Sportradar accused of promoting illegal gambling while claiming to protect esports
Esports.net reports that Sportradar has been accused by Muddy Waters Research of generating a large share of its revenue from illegal gambling operators, while publicly presenting itself as a company that protects sports and esports integrity. The report claims Sportradar promoted gambling companies targeting restricted markets in Asia, Russia and other regions where those operators allegedly lack licenses.
According to the article, Muddy Waters investigators went undercover at the ICE conference in Barcelona, posing as a betting startup interested in Vietnam, China, Indonesia and Thailand, where online gambling is heavily restricted or prohibited. The article says Sportradar staff allegedly claimed they “serve everyone” and offered introductions to the Yabo Group, described as China’s largest illegal gambling operator.
The allegations create a conflict with Sportradar’s role as a sports integrity monitor, especially in esports, where it has said match fixing is declining. Muddy Waters argues that Sportradar relies on integrity partnerships with leagues to access data, while also allegedly using that access to serve illegal operators.
Sportradar denied the accusations, saying they came from short sellers trying to damage shareholder value and profit from stock disruption. The company said it works only with licensed operators, follows global compliance and due diligence standards, and stands by its audited financial statements and investor disclosures.
The report hurt Sportradar’s stock, which the article says fell almost 30% after the Muddy Waters report. Esports.net notes that the controversy could threaten Sportradar’s partnerships with major sports organizations such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, FIFA and UEFA, and could create licensing risks if the claims are proven true.
