International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA)

History and Founding

The International Betting Integrity Association began in 2005 as the European Sports Security Association (ESSA), a response to growing concerns about match-fixing in European sports betting markets. As the organisation expanded its reach beyond Europe, it rebranded in the 2010s to IBIA to better reflect its global mandate. Its headquarters have always been in Brussels, Belgium, where a small team coordinates integrity efforts across the regulated betting industry.

Business Model and Funding

IBIA is a non-profit association funded entirely by its operator members, currently numbering over 90 operators who represent more than 200 betting brands. This membership-driven model ensures the association remains neutral and independent, focused solely on integrity without commercial bias. The association does not charge for alerts or data sharing; its services are funded through membership fees.

Core Products and Platforms

The centerpiece of IBIA’s operations is the Global Monitoring & Alert Platform (Global MAP), a proprietary system that continuously analyses betting data from member operators. It covers more than 1.5 million sporting events and $300 billion in bets each year, detecting unusual wagering patterns that may indicate manipulation. When suspicious activity is identified, alerts are sent to relevant sports federations, regulators, and law enforcement agencies. In addition, IBIA runs a Data Standards & Certification Program that sets baseline data-sharing and reporting requirements for the industry, promoting consistency and transparency in integrity monitoring.

Policy Advocacy and Education

Beyond monitoring, IBIA actively engages in policy advocacy, working with governments and international bodies to promote harmonised regulations that protect regulated markets and consumers. The association also delivers athlete-education sessions aimed at preventing match-fixing, often in partnership with sports organisations. Its educational initiatives are designed to raise awareness among athletes about the risks and consequences of manipulation.

Strategic Partnerships and Growth

IBIA has formed strategic partnerships with entities such as the Africa Integrity Alliance (AIA), where it serves as a betting-integrity partner, and has collaborated with Sportradar and Infront to enhance integrity measures. The association’s membership continues to grow, with recent additions including Mohegan and SkillOnNet, further strengthening its global network. IBIA publishes regular integrity reports; its 2025 Sports Betting Integrity Report documented 300 alerts, with football and tennis dominating suspicious betting activity.

Market Position and Impact

As the largest operator-led integrity network in the regulated sports betting sector, IBIA occupies a unique position at the intersection of the betting industry, sports, and public authorities. Its Global MAP platform is recognised as a critical tool for detecting and deterring match-fixing, and its alerts have facilitated numerous investigations and sanctions worldwide. The association’s credibility stems from its operator-driven governance and its commitment to transparency, making it a trusted partner for sports bodies and regulators globally.