Sports betting continues to grow nationally, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Sports betting controversies have risen with the expansion, and regulators want to stop this suspicious activity. That’s why major sports leagues like the Canadian Premier League are taking measures to prevent this type of activity from happening. They’ve partnered with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) with bet365, Betway, and FanDuel to create a sports-integrity education program for their CPL players and coaching staff.
The scale of the education program, in collaboration with the IBIA, is extensive. It will provide resources for all eight league teams, offering in-person and online learning opportunities. This demonstrates the Canadian Premier League’s unwavering commitment to preventing suspicious betting activity within its league, as emphasized by CEO Khalid Ali.
“IBIA’s members take their role – as responsible, regulated betting operators – seriously in protecting the integrity of sporting competition and of betting markets,” said Khalid Ali. “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.”
What will the IBIA’s partnership with the Canadian Premier League offer?
Reports say that this program will be undertaken within the next two years. That gives the IBIA and the other partnering companies time to iron out the details. Their program will educate over 300 players and staff on the potential risks of max-fixing. Last month, the IBIA reported a 65% increase in suspicious betting activity from quarter to quarter. An alarming concern for the IBIA. It makes sense why they are trying to educate as many people as possible.
The seriousness of the issue is further underscored by the significant financial commitment of $300,000 from bet365, Betway, and FanDuel. This substantial contribution is instrumental in funding the IBIA’s efforts to educate the CPL. FanDuel, as one of the world’s largest online sportsbooks, holds considerable sway in the market. Since 2010, the IBIA has successfully educated over 35,000 European athletes on sports integrity, a testament to the effectiveness of such initiatives.
The IBIA wants to prevent the use of illegal online sports betting markets through legislation
During a study in March, the IBIA found that softer betting restrictions and a wider market helped reduce the use of illegal sportsbooks. That’s exactly what the IBIA wants to see. They’re trying to prevent the use of illegal markets. In the study, it noted that harsher betting rules and restrictions are counterproductive. The IBIA wants to ensure the market is fair and regulated for sports betting.
