In recent years, Peru has witnessed an alarming rise in the popularity of sports betting. With millions of Peruvians engaging in this activity, there is a growing concern about the potential for match fixing and the manipulation of sports results. To address this issue, Congresswoman Susel Paredes has presented a bill that seeks to make match fixing a criminal offense.
Congresswoman Paredes, from the Cambio Democratico-Juntos party, has taken the lead in presenting a bill that aims to criminalize match fixing in Peru. The current law considers match fixing to be an infraction, but Paredes believes that stronger measures are necessary to combat this growing menace. The bill proposes harsh penalties for those involved in match fixing, including imprisonment ranging from three to ten years.
Moreover, players and individuals associated with sports in a professional capacity may face even more severe consequences, with a minimum custodial sentence of four years.
The surge in sports betting in Peru has been significant, raising concerns about the integrity of sporting events. According to a report by Attach, a company specializing in the analysis of betting trends, the number of Peruvians participating in sports betting has skyrocketed. In 2019, over two million Peruvians engaged in sports betting, which surged to five million in 2020 and further increased to six million in 2021. Notably, a staggering 90 percent of these bets were placed on soccer/football matches.
The exponential growth of the sports betting market has created an environment where the manipulation of competitions and sports results has become more prevalent. The proposed bill acknowledges the dangers associated with this trend and aims to curb illicit activities by implementing effective deterrent measures.
The bill presented by Paredes is an important step towards strengthening the legal framework surrounding sports betting and match fixing in Peru. It builds upon Law No. 31557, which was recently approved by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism to regulate online gaming and sports betting. The regulations accompanying this law aim to provide a more robust framework for the industry, ensuring transparency and fair play.
The rapid growth of the sports betting market in Peru has made it an attractive target for individuals seeking to manipulate sporting events for personal gain. The large number of participants and the substantial amounts of money involved create an environment ripe for corruption. Match fixing occurs when someone intentionally alters the outcome of a sports competition for financial benefit. This can involve bribing players, coaches, or officials to influence the result or course of a game.
Addressing match fixing requires a collective effort from all stakeholders involved in sports, including sports organizations, betting operators, law enforcement agencies, and the government. The proposed bill emphasizes the need for collaboration and cooperation to effectively tackle this issue. It highlights the importance of sharing information and intelligence to identify and apprehend those involved in match fixing operations.
Match fixing is not limited to Peru alone; it is a global issue that requires international cooperation. The proposed bill recognizes the need for collaboration with other countries to combat match fixing effectively. Sharing best practices, exchanging information, and coordinating investigations can help create a united front against this illicit activity.
The introduction of stricter legislation to combat match fixing in Peru will have significant implications for the sports betting industry. Betting operators will need to enhance their due diligence processes and implement robust systems to detect suspicious betting patterns. Additionally, they will be required to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share information that may aid in identifying potential instances of match fixing.
Preventing match fixing also necessitates raising awareness among athletes, coaches, officials, and the general public about the consequences of engaging in such activities. Education programs and campaigns can play a crucial role in deterring individuals from getting involved in match fixing and promoting the importance of fair play and integrity in sports.
