What Is Match-Fixing in Sports and Betting

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Lina Almans

05 June 2023

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What Is Match-Fixing

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 ForWhat It Means
Biased RefsThe ref might favor one team over another with calls, penalties, or cards
Odds TwisterThe bookies might change the odds of a game if they suspect match-fixing or get strange bets
Game FlipperThe team might change their strategy or performance suddenly
Odd PlayersThe players might act against their own interest with errors, fouls, or missed chances
Family BettersThis 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:

OrganizationRole
FIFASanctions players, officials, and clubs for match-fixing
UEFARuns fraud detection system for match-fixing in European football
IOCDeals with match-fixing in the Olympics
WADACollects and analyzes information about match-fixing
INTERPOLWorks with sports organizations to fight match-fixing
SPORTRADAROffers sports data and integrity services to sports federations and betting operators
IBIAMonitors and reports suspicious betting activity on its members’ markets
OLAFCombats fraud & other crimes related to match-fixing that harm the EU’s interests

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.