The IBIA introduces fresh guidelines for safeguarding data.
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has introduced new regulations for data protection and data collection in the betting industry. The aim is to tackle corruption and manipulation in betting, which are currently under debate within the gambling sector. What do these new standards entail?
High transparency and accountability
Various regulatory bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and Spelinspektionen (Sweden) are already combating betting manipulation. Now, the IBIA is joining the fight: this global advocacy group for betting integrity has set forth a set of new industry standards designed to safeguard sports and bookmakers' integrity. Their primary focus is on data and customer protection.
Numerous of these regulations deal with capturing business transactions and tracing data records that betting providers access. As there's a general lack of regulation in this area, accuracy and transparency are highly critical. The supply chains need to be fully traceable to ensure the integrity of sports.
The IBIA believes that no data set is immune to corruption, but robust measures can protect sports, products, and consumers from unlawful activities. The only way to mitigate the risks linked to sports betting is through comprehensive and effective controls. In May, IBIA CEO Khalid Ali had advocated for more reliable data collection in the betting industry. The Covid-19 pandemic made the need for secure data even more apparent. Safety is crucial for both licensed betting providers and clients. The IBIA urged its members to develop and employ best-practice standards immediately. A month before, the European Gaming Association (EGBA) had also called for high industry standards from its members.
Strengthening measures in three key areas
To guarantee precise and reliable data, IBIA has devised measures in three key areas: staff vetting and training, data collection processes, and data integrity and reporting. Employees of sports associations and betting companies will be significantly impacted by these measures.
Firstly, the IBIA demands that all data collection be done by individuals aged 18 or older. Pre-employment checks and additional background checks are essential to ensure no conflicts of interest arise. Also, all employees must receive in-person training that they should repeat after being inactive for 90 days or longer.
Secondly, data collection procedures must be meticulously documented to make the source and reliability of the data clear. The process of transferring data from data providers to operator customers must be explicitly outlined. Lastly, data should be stored securely for at least three years for potential inspections by regulatory authorities.
Thirdly, comprehensive risk assessments must be conducted on all data sets, with regular monitoring and review of potential threats. Any integrity-related issues must be reported promptly to all involved regulators, law enforcement authorities, and industry representatives. IBIA CEO Khalid Ali stated that these measures reflect the minimum expectations of the association and its members.
Certification and auditing process
Any operator that adheres to the new standards will undergo a certification process by eCOGRA, a reputable testing body. If they pass, the companies will earn a Data Standards Kitemark, showcasing their highest quality standards in data safety.
eCOGRA's auditors have collaborated with numerous companies in the betting and data industries previously. This knowledge and experience will be used to examine the new IBIA data standards. The certification process kickstarts with Stats Perform, a data provider that partners with many betting providers and announced its plans to adopt the IBIA standards.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
