What Is Match-Fixing in Sports and Betting
Lina Almans
05 June 2023
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Match-fixing (aka game-fixing, rigging, or throwing) is when people conspire beforehand to determine the outcome of a sports event. It’s not a solo act, but a scheme involving multiple parties, such as organizers, coaches, refs, and players.
How Match-Fixers Rig the Game
Match-fixers can mess with any part of a game that can be wagered on, such as:
- Who will win or lose the game
- What will be the final score
- How many goals will be scored
- Which player will get a yellow card or a red card
- Whether a penalty will be awarded or missed
Match-Fixing: The Two Big Incentives
Betting profits: Match-fixers can cash in by betting on the fixed outcome or tipping off others. For example, insiders might bet on the rigged game and split the loot.
Tournament outcomes: Match-fixing can alter the rankings of a tournament. For example, a team might pay off their rivals or refs to lose or win by a certain score.
How to Catch a Match-Fixer
Match-fixing is a tough nut to crack, but some red flags can tip you off, such as:
What to Look For | What It Means |
---|---|
Biased Refs | The ref might favor one team over another with calls, penalties, or cards |
Odds Twister | The bookies might change the odds of a game if they suspect match-fixing or get strange bets |
Game Flipper | The team might change their strategy or performance suddenly |
Odd Players | The players might act against their own interest with errors, fouls, or missed chances |
Family Betters | This could indicate that they have insider info on the fixed outcome |
Do Bookies Win from Match-Fixing?
No way. Bookies are the targets of match-fixing, not the winners. Match-fixers try to trick bookmakers and make money by betting on fixed games. If they catch any match-fixing, they alert various associations that combat it, share data, and void any suspicious bets.
Who Is Responsible for Fighting Match-Fixing?
There are some organizations that are in charge of busting and blocking match-fixing:
Organization | Role |
---|---|
FIFA | Sanctions players, officials, and clubs for match-fixing |
UEFA | Runs fraud detection system for match-fixing in European football |
IOC | Deals with match-fixing in the Olympics |
WADA | Collects and analyzes information about match-fixing |
INTERPOL | Works with sports organizations to fight match-fixing |
SPORTRADAR | Offers sports data and integrity services to sports federations and betting operators |
IBIA | Monitors and reports suspicious betting activity on its members’ markets |
OLAF | Combats fraud & other crimes related to match-fixing that harm the EU’s interests |
Is it Legal to Bet on Fixed Matches?
Regular bettors won’t get in trouble for betting on a fixed match. If the match is proven to be fixed, the bets will be canceled and the money refunded. If a player or team official is caught betting on their own match, their account will be blocked.
FAQ
What is Match-Fixing in Sports Betting?
Match-fixing is when people manipulate the outcome of a sports event in advance. It involves multiple parties, such as players, coaches, referees, and organizers.
How Common is Match-Fixing in Sports Betting?
In 2022, Sportradar Integrity Services found 1,212 suspicious matches in 12 sports and 92 countries. Most matches (1,188) were from men’s sports.
Can You Trust Online Fixed Matches?
Nope. Match-fixing is illegal and risky. Online fixers are likely scammers. Real fixers hide their info and charge millions.