ACT introduces stiff penalties for match-fixing

Confidence in the integrity of local sport and gaming in the ACT will be renewed as a result of amendments debated in the ACT Legislative Assembly this week, according to ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell.

Attorney-General Corbell explained "the Criminal Code (Cheating at Gambling) Amendment Act 2013 will mean that all identified match-fixing behaviours are now outlawed in the ACT.

"This reform will help to prevent cheating and match-fixing activities and will support the integrity and enjoyment of sport."

The Act amends the Criminal Code 2002 to prohibit conduct that can corrupt the betting outcomes of events on which it is lawful to place bets. The new laws criminalise four distinct behaviours:

Intentionally corrupting the outcome of a sporting event to receive a benefit;

Betting on an event reckless about whether the outcome has been corrupted;

Accepting a bet on a sporting event, knowing that the outcome has been corrupted; and

Betting on an event with inside information about the event

Attorney-General Corbell added "penalties of up to ten years imprisonment apply consistent with other serious fraud offences in the Code. These penalties reflect a tough approach to the serious issue of match-fixing, and will send a strong message to anyone looking to benefit from match-fixing.

"The Amendment Act was passed after broad consultation with local and Commonwealth sporting authorities, and professional and community sporting groups.

"All states and territories have agreed to put in place similar laws to promote the National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport."

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