Dutch gambling authority reports alarming increase in match-fixing in 2024
The Dutch Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) reports a rise in suspicious betting patterns, raising alarms in the sports betting sector. The report, prepared by the Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU) of the KSA, targets report of suspected match-fixing received from licensed online betting operators.
Key findings from the SBIU report
The KSA does not investigate match-fixing directly but ensures that operators have adequate safeguards. The Sports Betting Intelligence Unit analyses reports and works with stakeholders to maintain fair play.
The report highlights a rise in reported cases compared to 2023, with 13 reports focusing on unusual betting patterns, potentially risky matches, and strange odds changes. Most reports involved tennis, followed by football and basketball. In 2024, licensed operators reported more than twice as many match-fixing cases compared to the six reports in 2023.
Following these reports, the KSA issued four official warnings to unnamed operators in mid-2024. KSA also suggests the increase is due to heightened awareness and urges continued vigilance to differentiate match-fixing. The Dutch authority is creating guidance to strengthen understanding and improve the quality of match-fixing reporting from sports betting providers.
Unusual betting patterns
Ten reports highlighted unusual betting patterns observed by providers. These included accounts repeatedly betting against high odds, specific betting options being selected, large amounts being wagered on the same options in short periods, and maximum bets placed at conspicuous moments.
Two reports were triggered by an alert from an international collaboration regarding a potentially manipulated match. One report concerned unexpected trends and changes in the odds of a team’s victory before and during a game.
As of 1 January 2024, there were 17 licensed sports betting providers, with 13 actively operating in Netherlands. Throughout 2024, one licence holder withdrew, and six new licence holders emerged. By 31 December 2024, there were 22 licence holders, 19 of which were live. The increase is attributed to a change in the licence type for four existing licence holders and the granting of licences to two new entities.
Despite the increase, the KSA considers the number of reports relatively low. This could be because licence holders report match-fixing risks to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) instead of the SBIU or because much of the gambling-related match-fixing occurs within the illegal gambling circuit. The increase does align with an international rise in suspicious sports betting reports.
Lawmakers’ proposals for stricter regulations
Dutch politicians have suggested limiting some gambling products to players above 21. The KSA, however, cautions that such limitations might drive young gamblers to the black market. With their technological expertise, young adults would easily access unregulated gambling options, exposing them to fraud and addiction.
