SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has signed a sports betting integrity protection agreement with the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR).
In response to the arrival of regulation in the sector and the manipulation of matches and bets concerning Brazilian sporting events, the deal will develop activities which reinforce monitoring against match-fixing and reliability in sporting events and online betting in the country.
IBIA members will now provide exclusive data to be used as evidence in investigations such as those currently taking place in Brazil.
According to consultancy H2 Gambling Capital, IBIA members already represent more than 60% of the online gambling market in Brazil.
Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, commented: “IBIA is delighted to reach this important agreement with the IBJR. It is clear from our conversations that we share the same values and goals for the Brazilian sports betting market.
“That prioritises the integrity of the betting product and the protection of consumers and sporting events in Brazil. We will now be seeking to explore joint projects that progress those important objectives.”
Furthermore, the pair will be collaborating in actions that seek to establish a ‘viable betting market’, with high onshore consumer channelling rates and ensuring the integrity of the Brazilian market.
H2 Gambling Capital estimates that the Brazilian sports betting market grew by 44.4% from 2021 to 2022, reaching BRL 4.5 billion in gross gambling revenue (GGR), and should reach BRL 9.2 billion by 2027 (an increase of 105%).
Moreover, IBJR’s CEO, André Gelfi, asserted that the recent events involving football players in match-fixing schemes highlight the importance of regulation to maintain the integrity of the sport, the betting industry and bettors.
The IBJR was established in March by several international operators with interests in the Brazilian market as well as local firms in anticipation of regulation this year, which itself took another step closer to reality with the recent publication of draft legislation by the federal government.
“Sector regulation is essential to increase the authorities’ monitoring and collaboration actions to curb match-fixing schemes, protecting sports betting companies and Brazilian bettors,” he said.
“To that end, we have already introduced IBIA representatives to the key authorities so that closer cooperation can be established to tackle the issue effectively”.
