Match-Fixing Prevention in NCAA Sports Competitions: Analyzing Strategies and Assessing Perceived Vulnerability

Abstract

Match-fixing is an integrity violating phenomenon that affects sport competitions. While less prevalent in the U.S. compared to other countries, the recent legalization of sports betting and potentially increased risk of match-fixing the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) faces sparked interest in understanding the organization’s match-fixing prevention strategies. This study aimed to assess the perceived opportunity-based vulnerability of the NCAA and its member schools to experience match-fixing based on the usage of different recommended match-fixing prevention strategies, also identifying differences between each NCAA division. A survey was constructed and disseminated by email to all NCAA member schools in order to identify their usage of the recommended prevention strategies, along with good practices. From the survey, a scoring system was constructed to analyze vulnerability for each division. A one-way ANOVA of the mean vulnerability score for each division was used to identify differences between divisions. Results found a low usage of match-fixing prevention strategies in the NCAA, with Division I scoring in the “at-risk” category, and Division II, III, and overall NCAA scoring in the “vulnerable” category. Significant differences were also found between Division I and Division II schools, and Division I and Division III schools in their vulnerability scores. These results should urge the NCAA and its member schools to implement more prevention strategies and good practices for match-fixing into their athletic department to better protect their sporting events and internal stakeholders from the phenomenon.