As a founding member of ULIS - United Lotteries for Integrity in Sport – EL actively participated in this year’s Integrity Seminar in Lausanne (27 November 2024).

In a dedicated panel discussion several EL members and national regulators came together to address the fight against illegals, one of the most pressing challenges in the sports and betting sector.

Lotteries and their national regulatory authorities share a common mission – to ensure a safe and secure environment for players. Yet, a significant challenge is the risk of overregulation.  Panelists highlighted that striking the right balance of regulatory frameworks is essential to channel players toward safe and responsible betting products while upholding the highest standards of responsible gaming.

Global Challenge Requires International Collaboration

While national-level cooperation between lotteries and regulators remains crucial, the global nature of sports betting requires a broader, international approach. The panel emphasised the importance of the Macolin Convention, which offers a clear definition of “illegal sports betting” as any sports betting activity whose type or operator is not allowed under the applicable law of the jurisdiction where the consumer is located.

Key Takeaways from Panelists 

The panelists including Jean-Luc Moner-Banet, CEO, Loterie Romande, Jens Nielsen, Sports Betting Director, Danske Spil, Andreas Arver, Integrity Officer, Svenska Spel and Simon Pedersen, Chief Adviser, Illegal Gambling, Match-Fixing & Market Statistics, Danish Gambling Authority, shed light on collaborative efforts to protect the integrity of sports and ensure fair play for all stakeholders. The panel was moderated by Alvise Angelini, EL’s Senior Policy Officer & Sport Secretary.

Jean-Luc Moner Banet stressed the importance of public awareness in combating illegal betting.  Loterie Romande, as all other national lotteries, faces a continuous challenge: remaining attractive while at the same time mitigating the risks associated with gambling. By maintaining this balance, national lotteries can safeguard players, ensure sustainability, and contribute profits to the public good.

Panelists also agreed that certain sports, particularly smaller events and lower leagues, are more vulnerable to illegal betting activities. Lotteries play a key role here, for example with financial support, resources and knowledge to protect sports integrity, athletes and to fight the penetration of illegal betting offers. 

https://www.european-lotteries.org/news/navigating-betting-landscape-how-lotteries-and-regulators-fight-against-illegal-offers