Which of the following are common indicators of match-fixing?

• A. Regular betting patterns, stable performance, and transparent communications.
• B. Irregular betting patterns, sudden performance changes, or suspicious communications and relationships.
• C. No betting activity and consistent results.
• D. Publicly announced agreements before games.

Answer: (B)

Match-fixing shows up through patterns that don’t fit normal sport behavior. Irregular betting patterns are a red flag because bets aimed at fixing a result tend to create unusual or outsized betting activity that stands out from a team’s usual betting profile. Sudden, unexplained changes in performance also raise suspicion—when a team or player shifts far from their typical level without a clear reason like injuries or tactical shifts, it can indicate manipulation. Suspicious communications or relationships, such as messages or connections between insiders, players, coaches, and bettors, point to possible collusion or incentives to influence results.

By contrast, regular betting patterns, stable performance, and transparent communications align with legitimate, everyday competition and don’t suggest manipulation. No betting activity with consistent results isn’t a typical indicator of fixing, and publicly announced agreements would be an explicit, obvious sign rather than a common warning cue.