Momentum builds as Sports Betting Operators step up
DraftKings has become the latest major sports betting operator to join the IC360 and Signify Bad Actor Program, following Fanatics Sportsbook in supporting the world-first initiative designed to tackle online abuse in sport.
The development represents another important step forward in the growing fight against abuse directed towards athletes, coaches, officials and other sports figures – and demonstrates increasing momentum across the sports betting industry around the need for greater accountability.
Earlier this summer, Fanatics Sportsbook became the first sports betting operator to join the Bad Actor Program. The decision by DraftKings to now participate represents further recognition that sports betting operators have an important role to play in addressing abusive behaviour connected to betting activity.
Tackling the link between betting and online abuse
The Bad Actor Program is designed to identify and address individuals who use social media platforms to target people in sport with betting-related abuse, harassment and threats. Signify is working alongside IC360 in the delivery and development of the Bad Actor Program, bringing our expertise in identifying, investigating and addressing online abuse and threats.
The issue has become increasingly prominent in certain sports as athletes and other figures face significant levels of abuse online. In some cases, that abuse can escalate from insults and criticism to serious threats and harassment.
For the sports betting industry, there is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in addressing this behaviour.
A losing bet should never be a licence to threaten or abuse someone.
The Bad Actor Program provides a framework through which relevant individuals can be identified and appropriate action taken by participating operators. This can include sanctions against accounts, while relevant information and evidence can also be shared with sports organisations and law enforcement where appropriate.
Building greater accountability
The participation of DraftKings, following Fanatics Sportsbook, is an encouraging sign that the industry is beginning to recognise the importance of collective action.
Online abuse does not stop at the boundary of a particular platform. Individuals can move between betting operators and social media platforms, making collaboration and information sharing increasingly important in identifying repeat or serious offenders.
That is why broader participation in initiatives like this matters. The more operators that participate, the greater the potential to identify bad actors and take meaningful action against those who abuse people connected to sport.
We look forward to working collaboratively with IC360 and DraftKings as the program continues to develop and as more sports betting and prediction market operators recognise their role in creating safer environments for athletes and others involved in sport.
The addition of another major operator is a positive development – and an encouraging sign of greater accountability across the sports betting ecosystem.