International Hockey Federation defends decision to legalise hockey betting

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Sunday defended its decision to partner with Sweden-based betting firm Spring Media for a four-year cycle, stating that it is a vehicle to generate funds for the development of the game. The FIH recently partnered with Spring Media to offer fans a betting package that includes all its events, representing more than 1,300 matches across four years. While many in the fraternity raised eyebrows following the move, the FIH backed its decision, saying that legal betting is the way forward in the world of sport. "We have signed with a legal betting entity, so there is no question at all of integrity. It's completely legal and controlled. "And of course, when it comes to integrity and of the hockey members in general, not only linked to betting but every type of behaviour, the FIH has an integrity code in place and has an integrity unit since couple of years," a top FIH official told PTI on the sidelines of the Women's Olympic Qualifier here.

Jan 15, 2024 - 16:49
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International Hockey Federation defends decision to legalise hockey betting
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Sunday defended its decision to partner with Sweden-based betting firm Spring Media for a four-year cycle, stating that it is a vehicle to generate funds for the development of the game. The FIH recently partnered with Spring Media to offer fans a betting package that includes all its events, representing more than 1,300 matches across four years. While many in the fraternity raised eyebrows following the move, the FIH backed its decision, saying that legal betting is the way forward in the world of sport. "We have signed with a legal betting entity, so there is no question at all of integrity. It's completely legal and controlled. "And of course, when it comes to integrity and of the hockey members in general, not only linked to betting but every type of behaviour, the FIH has an integrity code in place and has an integrity unit since couple of years," a top FIH official told PTI on the sidelines of the Women's Olympic Qualifier here.