SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Stockholm-listed online gambling firm Kindred Group Plc has strengthened its sports integrity initiatives confirming that it has joined the Sports Betting Intelligence Forum (SBIF) and further signed a memorandum-of-understanding with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
Updating the market, Kindred will work with the SBIF becoming a betting industry stakeholder in developing initiatives to ‘protect sports and prevent sports corruption’.
Established in 2012, the SBIF works with sports governing bodies, betting operators, sport and betting trade associations, law enforcement and gambling regulation with aim of improving integrity standards and monitoring.
Eric Konings, the Sports Betting Integrity Officer at Kindred Group, commented: “Cooperation is key in the battle against betting-related match-fixing, and we actively seek engagement with all parties, especially law enforcement, involved to keep sports clean of these criminal influences. Therefore, we are glad about the opportunity to contribute to the success of the Sports Betting Integrity Forum, and to cooperate with the RFU. It is in the best interest of all parties involved to keep British sports clean from corruption, and we thank both the SBIF and the RFU for teaming up with us”
Further to its update, Kindred details that it will work with England’s RFU, keeping rugby union free and safe from betting-related match-fixing.
Moving forward Kindred operations will pro-actively report suspicious betting patterns directly to RFU. The European bookmaker will further work with RFU stakeholders, on corruption prevention initiatives and educational projects.
Chris Watts, Co-chair of the SBIF praised Kindred Plc’s positive approach to fighting sports corruption and welcomed the operator as new forum partner.
“I welcome Kindred Group to becoming the newest member of the UK’s National Platform. The SBIF supports and coordinates the efforts of its members to developing and delivering Britain’s Action Plan for enhancing integrity in sport and sports betting, whilst keeping pace with increasing complexities and focusing on prevention, disruption and deterrents.”
“With Kindred Group’s global reach, extensive brand portfolio and innovations in the online gambling industry, I look forward to them becoming an active member of the SBIF and making a positive contribution to the delivery of our Action Plan.”
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Kindred Plc’s Eric Konings will be speaking on ‘The Latest Tactics Against Match Fixing’, at the upcoming ‘Betting on Football Conference (20-23 March – Stamford Bridge – London). Click on the below banner for more information.
