GLMS raises 300 suspicious betting alerts in Q1

Of these alerts in the three months to 31 March, 243 were raised before a sporting event, 12 during the match or game and the remaining 45 after the event had ended. The total was down from 323 in the same period last year.

The GLMS said 185 of these alerts were classed as a ‘green notification’, which refers to alerts based on suspicious odds movements that later could be explained away. 

Some 65 were mid-level amber alerts, while just 14 were code red, which concern the most serious alerts such as specific allegations of match-fixing. A further 36 alerts were classed as “others” and included requests for information from members and partners.

Football drew the most alerts with a total of 176 notifications during the period, followed by basketball with 57, ice hockey on 35, esports with 23, six for tennis and three for volleyball.

In geographical terms, 170 of the alerts were in relation to events in Europe, 61 in Asia, 36 in South America, 22 in Africa, nine in North America and one for Oceania. A single alert was also registered for an international event. 

The primary reason for alerts was team-related news, with this being responsible for 112 alerts. Other reasons included significant odds changes, which led to 62 alerts, 31 for the wrong opening price, 24 for odds changes requiring further investigation and 15 related to motivation. 

Alerts are raised when irregular betting patterns are detected, after which the GLMS then consults with members to investigate the reasons behind the odds changes. When the patterns cannot be justified, the GLMS then produces a formal report.

During Q1, 10 reports were filed in Q1, seven of which were developed and circulated by the GLMS following internal investigation and significant alert. A further three reports were produced following a specific request from a member or partner to support internal investigation intelligence gathering.