ESSA’s Q3 report, along with a piece from Jean-François Reymond, General Secretary of EU Athletes, on player education.

The Q3 report and articles can be accessed here, as can the Q1 and Q2 integrity reports. ESSA’s betting integrity event programme can be accessed here.