The United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS) is proud to reaffirm its commitment to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to uphold the integrity of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. As we approach the Games time, ULIS is dedicated to its mission of protecting sports integrity through diligent monitoring and intelligence efforts. In collaboration with the IOC and other partners, ULIS aims to ensure that the Games are not only a celebration of athletic excellence but also a beacon of integrity and fairness.
Operationally, for the upcoming monitoring of Olympic Games in Paris, ULIS will activate the ULIS Monitoring & Intelligence Group (UMIG), a specialized lottery task force that plays a critical role in overseeing major global sports events. This deployment, along with the ULIS Operational hubs in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, is essential for the 24/7 monitoring coverage during the Games. This round the clock work would not be possible without such collective efforts. Through a combination of advanced technology, experienced personnel, and rigorous protocols, ULIS is equipped to identify suspicious activities that may compromise the integrity of the Games.
In preparation for this major event, ULIS and its French lottery member, La Française des Jeux (FDJ), have actively participated in testing exercises organized by the French authorities, designing theoretical cases for discussions. “These exercises, focused on the coordination of the alerting process, ensure that our systems and procedures in place are robust and capable of addressing any potential threats to the integrity of the competitions,” said ULIS President Gilles Maillet. In France, the responsibility for local coordination in response to alerts will be managed by the French National Platform. This will ensure a centralized and systematic approach to maintain seamless communication flow among the relevant authorities.
In the event that monitoring activities detect a potential manipulation case, the Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of Manipulation of Competition (OM Unit PMC) may initiate a disciplinary process. Should there be any criminal dimension involved, French law enforcement authorities will be activated. ULIS has a successful history of assisting the IOC in monitoring several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, as well as the Youth Olympic Games. Since 2021, both organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding emphasizing their mutual commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in sports.
As stressed by the IOC, “Bets can be placed on all Olympic events, and that is not negative per se. It is a way to engage sports fans across the globe. The problem occurs when it triggers competition manipulation.” By combining the expertise and resources of the lotteries, ULIS in partnership with the IOC and other key stakeholders can together uphold sports integrity and safeguard the spirit of true sportsmanship to celebrate the true essence of the Olympic Games.
