IBIA Reports 63 Suspicious Betting Alerts in Q1 2025

The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has released its Q1 2025 integrity report, revealing a notable 11% year-on-year increase in suspicious betting alerts.

During the first quarter, IBIA recorded 63 suspicious betting alerts, up from 57 in Q1 2024. Football again led all sports, accounting for nearly half (49%) of total alerts — a persistent trend that reflects the global sport’s vulnerability to betting corruption.

This rise, although slightly below the 65 alerts reported in Q4 2024, underscores that integrity threats remain constant and evolving. Tennis, table tennis, and basketball followed closely, each with nine alerts. Esports registered four alerts, while horse racing saw a single case.

Geographically, the IBIA flagged North America as the most affected region with 17 alerts, largely driven by football betting in Mexico and basketball in the US. South America, particularly Brazil, mirrored similar concerns, registering nine football-related alerts — tying with Mexico as the most affected single country.

IBIA CEO Khalid Ali acknowledged both progress and challenges, noting:

“The quarter-on-quarter reduction was primarily due to a fall in tennis alerts, which have shown a welcome reduction in recent years. However, concerns remain, particularly in table tennis, though recent spikes have stabilized.”

This report is a critical tool for stakeholders — regulators, operators, and sports bodies — as it highlights where to target enhanced monitoring and preventive action. For operators, the message is clear: proactive measures and strong integrity frameworks are essential to combat evolving threats.

North America’s rising alert count, especially in basketball, and South America’s football-related spikes signal emerging hot zones where vigilance is needed. Likewise, esports continues to present a unique challenge because it often operates across decentralized digital environments, complicating oversight.

Ali emphasized IBIA’s efforts to strengthen protections:

“IBIA has taken increased precautions regarding table tennis and agreed to several new integrity partnerships and protocols in Q1. These aim to detect and sanction corrupt betting activity.”

Operators, leagues, and regulators should intensify collaboration, leveraging IBIA’s insights to develop targeted, sport-specific, and regional countermeasures. With more than 80 companies and 140 betting brands under its watch, IBIA covers 50% of regulated online betting globally — offering a powerful platform to coordinate defenses against corruption.

Football Tops IBIA’s Q1 2025 Suspicious Betting Alerts as Global Integrity Risks Grow

Key Points

• 63 Alerts in Q1 2025: IBIA reports an 11% rise in suspicious betting alerts compared to Q1 2024, with football leading.
• Geographic Hotspots: Mexico and Brazil top country-specific alerts, while North America and South America show emerging risks.
• Integrity Partnerships: IBIA strengthens global monitoring by expanding integrity partnerships and sport-specific protocols.

Global Integrity in Focus: What the Numbers Reveal

The IBIA’s latest report paints a mixed picture. On the one hand, tennis — historically vulnerable to integrity issues — has seen a promising decline in alerts. This suggests that recent reforms, including better monitoring and disciplinary action, are delivering results.

On the other hand, football remains a persistent concern. Its sheer global reach, combined with high betting volumes, makes it a prime target for match-fixers and corrupt betting syndicates. From Mexico to Brazil and across Europe, the data signals that no region is immune.

Basketball’s rise in North America also demands attention, particularly as legal sports betting expands rapidly across US states. Operators and regulators there will need to act decisively to embed robust integrity mechanisms.

Meanwhile, esports continues to defy easy categorization. With events often spread across countries or held entirely online, tracing betting irregularities requires innovative solutions and cross-border cooperation.

The IBIA’s Q1 2025 report reinforces that while progress is being made in some sports, the global fight against betting-related corruption is far from over. Football, basketball, and esports present particular challenges, and vigilance is critical. By strengthening partnerships, improving monitoring, and deploying sport-specific safeguards, the industry can continue advancing toward a fairer, more secure betting ecosystem.