Many government officials are worried that upcoming Olympic Games will result in illegal betting or event fixing. The International Olympic Committee has stated they will be working with many betting operators to make sure this does not happen. The IOC has currently announced they will be working with Betfair to watch for suspicious betting patterns.

The two groups will be sharing information and data on a regular basis to watch for odd goings on in sports betting options. The IOC will be able to access the identity of any account holder who has wagered suspiciously at Betfair.

Hugh Robertson is the Sports Minister and he stated that the threat of illegal gambling rings is large and could affect the Olympic Games. Robertson also stated that betting corruption is worse the drug problems. Robertson commented to the Sunday Times:

"You cannot underestimate the threat this poses, because the moment that spectators start to feel that what they are seeing is not a true contest, that is when spectators stop turning up and the whole thing turns to pieces.”

Along with working with Betfair, the IOC will also be working with the Gambling Commission as well as police to take a stand against illegal betting syndicates that make operate during the Olympic Games.
Betfair will be using the latest technology as well as a team of integrity experts to makes sure all betting activity is monitored and they catch and suspicious activity.


- 2012-01-12