Match-fixing is an issue that attacks the essence of what make sport special – uncertainty. Investigating and proving match-fixing can be difficult for sporting regulators, and their job is made easier by the existence of legal betting houses who provide access to betting data that can be monitored and reported, helping to identify suspicious activities.
Sportradar reports a notable 17% decline in match-fixing in 2024 and demonstrate their use of artificial intelligence via their Universal Fraud Detection System to monitor competition and identify irregular betting patterns[1]. Betting houses are the primary victims of match-fixing, as should the integrity of sports falter, there will be a decline in the incentive to enter the sports betting market for bettors. They play a crucial role in the long-term in protecting sports, despite their short-term financial losses when required to pay out customers in cases of match-fixing.
Match-Fixing
Match-fixing in sports refers to the act of dishonestly manipulating the outcome of a game, whether for sporting, financial, or other reasons. This manipulation can involve players, referees, or other officials acting alone or together to achieve a pre-determined result or for a particular event to take place in a match.
Match-fixing is considered a serious offense as it undermines the integrity and fairness of sports competitions, betraying the trust of fans and stakeholders alike. It is illegal and punishable by law in many countries, and sports organisations have strict rules and severe penalties for those found guilty of involvement in fixing matches. Indeed, it is the uncertainty of sport that captivates the hearts of the stakeholders in football, an attack against this magic is not taken lightly.In 2024, Sportradar identified 1,108 suspicious matches, with football being the most popular sport in this category and Europe being the region facing the most significant integrity issues. Undoubtedly, the use of betting data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to detect match-fixing is crucial. With severe sanctions acting as a deterrent alongside these enhanced methods, the positive trend of a decline in suspicious matches is one we can be pleased with. Sports generally has come a long way, particularly since the 20th century and early 2000s, in its fight against match-fixing.
How betting data has historically aided the fight against match-fixing in sports
In football, the 2009 European football betting scandal is one of the biggest, involving at least 200 matches across European football leagues, including top-level games such as Champions League and Europa League matches, and lower-tier games suspected of being fixed. The investigation was led by German police and involved cooperation across several countries. The case came to light following unusual betting patterns noticed by legal betting companies, who then alerted authorities[2].
In basketball, Tim Donaghy a former NBA referee was investigated by the FBI for betting on games he officiated during the 2005-2007 seasons, affecting the point spreads. This scandal brought significant attention to the vulnerability of professional sports to gambling influences. Donaghy was handed a prison sentence and permanently banned from the NBA.[3]
In tennis, Russian tennis player Nikolay Davydenko was accused of match-fixing after a suspicious betting pattern was noticed during a match against Martín Vassallo Argüello in Sopot, Poland. Large amounts were wagered on Argüello even after Davydenko won the first set. Davydenko retired from the match citing a foot injury, which led to heightened suspicions. Though no conclusive evidence was found, this case prompted the formation of the Tennis Integrity Unit to combat match-fixing.[4]
These cases all demonstrated the importance of betting data in detecting suspicions of match-fixing and led to increased scrutiny and focus on maintaining the integrity of sports.
Impact on Betting Houses and Sporting Integrity
Match-fixing not only jeopardizes the integrity of sports but also imposes significant financial losses on betting houses responsible for reimbursing bets on manipulated matches. The immediate effect on betting houses is apparent as they face direct financial harm. However, the consequences extend far beyond these immediate losses.
Long-term Effects on the Betting Industry and Sports
When the integrity of a sport is compromised, the ripple effects can be profound. If fans lose trust in the fairness of the games, they may be less inclined to bet on those sports. This decreased participation in betting can lead to substantial revenue losses for betting houses in the long term. The sports betting market, which was valued at $235.46 billion USD in 2022[5], relies heavily on the perception of fair play to continue growing.
Technological Advances in Protecting Integrity
The legalization of betting houses has enabled the use of advanced technologies, such as machine learning and AI, to better detect match-fixing. For instance, Sportradar’s UFDS used AI technology in 2022 to detect 438 suspicious matches[6]. These technological advancements set a new benchmark for fraud detection in sports betting, highlighting the benefits of legal and regulated betting environments.
The Risks of Overreliance on Betting Houses
Despite these advancements, relying heavily on betting houses for detecting match-fixing carries inherent risks. These institutions have their financial interests, which could potentially conflict with the goal of absolute transparency and integrity in sports. Moreover, the effectiveness of these measures can vary widely depending on the legal framework of different countries, which might have loopholes that allow some forms of match-fixing to slip through the cracks.
Challenges in Proving Match-Fixing
Proving match-fixing based solely on betting data is often insufficient. There are risks of false positives, which can unjustly tarnish the reputations of sports entities and athletes. To effectively combat match-fixing, a broader array of evidence is needed to ensure that sanctions are justly applied and that the severity of penalties matches the gravity of the offense. Ultimately, by raising the standards of competition and financial incentives across the world, improving collaboration between governing bodies, clubs, and players particularly in regions where match-fixing is prominent would be steps in the right direction in being proactive, rather than reactive in combatting match-fixing.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, both betting houses and the sports industry share a mutual interest in maintaining the unpredictability and integrity of sports. This shared goal underscores the need for ongoing efforts to refine detection methods, enhance regulatory frameworks, and creates a culture of transparency. With the innovation leading the way, utilising betting data to detect suspicions of match-fixing and uphold the integrity of sports is crucial. Betting houses and regulators must continue to collaborate to ensure effective, secure and coordinated efforts in detecting match-fixing.
By working together, they can preserve the magic of sports and protect the interests of fans worldwide.
[1] Sportradar, 2025, Sportradar reports notable decline in match-fixing in 2024. Available at: https://investors.sportradar.com/news-releases/news-release-details/sportradar-reports-notable-decline-match-fixing-2024 [Accessed 24 January 2025].
[2] The Guardian, Conn, D. 2009. Europe hit by ‘biggest-ever’ match-fixing scandal | Sport betting. The Guardian [online]. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/20/uefa-match-fixing-germany [Accessed 24 January 2025].
[3] ESPN, 2019. How former ref Tim Donaghy conspired to fix NBA games. ESPN.co.uk [online]. Available at: https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/story/_/id/25980368/how-former-ref-tim-donaghy-conspired-fix-nba-games
[4] ESPN, 2008. Evidence shows something terribly corrupt in infamous match. ESPN.com [online]. Available at: https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=3235411 [Accessed 24 January 2025].
[5] Statista, 2022. Sports betting – Statistics & Facts [online]. Available at: https://www.statista.com/topics/1740/sports-betting/[Accessed 24 January 2025].
[6] Sportradar, Betting Corruption and Match-fixing in 2022, a review by Sportradar Integrity Services.
