Changes are being prepared in the law on gambling and online betting regulations… Kristian Ivanov to FACTI (VIDEO)

We know that over 40 football players from the Second Professional League are being investigated for participating in online betting on their own matches. Their number may be even higher, as we are talking about players who used their personal profiles on betting sites to place bets on the results of their teams' matches. This represents a serious conflict of interest and creates the prerequisites for corruption in sports. This was announced to Lili Marinkova in the studio “FACTI“ and the show “Conversation“ by Dr. Kristian Ivanov, a financial expert.

“This is not an urban legend. This type of abuse has existed for decades – The first documented case was back in 1898 between Stoke City and Burnley, who drew 0:0. The question is not whether we can completely eliminate betting, but how to regulate it and minimize the risk. The investigation is now being conducted by the General Directorate of the “National Police“ under the supervision of the prosecutor's office. Bets made through specific online platforms are being checked, with the data most likely provided by betting companies after suspicious activity was detected by users identified as professional footballers,“ the guest added.

“Currently, changes to the Gambling Act and the Online Betting Regulation are also being discussed, which would allow for stricter control over the profiles of registered players, including identification through professional status. This would allow athletes, coaches and club employees to limit access to betting platforms. Information about each activity is visible to companies. In case of suspicion of irregularities, betting companies are obliged to file a police report. If the cases increase, this may also affect the companies themselves, as such scandals harm their image and profits,“ Kristiyan Ivanov also shared.

See more of the conversation in the VIDEO.