Press Releases
Tennis Integrity Unit Briefing Note: January – March 2020
Increase in first quarter match alerts linked to suspension of tennis
Between January and 22 March 2020 the TIU received a total of 38 match alerts through its Memorandums of Understanding with the regulated betting industry. This compares to 21 alerts for the same period in 2019, a year in which the fewest alerts were recorded since data was first published in 2015.
The increase of reported matches in the first quarter of 2020 is an indication that the entry levels of professional tennis were deliberately targeted by corruptors, as the sport moved towards suspension due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In anticipation of heightened integrity concerns when tennis resumes, the TIU, in conjunction with the governing bodies of tennis, is developing an education and awareness campaign to inform and support players, officials and tournament staff. Further details will be announced in due course.
TIU match alert policy
- every alert reported to the TIU is recorded, assessed and followed up as an indicator that something inappropriate may have happened. It is important to appreciate that an alert on its own is not evidence of match-fixing;
- there are many reasons other than corrupt activity that can explain unusual betting patterns, such as incorrect odds-setting; well-informed betting; player fitness, fatigue and form; playing conditions and personal circumstances;
- where analysis of a match alert does suggest corrupt activity, the TIU will conduct a full, confidential investigation.
New CEO joins the TIU
Jonny Gray became the first Chief Executive Officer of the TIU when he joined the organisation in mid-February. A former Colonel in the British Army and senior partner with Control Risks, he will be responsible for implementing the integrity recommendations of the Independent Review Panel, which include the establishment of a new, independent integrity organisation with a separate legal personality.
TIU Education update; Australian Open, WTT $15,000 pilot, online education during suspension of tennis
January’s Australian Open saw more than 650 officials, main draw and junior players receive integrity briefings and one-to-one sessions ahead of and during the tournament. Bespoke education sessions were also delivered to ATP coaches and the ATP’s international group tournament directors’ workshop. In February, a pilot Education outreach project took place at the ITF World Tennis Tour combined $15,000 event in Heraklion, Crete. This new initiative included presentations and an integrity pledge campaign for players, coaches, officials and tournament staff. More than 100 players received face-to-face education, alongside all tournament officials.
Colombia became the second nation to complete the TIU’s integrity criteria as part of the ITF Recognition of National Training Centres Programme. Six further nations are being supported as they work towards certification.
During the suspension of tennis the TIU team has continued to deliver its comprehensive education programme, including online 1-2-1 sessions for WTA Rookie players and Grand Slam Development Fund grant recipients.
Disciplinary code rules strengthened for Provisional Suspensions
Amendments have been introduced to the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP), to strengthen the rules relating to the Provisional Suspension of individuals suspected of serious corruption offences. With effect from 1 April 2020, a Covered Person charged with a criminal offence or the subject of criminal proceedings, can be immediately suspended by an independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO). The individual subject to the provisional suspension retains the right to appeal that decision to the AHO.
A further amendment clarifies that a decision to impose, or not impose, a Provisional Suspension cannot be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The final change allows a Covered Person subject to a Provisional Suspension to appeal for that suspension to be lifted after a period of 90 days, rather than the previous term of 120 days.
Disciplinary decisions – January to March 2020
Between January and March three players – Jonathan Kanar, Joao Olavo Soares de Souza and Patrick Keane – were subject to disciplinary sanctions for breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program. In addition, an appeal decision was received for Argentinian player Nicolas Kicker:
- https://www.tennisintegrityunit.com/media-releases/jonathan-kanar-suspended-and-fined-after-admitting-corruption-offences
- https://www.tennisintegrityunit.com/media-releases/lifetime-ban-and-200000-fine-joao-olavo-soares-de-souza-after-conviction-match-fixing-charges
- https://www.tennisintegrityunit.com/media-releases/independent-anti-corruption-hearing-officer-reduces-nicolas-kicker-suspension-recognition-player-education-support
- https://www.tennisintegrityunit.com/media-releases/patrick-keane-suspended-and-fined-betting-tennis-offences
These sanctions have previously been announced and are included here as a retrospective record.
Aaron Axisa Commercial Director at Vivid Gaming
Vivid Gaming signs Hub88 distribution deal for its slot portfolio
Single API integration puts Vivid’s 34-game catalogue in front of Hub88-connected operators across regulated and emerging markets.
Vivid Gaming has signed a partnership with Hub88 to distribute its slot games to operators via Hub88’s aggregation platform.
The companies said the deal will make Vivid Gaming’s catalogue available through a single integration, expanding reach across “multiple regulated and emerging markets” supported by Hub88’s network.
Vivid Gaming said it has built a portfolio of more than 30 slot titles, with 34 games currently listed in its catalogue, and that the agreement is part of its broader commercial expansion strategy.
Aaron Axisa, Commercial Director at Vivid Gaming, said: “Partnering with Hub88 marks another exciting step in our growth journey. Their reputation, technical excellence and extensive operator network make them an ideal distribution partner as we continue to expand our global footprint. We’re committed to delivering high-quality entertainment that stands out in an increasingly competitive market, and this partnership enables even more operators to offer our games to their players with a fast and seamless integration”.
Jessica Inglott, Head of Supplier Relations at Hub88, said: “We are delighted to welcome Vivid Gaming to our platform, further diversifying our global offering with their highly engaging, top-tier content. Vivid Gaming has quickly established a stellar reputation for combining striking visuals with innovative, player-centric mechanics. This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission to provide operators with frictionless access to the industry’s most exciting emerging studios through our single API integration, and we look forward to a highly successful collaboration”.
The post Vivid Gaming signs Hub88 distribution deal for its slot portfolio appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
01.tech
Aviatrix goes live on 01.tech aggregation platform
Deal adds Aviatrix’s crash game and connected titles, including Aviatrix Second Chance and Aviatrix Fruits, to 01.tech’s operator network.
Aviatrix has gone live on aggregator 01.tech under a new distribution agreement covering its crash game and broader iGaming Metaverse portfolio.
Under the deal, Aviatrix’s iGaming Metaverse is integrated into the 01.tech aggregation platform, giving operators access to the original Aviatrix crash game and other connected titles. Aviatrix said the line-up includes recent releases such as Aviatrix Second Chance and Aviatrix Fruits.
Aviatrix said its iGaming Metaverse is designed to let players move across multiple titles while maintaining progress and loyalty rewards, with the aim of improving retention.
Victoria Lambroza, Key Partnerships Executive at Aviatrix, said: “This partnership with 01.tech is an important step in bringing Aviatrix and our iGaming Metaverse to more operators and players around the world. What makes this deal especially exciting is that 01.tech’s operator partners gain access to a connected ecosystem of titles where players can build progress and continue their journey across multiple experiences.”
Inna Polly, Head of Game Aggregator at 01.tech, said: “Aviatrix has quickly established itself as one of the most innovative names in the crash and casino games space, and we are very pleased to add its content to the 01.tech aggregation platform. Our goal is to give operators access to high-quality and engaging content via a simple integration. Aviatrix is a strong addition to that offering, particularly because its iGaming Metaverse is driving such deep player engagement.”
The post Aviatrix goes live on 01.tech aggregation platform appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Central America
FeedConstruct takes exclusive data and streaming rights for Nicaragua’s Liga Primera
Deal covers worldwide distribution of Liga Primera and Copa Primera content for sportsbooks and betting suppliers.
FeedConstruct has acquired exclusive worldwide streaming and data rights for Nicaragua’s top-tier football competitions, Liga Primera and Copa Primera.
The company said the agreement delivers start-to-finish coverage of every match across both competitions and expands its Central American football portfolio for sportsbook operators and providers using its data integration and streaming.
Ani Isakhanyan, Head of Rights and Content at FeedConstruct, stated, “Securing these exclusive rights is a highly valuable addition to our portfolio. Liga Primera and Copa Primera deliver the consistent football content that the global iGaming industry demands. This acquisition ensures our partners can offer comprehensive coverage of a rapidly emerging betting market.”
Allan J. Chamorro, Managing Partner at Apollo Sports Business Group, added, “Nicaragua has rapidly established itself as one of Central America’s fastest-growing football markets, attracting growing regional recognition and international commercial interest. Our partnership with FeedConstruct builds on that momentum by expanding the global distribution of Liga Primera and Copa Primera while powering sustainable commercial opportunities that strengthen clubs, elevate the competitions, and accelerate the long-term growth of the game.”
Liga Primera and Copa Primera are the main competitions in Nicaragua’s professional football calendar. FeedConstruct said the competitions are gaining regional recognition in Central America, supported by regular participation in CONCACAF tournaments.
The post FeedConstruct takes exclusive data and streaming rights for Nicaragua’s Liga Primera appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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