William Hill’s Bill South to examine betting integrity at EiG

Speaking ahead of his presentation, which is being held on Day 1 of EiG, South said, "Betting is still unregulated and untaxed in many jurisdictions, albeit betting itself is still often widespread. However, the prevailing trend is towards regulation, which gives control of the consumer framework, taxation and integrity measures. At EiG we will explore how this can be expanded into a preferred licensing model as well as analysis of what taxation models are available and their impact – GGR vs turnover for example. An open (unlimited) licensed market incorporating a GGR taxation system, provides the foundation of an effective regulatory platform which in turn gives the basis of a strong sports betting integrity environment."

A partnership approach to integrity and what that can deliver for stakeholders will form part of the debate, focusing on the benefits of regulators, sports bodies, law enforcement and betting operators working closely together and collaboratively. According to Bill South, partnership working serves to strengthen the integrity framework, encourages operators to invest in betting integrity measures and deters corruptors.

South commented, “I will also be looking at the role of ESSA (Sports Betting Integrity) which is widely recognised to have contributed to the licensed betting sector’s continuing success in deterring betting related match-fixing within its markets. The organisation’s core mandate is to facilitate cross-sector partnerships and to protect operators, their customers and sporting bodies from betting related corruption. The presentation will examine its core functions, its real time alert system and how it interacts with other key bodies. Events such as EiG provide a vital platform in sharing knowledge and allowing for informed debate around these propositions."