The Macolin Convention

The Macolin Convention aims to prevent, detect, punish, and discipline the manipulation of sports competitions. It also makes recommendations on fighting illegal sports betting in accordance

The Council of Europe (CoE) is an international organization that was founded in 1949 with the aim of upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe.

It currently has 47 member states, which include the 27 EU members states and other non-EU European countries and territories.

Since its founding, the CoE has adopted over 210 international conventions and treaties, most significant among them is the European Convention on Human Rights, adopted in 1950. The European Convention on Human Rights laid the foundation for the European Court of Human Rights, which has been defending individual rights and freedoms in Europe since 1959.

On September 14, 2014, the CoE concluded the International Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions in the town of Macolin, Switzerland. This internationally cohesive treaty – hereafter referred to as the Macolin Convention – was established to unite all nations in the global fight against corruption in sports and illegal sports betting.

The Macolin Convention aims to prevent, detect, punish, and discipline the manipulation of sports competitions. It also makes recommendations on fighting illegal sports betting in accordance with the applicable laws of each jurisdiction.

With these objectives in mind, the Macolin Convention strives to facilitate the exchange of data related to the manipulation of sports competitions and intelligence on the proliferation of illegal sports betting between all relevant stakeholders. It establishes commonly accepted standards and principles and establishes a robust framework for national and international cooperation in the global fight against the manipulation of sports competitions. Given the transnational nature of the manipulation of sports competitions, and the increasingly online dimension of illegal sports betting, only a globally coordinated effort can deliver the results that are needed to effectively protect sports and the sports betting sector.

The Macolin Convention promotes the cooperation between public authorities – e.g., government ministries, national and international law enforcement agencies and judiciaries, gaming regulators, and national and international sports federations – and the lottery and sports betting sectors. The action of these stakeholders culminates in the so-called National Platform. As detailed in article 13 of the Macolin Convention, the National Platform is the entity that ensures the national and transnational exchange of information between competent public authorities, sports organizations, and sports betting operators. It also ensures the correct implementation of the Macolin Convention at the national level.

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The manipulation of sports competitions undermines not only the integrity of sports, but also the credibility and reputation of the lottery and betting sector.

It is crucial that the lottery and sports betting sector join the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions and illegal sports betting. Ultimately, the manipulation of sports competitions undermines not only the integrity of sports, but also the credibility and reputation of the lottery and betting sector. Organized crime will always view the manipulation of sports competitions and illegal sports betting as lucrative schemes, as they promise high profits with relatively limited risks.

By advocating for the adoption of the Macolin Convention in their respective countries, and by working to establish a National Platform within their borders, WLA member lotteries can play a vital role in fight against illegal sports betting and corruption in sports.

Added value for the lotteries and the sport betting sector

As the Macolin Convention was drafted with state lotteries as a major stakeholder in mind, the manner in which it addresses sports betting is of great benefit to the lottery and sports betting the sector. As a guiding framework, the Macolin Convention provides each jurisdiction with the legislative means and practical tools necessary for addressing specific issues in the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions and illegal betting. For example, a minimum standard set by the Macolin Convention obligates parties to the convention to ensure the appropriate transparency of the organizations that they financially support. Its various measures also address conflicts of interests, and individual chapters outline the cooperation with law enforcement and judicial authorities, providing a solid framework for better addressing money laundering and IP blocking.

By encouraging the establishment of a public authority to regulate betting within each jurisdiction, the Macolin Convention seeks to ensure that the state properly enforces measures to combat illicit betting and efficiently monitors the situation regularly within its borders. Through the clearly outlined definitions of illegal, irregular, and suspicious betting, in the Macolin Convention, and the obligations of the various stakeholders that it delineates, parties to the convention have a concise yet comprehensive set of guidelines to integrate into their respective national legislations. And through the National Platforms, parties to the convention establish an entity to work with regulatory authorities to enforce the provisions of the Macolin Convention. By requiring specific actions based on its definitions, the Macolin Convention places a clear yet positive obligation on its parties. Such actions include, but are not limited to:

Restricting access to illegal operators, both physical and online
Closing down illegal betting operations or blocking access to their websites
Blocking the financial flow between illegal sports betting operators and consumers
Prohibiting illegal betting operation from advertising
Requiring all betting organizations to operate lawfully

In this sense, the Macolin Convention plays a crucial role in providing the definitions, the legislative framework, and the measures for enforcement that will allow WLA member lotteries to continue to operate with fewer risks, with no unfair competition, and in a secure environment for their players.

Ratifying the convention

The Macolin Convention is open to all countries around the globe for ratification. CoE Member States and CoE Observer States, as well as those states that participated in the drafting of the Macolin Convention, can begin the ratification process by sending an intention to sign to the CoE through their ministries of foreign affairs. If national procedure allows for it, these states may ratify the Macolin Convention straight away.

Third-party States – i.e., states that are neither CoE members nor CoE observers, and those that did not participate in the drafting of the Macolin Convention – can start the ratification process by having their respective ministry of foreign affairs send a formal request to the CoE.

As soon as the Committee of the Convention makes its recommendation, the CoE Committee of Ministers (the Council’s governing body) will decide to invite – or not invite – the country to ratify the Macolin Convention. Once a country has ratified the Macolin Convention, it becomes enforceable and compliant legislation must be implemented.

Added value for the lotteries and the sport betting sector

Ratifying the convention

Foreword

The National Platform: Exchanging key information

Foreword

The National Platform: Exchanging key information