The Dutch gaming authority, Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), has released its 2023 report on match fixing. The report concluded that the number of reported suspicious sports competitions from operators has declined sharply.
In last year's report, there were 40 reported incidents of suspicious sports competitions to the Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU). Meanwhile, 2023 only saw six similar reports to the SBIU, reflecting a decrease in incidents by 85%. This is despite two new reporting categories being added, with ‘offering bets on potentially risky matches’ and ‘offering banned betting options’ added alongside ‘unusual betting patterns’ and ‘involvement in a match and/or competition.’
However, while the number of reports was down, a significant portion of the six reports were placed from external sources.
The Ksa has made several efforts to tackle problem behaviours in the gambling industry in the Netherlands. Recent examples include its crackdown on affiliates advertising illegal gambling sites and the publication of its 2024 agenda, with the Ksa stating its intention to continue upholding its ‘Safe Play’ mission.
While the drop in reports may be celebrated as an indication of a reduction in match-fixing in the industry, the Ksa also highlighted that the drop may be due to operators being unaware of the need to report suspicious activity to the SBIU when spotted.
When translated into English, the report stated: “It cannot be concluded that the risk of gambling is related to match-fixing among licensed providers has decreased. This means there is a task for the Ksa to create more awareness among licensed providers. It is on the Ksa to remind them of their legal obligation to inform the SBIU immediately inform about indications that indicate an increased risk of manipulation of a concerned match.”
