Police will receive real-time updates on suspicious betting events across the globe, aiming to combat match-fixing in esports, due to a recent agreement.
In February, a Letter of Agreement was signed between the Victoria Police and the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC).
Victoria Police’s Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit (SIIU) will now have the capability to receive prompt betting alerts from ESIC concerning suspicious esports events, ensuring swift investigative action when needed.
ESIC is a non-profit organisation with members ranging from government bodies to global esports federations and tournament operators.
Founded in 2015, ESIC primarily focuses on combating and prosecuting cheating in esports, including doping and match manipulation.
In 2019, Victoria Police’s SIIU initiated the first Australian law enforcement inquiry into match-fixing in esports.
Subsequently, five men faced charges including corruption of betting outcomes, and use of corrupt information for betting. Each offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
Victoria Police regards esports match-fixing with the same severity as traditional sports.
The 2013 amendment to the Victorian Crimes Act included four criminal offences directly linked to corrupt betting outcomes. The offences do not specify the type of sport, extending the law’s reach to all corruption of esports betting outcomes.
Those who have information about illegal activities should get in touch with Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to
Comments from Assistant Commissioner Chris Gilbert – Intelligence and Covert Support Command:
“Sports betting and esports are worldwide industries, making match-fixing investigations highly complex due to the international dimension involved.
“This contractual arrangement allows our detectives to instantly receive real-time alerts about suspicious betting, primarily from offshore betting operators, and commence match-fixing investigations immediately.
“Players in esports, due to their demographic, are potentially more vulnerable to dealings with criminal entities.
“Lack of prizemoney and a lack of emphasis on integrity and education by game developers make these young adults more susceptible to corruption.
“Victoria Police consistently works to thwart potential offenders and organised crime syndicates’ attempts to infiltrate esports.
“In addition to our agreement with ESIC, we’ve established strong connections with various esports stakeholders and betting operators, and we will continue to jointly target any suspicious activities.
“These are serious crimes that entail substantial penalties, and we’ll treat any reports of suspicious activities with utmost seriousness.”
Comments from Stephen Hanna, Director of Global Strategy at the Esports Integrity Commission:
“A joint effort between law enforcement agencies and the Esports Integrity Commission is crucial in ensuring a secure and fair esports environment. We applaud Victoria Police’s dynamic and involved strategy in partnering with ESIC to tackle esports match-fixing.
“Esports, as a global industry, necessitates a worldwide response to uphold its integrity. Working cooperatively with law enforcement agencies, such as Victoria Police, enables us to detect and investigate suspicious betting activities effectively, and in turn, preserve the integrity of esports competitions.
“This Letter of Agreement exhibits the joint commitment of ESIC and Victoria Police in disrupting, preventing, and prosecuting match-fixing in esports. We are eager to continue our collaboration with Victoria Police and other international law enforcement agencies to secure the future of esports.”