Author: Monojit Mandal
The scope of Operation Maximum Penalty went beyond its initial purpose, affecting a variety of sports. The National Basketball League (LNB) is considering regulatory adjustments to prevent possible incidents of match-fixing in the sport, in order to further protect the integrity of sports.
In an interview with Máquina do Esporte, LNB CEO Sérgio Domenici emphasized the relevance of the recent events, saying: “I think the numbers are proportionally small”. However, they are a significant harbinger of things to come. This can happen in any sport“. Domenici’s observations emphasize the importance of taking proactive measures to solve the problem.
The arrest of three people, involved in an association of athletes accused of acts designed to influence soccer matches as part of an alleged match-fixing operation, was carried out recently as part of Operation Maximum Penalty. According to Máquina do Esporte, the most recent phase of the operation consisted of 20 search and seizure warrants in 16 cities in six Brazilian states.
At the moment, the laws that regulate LNB competitions, including the prestigious Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB), do not include specific restrictions relating to the sports betting sector. Domenici, on the other hand, said that by making changes to the basic laws of sport, the LNB can maintain sporting integrity. “Essentially, we don’t have a specific item [nas regras da entidade] for betting” he said. However, anything outside the field of athletics can be dealt with by civil justice and sports disciplinary actions.”
Acknowledging the growing trend of sports betting, Domenici continued:“Specifically speaking of betting, there is no [regulamentação] yet“. It’s a new subject, and we’re going to prepare for it.” This statement emphasizes the LNB’s commitment to adapt and respond to the progressive sports betting landscape, to ensure a fair and transparent environment within the league.
It’s worth mentioning that the NBB, Brazil’s main basketball league, has an official agreement with a sports betting company. The league has partnered with Sportsbet.io, which is also the main sponsor of the São Paulo soccer team. The agreement between the NBB and the bookmaker is scheduled to last until 2025, confirming the current relationship between the basketball league and the sports betting business.