Sportradar Reports a Notable Decline in Match – Fixing in 2024

January 10, 2025

After consecutive years of increasing numbers of suspicious matches, match-fixing at all levels of global sports registered a notable decline in 2024, according to the annual integrity report (Integrity in Action 2024 Global Analysis & Trends) published by Sportradar Integrity Services, a division of Sportradar (NASDAQ:SRAD).

Throughout 2024, Sportradar Integrity Services monitored more than 850,000 matches across 70 sports worldwide, identifying 1,108 suspicious matches — a 17% decrease compared to 2023. Europe, historically the region with the most significant integrity challenges, accounted for the highest number of suspicious matches. However, the year ended with a 34% reduction in suspicious matches in the region, with 439 matches identified compared to 668 in 2023. Africa also recorded a significant decrease, with 69 suspicious matches detected — a 36% drop compared to 108 matches the previous year.

Soccer, the world’s most popular sport, also saw substantial improvement. In 2024, 721 suspicious matches were detected, an 18% reduction from the 881 matches identified in 2023. Brazilian soccer, which has faced match-fixing cases in recent years, recorded a marked decrease of 48%, with 57 suspicious matches identified in 2024 compared to 110 in 2023. However, despite the overall reduction in suspicious matches, match-fixing remains a persistent issue worldwide.

Sportradar employs advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) through its Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS) to monitor competitions and identify irregular betting patterns. While AI flags unusual activities, such as significant wagers on unlikely outcomes, Sportradar’s team of integrity experts plays a crucial role in confirming match-fixing activities for further investigation.

Andreas Krannich, Executive Vice President of Integrity, Rights Protection, and Regulatory Services at Sportradar, stated:
“While the notable reduction in suspicious matches in 2024 gives us reasons for optimism, it also highlights the need for continued vigilance and innovation, as the number of cases remains significant.”

“Our investment in innovation, combined with data insights from the betting industry and continued integrity education, is at the forefront of adapting to the ever-evolving global sports integrity landscape. We remain committed to refining our methods and capabilities and collaborating across the sports and betting industries to promote fair play and safeguard the integrity of sports worldwide,” explained Krannich.

In 2024, Sportradar provided integrity support for major global events such as the IOC 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, UEFA EURO 2024, CONMEBOL Copa América 2024, and AFC Asian Cup 2023, showcasing its advanced bet monitoring and intelligence capabilities.

In July, the company partnered with the ATP and Tennis Data Innovations to launch an AI-driven safe sport solution designed to protect athletes from online abuse, further demonstrating its commitment to using innovation to address broader integrity issues in sports