Operators sponsor IBIA sports integrity programme

Shirley Pulis Xerxen May 14, 2024

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Operators sponsor IBIA sports integrity programme

The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) and Professional Footballers’ Association Canada (PFA Canada) have announced a partnership to create a bespoke two-year sports integrity education programme for players and staff in the Canadian Premier League (CPL). This initiative, supported by a CA$300,000 educational fund from regulated betting operators bet365, Betway, and FanDuel, aims to tackle potential sports-betting related match-fixing. The programme, set to begin in May 2024, will educate approximately 300 individuals about the risks of match-fixing and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport. It includes both in-person training and online resources, covering topics such as rules, sanctions, and the use of technology in sports integrity monitoring. A repeat training is scheduled for 2025 to ensure newcomers in the league also receive this critical education.

The IBIA has a track record of delivering sports integrity education to athletes in Europe and is bringing its expertise to the Canadian market with the support of member operators. High-profile representatives from these betting operators have expressed their commitment to athlete education as a means to safeguard sports integrity. The program is expected to serve as a model for protecting sport integrity that could be extended to other sports beyond soccer in Canada. Moreover, IBIA’s global sports integrity programme offers a comprehensive approach against match-fixing, including data sharing with sports regulators and law enforcement to investigate and sanction corrupt activities.

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: “IBIA’s members take their role – as responsible regulated betting operators – in protecting the integrity of sporting competition and of betting markets seriously. Alongside balanced, efficient and evidenced-based regulation, protecting soccer players, staff and officials from being targeted by criminals is an essential first step to stamping-out sports-betting related match-fixing and fraud.”

IBIA, a non-profit association established in 2005, represents over 60% of private sports betting operators in Ontario and is recognised as a leading voice in betting integrity. The association provides a Monitoring & Alert Network to detect suspicious betting activities and has partnerships with major sports organisations for information sharing. Its recent report emphasised Ontario’s progress as a regulated gambling jurisdiction, with high rates of onshore channelisation for sports betting expected. In Q1 2024, IBIA’s alerts contributed to the sanctioning of 21 clubs, players, and officials, indicating the impact of its efforts. PFA Canada, established in 2020, has been the collective bargaining representative for CPL players since December 2022, advocating for players’ interests and negotiating collective agreements with the league. The organisation is also a candidate member of FIFPRO, the global players’ association.