The Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions – also known as the Macolin Convention – is a legally binding, international treaty established by the Council of Europe in 2014. Encompassing and complementing all other relevant legislative texts, both regional and international, the Macolin Convention is the only international accord in the global fight against the manipulation of sports competitions and illegal sports betting.
The creation of the Macolin Convention was the combined effort of over 50 States and organizations worldwide. The World Lottery Association (WLA), the European Lotteries (EL), and the United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS) have all been staunch supporters of the Macolin Convention since it was drafted ten years ago. The main objectives of the Macolin Convention are to establish a legal framework for the prevention, detection, and sanctioning of the manipulation of sports competitions; and to promote the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders in this endeavor. The Macolin Convention provides an effective means for combatting the manipulation of sports competitions. Most notably, it calls for the establishment of national platforms, which among other things facilitate the transnational exchange of information essential in the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions and illegal betting. National platforms have already been established in a number of WLA member states and have proven effective in the coordinated effort to thwart corruption in sports.
The manipulation of sports competitions is a multifaceted phenomenon that is often misunderstood in its entire scope. With the knowledge and experience that has been acquired in the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions in recent years, and the involvement of various national and international stakeholders, it is essential that a coordinated approach with a sound legal framework be adopted to facilitate our efforts in this matter. The Macolin Convention, through its comprehensive provisions, provides a solid foundation for such an approach.
Despite the efforts of sports organizations to promote good governance, the world of sports is still plagued with corruption. The phenomenal growth of the sports business market, owing to the advent of the Internet and the extensive media coverage that sporting events receive, has created an environment in which anyone can have a financial interest in the course or outcome of a given competition. More than ever, the manipulation of sports competitions and illegal sports betting have become extremely attractive and profitable enterprises for organized criminals. The advantage of an international treaty like the Macolin Convention is that it advocates a risk- and evidence-based approach, and it allows for commonly agreed standards and principles to be set in the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions. To achieve this objective, the involvement of all relevant stakeholders – e.g., ministries, law enforcement agencies, judiciaries, regulators, sports organizations, and sports betting operators – is an absolute must.
State-authorized lotteries, especially those that offer sports betting, are directly affected by the manipulation of sports competitions. Year for year, WLA member lotteries in different parts of the world fund sports, from the grass-roots level all the way up to national Olympic teams. Moreover, a majority of the WLA members offer sports betting in one form or another. Our industry is thus one of the primary partners for sports.
Unfortunately, sports betting has been abused by criminal elements seeking to manipulate the outcome of sports competitions for monetary gain. As such, it is our obligation to do all we can to contribute to the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions. The intrinsic values of our industry and its reputation are intertwined with the integrity of sports. It is a firm yet delicate bond that requires cooperation between our members and all other stakeholders involved in the fight against corruption in sports.
The lottery industry is clearly a key stakeholder in the fight to keep sports honest and fair. Forming a united front in the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions continues to be a major priority for the WLA. It is important for us to keep the momentum going in this fight and strengthen our resolve to preserve the integrity of sports, as integrity is essential to the way we do business in the lottery sector. Maintaining a constant battle against corruption in sports can be an arduous path to walk. But when sports officials, law enforcement agencies, judicial authorities, and the lottery and sports betting industry work together to improve governance and increase awareness, we can build an effective front against the criminal elements seeking to profit at the cost of our integrity. The Macolin Convention can clear the path for us, eliminating obstacles, and allowing us to make further gains in the war against the manipulation of sports competitions.
Integrity, fairness, and honesty are as essential for sports as they are for the lottery industry. The Macolin Convention provides a cohesive global framework for the fight against corruption in sport, and the world lottery community provides a robust global network for the sharing of information. With this document, the WLA would like to familiarize its members with the Macolin Convention and highlight its significance for the lottery and sports betting sector. The integrity of sports and the reputation of the lottery and sports betting sector is at stake. It is my hope that we can all work together to empower the Macolin Convention globally and build a united front against the manipulation of sports competitions.
