ESIC partners with Gambling Commission

Monday 5th of June 2017

Non-profit Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC) has announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Gambling Commission in order to better detect and prevent betting malpractice in eSports.

The information-sharing agreement will place eSports in the same level as sports such as cricket and football when investigating issues of suspected integrity-related corruption.

“This memorandum of understanding is a significant step for ESIC and the eSports community,” said Ian Smith, Commissioner for the ESIC. “The Gambling Commission has significant resources and powers that will be invaluable in helping to combat any emergence of organized crime or serious fraud within our rapidly growing sector.”

The agreement with the Gambling Commission will see the regulator work closely with its own Sports Betting Intelligence Unit in order to identify potential irregularities within eSports gambling.

“As eSports continues to grow successfully, so will the inevitable attempts to profit on the back of that success through illegitimate means,” said Smith.

“This agreement will help protect all the individuals, teams and companies working so hard to make eSports successful for players and fans alike.”

Richard Watson, program director for the Gambling Commission said: “eSports is a developing sector that offers new challenges for the betting industry with potential for further market growth.

“This agreement demonstrates our commitment to supporting ESIC in addressing the potential integrity risks to help maintain public confidence in eSports both as entertainment and for those who wish to place bets on British licensed markets.”

Sports Betting ESports Integrity