ESSA reports suspicious betting activity

The body reported 267 global cases of suspicious betting activity throughout 2018.

Belgium.- International betting integrity body ESSA (Sports Betting Integrity) has released its latest report, detailing that 83 cases of suspicious betting activity were reported to relevant authorities during the fourth quarter of 2018. That elevates the number of total suspicious betting cases reported in 2018 to 267.

ESSA said that tennis (178) and football (52) constituted 86% of all alerts during the year. Europe once again maintained its position as the primary location of sporting events on which alerts have been generated, totalling 148 (55%) in 2018, with Asia continuing to fill second spot with 48 alerts (18%).

Khalid Ali, ESSA Secretary General, said: “ESSA’s alerts remain an important barometer for gauging betting related corruption globally. Outside of tennis and football, we are beginning to see new threats emerging such as the increased number of alerts on eSports.” He added: “Given the multi-jurisdictional nature of match-fixing, regulators around the world are now beginning to make it a requirement for operators to be part of an international monitoring system, which we fully support.”

ESSA also announced that Jon Russell, Global Head of Trading at Betway, would take over as ESSA’s new Chair. “I would like to thank the previous Chair, Heike Mayer, for her valuable contribution to ESSA and its members over the last couple of years. The association took on a new focus and direction during Heike’s tenure and I will be seeking to work with my board colleagues and the wider membership to build upon on the success of that approach and the positive impact that it has had,” he said.