Tennis governing bodies are forging ahead with lucrative betting partnerships, despite controversies. The ITF’s ongoing relationship with Stake, even after UK rule violations, highlights the complex intersection of sports, revenue, and regulation. The WTA, ATP, and ITF are also selling their data to betting companies to ensure a regulated ecosystem. News Directory 3 reports on how organizations like Betway and FanDuel are now major sponsors. These moves bring significant revenue to support tennis, but raise questions about responsible gambling and ethical considerations, especially concerning young audiences. discover what’s next for athlete gambling abuse and the impact of social media on the evolving landscape.
Tennis Governing Bodies Navigate the Role of Betting Partnerships
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) continues its partnership with Stake, a Curacao-based gambling firm, as the official betting partner for the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup. This arrangement persists even after Stake violated UK Gambling Commission regulations by using inappropriate content and later relinquishing its UK operating license.
The ITF defended its position, stating that it partners with diverse brands to support events and tours, reinvesting 90% of revenue into global tennis development. The organization added that all partnerships undergo rigorous vetting and involve regulated entities where applicable.
Other tournaments, such as the Madrid Open, Miami Open, and Swedish Open, are now sponsored by Betway, based in South Africa. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) entered a multi-year agreement with FanDuel Group in 2023, covering North, South, and Central America.
To ensure regulated betting, the WTA, ATP, and ITF sell data to companies like Stats Perform, sportradar, and Infront, which then distribute it to licensed betting operators. This strategy aims to replace the previously unregulated environment.
What’s next
The ongoing partnerships between tennis governing bodies and betting companies will likely face continued scrutiny, particularly regarding responsible gambling practices and the protection of young audiences. The balance between revenue generation and ethical considerations remains a key challenge for the sport.
