The WLA Security Control Standard (WLA-SCS :2020), developed by the WLA Security and Risk Management Committee (SRMC) helps the industry earn this trust.
Access the updated WLA Code of Practice here.
The subsequent WLA Code of Practice (CoP:2020) was developed to assist in the application of the global security control standard. In the same year the CoP was first published, many sports betting markets opened, and there has since been an increase in regulatory requirements around the world. The CoP contains implementation guidelines and examples of audit evidence for the standard’s controls.
Enhancing integrity in sports and sports betting
The SRMC together with the WLA Betting Integrity on Sports & Horse Racing Committee has recently updated the section on sports betting controls with the following changes:
- Addition of definitions for fixed odds betting, live betting and pool betting, to clarify common terms used in the framework of sports betting activities and enhance understanding in section L 6.
- Given the complexity of sports betting, and the diverse regulations and laws applicable in different countries, strong operational controls are needed to ensure players have all the information they require, in a clear and understandable way, before they place bets. Section L 6.1.1 outlines what this entails and includes an additional list of minimum controls that should be present.
- Section L 6.2.1 provides additional detail for procedures related to events selection and odds compiling, determination of betting results, qualifying betting results, as well as ensuring the reliability on external stakeholders who are involved in these processes.
- Live betting platforms must process more quickly and effectively than any other betting and enable a live betting panel where traders are allowed to manage live betting offers and the betting itself through its lifecycle, from creation or opening to settlement. Section L 6.2.2 offers additional context around live betting, a description of what a live betting offer should cover, as well as the list of controls.
- Additional information on the event and internal controls for monitoring sports betting activities with the aim of maintaining integrity throughout the operations is given in section L 6.3.1. For event monitoring this includes putting risk management measures in place to mitigate the integrity risk associated with potential sport crimes linked to a sport events/betting, for instance using third-party services such as Global Lottery Monitoring Services (GLMS). It also details the relevant steps to take in the event suspicious activity is detected. For internal controls, it lists the activities and duties assigned to the relevant personnel as well as the training they require and the kind of organization structure that should be in place that establishes clear work responsibilities to minimize mistakes, limit liabilities, and ensure that no group has overall control without oversight.
