LACK OF CLEAR LEGAL FRAMEWORK Moroccan lawyer Mehdi Zouat said the lack of a clear legal framework in many countries, including Morocco, hampers efforts to prosecute those behind unauthorized betting activities. “The most authorities can currently do is freeze suspect bank accounts,” he said, noting that digital platforms increasingly target minors due to weak oversight of online content.

THREAT TO INTEGRITY Gianni Merlo, president of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), said illegal betting poses a direct threat to the integrity of sports competitions. He cited cases where manipulation occurred by exploiting the time delay between live broadcasts and online betting odds. “Countries like Italy struggled with similar issues before adopting strict licensing and advertising regulations,” he added.

LEGAL GRAY ZONE Investigative journalist Ahmed Mediany presented findings from a report he conducted for Moroccan outlet TelQuel, detailing the operations of the Russian-based platform 1XBET. He said the company has bypassed legal scrutiny through digital marketing campaigns and sponsorship deals, despite operating in a legal gray zone.

WIDESPREAD PHENOMENON Egyptian writer and journalist Mohamed Mahmoud Abia said illegal betting is also widespread in the Arab region. He referenced his work on the drama series “Montaha Al Salahia” (“Ultimate Clearance”), which depicted real-life cases of betting infiltration in Egypt’s lower-tier football leagues.

TRACKING TOOLS Cybersecurity expert Hassan Kharjouj provided a technical breakdown of how platforms use tracking tools and behavioral analysis to target users, particularly teenagers aged 13 to 17. He warned that some platforms enable users to bypass age restrictions, exposing minors to online gambling and increasing their risk of addiction.

GREATER COORDINATION Panelists called for greater coordination between legal, media, and sports institutions to confront the rise of illegal betting. They emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary response to address the legal, technical, and social dimensions of the phenomenon.

The AIPS Congress, which brings together over 100 international media delegates, runs through May 17 and is addressing key topics related to ethics, regulation, and the digital future of sports journalism.