Sportradar Reports Surge in Suspicious Betting in North America
Sportradar’s 2025 integrity report shows suspicious betting nearly doubled in North and Central America despite global match-fixing declines.
A new integrity report from Sportradar reveals a sharp rise in suspicious betting activity in North and Central America, even as global match-fixing cases declined slightly year over year.
The findings, published in the company’s “Integrity in Action 2025” report, show that while global suspicious matches fell 1% in 2025, activity in North and Central America rose nearly 2x compared with 2024 levels.
The regional spike comes as North America prepares to host major international sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
North & Central America: A Significant Surge
According to the report:
- 84 suspicious matches were recorded in North and Central America in 2025
- That figure represents one of the largest year-over-year increases globally
- Suspicious soccer matches in the region rose 42%
The region’s growth contrasts sharply with Europe and South America, where suspicious activity declined.
Sportradar described the increase as part of a broader trend of match-fixing diversification, with illicit actors shifting focus beyond traditional European markets.
Global Suspicious Betting Trends
While North and Central America saw a spike, the overall global picture was more stable.
Global 2025 data highlights:
- 1,116 suspicious matches identified across all sports
- A 1% year-over-year decline in total cases
- 99.5% of monitored events showed no signs of manipulation
Europe and South America posted significant improvements, while Asia and Africa experienced moderate increases.
The global stabilization suggests containment efforts are working in traditional hotspots — even as activity migrates geographically.
Soccer Remains the Primary Target
Soccer continued to account for the majority of suspicious betting alerts worldwide, consistent with historical patterns.
In North and Central America, the 42% jump in suspicious soccer matches reflects:
- Expanding betting markets in the region
- Increased liquidity in lower-tier competitions
- Growing online wagering participation
Integrity analysts often warn that lower-profile matches are particularly vulnerable due to reduced oversight and smaller financial margins for participants.
AI Detection Playing Larger Role
Sportradar credited its AI-powered Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS) with identifying increasingly complex manipulation schemes.
Key technology findings:
- 56% more suspicious cases flagged by AI in 2025 compared to 2024
- Improved detection of lower-tier and subtle market anomalies
- Expanded monitoring coverage across global competitions
The company emphasized that technological advances are enabling earlier identification of irregular betting patterns.
Preparing for Major Events in 2026
The report’s timing is notable, as North America prepares to host the FIFA World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Sportradar indicated it is enhancing integrity monitoring measures ahead of:
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Major continental tournaments
- Expanding professional leagues in North America
Large international events historically generate massive betting volume, increasing the importance of proactive surveillance.
What the Regional Spike Means
Industry observers say the rise in North and Central America likely reflects:
- Rapid market growth
- Increased legalization of sports betting
- Greater liquidity attracting illicit actors
As regulated markets expand, so too does the need for coordinated integrity frameworks involving leagues, regulators, sportsbooks, and monitoring providers.
The data does not necessarily indicate that manipulation is widespread, but it signals increased risk exposure as markets mature.
Broader Industry Implications
The report underscores several emerging themes:
- Match-fixing risk is geographically dynamic
- Technology is improving detection rates
- Regional growth can temporarily increase vulnerability
Integrity providers argue that continued investment in monitoring, data sharing, and cross-border cooperation will be critical in 2026 and beyond.
Bottom Line
Sportradar’s 2025 integrity report shows a global stabilization in suspicious betting activity, but a sharp rise in North and Central America, where cases nearly doubled.
With major sporting events on the horizon, the regional spike highlights the growing importance of robust betting surveillance systems as markets expand.
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