March Madness Betting and Match-Fixing Concerns
March Madness, a significant betting event in the nation, is not immune to the issues of insider player betting and organized match-fixing, similar to other sports and eSports.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) predicts a massive $3.1 billion in wagering handle this year, prompting a closer look at the technology and procedures being implemented to combat fraudulent betting activities.
The NCAA is utilizing advanced bet monitoring technology known as ProhiBet to crack down on gambling violations, including student-athletes betting. This tool cross-references personal details of NCAA athletes, coaches, and staff with sportsbook databases to detect unauthorized wagering practices.
Concerns Across Different Sports
Not limited to NCAA events, the issue of athlete-betting infractions is widespread. Major conferences like the SEC are also urging schools to adopt ProhiBet to prevent such violations.
One notable incident involved two football players in Texas whose combined wagering on a fantasy sports site amounted to nearly $15,000, discovered through ProhiBet technology.
NCAA President Charlie Baker is considering banning prop bets due to the rise in player and coach harassment by disgruntled gamblers, with one in three heavily bet-on sports athletes reporting threats or intimidation.
Evolving Issues in eSports
Match-fixing and points shaving extend beyond traditional sports and affect eSports as well. External entities can influence results, as seen in the case of MLB Umpire Pat Hoberg’s dismissal.
Even eSports has faced cases of wrongdoing, such as Fortnite player Morgan ‘RepulseGod’ Bamford’s ban for cheating in the Fortnite Championship Series. However, the lack of a unified governing body in eSports makes it challenging to regulate gamers and potential fraudulent gambling incidents.
While the NCAA is actively using monitoring tools like ProhiBet during March Madness, the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) overseeing college-level gaming lacks the same level of infrastructure to ensure matchday integrity.