In an important step towards protecting the integrity of sport and sports betting, the Sports Betting Integrity Forum – comprising representatives from the Gambling Commission, betting operators, law enforcement and sports governing bodies and player associations – has published the Sports Betting Integrity Action Plan.
The plan outlines Britain’s approach to address risks to the integrity of sport and sports betting. It sets out the expected focus of the Gambling Commission, law enforcement agencies, sports governing bodies, player associations, betting operators and government in delivering timely and effective actions to identify and control risks associated with match-fixing and sports betting integrity.
Commenting on the launch of the plan, Minister for Sport and Gambling Tracey Crouch said:
"The integrity of sport is absolutely paramount and we have to do all we can to protect it. The Sports Betting Integrity Action Plan is about ensuring that Britain remains a safe place to bet on sport and to tackle any threat of corruption that emerges. We cannot be complacent. The Gambling Commission, sports bodies, law enforcement agencies and betting operators are all aligned on this with effective collaboration vital in the fight against match fixing.
Spectators, viewers and participants must have confidence in the integrity of the sports events that they watch and engage in. At the same time, consumers must have confidence and belief that when they place bets with UK licensed operators they are doing so on markets that are fair and free from betting-related corruption. Central to this is collaborative working across all stakeholders helping to understand, identify and respond to any potential threat thereby protecting the integrity of sport and betting.”
Responding to the plan, Leigh Thompson, Policy Adviser at the Alliance said:
“The Sports Betting Integrity Action Plan represents an important statement of intent from all parties with an interest in protecting sport and sports betting from corruption. It also demonstrates a commitment to coordinated action – sports bodies, betting operators, the Gambling Commission and law enforcement recognise they must continue to work closely together to address threats to integrity.
The Sports Betting Group, which the Alliance chairs, looks forward to playing its part in delivering the Action Plan to ensure sport and its participants are protected against betting corruption.”
