Asser Institute Serves Up Clarity On Match-fixing Myths

Professor Van Rompuy delivers key findings at European Association for the Study of Gambling Seminar

At today’s Match-fixing Seminar, hosted by the European Association for the Study of Gambling, Professor Dr Ben Van Rompuy presented the key findings from his report entitled "The Odds of Match Fixing – Facts & figures on the integrity risks of certain sports bets".

Speaking at a key gathering of academics, media and other interested stakeholders, Professor Van Rompuy, who heads up the ASSER International Sports Law Centre, went through his key conclusions, casting his eye over the appropriateness of imposing limitations on the regulated sports betting offer as an anti-match fixing measure. His key conclusions included the assertion that betting-related match fixing is predominantly focused on the final outcome of a match and in particular to the number of goals (winning margin). He also underlined that there is no empirical support for the claim that side bets pose significant match fixing risks, nor that live betting poses a specific or greater match fixing risk in comparison to traditional pre-match betting.

Speaking after his presentation, Professor Van Rompuy had this to say: "The lack of access to systematic empirical evidence on betting-related match fixing has so far limited the capacity of academic research to make a proper risk assessment of certain types of sports bets. Through its unparalleled experience in monitoring and reporting suspicious betting activity, Sportradar has built up a truly unique dataset of statistical information on football matches that likely have been manipulated. Our collaboration provided me with a wealth of factual information that challenged some myths that still persist in media reports and ongoing policy discussions."

Sportradar Managing Director Integrity and Strategy Andreas Krannich had this to add: "Professor Ben Van Rompuy is one of the most respected researchers and academics in the area of sport and sport law. When he contacted us and explained to us what he was looking to achieve, we were more than happy to help. Our hope is that people, whether fans or leaders of sports federations, will hear his conclusions and take them on board. Misconceptions about where and how match-fixing takes place are not only frustrating, but dangerous and a waste of time, energy, focus and resources. The Asser Institute’s contribution to this conversation is significant and we look forward to working with Ben and his team in the future."

For more information about Prof. Dr. Ben Van Rompuy, please visit: http://www.asser.nl/about-the-institute/whos-who/bvanrompuy

For further press enquiries:

Prof. Dr. Ben Van Rompuy

Senior Researcher & Consultant

ASSER International Sports Law Centre

P: +31 (0) 70 3420361

E-mail: b.van.rompuy@asser.nl

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