Activision Blizzard taps Sportradar for integrity services

Sports data and integrity solutions provider Sportradar will deliver a comprehensive integrity programme to protect the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League from betting related corruption, through a new partnership with games publisher Activision Blizzard.

Sportradar will monitor global betting activity on domestic and international Overwatch League and Call of Duty League competitions organised by the publisher’s esports arm, reporting any integrity issues to the company.

Both leagues will also have access to the supplier’s intelligence and investigation services unit, to support efforts to understand and resolve any integrity-related issues.

In addition, Sportradar will deliver educational programmes to make players aware of betting integrity risks and rules, as well as developing an app to allow participants to anonymously report potential breaches or suspicious activity.

“Call of Duty League and Overwatch League have long taken steps to safeguard the integrity of matches, and working with Sportradar is a step to further reinforce the importance of fair play,” Jason Hahn, head of strategic initiatives for Activision Blizzard Esports, explained.

“As our esports activities continue to grow and as fans increasingly engage with wagering on matches, we need to ensure we are doing as much as we can to proactively protect our ecosystem,” Hahn said. “Working with Sportradar, an industry leader, is important in protecting our players, teams and matches and giving fans the best experience they deserve.

“We look forward to establishing this relationship with Sportradar and continued expansion of our work together.”

The deal further strengthens Sportradar’s role as an integrity services provider to major US sports leagues. It already works with the likes fo the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League.

“Integrity is a crucial component to the overall success of esports, especially in a time with more betting opportunities available and more tournaments taking place,” Sportradar head of integrity services and league relations for North America Andy Cunningham said.

“We look forward to working with The Overwatch League and Call of Duty League to fortify their already powerful integrity measures.”