Sports controlling bodies (SCBs) and Australian wagering operators share a mutual interest in protecting the integrity of Australian sport. This was one of the central messages to emerge from a sports integrity forum hosted by law firm Addisons late in 2012.

This message is particularly important given that the integrity of Australian sport was recently thrust into the limelight as a result of significant adverse publicity concerning doping, including investigations by various codes and the Australian Crime Commission (ACC).

Media comments relating to these investigations suggest that Australian sports are at risk of match-fixing attempts, particularly from overseas betting interests.

Addisons' integrity forum was attended by representatives of the AFL, ARU, Cricket Australia, FFA, NRL, Tennis Australia, the National Integrity of Sport Unit, NSW Sport and Recreation, as well as Australian wagering operators.

The forum identified that the key to protecting the integrity of sport are strong working relationships between SCBs and wagering operators, which, in turn, facilitate the constant exchange of information between these bodies. However, most importantly, these relationships are only likely to be effective to the extent that betting activities in connection with Australian sports are conducted through Australian licensed wagering operators.

The exchange of information currently takes place only between Australian licensed wagering operators and SCBs. Product fee and integrity agreements are not entered into by offshore betting interests, and it is fair to say that many of these interests have limited concern about the protection of the integrity of Australian sport.

Other issues examined during the forum include:

  • The advantage of betting with Australian licensed operators (and the importance of ensuring that these operators can compete effectively against their offshore counterparts)
  • The identification of suspicious betting patterns
  • Fair returns to sports from wagering
  • The need for education programmes aimed at sports participants.

After receiving positive feedback from the attendees, Addisons will reconvene the forum in 2013 to provide SCBs, wagering operators and other interested parties further opportunities to consolidate the necessarily close working relationships to ensure the integrity of sport. Particularly in light of the developments in Australian sport this week, these relationships are critical in strengthening the credibility of Australian sport.

The assistance of Jessica Azzi, Solicitor, of Addisons in the preparation of this article is noted and greatly appreciated.

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