IBIA sees decline in Q2 suspicious bets reports

The second quarter of 2024 saw a total of 90 suspicious betting alerts being reported to the authorities by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA). 

This constitutes a decline of 3% compared to the 93 figure in Q1, but an 80% increase from the total 50 alerts recorded in Q2 2023, the IBIA further stated. 

The three main sports that accounted for 84% of the latest Q2 cases were esports, football and table tennis, with esports providing around 50% of the total 90 incidents. 

Region-wise, Europe saw 19 alerts in comparison to the 4 in Q1. However, this is still a significant YoY decline from the 31 cases in Q2 2023. Poland was the EU country with the most number of cases, with a total of 6 alerts. 

Khalid Ali, IBIA CEO, said: “An increase in the Q2 and revised Q1 alerts compared to previous quarters is primarily related to a linked case in esports. The situation is being monitored closely and heightened vigilance advocated as we seek to work with stakeholders to investigate. 

“While the increase in alerts may understandably draw attention, it should be noted that esports saw a significant reduction in annual alerts across IBIA’s membership in 2023. 

“The case again highlights the importance and effectiveness of customer account monitoring in the detection of suspicious betting and the protection of sporting events, consumers and regulated betting markets.”

IBIA’s Q2 report also provides a glimpse at Brazil as the country expects $34bn in onshore betting turnover once the licensed market opens up. 

In order to better protect sports betting, the integrity body recently called for other LatAm jurisdictions to copy Brazil’s operator licensing framework, which requires parties interested in the market to be a part of an independent monitoring institution such as the IBIA.