Industry News
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.
American gambling industry
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – November 24-30
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
VGO Promo, a long-standing platform known for bridging the worlds of cryptocasinos, cryptocurrency exchanges and CSGO skins gaming, has announced a comprehensive expansion of its verification framework designed to bring transparency to online promotional offers. The updated system enhances how users evaluate bonuses across three intersecting ecosystems. Founded during the peak of the CSGO skins economy, VGO Promo originally provided referral codes for case opening websites and virtual item platforms. As the industry evolved towards blockchain based gaming, Bitcoingambling and crypto trading, VGO Promo expanded its scope to support modern platforms including Roobet, Stake, Rollbit, CSGORoll, Duelbits, Binance, OKX, ByBit, Bitget and various case opening services within the CSGO community. The updated verification framework applies a structured, cross industry methodology to help users navigate rapidly changing promotional conditions.
FanDuel has announced the launch of Pass The Leg, a first-of-its-kind in-app feature that transforms traditional parlay betting into a shared, social experience just in time for holiday gatherings. Pass The Leg allows customers to build a single group parlay collaboratively, with each participant adding their own leg before placing individual bets using their own funds. Designed to bring friends and family together around one of the biggest football days of the year whether near or far, the feature allows users to start or join a Group Build, invite others to contribute picks, and then add the completed parlay to their personal betslip. Each contributor can also take advantage of a dedicated Pass The Leg Profit Boost, amplifying the excitement and potential payout of the shared pick. Available exclusively for the three NFL games taking place on Thanksgiving Day, Pass The Leg marks the first true multi-user parlay-building experience offered by a major U.S. sportsbook operator.
Partnerships
The St. Louis Blues announced an agreement designating DraftKings an Official Sports Betting and Daily Fantasy Operator of the Blues. The announcement comes ahead of the launch of legal sports betting in Missouri scheduled for Dec. 1, 2025. DraftKings has been an Official Sports Betting, Daily Fantasy Sports and iGaming Partner of the National Hockey League since 2021. As part of the agreement, DraftKings will spotlight responsible gaming through a pregame, in-arena feature, encouraging fans to play responsibly, have fun and access DraftKings’ comprehensive suite of responsible gaming tools and resources. DraftKings will have rights to use St. Louis Blues intellectual property — including team trademarks and logos — across marketing and promotional materials. The collaboration will feature in-arena signage, brand integrations across television and radio and exclusive hospitality experiences throughout the season, all designed to elevate fan engagement at the Enterprise Centre and beyond.
Signature Systems Inc (SSI) has announced a new partnership with Yellow Dog Software. The integration connects Yellow Dog’s advanced inventory capabilities with SSI’s PDQ POS system, enabling operators to streamline operations, improve cost control and gain real-time visibility across their properties. The partnership was initiated to meet the inventory needs of Osage Casinos, a major name in tribal gaming. The integration, which went live in September, was first deployed to support convenience store reporting and ordering across the properties.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – November 24-30 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Balkans
EGT Digital Wins “Online Platform of the Year” for the Second Consecutive Year at the Golden Spade’s Awards 2025
Reading Time: 2 minutes
EGT Digital celebrated a remarkable achievement at this year’s Golden Spade’s Awards, securing the prestigious title “Online Platform of the Year” for its modular platform X-Nave for the second year in a row. The award was accepted by Georgi Mihaylov, Deputy CEO of EGT Digital, marking another milestone in the company’s continued progress and commitment to technological excellence.
In 2025, X-Nave distinguished itself through the integration of EGT Digital’s proprietary in-house AI core, developed entirely by the company’s data science team. This innovation transformed X-Nave into a holistic, intelligent ecosystem with capabilities such as real-time player protection, predictive churn prevention, intelligent campaigns, personalized game recommendations, automated bonus optimization, and enhanced QA through simulated behavior. Combined with its modular structure – comprising the CRM Engine, Gaming Aggregator, Sport Product, and Payment Gateway – X-Nave continues to serve as one of the most advanced and reliable platforms in the industry.
Accepting the award, Georgi Mihaylov expressed his gratitude: “These awards are an exceptional recognition of our work. On behalf of the EGT Digital team, a huge thank you, and I can’t wait for us to come back again next year.”
Special Recognition for Industry Leadership
The Golden Spade’s Awards also honored Mr. Vladimir Dokov, CEO of both EGT Digital and EGT, with the distinguished title “Outstanding Contribution to the Development of the Gaming Industry.” This accolade recognizes his long-term leadership, strategic vision, and significant impact on the growth and evolution of both the Bulgarian and global gaming sectors.
Mr. Dokov accepted the award with a message dedicated to his team:
“What we have achieved is not thanks to me, but thanks to our team of 4,300 people and this award belongs to them.”
A Milestone Year for the EGT Group
These recognitions highlight an exceptional year for both EGT Digital and EGT, reflecting their shared commitment to innovation, responsibility, and delivering impactful solutions for partners and players worldwide.
The post EGT Digital Wins “Online Platform of the Year” for the Second Consecutive Year at the Golden Spade’s Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Carmen Alexander
Entain’s Pitching In Initiative Crowned Grassroots Sports Initiative of the Year
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Entain’s Pitching In initiative has beaten off fierce competition to be named Grassroots Initiative of the Year at the Global Football Industry Awards. Launched by Entain in 2020, the trailblazing initiative has made a huge impact at the non-league level of England’s national game.
Pitching In is the title sponsor of the Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues – collectively known as the Trident Leagues – that comprise 264 clubs at Steps three and four of the non-league pyramid.
Pitching In, however, has always been about more than a flagship sponsorship. At the heart of the initiative is the ambition to enhance engagement between football clubs and their local communities. This led to Entain being the founding partner of the Trident Community Fund (TCF).
The TCF was launched to help clubs establish and expand community initiatives, maximising the remarkable impact that grassroots football clubs have on their local area. Every club in the Trident Leagues is encouraged to apply for a grant of up to £5000 annually to support community initiatives. The TCF has now supported more than 150 such projects, helping to expand youth, women’s and walking football, as well as supporting initiatives focusing on local upskilling, tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting local veterans and food banks.
In 2022, Pitching In launched the Volunteer Hub to provide a one-stop online portal for clubs to post volunteering vacancies and for local people to sign up and get involved.
Pitching In’s contribution to the grassroots game has now been recognised at the Global Football Industry Awards, a landmark global ceremony which brings together industry giants and trailblazers from every corner of the football ecosystem.
Pitching In was up against the likes of McDonalds, Barclays, Adidas, Nike and Coca-Cola, who were among the other shortlisted nominees for the Grassroots Initiative of the Year prize. Hosted by football royalty – Jamie Carragher and Peter Crouch – the awards celebrate the visionaries, pioneers and change-makers powering world football from behind the scenes.
Stella David, CEO of Entain, said: “We are delighted to see Pitching In recognised in this manner. Football is central to our business, which is why we feel it is so important to invest in the sport at the grassroots level, playing our part in bringing clubs and their communities closer together.
“When we started this project back in 2020, non-league clubs – and English football more generally – were staring into an uncertain future amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The grants Pitching In provided at that time proved crucial and we have continued to grow our relationship with the more than 260 clubs, who are the backbone of the English game, over the time since. We love supporting grassroots football and are excited by how this partnership can grow and evolve further.
“We would like to thank the Northern Premier League, Isthmian League and Southern League for their continued support, along with every single volunteer who gives up their time for their local football club. The game at this level could not run without you and Pitching In will continue to do what we can to highlight your invaluable contributions.”
Carmen Alexander from the Global Football Industry Awards added: “Congratulations to Entain and all 2025 Global Football Industry Award winners.
“Our judges were impressed by the commitment Entain has shown to grassroots football over a prolonged period of time and particularly the Trident Community Fund, which continues to make a tangible difference to non-league clubs across the country. Entain is very worthy of this recognition.”
The post Entain’s Pitching In Initiative Crowned Grassroots Sports Initiative of the Year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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