Blackburn, Cortez Masto Probe DOJ on Match-Fixing Risk Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri on the growing risk of match-fixing in the United States and its potential ties to organized crime around the world.

Match-fixing not only threatens the game, but is often connected to human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and terrorism. The Senators are seeking answers from the DOJ on U.S. enforcement against match-fixing and the steps federal law enforcement is taking to protect the integrity of sports against those running illegal offshore sports books.

American Law Enforcement Must Be Equipped to Combat Organized Crime and Match-Fixing as U.S. Prepares to Host FIFA World Cup and Olympics

"We write to you today to express our unease at the growing risk of match-fixing in the United States and its potential ties to organized crime around the world. As the United States plans to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics-two of the biggest sporting events in the world-we must ensure American law enforcement has every tool at their disposal to protect the integrity of the games and fight against organized crime."

Organized Crime Efforts Are Becoming More Sophisticated and Lucrative

"Organized crime has long manipulated sporting events, and their efforts are only getting more sophisticated. Match-fixing does not simply pose threats to the integrity of the game, but it can be connected to violent crime-including human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and terrorism. These criminals have seized on illicit sports betting and match-fixing as a vehicle for laundering money and making incredible profits. Foreign, illegal online betting markets have become the perfect venues for these schemes, with studies showing that up to 10% of organized crime revenue is made from sports bets. Experts estimated in 2014 that $140 billion is laundered annually through illegal and unregulated sport betting, an amount that has undoubtedly grown. While the most prominent examples of sports corruption have been international, there is risk of

match-fixing in this country... Given this risk, it is important to ensure the United States government has every possible tool to keep our sports safe for players and fans alike."

Match-Fixing Exploits the Vulnerable, Harms Athletes, and Corrupts Athletics - We Must Bring Transnational Criminals to Justice

"When similar concerns were raised in countries around the world, their legislative bodies acted to make match-fixing a specific criminal act to address the full scope of match-fixing behavior and give their judicial and law enforcement systems the clarity and tools needed to bring these transnational criminals to justice. Sport brings the world together, and we must fight to protect its integrity against the onslaught from criminals who exploit the vulnerable, target athletes for harassment, and corrupt the globe's best traditions. The United States has one of the most vibrant sporting communities in the world, and it is imperative we support our athletes-from little league teams to collegiate stars to professional players."

Click here for the full text of the letter.

https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/12/news/blackburn-cortez-masto-probe-doj-on-match-fixing-risk-ahead-of-2026-fifa-world-cup-and-2028-olympics