Connect with us

Latest News

Lack of governance of football friendly (non-competitive) matches exploited by match-fixers

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Football friendly matches are wide open for match-fixing due to a lack of regulation according to new research, with more than 250 friendlies involving European clubs showing signs of suspicious activity during 2016-20. The results come from a three-year study funded by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme and led by the University of Nicosia Research Foundation.

A survey of 700 players in Cyprus, Greece and Malta conducted by the project also found that:

  • More than a quarter of players (26.5%) had played in a club friendly they suspected had been manipulated.
  • More than a quarter (26.3%) of approaches to fix a friendly match were made by club officials and 15% by other players.
  • Club officials were the instigators in 19% of approaches to manipulate friendlies and were the main beneficiaries in 26.3% of approaches.

The research study found that international and national football federations have been slow to establish where responsibility lies for friendlies, particularly when clubs from different countries are involved in non-competitive matches played in a third country. Some European football federations do not track where clubs go on pre-season and mid-winter tours.

This lack of sporting governance and regulation, combined with the availability of these games on betting markets around the world, notably with poorly or unregulated betting operators in jurisdictions such as Curaçao and the Philippines, who may themselves have links to criminality, leaves these games at greater risk of potential exploitation by match-fixers.

To address this, the report, Combating Match Fixing in Club Football Non-Competitive Friendlies, proposes:

  • That UEFA enforces regulation of friendlies on all 55 member associations
  • That match agents are barred from owning or controlling clubs, just as players agents are
  • The formation of a body to represent match agents in future negotiations with international bodies such as FIFA and UEFA on regulation
  • Establishing data standards that prevent the sale of live match data to poorly and unregulated betting operators

Unlike competitive matches, which are usually covered by agreements between data companies and competition organisers, friendlies are a free-for-all.

Data from these games is being collected and sold to poorly and unregulated betting operators, which do not report signs of suspicious activity, which is often a licensing requirement for well-regulated operators. This sporting event data collation and sale for betting does not currently fall within the scope of regulation, leaving a potential ‘blind spot’ in terms of market and consumer protection.

Lead investigator, Professor Nicos Kartakoullis, President of the Council, University of Nicosia, comments:

“The combination of a lack of regulation, oversight and information makes these matches easier to manipulate than competitive matches.

“This research shows that in terms of governance, friendly matches need to be considered just like competitive matches.

“With the data for 4,000 friendly matches being offered for betting purposes around the world each year, it is also vital that the betting companies receiving that data are operating from well-regulated jurisdictions and report suspicious betting to protect the integrity of those events.”

The research was led by the University of Nicosia Research Foundation and included the International Betting Integrity Association, EU Athletes, CIES and the football players unions of Cyprus, Greece and Malta as project partners.

Powered by WPeMatico

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Booming Games

Treasure Hunt Revival — Booming Games Launches Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win

Published

on

treasure-hunt-revival-—-booming-games-launches-gold-gold-gold-hold-and-win

Booming Games, a top supplier of high-quality gaming content, has introduced Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win today. The game features a 5×3 layout with 25 paylines, offering significant risks with a top payout of 2,000 times the wager. Offering instant cash prizes at the end of each spin, Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win delivers an exceptional experience for players in search of high-stakes excitement.

The game includes a variety of bonus features. Landing six or more coin symbols activates the Hold and Win bonus, initiating a high-stakes re-spin round. Beginning with three re-spins, each additional coin resets the re-spin total, continuing the round. The opportunity to win immediate cash rewards, including Mini, Major, or Grand bonuses that can reach up to 1000 times the total wager, significantly enhances the thrill of the game.

In addition, players who hit three Scatter symbols will receive eight Free Spins. From this point onward, only premium symbols show up on the reels, including Wilds, Bells, Stars, Gold Bars, and Clovers. Featuring only high-paying symbols, each spin is designed to enhance the likelihood of securing significant combinations, and Free Spins can be retriggered, generating payout possibilities with every spin.

Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “The treasure hunt is on. With a golden chance to strike it rich, Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win is our latest must-play slot. With thrilling bonus features that keep the action going, players can enjoy the potential to unlock massive returns and feel that they are always one spin away from striking gold.”

The post Treasure Hunt Revival — Booming Games Launches Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Blueprint Gaming

Blueprint Gaming names Mattia Luchesini Head of International Account Management

Published

on

blueprint-gaming-names-mattia-luchesini-head-of-international-account-management

Blueprint Gaming has named Mattia Luchesini as Head of Account Management – International, enhancing its commercial leadership as the company continues to grow in regulated markets.

In his new position, Mattia will oversee Blueprint’s global account management function, prioritizing the establishment of strategic operator partnerships and fostering ongoing growth in vital regions. He will collaborate closely with commercial, product, and delivery teams to guarantee that partners receive support through a cooperative, value-oriented strategy.

Mattia comes to Blueprint from Games Global, where he dedicated more than two and a half years to senior account management positions, fostering robust relationships with operators throughout EMEA and acquiring substantial experience in international market dynamics.

This recent appointment demonstrates Blueprint Gaming’s ongoing investment in its commercial strengths, guaranteeing that partners receive support from seasoned leadership while the company advances its growth strategy.

Mattia Luchesini, Head of Account Management – International at Blueprint Gaming, said: “It’s a great opportunity to join Blueprint at a time of strong international momentum.

“The business has a clear vision and a reputation for working closely with its partners, and I’m looking forward to contributing to that approach while helping to drive growth across global markets.”

Matt Cole, Managing Director at Blueprint Gaming, added: “Mattia brings valuable international experience and a strong understanding of what operators need from a long-term content partner.

“His appointment supports our continued focus on strengthening relationships and delivering a high standard of account management as Blueprint grows its global footprint.”

The post Blueprint Gaming names Mattia Luchesini Head of International Account Management appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Denmark

RoyalCasino Partners with ScatterKings for Company’s Danish Launch

Published

on

royalcasino-partners-with-scatterkings-for-company’s-danish-launch

Rapidly expanding provider enters one of Europe’s most established regulated markets with its initial local operator partnership now operational.

ScatterKings has launched in Denmark’s regulated iGaming sector through a collaboration with RoyalCasino, a major online casino operator in the country, following the acquisition of a licence from the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden).

Players at RoyalCasino will enjoy access to ScatterKings’ collection of carefully designed games, such as Coins of Cleo and the anticipated Big Bob’s Gold, introducing new innovation to one of Europe’s most regulated and advanced markets.

Featuring precise calculations, captivating audiovisual elements, and built on a dependable AI- and cloud-driven platform, ScatterKings’ games provide seamless integration, steady performance, and an immersive experience for players in various regions.

Denmark’s strict regulatory framework and advanced market conditions position it as a logical progression for ScatterKings’ international growth plan, subsequent to their expansion into Austria at the close of 2025. Approval from Spillemyndigheden highlights the studio’s dedication to high-quality, compliant entertainment of the utmost standard.

RoyalCasino.dk is managed by the RoyalCasino Group, which boasts over 30 years of experience in the Danish gaming sector. The organization initially launched Royal Casino Aarhus in 1991, then ventured online in 2016, establishing itself as one of the nation’s most reliable casino brands.

ScatterKings remains focused on quality and craftsmanship, with each title being a passionate effort that combines established mechanics with daring artistic vision and unwavering performance. Created by a skilled team and supported by knowledgeable industry experts, the provider’s content is crafted to be distinctive and function flawlessly.

Steven Cross, CCO at ScatterKings, said: “Securing our Danish licence is a huge achievement for the team as we expand our global footprint and is a clear signal of where we’re heading as a studio. Denmark is one of the most respected markets in Europe, so entering it with a partner like RoyalCasino makes this launch even more special.

“RoyalCasino’s heritage aligns perfectly with our ambitions for ScatterKings. We’re incredibly proud to see our games live with such an iconic Danish brand, and this is only the beginning.”

Per Petersen, CEO at RoyalCasino Group, said: “With their stellar iGaming track record and dedication to succeed, ScatterKings impressed us instantly. Their ever-expanding games portfolio offers up true quality games made with genuine craftsmanship, and I expect we’ll see a lot more from them in the future. As one of Denmark’s largest online casino operators, we are highly selective about the partners we work with, and we’re delighted to be partnering with ScatterKings.

“We’re excited to be ScatterKings’ first partner as they enter the Danish market and look forward to providing a truly excellent experience for our customers.”

The post RoyalCasino Partners with ScatterKings for Company’s Danish Launch appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania