ABSTRACT
This chapter is based on the results of a study of professional players’ perceptions of match-fixing and prevention education strategies. The purpose of the study was to present and collect information on which to base recommendations. Questionnaires were sent to 274 active pro-athletes in the nation’s four major professional sports; SPSS 18.0 was used for data processing. The results were as follows: first, the athletes of all pro-sports considered match-fixing as a crime and thought it unethical. However, pro-basketball athletes showed relatively high frequency in experiencing match-fixing information, receiving match-fixing suggestions and accessing illegal betting sites. Second, most pro-athletes have received match-fixing prevention education since joining pro-sports teams. Most athletes were generally satisfied with that education, but pro-football athletes’ satisfaction in relation to prevention education was less when compared to other pro-sports athletes. The number and period of time of prevention education were once a year and for an hour or two in most pro-sports. Problems such as monotony, one-time education and lack of interest were evidenced. Third, most pro-athletes expected better prevention education. The results from the questionnaires suggest more work needs to be done to provide education early in an athlete’s career and on a regular and innovative basis.
