Esports Integrity Commission issues 35 sanctions in betting probe
Regulatory body clamps down on Australian CS:GO players as it cites match-fixing fears
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has issued sanctions to 35 individuals for betting offences in Australia.
The ESIC’s investigation found the individuals had breached anti-corruption code, with three of the offending behaviours discovered in Australia’s ESEA CS:GO league.
Those in breach were discovered to have either bet on matches, bet on their own matches, or bet against their own team, in the rap sheet unveiled by the regulatory body.
Each offence, which contravenes Article 2.2 of the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code, corresponds to varying levels of sanctions.
Individuals found to have bet on matches are issued with a 12-month ban, while those who bet on their own matches are handed a 24-month ban.
Betting against one’s own team can result in a 48-month suspension, and if there are more than 10 recorded instances, individuals can be banned for 60 months.
The ESIC also reported that non-player associates had also displayed adverse betting behaviour and been referred to Australian law enforcement.
The ESIC noted that while the investigation did not pertain directly to match-fixing, it remained a strong possibility.
The ESIC said: “This release does not deal with ascertaining or alleging the presence of match fixing, although the strong possibility of this in a number of cases is still under investigation by both ESIC and law enforcement.”
In a closing statement, the ESIC said: “Cooperation between ESIC and all tournament organisers in relation to anti-corruption matters are essential in the pursuit of safeguarding esports.
“We appreciate the proactive efforts of the ESEA in working with us diligently to investigate any indication of malpractice by participants within their events. Furthermore, ESIC would like to thank our anti-corruption supporters for their collaboration on the investigation so far,” the statement concluded.
The regulatory body also stated that it was in the midst of investigations across North America and Europe, across multiple leagues and multiple game titles.