IBIA Reports Rise in Suspicious Betting Alerts During Q2 2026

IBIA records 76 suspicious betting alerts in Q2 2026

The IBIA reported 76 suspicious betting alerts during the second quarter of 2026, representing a 10.1% increase compared to Q2 2025 and an 8.6% rise over the 70 suspicious alerts registered in Q1 2026.

All suspicious alerts were submitted to the relevant authorities to support investigations into potential match-fixing and irregular betting activity. The Association noted that the final number could still increase as ongoing investigations are completed.

The alerts involved nine different sports, distributed as follows:

• Soccer: 25
• eSports: 16
• Basketball: 10
• Tennis: 9
• Darts: 5
• Greyhound racing: 4
• Table tennis: 3
• Cricket: 3
• Volleyball: 1

Soccer and eSports generated the highest number of suspicious cases

Soccer remained the sport with the largest number of suspicious betting alerts, accounting for 25 cases during the quarter, while eSports followed with 16 alerts. Basketball, tennis and darts also registered notable figures, highlighting that integrity risks continue to affect multiple disciplines across the global sports betting ecosystem.

According to the Association, continuous monitoring of betting patterns allows authorities to identify suspicious activity quickly and investigate potential breaches of sports integrity before they escalate.

Europe remained the region with the highest number of suspicious alerts

Europe registered the highest number of suspicious integrity alerts during the quarter, with 25 cases, almost 50% more than any other continent.

The regional breakdown was:

• Europe: 25
• South America: 17
• Africa: 11
• North America: 3
• Asia: 3
• Australia (Oceania): 1

Additionally, the IBIA recorded 16 global suspicious alerts that were not assigned to a specific country or continent because the related events involved multiple jurisdictions.

Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the IBIA represents more than 90 companies and over 200 betting brands. Its integrity monitoring network oversees more than 1.5 million sporting events annually and analyzes betting activity worth over US$300 billion across more than 80 sports.

Global monitoring continues to expand

The Association emphasized that the Global MAP system enables member operators to share intelligence in real time, making it easier to detect suspicious betting patterns across regulated markets. This collaborative approach strengthens international investigations and supports enforcement agencies in addressing integrity threats.

Ontario’s regulated market continues to drive channelization

A dedicated "Canada Focus" section of the report examined the impact of regulated online gambling markets, particularly in Ontario.

According to the Association, Ontario's legal framework has significantly increased the share of betting conducted through licensed operators while reducing activity on offshore platforms.

The report states: "Ontario’s online sports betting channelisation rose sharply following the market opening, moving from 5% in gross gambling revenue (GGR) in 2022 to 85% in 2023 and stabilising above 90% thereafter."

It also notes that "Alberta is forecast to follow a similar trajectory, while the Rest of Canada remains largely unchanged at low double-digit levels."

The Association concludes: "The contrast highlights the role of competitive regulated markets in moving betting activity onshore and into visible, monitored channels."

Following the launch of Alberta's regulated iGaming market on July 13, the IBIA estimates that the province's regulated market share will reach 80% by 2029 and approximately 85% by 2030.

Regulated markets improve transparency

The report suggests that expanding regulated markets gives authorities greater visibility into betting activity, making it easier to identify suspicious behavior while reducing the influence of unlicensed operators. Ontario is presented as an example of how effective regulation can improve channelization and reinforce market integrity.

IBIA reinforces its commitment to sports integrity

Beyond monitoring suspicious betting activity, the IBIA continues to promote integrity through cooperation with regulators, sports governing bodies, and licensed operators.

The Association supports investigations by sharing intelligence with relevant authorities while also investing in educational initiatives aimed at athletes and stakeholders.

Following Alberta's market launch, the IBIA introduced a new integrity program backed by a CA$300,000 commitment from the Association and its members bet365, Betway, and FanDuel. The initiative is based on three key pillars: rules, responsibility, and reporting, with the objective of ensuring a transparent and fair regulated betting environment.

Highlighting the importance of education, the Association stated: "IBIA has invested in athlete education to help players understand the integrity risks, meet their responsibilities, and protect the competitions they represent."

Education remains a key pillar

In addition to detecting suspicious betting activity, the IBIA believes that prevention plays a fundamental role in protecting sports. By combining technology, intelligence sharing, athlete education and cooperation with regulators, the Association aims to reduce integrity risks and strengthen confidence in regulated betting markets worldwide.