Sports betting operators, better known as bets, have been stepping up their efforts to detect and prevent match-fixing in soccer. Suspicions are being identified quickly, especially after the cases involving athletes Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Henrique.
Furthermore, constant monitoring of platforms, combined with support from companies specializing in integrity, allows for more effective identification of atypical behavior.
Recently, one of the operators temporarily suspended betting after identifying that 98% of the predictions related to yellow cards were focused on a single player. The bets were placed within a short period of time, with nine of them being at the maximum allowed amount.
Bernardo Cavalcanti Freire, of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and Betlaw, explained: “The suspicion was observed almost simultaneously with the betting. It’s a service that already existed before the regulation and gained momentum with the provisional authorizations of 2024.”
Coordinated actions by betting companies strengthen the fight against fraud
According to Fellipe Fraga, an executive at EstrelaBet, the sector maintains constant vigilance to prevent fraud. “The market provides data so that leagues and authorities can act efficiently,” he stated. He also highlighted Paquetá’s case as an example of a transparent process, emphasizing West Ham’s support for the player during the investigation.
Responsible Gaming expert Daniel Fortune defended the importance of preserving the recreational nature of betting. “Manipulating for profit distorts the purpose of the market. The 2025 regulation requires strict rules against fraud and money laundering,” he stated.
In this context, educational initiatives have also gained ground. 7K, a company of the Ana Gaming Group, hosted a workshop with the Mirassol squad in partnership with Sportradar.
The initiative marked the company’s debut in activities with Serie A clubs. Nickolas Ribeiro, partner at Grupo Ana Gaming, emphasized: “Integrity is central to the sector’s credibility. This workshop in Mirassol reflects our commitment to regulatory requirements.” He reinforced that the training serves as an effective strategy for mitigating risks.
Regulation, reporting and publicity reinforce the safe environment
According to experts, betting houses are among those most affected by fraud. Bernardo Freire stated that regulation has provided greater transparency and paved the way for more consistent reporting. “They are at risk from the actions of other bettors,” he explained.
According to him, companies suffer losses when premiums are paid improperly. For this reason, control is carried out with the support of artificial intelligence systems authorized by the Ministry of Treasury.
Advertising also became part of the collective effort to ensure a more trustworthy environment. In 2024, the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (CONAR) signed an agreement with the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) to regulate campaigns and encourage educational practices.
Hans Schleier, from Casa de Apostas, highlighted the importance of clear regulations in the sector. “Advertising needs to follow healthy guidelines for the industry,” he stated. Among the measures adopted are educational campaigns, strategic partnerships, and accessible reporting channels.
Cristiano Costa, a psychologist at the Brazilian School of Betting and Casinos (EBAC), assessed that communication plays a crucial role. “Good communication involves message, environment, and context,” he stated.
Renê Salviano, from Heatmap, suggested that Brazil look at international examples. “Responsibility and ethics must guide marketing and education about gambling,” he declared.
