Compliance Updates
Starlizard Integrity Services Identifies 167 Suspicious Football Matches Played Globally in 2023
Sports integrity specialists Starlizard Integrity Services (SIS) have identified 167 football matches played around the world in 2023 as suspicious.
In a major study, covering more than 65,000 football matches, SIS found that 167 (0.26%) showed indicators of potential manipulation. This represents an increase of 16% on the number identified in 2022 (144), although SIS analysed more matches in 2023, which means the percentage of suspicious matches decreased from 0.39% in 2022 to 0.26% in 2023.
The SIS 2023 data revealed that:
- 69 of the matches assessed as suspicious (41.3%) were played in the UEFA (European) region. However, this represents only 0.18% of the total UEFA region matches analysed – below the overall global percentage of 0.26%.
- The AFC (Asian) region saw the highest regional percentage of suspicious matches at 0.47%, although 0.52% of all international matches analysed were also assessed as suspicious.
- Just under half (49.7%) of all suspicious matches identified in 2023 were played in domestic leagues below the top leagues.
- Top-level leagues themselves were not immune, with just over a quarter (25.2%) of all suspicious matches identified being in this category.
- The risks to club friendly and youth matches are disproportionately high, accounting for 10.8% and 6% of the suspicious matches respectively, despite representing just 2.9% and 3.5% of all the games analysed in 2023.
- Whilst Full-Time betting markets still dominate suspicious betting activity, there has been a significant rise in suspicious betting on First-Half Only markets. Of the 167 matches identified as suspicious in 2023, 45 (27%) involved betting solely on the First-Half Only markets, which represents a marked increase from only six games (4.2%) identified in 2022.
Matches analysed by SIS are categorised as “suspicious” when they are found to have suspect betting patterns associated with them that may be indicative of match-fixing. While the level of suspicion will vary across matches depending on the nature and amount of evidence discovered, SIS believes that all matches so identified would warrant further investigation.
Compliance Updates
Playtech Enters Connecticut iGaming Market
Playtech has expanded into Connecticut, marking its entry into the sixth regulated iGaming state, continuing the company’s strong upward trajectory in the US.
Having been granted an Online Gaming Service Provider licence by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, expansion into the state further accelerates Playtech’s U.S. growth, strengthening multi‑state partnerships with licensed operators in the process.
After launching in Delaware late last year, this latest step reflects Playtech’s commitment to scaling in all regulated markets as demand continues to build across the US’ iGaming landscape.
With this launch, players in Connecticut will now have access to Playtech’s portfolio of high-quality award-winning iGaming content, including a combination of bespoke and exclusive titles that have deeply resonated with audiences in other regulated U.S. markets.
Jonathan Doubilet, General Manager, USA at Playtech, said: “We are thrilled to expand our presence into a sixth U.S. state. Connecticut is a well-established iGaming market with a vast player-base that we anticipate will engage strongly with our first-class offering. It’s a source of pride that our most valued partners continue to place trust in us to reach the high standards the U.S. iGaming market demands.”
The post Playtech Enters Connecticut iGaming Market appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Asia
GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named an Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). GLI is the first gaming testing company to achieve the accreditation and is now authorised to test and certify iGaming platforms in the Philippines.
GLI will bring its global and unsurpassed expertise to the Philippines, helping to ensure PAGCOR meets its policy and regulatory objectives as set out in its rules. GLI’s presence and its GLI-19 Standard will also help suppliers who wish to successfully and compliantly enter the marketplace.
Submissions will be tested against “GLI Standard Series GLI-19: Standards for Interactive Gaming Systems,” which has been widely accepted and adopted by jurisdictions around the world.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said: “Regulated gaming markets ensure a safer and more sustainable gaming industry for all to participate in. A regulated market enables compliance to responsible gaming standards and the provision of tax revenue for reinvestment back into the community. PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply to the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players. We are pleased to acknowledge GLI as the first testing and game certification provider to be accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming and EGM testing / certification, and data security.”
GLI President and CEO James R. Maida said: “We are grateful to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and to the entire PAGCOR team for the trust they continue to place in GLI. Under the Chairman’s skillful leadership, the market in the Philippines has improved steadily, and we are honored to be the first company to be accredited for iGaming testing and certification, and we look forward to working side- by-side with PAGCOR to meet their policy objectives.”
The post GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Arshak Muradyan
Digitain Secures Manufacturer and Importer Licences in Bulgaria
Digitain has successfully obtained both Manufacturer and Importer Licences in Bulgaria, marking a significant milestone in its continued expansion across regulated markets.
This dual licensing strengthens Digitain’s position in the Bulgarian market, enabling the delivery of a broader, fully compliant product portfolio to its partners.
With the Manufacturer Licence, Digitain can provide its in-house developed solutions, fully certified and tailored to local market requirements. The Importer Licence further extends this capability, allowing the distribution of certified third-party products and enhancing the overall flexibility of the offering.
Arshak Muradyan, Group Chief Compliance Officer at Digitain, said: “Securing both licences in Bulgaria is an important step in strengthening our presence in regulated markets. It allows us to deliver both our in-house solutions and a wide range of certified third-party products in full compliance with local requirements. This dual capability ensures that our partners can confidently operate and scale in the Bulgarian market with a reliable and fully compliant product offering.”
By securing both licences, Digitain reinforces its commitment to regulatory excellence and partner-focused growth. Operators targeting Bulgaria can now access a comprehensive suite of compliant, high-quality solutions designed for long-term success.
This milestone reflects Digitain’s strategic focus on global expansion, combining local compliance with scalable, future-ready technology.
The post Digitain Secures Manufacturer and Importer Licences in Bulgaria appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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