UK Officials Say Match-Fixing Is Becoming More Complex

UK government officials have warned that match-fixing is becoming more sophisticated as betting products evolve and international criminal networks expand.

Speaking before the House of Lords International Agreements Committee on July 21, 2026, representatives from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) discussed the growing challenges of protecting sports integrity.

Officials said reports submitted to the UK Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit increased by 28% between 2024 and 2025. Football and tennis accounted for most of the reported cases.

Emma Floyd, Director of Sports and Gambling at DCMS, stated:

It is a very serious threat to the integrity of sport, to public confidence, fair competition, but also the integrity of the regulated betting market.

Lawmakers also questioned the rise of prediction markets, which allow users to trade contracts based on the outcome of future events. Officials said the planned ratification of the Macolin Convention was designed to remain effective as betting products continue to develop.

Floyd added that enforcement efforts should go beyond blocking illegal gambling websites. Authorities should also target customer acquisition, advertising and payment services used by unlicensed operators.

The UK signed the Macolin Convention in 2018 but has not yet ratified it. The current parliamentary review is expected to continue until October 12, 2026.