The WLA Executive Director, Luca Esposito participated in the session on Growth of the Illegal Betting Market and Tackling Challenges in Betting Regulation, during the 59th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities, held by the (IFHA) in Paris, France on 6 October. The session also looked at the impact of tighter government controls on gambling.
Other panelists included Tom Chignell, betting integrity consultant at the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC); Brant Dunshea, acting CEO, British Horseracing Authority; Martin Purbrick, Chair of the IFHA Council on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Crime, and Vincent Ven, Union of European Football Associations Head of anti-match-fixing.
Esposito presented the WLA’s approach to combating illegal gaming & betting markets, through the work of the Combating Illegal Lotteries & Betting Committee (CILBC) and the Betting Integrity for Sports & Horse Racing Committee (BISHRC).
Supporting members with knowledge and tools
Given the gravity of illegal betting and the threat that it poses to the industry, it is essential to clearly define the phenomenon, seek to understand its nature, and strive to address it effectively and decisively.
The WLA has ramped up its efforts to protect the regulated lotteries and sports betting industry’s reputation from illegal operators, and enable its members to remain competitive.
Innovative project using AI
Esposito noted an innovative joint project with the WLA and School of Criminal Justice at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), to develop a standardized method for estimating illegal gambling, using artificial intelligence. The project involves international stakeholders that bring diverse expertise to the table. Find out more about the project.
Awareness raising efforts
The WLA is leading global efforts to combat illegal betting and match fixing. An important activity is awareness raising of the related risks and issues, through events and partnerships with other stakeholders.
Esposito is a member of the IFHA Council on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Crime and has participated in different seminars and webinars, explaining WLA work on the topic.
The WLA also collaborates with the Council of Europe and supports its Addressing Competitions Manipulation Together (ACT) project, at events around the world, to help the industry and broader audiences better understand the issues of sports competition manipulation, money laundering, and the growth of illegal betting.
Work with ULIS
The BISHRC works closely with other stakeholders from across the global lottery and sports betting and sports ecosystem to provide members and the global community with best practices and useful knowledge to address illicit gaming and betting activities that may also involve match fixing, in their jurisdictions. For instance, it works with the United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS) on its sports integrity conferences.
More about the IFHA Conference
Other topics discussed during the Conference included Racing Wagering & Marketing and what today’s customers want as well as what the future holds. Speakers considered the dynamic landscape of horse racing wagering and marketing and the way technology and evolving consumer behavior continue to reshape the industry.
