In 2013, when he assumed the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach used part of his speech and then referred to Agenda 2020 to address the issue that arose in relation to sports betting and the results manipulation. Initially, this seemed to be something far from reality, however, over time, this need has become increasingly evident.
Even before that, in 2006, the IOC released its Code of Ethics, which explicitly prohibits all members of Olympic delegations and all accredited persons from engaging in any form of competition-related sports betting. This prohibition is further emphasized in the application process for participation in the Games, as mentioned in Articles 7 and 10.
In the document released by the IOC, it is recognized that sports betting has existed since ancient times. Consequently, following the recommendation of the International Forum for Sports Integrity, the Olympic Movement Unit was established, a unit dedicated to preventing the manipulation of competitions. This unit developed a comprehensive model, which includes strict rules and procedures, as well as an intelligence system and a channel for complaints.
From the London Olympic Games, held in 2012, an additional initiative was implemented, called Joint Integrity Intelligence Unit (JIIU). This unit is formed at each edition of the Olympic Games and brings together the efforts of the IOC, the Organizing Committee of the event in question, as well as national authorities, local police and Interpol. The JIIU works together to strengthen sporting integrity and combat any form of results manipulation.
In 2014, the IOC introduced the IBIS (Integrity Betting Intelligence System), a monitoring system that follows the entire process of betting agencies during the Olympic Games, detecting and investigating any activities considered suspicious. IBIS was developed to strengthen the integrity of the sporting event and ensure that any betting-related irregularities are promptly identified and properly addressed.
The Competition Manipulation Prevention Code, established in the Olympic Charter, in rules 25 and 43, is mandatory for all international sports federations. These federations must adopt the code in all their competitions, ensuring the application of the necessary preventive measures against results manipulation.