Match-fixing is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges faced by modern sports. The increasing visibility and the large sums of money involved in sports competitions have made the integrity of these events a target for illicit activities.

In recent meetings of the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee on Match-Fixing and Sports Betting, some senators questioned the fact that betting companies were not reporting suspicions of match-fixing. This inquiry raises the debate on whether betting companies are guilty of omission or victims of match-fixing crimes. This article aims to analyze this issue, highlighting the need for coordinated action among all actors in the sports market to combat this threat.

The impact of match-fixing

Match-fixing is a direct attack on the unpredictability of sports. When the outcome of a match or competition is manipulated, the trust of fans, athletes, and other participants in the sports system is deeply shaken. As a product, sports lose their value, and spectators stop watching when there is no longer an expectation of unpredictability.

In the long term, what is observed is a gradual decline in public interest in sports. Naturally, this domino effect negatively affects all sectors of the sports industry; this includes everything from ticket sales to broadcasting rights and merchandising, for example.

In this scenario, investors tend to distance themselves from a product that is no longer trustworthy, making it less attractive from an economic standpoint. Sponsors in sports seek a positive return in terms of image and credibility, and when these qualities are compromised, their withdrawal is almost inevitable.

Bookmakers: victims of match-fixing

In the scenario of complete loss of credibility in sports caused by match-fixing, could betting companies benefit in any way? It doesn’t seem reasonable to think so. On the contrary, betting companies appear to also be victims of this criminal practice.

In the short term, these companies are forced to pay out bets placed at higher odds than they normally would, based on a fabricated event.

In the long term, without an honest and reliable sport, bettors will naturally lose interest in participating in the betting market. These companies heavily depend on the integrity and unpredictability of sports to operate.

When this trust is undermined, the betting market suffers a significant negative impact; any form of manipulation destroys the very essence of the betting market, which is the uncertainty of the outcome.

The importance of integrity in sports

The betting market is enormous and has impressive growth potential. According to Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform, the economic impact of gambling on national economies was astronomical between 2020 and 2024.

The global online gambling market alone is expected to generate a staggering US$97.7 billion by the end of 2024, with an annual growth rate of 6.46%, which is projected to increase the market size to US$133.6 billion by 2029.

This growth, however, is directly linked to the integrity of sports; the threat of match-fixing jeopardizes the entire market. The integrity of sports must be a priority for everyone involved in the sports industry, including betting companies.

The only ones who benefit from match-fixing are the manipulators; everyone else in the sports market loses.

Market regulation and establishment of procedures to report suspected match-fixing

Serious sports betting companies want to operate in Brazil in a regulated market; combating match-fixing is far more effective in a regulated environment where the state can implement and enforce clear rules that ensure transparency and integrity in betting.

Regulation allows for stricter oversight and the application of preventive measures, such as monitoring suspicious betting patterns and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.

To enhance cooperation between sports betting companies and authorities in combating match-fixing, it is essential to establish clear procedures for reporting suspicious activities.

This includes, for example, defining responsibility—clearly outlining the roles of operators and public authorities. A well-defined system of responsibilities ensures that all stakeholders know exactly what is expected of them and what their obligations are.

Additionally, it is crucial to set deadlines for responding to reported suspicions. Specific timeframes for addressing match-fixing suspicions help ensure transparency and guarantee that issues are handled efficiently. A lack of clear deadlines can lead to delays in investigating and resolving cases, potentially allowing manipulation to continue undetected.

Above all, however, it is essential to ensure whistleblower protection: guaranteeing that those who report suspicions are protected from any form of retaliation. Dealing with crime and criminal organizations makes reporting match-fixing suspicions without clear procedures a significant risk.

Collective responsibility

Tackling match-fixing requires a collective approach. Athletes, coaches, administrators, sponsors, fans, and betting companies need to unite in the fight against this harmful practice. Only through a coordinated effort will it be possible to preserve the integrity of sports and ensure that it remains an unpredictable and exciting spectacle for everyone involved.

Sport’s governing bodies and public authorities must implement strict policies and severe sanctions against those involved in match-fixing. Educating athletes and everyone involved about the risks and consequences of manipulation is also crucial. Transparency and cooperation between all parties are fundamental to building a safe and fair sports environment.

Conclusion

The view that betting companies are somehow complicit in match-fixing is misguided and illogical. They are, in fact, victims of this practice, just like the rest of the sports market. The only way to confront this challenge is through a joint effort involving all actors in the sports market, from athletes and fans to sponsors and betting companies.

Only with coordinated action can we preserve the integrity of sports and ensure that it remains an unpredictable and exciting spectacle for everyone involved. It is essential to establish clear mechanisms for reporting suspicions of match-fixing.

The implementation of effective and secure communication channels not only facilitates reporting but also ensures the protection of whistleblowers who, by standing up against illegal practices, must be supported and shielded from retaliation.

Creating an environment based on transparency and collective responsibility is key to strengthening trust in the sports system and, consequently, preserving the essence of sports.

Fernanda Soares

Partner at AK Direito na Comunicação e no Esporte