SBC Digital Italia: Sharing information to battle the phenomenon of match-fixing

The Italian method of tackling match-fixing and illegal sports betting practise across the globe is the trailblazer for other countries to follow, according to a panel of industry experts.
Image: Shutterstock

The Italian method of tackling match-fixing and illegal sports betting practise across the globe is the trailblazer for other countries to follow, according to a panel of industry experts.

During a panel titled ‘Match-fixing phenomenon at the time of COVID’ on day one of SBC Digital Italia – moderated by the President of the Global Lottery Monitoring System (GLMS) Ludovico Calvi – the delegates discussed how match-fixing has evolved throughout the Coronavirus lockdowns but also examined the ‘Italian Model’ of tackling the crime.

The Italian model refers to the internal and international co-operation the Italian authorities are attempting to initiate to share information on those responsible for the crime around sports betting. 

Formed in 2011, the co-operation includes sporting organisations, the Police, local councils and the national Government. Italy was also a big influencer in the signing of the Macolin Convention in 2014.

Speaking on the SBC Advisory sponsored track, Stefano Delfini, Director of Criminal Analysis at the Italian Ministry of Internals, described why the Italian authorities started the initiative.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs has always been very attentive to the match-fixing phenomenon,” he said

“We want to exchange. We want to share all the information. We want to monitor the phenomenon but also we want to do analysis and put forward proposals to improve the cooperation in fighting this phenomenon which concerns, of course, the attempts to manipulate sports betting but attempts to infiltrate the sports world by the mafia.”

Joining Calvi and Delfini on the panel was Luca Turchi, Director Of Games Control Office of the Games Directorate; Claudio Marinelli, Project Manager, Criminal Intelligence Officer, Interpol; Ugo Taucer, Attorney General, CONI; and Roberto Ribaudo, Director Interpol Italia Division, International Police Cooperation Service.

Turchi shared how the ‘Italian Model’ became influential across the world and how Italy is trying to encourage international cooperation.

“The drafting of the convention was done seven years ago but we worked for a few years and in cooperation with our colleagues at the Italian Tax Police,” he said

“We are protecting the world of sport. We actually tried to show what the situation was and to make it understandable that we need this network that already existed on a national level, and we are further developing at an international level. 

“We tried to create a mechanism which allowed for internal, national and international exchange of information. This is not just for the sports betting network, but for the entire betting world.”

The SBC Digital Italia conference and exhibition on 28-29 July features more than 60 expert speakers – including senior executives from the country’s largest gambling operators – sharing insights on the future of the Italian gaming retail, casino, igaming and sports betting industries. 
All conference sessions are available to watch live or on demand via the event platform. To access the content, simply register for a free pass at the SBC Digital Italia website.