The Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA), Spelinspektionen, has formalized a significant step towards ensuring the integrity of sports betting by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA). The primary objective of this MoU is to establish a collaborative framework for sharing information related to suspicious betting activity observed at Swedish sports events. The IBIA, representing the majority of the SGA-licensed betting market, will play a vital role in this partnership.
The development follows a notable move by the Swedish Government in December 2023, wherein it notified the European Commission of its intention to amend the Gambling Ordinance. The proposed changes include aligning Sweden with the Macolin Convention and establishing a platform, facilitated by the SGA, for licensed betting operators and national sports federations to exchange information on suspected match-fixing.
Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “IBIA is delighted to have reached this agreement with the Swedish Gambling Authority. The association is focused on working closely with the SGA to maintain the integrity of Swedish sport and the regulated betting market.”
Ali added: “The IBIA will utilise its global customer account transaction data to identify and report suspicious betting on Swedish sporting events to the SGA and engage in any related investigatory actions. Maintaining the integrity of the market is of paramount importance.”
Camilla Rosenberg, Director-General of the SGA, emphasized the importance of information sharing in upholding the integrity of sports. She remarked, “It is very important to us that information is shared regarding suspicious betting activity in order to maintain the integrity of sports. Therefore, we are delighted to have reached this agreement with IBIA which will be beneficial to our coordination of the national platform and general work against match-fixing. We look forward to our cooperation with IBIA.”
The collaboration between the SGA and IBIA underscores a shared commitment to combating match-fixing and preserving the integrity of sports betting in Sweden. This partnership aligns with broader global efforts to strengthen regulations and enhance measures against corruption in the sports betting industry.
