Stats Perform signs up to new IBIA data standards

| By Daniel O'Boyle
Stats Perform has become the first business to announce it will sign up to the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA)’s new best practice standards for the collection of sporting event data.

The data specialist said it would immediately apply to the IBIA’s audit process, led by testing agency and standards body eCOGRA, in order to secure a Data Standards Kitemark, which those who comply with the standards and pass the audit may display.

 Stats Perform chief betting officer Andrew Ashenden said the creation and implementation of global betting data standards was a major positive step for betting integrity.

“Implemented and monitored effectively, a global set of standards would contribute positively across the sports and betting industries from an integrity perspective,” Ashenden said. “At Stats Perform, we have a longstanding programme of investment in maintaining the strongest quality assurance and integrity processes across our data supply chain. 

“We look forward to working with the IBIA on best practices going forward and to demonstrate through the independent audit process how Stats Perform is going the extra mile to ensure the reliability and credibility of its data.”

The IBIA’s new standards – with the aim of ensuring high levels of accuracy and transparency – cover three main areas: personnel vetting and training, data collation processes and data integrity and reporting. 

Under the standards, all data collection must be carried out by people aged 18 and above, whose identities have been verified, who have passed additional background checks and who have undergone live training that includes recognising and reporting integrity concerns.

In addition, a data supplier must make clear the source, accuracy and reliability of data, by making clear the method in which it was collected, such as whether it was collected in person or via a television broadcast.

Data providers must also be transparent to operators regarding the speed, latency and process of transmission for their data, and must store data for at least three years.

In terms of reporting standards, data providers must carry out risk assessments for all events in which data is collected and must flag integrity issues to all parties in the data supply chain.

 “Data is an incredibly important part of the sports integrity ecosystem,” Stats Perform’s global head of integrity Jake Marsh said. “At Stats Perform robust data quality and integrity is the fundamental priority and this is reflected in the investment in our data supply chain and in our consistent public advocacy for best practice standards in this sector. 

“Our approach to data incorporates close collaboration with the sports and betting industries and we look forward to working with the IBIA and other stakeholders on best practices to help protect the future of integrity in sport and betting.”

The IBIA’s standards came about after the association made a call in May for all parties involved in the sports betting data supply chain to contribute to developing the protocols.

Stats Perform, an affiliate member of IBIA, quickly announced that it would contribute, arguing that collaboration was “vital” in the world of sporting integrity.