Top bookmakers stand victims as Brazil rocked by match-fixing scandals

Multiple sports betting operators in Brazil have issued a joint statement condemning the recent alleged cases of football match-fixing in the country. 

Local media reports that 28 companies in total have raised a concern that they’ve been victims of fraud as a result of the relevant criminal behaviours currently being investigated by authorities. 

These include 15 businesses represented by the National Association of Responsible Gaming (ANJL), nine members of the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR), and five independent firms. 

News broke in May that more than 10 players from major soccer clubs in Brazil have had a probe launched against them by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Goiás in relation to match-fixing activities. 

Wesley Cardia, CEO of ANJL, commented: “The Association considers that the manipulation of soccer results undermines the credibility of the sport in Brazil, in addition to harming bookmakers and bettors.

“We hereby reiterate our disapproval of the illicit actions that harm the sport, the practice of responsible gaming, the integrity of the results, and, mainly, the sports bookmakers, who are the main victims of the fraud that has occurred.” 

The ANJL represents GaleraBet/PlayTech, Kaizen, Betano, BIG/Ceaser’s Sportsbook, F12, PagBet, BetNacional, Mr. Jack, Primtemps, BetFast, Okto, ApostaGanha, Liderança Capitalização, and Parimatch.

Further comments were also provided by LeoVegas representatives, stating: “The manipulation of results is considered one of the biggest threats to the integrity of competitive sports. 

“Preventing, detecting, and prosecuting match-fixing requires collaboration between sport, gaming companies, and law enforcement.”

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