Sportradar Reports Notable Decline in Match-Fixing in 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Sportradar Integrity Services reported a significant decline in match-fixing incidents during 2024, with 1,108 suspicious matches identified across 850,000 monitored events in 70 sports, marking a 17% decrease from 2023. Europe, historically the most affected region, saw a 34% reduction with 439 suspicious matches, while Africa experienced a 36% decrease with 69 cases.

Soccer, the world's most popular sport, recorded 721 suspicious matches, an 18% reduction from 2023. Notably, Brazilian soccer showed a substantial improvement with a 48% decrease, dropping from 110 to 57 suspicious matches.

The company utilized its Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS), combining AI and advanced data analytics to monitor competitions and identify irregular betting patterns. During 2024, Sportradar provided integrity support for major events including the IOC Summer Olympics, UEFA EURO 2024, and CONMEBOL Copa America 2024.

Positive

• 17% decrease in overall suspicious matches detected (1,108 vs 1,335 in 2023)
• 34% reduction in suspicious matches in Europe (439 vs 668)
• 36% decrease in suspicious matches in Africa (69 vs 108)
• 48% reduction in Brazilian soccer suspicious matches (57 vs 110)

Negative

• Match-fixing remains a persistent global issue despite improvements
• 1,108 suspicious matches still detected across monitored sports

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The 17% decrease in suspicious matches indicates a meaningful improvement in sports integrity, which is important for Sportradar's business model and market position. The company's monitoring of 850,000 matches across 70 sports demonstrates extensive market coverage and data collection capabilities, strengthening its competitive moat in the sports integrity services sector.

The significant reduction in match-fixing cases, particularly in key markets like Europe (34% decrease) and Brazil (48% decrease), suggests improved effectiveness of Sportradar's Universal Fraud Detection System. This technological advancement, combining AI with human expertise, enhances the company's value proposition to sports organizations and betting operators, potentially driving future revenue growth through increased adoption of their services.

Tech Expert

Sportradar's integration of advanced data analytics and AI through their UFDS platform represents a sophisticated technological approach to fraud detection. The system's ability to process and analyze betting patterns across hundreds of thousands of matches showcases robust scalability and machine learning capabilities. The partnership with ATP and Tennis Data Innovations for AI-driven athlete protection further diversifies their technology stack beyond traditional match-fixing detection.

The successful monitoring of major events like the Olympics and UEFA EURO 2024 validates the platform's reliability at scale. This technological differentiation and proven track record in high-stakes environments positions Sportradar favorably against competitors in the growing sports integrity market.

Significant drop in suspicious matches detected in Europe and Africa; corruption in soccer decreased globally

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland, Jan. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After consecutive years of detecting rising numbers of suspicious matches, match-fixing at all levels of global sport 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 unit of Sportradar (NASDAQ:SRAD). 

Throughout 2024, Sportradar Integrity Services monitored more than 850,000 matches across 70 sports worldwide and 1,108 suspicious matches were identified, a 17% decrease from 2023. The highest number of suspicious matches were found across Europe, the region historically facing the most significant integrity issues. However, the year still ended with a 34% reduction in suspicious matches overall in this territory with 439 matches identified compared to 668 in 2023. Africa also finished with a considerable decline with 69 suspicious matches detected, a 36% decrease from 108 matches the year before.

Notably, the world’s most popular sport, soccer, saw a considerable downturn, with 721 suspicious matches detected in 2024, a reduction of 18% from 881 matches in 2023. Moreover, Brazilian soccer, which has been affected by match-fixing cases in recent years, recorded a marked decrease of 48% with 57 suspicious matches discovered last year, down from 110 in 2023. Nevertheless, despite the overall reduction in the number of suspicious matches detected, match-fixing remains a persistent issue worldwide. 

Sportradar uses 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 activity, such as substantial wagers on unlikely outcomes, Sportradar’s team of integrity experts is crucial in confirming match-fixing activities for further investigation. 

Andreas Krannich, Executive Vice President, Integrity, Rights Protection & Regulatory Services, Sportradar, said: “While the notable reduction in suspicious matches in 2024 gives us reason to be optimistic, it also signals the need for continued vigilance and innovation, given that the number remains significant.” 

"Our investment in innovation combined with data insights into the betting industry and continued education on integrity are at the forefront of keeping pace with 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 support foundational fair play and safeguard the integrity of sports worldwide," explained Krannich. 

During 2024, Sportradar provided integrity support for major global events such as the IOC 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, UEFA EURO 2024, CONMEBOL Copa America 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 to protect athletes from online abuse, highlighting its commitment to using innovation to address wider integrity issues in sport.

ABOUT SPORTRADAR
Sportradar Group AG (NASDAQ: SRAD), founded in 2001, is a leading global sports technology company creating immersive experiences for sports fans and bettors. Positioned at the intersection of the sports, media and betting industries, the company provides sports federations, news media, consumer platforms and sports betting operators with a best-in-class range of solutions to help grow their business. As the trusted partner of organizations like the ATP, NBA, NHL, MLB, NASCAR, UEFA, FIFA, CONMEBOL and Bundesliga, Sportradar covers close to a million events annually across all major sports. With deep industry relationships and expertise, Sportradar is not just redefining the sports fan experience, it also safeguards sports through its Integrity Services division and advocacy for an integrity-driven environment for all involved.

For more information about Sportradar, please visit www.sportradar.com

Sportradar Press Contact
Sandra Lee press@sportradar.com

Sportradar Investor Relations Contact
Jim Bombassei Investor.relations@sportradar.com

FAQ

How many suspicious matches did Sportradar (SRAD) detect in 2024?

Sportradar detected 1,108 suspicious matches in 2024, representing a 17% decrease from 2023.

What was the reduction in suspicious soccer matches for SRAD in 2024?

Soccer saw 721 suspicious matches in 2024, an 18% reduction from 881 matches in 2023.

How many matches did Sportradar (SRAD) monitor in 2024?

Sportradar monitored more than 850,000 matches across 70 sports worldwide during 2024.

What was the percentage decrease in suspicious matches in Europe for SRAD in 2024?

Europe saw a 34% reduction in suspicious matches, with 439 matches identified compared to 668 in 2023.

How did Brazilian soccer match-fixing numbers change for SRAD in 2024?

Brazilian soccer recorded a 48% decrease in suspicious matches, dropping from 110 in 2023 to 57 in 2024.