OUR COMMITMENT TO THE MACOLIN CONVENTION
We advise our members on the proper implementation of
the Convention and at the same time, we constitute a powerful network for exchanging and disseminating information of suspected competition manipulation.
The convention
On September 14, 2014, the Council of Europe concluded the International Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions in the town of Macolin, Switzerland. This internationally cohesive treaty – hereafter referred to as the Macolin Convention – was established to unite all nations in the global fight against corruption in sports and illegal sports betting. The Macolin Convention is the only international, legally binding instrument focusing specifically on the topic. AIt is a multilateral treaty that aims to prevent, detect, and punish match fixing in sport. ULIS and the state lottery world have been strong supporters of the Convention since it was established, and actively contribute to its implementation.
Our unique Observer Status representing the betting sector
Together with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Interpol, ULIS is one of the three observers to the Statutory Committee of the Council of Europe’s Macolin Convention on the Manipulations of Sports Competitions. As an observer, ULIS will be able to participate in meetings of the Follow Up Committee and contribute to subjects under discussion, including conditions to be met by sports betting operators in the exchange of information within national platforms, developing the list of sports organizations, and aspects of the Convention relevant to sports betting operators.
Added value for the sports betting sector and lotteries
As the Macolin Convention was drafted with state lotteries as a major stakeholder in mind, the manner in which it addresses sports betting is of great benefit to the lottery and sports betting the sector. By encouraging the establishment of a public authority to regulate betting within each jurisdiction, the Macolin Convention seeks to ensure that the state properly enforces measures to combat illicit betting and efficiently monitors the situation regularly within its borders.
Macolin Convention places a clear yet positive obligation on its parties. Such actions include, but are not limited to:
- Restricting access to illegal operators, both physical and online
- Closing down illegal betting operations or blocking access to their websites
- Blocking the financial flow between illegal sports betting operators and consumers
- Prohibiting illegal betting operations from advertising
- Requiring all betting organizations to operate lawfully
Sports organisations and competition organisers are also required to adopt and implement stricter rules to combat corruption, sanctions and proportionate disciplinary and dissuasive measures in the event of offences, as well as good governance principles. The Convention also provides safeguards for informants and witnesses.
For further details on the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, please refer to the Council of Europe website at: Council of europe website
UNODC International Convention Against Corruption
The United Nations Convention against Corruption that entered into force in 2005 is a legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. The Convention’s far-reaching approach and the mandatory character of many of its provisions make it a unique tool for developing a comprehensive response to a global problem. The vast majority of United Nations Member States are parties to the Convention.
The Office of the UN on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provides secretariat services to the Conference of the States Parties (COSP), the main decision-making body established under the Convention. UNODC is mandated to ensure the efficient functioning of the Implementation Review Mechanism, the mandatory peer-review process for all States Parties to the Convention against Corruption aimed at assessing their compliance with the provisions of the Convention. In particular, UNODC facilitates the conduct of the country reviews and also prepares thematic implementation reports and regional addenda, with the aim to reflect trends, challenges, good practices and technical assistance needs in implementation of the Convention.
ULIS Studies and Publications
A Study of Betting Operators and their Sponsorship of Sport
The study explores in a snapshot of the existing regulations and legislations addressing betting sponsorship of sports, including the recently publication by the UK House of Lords, ‘Time to Act to reduce gambling-related harm’, as an illustration of the increasing focus being placed on this issue. It concludes with a number of recommendations facilitating the safe practice of betting sponsorship of sports.
While this study focuses on the impact of sponsorship and makes recommendations for regulating that element, it is also clear that the gaming industry as a whole is one that merits wider scrutiny from governments, investigative authorities, internet service providers, technology firms and many others besides
Link to download the study: ULIS SPONSORSHIP STUDY
Sports Betting and Marketing Brochure
Link to download the brochure: WLA Sports Betting Marketing Brochure
Macolin Convention Guide for Lotteries
Link to download the brochure: Brochure Macolin Convention
