The number of suspicious betting alerts reported to authorities around the world climbed by 12% year-on-year and 65% sequentially to 56 in 1Q24, with Asia taking center stage as the home of suspicious activity, according to the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

Its quarterly report shows that the 56 alerts in the three months to 31 March 2024 compared with 50 reports in 4Q23 and just 34 in 1Q23. All alerts were identified using customer account data from IBIA members, which number over 50 companies and 125 sports betting brands.

The latest figures show that Asia accounted for 41% of all alerts, followed by North America and South America with 18% each. Europe accounted for just 4 of the 56 total alerts, a decrease of 76% against the December 2023 quarter.

Football had the highest number of alerts by sport with 24, representing a 50% increase on the 16 reported in 4Q23.

“The first quarter saw an increase in reported alerts highlighting the ongoing challenge our members, sports and regulatory authorities face from corrupt activity, with football and Asia dominating our Q1 report,” said INIA CEO, Khalid Ali.

“IBIA’s alerts are supported by detailed global customer account data only available to IBIA and its membership, which continues to grow, widening our world leading market coverage. That account data provides evidentiary information that is vital for advancing investigations and imposing sanctions. IBIA is committed to continuing to work closely with stakeholders and to providing this important evidence base.”

IBIA said its members account for more than US$300 billion in annual betting turnover or 50% of the global commercial regulated land-based and online sports betting sector.