Sportradar inks Call of Duty betting integrity deal
Data giant to provide esports intelligence and analysis to Call of Duty and Overwatch leagues
Sportradar has signed a multi-year betting integrity deal with Activision Blizzard Esports for its Call of Duty and Overwatch leagues.
The data specialist will provide intelligence and investigative services to both leagues, as well as helping to educate esports players on betting integrity risks.
The Swiss firm will also develop an app allowing players to anonymously report suspected betting integrity issues such as match-fixing.
Monitoring betting data from more than 600 global operators via its Fraud Detection System, Sportradar will be able to highlight irregularities in betting patterns which can then be investigated further.
Andy Cunningham, North America head of integrity services and league relations at Sportradar, said: “Integrity is a crucial component to the overall success of esports, especially in a time with more betting opportunities available and more tournaments taking place.”
Jason Hahn, head of strategic initiatives at Activision Blizzard Esports, commented: “Call of Duty League and Overwatch League have long taken steps to safeguard the integrity of matches, and working with Sportradar is a step to further reinforce the importance of fair play.
“As our esports activities continue to grow and as fans increasingly engage with wagering on matches, we need to ensure we are doing as much as we can to proactively protect our ecosystem.
“Working with Sportradar, an industry leader, is important in protecting our players, teams and matches and giving fans the best experience they deserve. We look forward to establishing this relationship with Sportradar and continued expansion of our work together,” he added.