IBIA calls for global sports betting data standards
Integrity body suggests data providers work with member firms to introduce international best practice
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has called for an industry-wide debate on sports betting data standards with the aim of developing global best practice.
The body believes best practice standards would aid sports betting integrity in general, particularly during the current Covid-19 pandemic and would maintain the reliability and credibility of sporting event data.
IBIA CEO Khalid Ali said the international lockdown and resultant challenges had highlighted the need for “robust data chains” between sports betting data providers and operators.
“There is a clear benefit for everyone involved in the data supply chain in ensuring that such data is a product of high levels of accuracy and transparency,” said Ali.
“To that end, [the] IBIA is asking all stakeholders, notably data providers, to proactively engage with the association and its members to develop and implement agreed best practice standards around the sale, collation and distribution of sports data for betting,” Ali added.
Khalid Ali, CEO International Betting Integrity Association
IBIA members include bet365, Betsson, GVC, William Hill, Flutter Entertainment and Kindred Group. The IBIA represents the sports betting industry at many international organisations including the International Olympic Committee, UN, Council of Europe and the European Commission.
Earlier this week, the IBIA in conjunction with the Tennis Integrity Unit (TiU) issued a joint letter to industry stakeholders warning them to exercise increased due diligence in monitoring tennis betting patterns during Covid-19.
Tennis was the highest reported sport by IBIA members during Q1 2020, with 31 alerts being filed during the period.