The Australian Government has introduced a bill that would make match-fixing a federal criminal offence. The bill has now been referred to a Senate inquiry for review.
If passed, athletes and other sports professionals who deliberately manipulate the outcome of sporting events could face up to 10 years in prison.
Individuals who encourage or pressure others to fix matches could face up to five years' jail time. Furthermore, companies involved would face fines.
Match-fixing is already illegal in most of Australia at the state level. The push to make match-fixing a federal offence follows a Government-commissioned review that found the risk of organised crime infiltrating Australian sport through match-fixing is increasing.
A 2018 review of sports integrity regulations found gaps in handling these kinds of offences. Among the significant findings was that state and territory laws are inconsistent, which recommends a federal approach.
It is also recommended that Australia join the Macolin Convention, an international treaty against match-fixing. The country signed the treaty in 2019 but has not yet ratified it, meaning it is not yet legally binding. Some of the bill’s proposed offences will only come into full effect once Australia ratifies the Macolin Convention.
The proposed legislation comes following the recent passage of the Gambling Reform Bill through both Houses of Parliament. The legislation introduces restrictions on wagering advertising and tightens enforcement against illegal operators. New restrictions will significantly change how wagering can be promoted across sport, television, radio and digital platforms. The Government intends for the new measures to take effect from 1 January 2027.
Australia was the first non-European nation to sign the Macolin Convention
