IBIA Sponsors 2023 Symposium on Competition Manipulation and Gambling

The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), in partnership with bet365, Betway, and FanDuel, has been announced as the presenting sponsors of the highly anticipated 2023 Symposium on Competition Manipulation and Gambling in Sport. This event, organized by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) and McLaren Global Sport Solutions (MGSS), aims to address the critical issue of competition manipulation and its relationship with gambling.

The sponsors, including IBIA members bet365, Betway, and FanDuel, share a common goal of combatting betting corruption and protecting the integrity of both sport and regulated betting markets on a global scale. These industry-leading organizations are committed to promoting responsible betting practices and undergo a thorough due diligence process as part of their membership with IBIA. Adhering to a strict code of conduct, they actively contribute to the monitoring, investigation, prosecution, and sanctioning of individuals involved in match-fixing activities.

IBIA, a non-profit association, is the world’s largest operator-run integrity monitoring body, representing over 120 sports-betting brands. With approximately $185 billion CAD (over $137 billion USD) in total wagers placed with operators annually, the association effectively represents the majority of licensed betting operators in Ontario.

The primary objective of the symposium is to develop a collaborative approach to combat competition manipulation in Canada, benefiting both the sporting industry and the gaming sector. This approach aligns with the Macolin Convention, the only internationally recognized rule on the manipulation of sports competitions. The convention emphasizes the importance of harmonious efforts from betting operators, public authorities, integrity service providers, and other stakeholders to effectively address competition manipulation. IBIA, formerly known as ESSA, played a vital role in the cross-sector group responsible for drafting the Macolin Convention and has consistently supported its introduction.

The symposium, set to take place on May 30-31 in Toronto, has attracted attendees from around the globe. Experts, professionals, and enthusiasts will converge to engage in meaningful discussions and debates on combatting competition manipulation and gambling-related issues in sport.

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, expressed his enthusiasm for sponsoring this significant event, stating, “IBIA and its members bet365, Betway, and FanDuel are delighted to sponsor the preeminent event in Canada focused on addressing competition manipulation. It forms part of our continuing commitment to exploring the reasons behind, and solutions to, one of the most important issues facing both the Canadian sports sector and responsible regulated betting operators. We look forward to engaging in a constructive debate and to exploring effective cross-sector initiatives.”

Jeremy Luke, President and CEO of CCES, extended his gratitude to the sponsors, emphasizing the significance of their support. “We are grateful to bet365, Betway, FanDuel, and IBIA for sponsoring the symposium. Their commitment to combatting betting corruption will help protect the integrity of sport. We need every stakeholder in the sport gambling business to consider collaborative, innovative solutions to put a stop to match-fixing and competition manipulation, and we appreciate these sponsors stepping up to support this important initiative,” said Luke.

Professor Richard McLaren, O.C., CEO of McLaren Global Sport Solutions, echoed the sentiments, stating, “The IBIA and its members share a commitment to responsible betting practices and integrity solutions to combat betting corruption. We are grateful to the IBIA together with bet365, Betway, and FanDuel for their support of the symposium and contributing their knowledge base to the issue of competition manipulation and gambling in sport.”