The fan in stand may actually be a hotline to the bookies

Bookmakers rely on live data during matches to set odds. Some are gaming the system with their own army of informants
Bet365, which sponsors Stoke City, said 77% of its sports revenue last year came from bets placed during play
Bet365, which sponsors Stoke City, said 77% of its sports revenue last year came from bets placed during play
DAVE THOMPSON

When Hull City football supporter Daniel Mawer tweeted last weekend that security guards had threatened to kick him out of its stadium for texting, there was an outcry. Fans accused the guards of heavy-handed tactics, demanding to know why using a mobile phone was outlawed.

Gary Lineker even waded in. “This is nuts,” he said.

While the club apologised to Mawer, the incident shone a light on a growing industry: unlicensed football data. It is fuelling internet betting in unregulated markets and, in some cases, leaving games vulnerable to match-fixing.

Sources said there could be up to 20 scouts from unauthorised data providers capturing information without permission at any given league match. The data is often sent to betting firms operating in markets where gambling