Khalid Ali: A well-regulated betting environment is part of the solution
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has taken strong action against corruption in sports betting. In 2025 alone, more than 20 clubs, players, and officials have faced sanctions following alerts from the organisation. These measures come as part of a broader effort to combat match-fixing and fraud in global sports.
Between 2020 and 2024, IBIA issued nearly 1,200 alerts worldwide. These reports led to 33 matches being officially declared corrupted, with 17 sanctions imposed on those involved. The organisation’s Global Monitoring and Alert Platform (Global MAP) played a key role in detecting suspicious activity, supporting investigations and disciplinary action.
IBIA now represents over 90 members, covering more than US$300 billion in annual betting turnover. This accounts for roughly half of the regulated online betting market globally. Regulated markets provide essential transparency, clear audit trails, and direct cooperation with sports bodies and law enforcement. To strengthen its efforts, IBIA will upgrade Global MAP to improve the speed, scale, and accuracy of identifying irregular betting patterns. The organisation is also launching **Mission 2030**, a strategic roadmap aimed at setting global standards for sports betting integrity. Alongside this, expanded prevention work will include evidence-based policy engagement and better education programmes for players. In regulated environments, betting operators can flag suspicious activity and share detailed account data with authorities. This system ensures faster responses to potential threats and stronger collaboration between stakeholders.
The sanctions in 2025 highlight IBIA’s growing influence in tackling sports corruption. With upgraded technology and wider prevention initiatives, the organisation aims to reinforce integrity across global betting markets. Regulated operators and sports bodies will continue working together to detect and deter fraud more effectively.
