Press Releases

Tennis Integrity Unit Briefing Note: January – March 2020

Published

6 years ago

April 10, 2020

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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.

Awards

Esportes Gaming Brasil lands three brand nominations at Reclame Aqui Awards 2026

Published

22 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

Esportes Gaming Brasil (EGB) says all three of its brands—Esportes da Sorte, Onabet and Lottu—have been shortlisted for the Reclame Aqui Awards 2026, a Brazilian awards programme focused on corporate reputation and customer relationships. The group announced the nominations on Thursday 16th July.

EGB said it is the first time the three brands have been nominated simultaneously. Esportes da Sorte is shortlisted in the Ultra Sports Betting Operators (Mega Operations) category, while Onabet and Lottu are in the Sports Betting Operators (Mega Operations) category.

“Receiving nominations for all three Group brands at the Reclame Aqui Awards for the first time is incredibly meaningful recognition of the work we carry out every day. More than simply an achievement, it reflects our consistent strategy of putting the customer at the centre of every decision by investing in technology, operational efficiency and personalised customer service to build long-term relationships based on trust,” said Maria Neves, Director of Customer Experience, Customer Support and Reputation Channels at Esportes Gaming Brasil.

The company attributed the nominations to ongoing investment in customer service processes, technology integration, employee training and changes to the user journey across its brands. EGB also said it reduced average response time for human customer support from 30 minutes to two minutes.

Reclame Aqui Awards winners are decided by consumer voting, according to the company. Public voting for the 2026 edition is scheduled to run from 2 September to 5 November.

The post Esportes Gaming Brasil lands three brand nominations at Reclame Aqui Awards 2026 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Alberta

Gaming Corps goes live with bet365 in Alberta on regulated market day one

Published

22 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

gaming-corps-goes-live-with-bet365-in-alberta-on-regulated-market-day-one

Deal expands bet365 casino rollout in Spain and Ontario, with 50+ Gaming Corps titles certified for Alberta from 13 July 2026.

Gaming Corps has launched with bet365 in Alberta on the first day of the province’s regulated iGaming market opening (13 July 2026), while also expanding its content footprint with the operator in Spain and Ontario.

The Sweden-based, publicly listed game developer said it is among the first wave of studios certified for Alberta, supporting bet365’s entry with more than 50 games available at launch. The day-one portfolio spans Slots, Table, Plinko, Mine Games and Instant Blitz.

Gaming Corps said the expanded partnership includes its football-themed titles, including Penalty Champion: Goals to Glory, plus the 3 Pigs series (3 Pigs of Olympus, 3 Pigs of Olympus 2: Rise of the DemiHog and 3 Pigs of the Caribbean).

The rollout also brings Gaming Corps’ new Low RTP Blackjack titles to bet365, which the supplier said are designed around 93.57% RTP and approximately 6% operator hold, with side-bet mechanics and flexible branding options.

Graham Greensmith, Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Corps, said: “Extending our partnership with bet365 across Spain, Ontario and Alberta is a major moment for Gaming Corps, but Alberta is the real statement here. Going live with bet365 from day one reflects the work our teams have put into certification, onboarding and ensuring we can move quickly and confidently with major operator partners.

“As one of the earliest studios ready for Alberta, we’ll be bringing more than 50 titles to the province. That breadth matters, because it gives operators like bet365 a single partner across multiple verticals, with content designed to support acquisition, engagement and retention across different player segments. Spain and Ontario are also important regulated markets for us and expanding with a global operator of this scale highlights how far Gaming Corps has come in a short period of time.”

Richard Graham, Associate VP of Gaming at bet365 at said: “Gaming Corps has become a valuable content partner, combining recognisable game identities with formats that add variety across our casino offering. We are pleased to extend the partnership into Spain, Ontario and Alberta, with the Alberta launch particularly important as part of our day-one commitment to the market.

“Expanding the relationship across multiple territories in a relatively short period reflects the strength of the collaboration, as well as the Gaming Corps team’s clear product direction, commitment and continued development as a game vendor. We look forward to giving players access to a wide-ranging portfolio from the moment the market opens.”

The post Gaming Corps goes live with bet365 in Alberta on regulated market day one appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

data-monetization

NODWIN Gaming names Teemu Koski CEO of its MENA unit

Published

22 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

nodwin-gaming-names-teemu-koski-ceo-of-its-mena-unit

NODWIN Gaming has appointed Teemu Koski as Chief Executive Officer of NODWIN Gaming MENA, effective 1 July 2026. The company said Koski will lead strategy, operations, business development and market expansion across the Middle East and North Africa.

Koski reports to Merlin Wiedeking, CEO of NODWIN Gaming International. NODWIN said Koski will also continue to oversee its global data monetization business alongside running the MENA operation.

Koski joined NODWIN Gaming in August 2025 as Chief Business Officer, MENA. In that role, the company said he helped expand its commercial footprint in the region through strategic partnerships, commercial growth initiatives and the development of NODWIN’s data business, working with publishers, media rights holders and technology partners.

Prior to NODWIN, Koski spent more than 15 years at Elisa Corporation, where he founded and led Elisa Esports, according to the company.

Teemu Koski, CEO, NODWIN Gaming MENA, said: “The MENA region is entering a defining period for gaming, esports and youth entertainment, and the opportunity ahead is enormous. Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to work with an incredible team and partners across the region, and that has only strengthened my belief in what we can build together.

As we look ahead, my focus is on growing a business that’s deeply rooted in the region while bringing together publishers, brands, creators, governments and technology partners to unlock new opportunities. Alongside leading our MENA business, I’m also looking forward to continuing our work around global data monetization and helping create even greater value across NODWIN’s international ecosystem.”

Merlin Wiedeking, CEO, NODWIN Gaming International, said: “One of the things that stands out about Teemu is his ability to build businesses through strong relationships and a deep understanding of the market. As NODWIN continues to grow across international markets, we’re focused on empowering local leadership that understands the people, the culture and the opportunities within each region. MENA is one of our most important growth markets, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Teemu as we deepen our presence, build new partnerships and create long-term value across the region.”

The post NODWIN Gaming names Teemu Koski CEO of its MENA unit appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.