“Angry Gamblers” Behind Nearly Half of Tennis Online Abuse
A recent analysis by tennis authorities has unveiled that nearly 48% of online abuse directed at players stems from angry gamblers venting their frustrations over lost bets. This alarming trend emerged from data gathered through Threat Matrix monitoring system designed to detect and mitigate abusive behavior on social media.
Gambling-Driven Rage Leads to Persistent Abuse
Between January and October 2024, the Threat Matrix system reviewed 2.47 million social media posts, flagging approximately 12,000 as abusive or threatening.
Frustrated bettors often target players with hateful comments after unfavorable match outcomes. This type of harassment has become a significant concern, with offenders exploiting the anonymity of social media to lash out.
“We are extremely pleased to have helped close down a considerable number of prolific abusive accounts and identified clear drivers for abuse, including a large number of angry gamblers,” said Jonathan Hirshler, CEO of Signify Group, the company behind Threat Matrix.
The report also revealed that sexist remarks and sexually explicit content were among the most common types of abuse.
Social media platforms were flooded with inappropriate comments during high-visibility events like Grand Slams, where the spotlight on players is intensified.
Persistent Offenders and Criminal Action
While the majority of abuse came from isolated posts, a small number of accounts were prolific offenders. Fifty-two accounts were found to have posted ten or more abusive comments, with 26 of these already suspended after being reported. Serious cases involving 15 accounts were escalated to law enforcement for criminal investigation.
The tennis community has also grappled with scams, such as player account impersonation, with five cases identified and reported to local authorities.
The findings are part of a coordinated effort by tennis governing bodies, including the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), and the United States Tennis Association (USTA), to combat online abuse.
A Future of Enhanced Protections
Threat Matrix has proven to be a vital tool in combating online abuse, but the battle is far from over. Plans for 2025 include expanding protections to address direct messaging abuse and integrating findings into educational programs to help players manage and mitigate harassment.
Former WTA World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka welcomed the initiative, stating, “No one should have to endure the hate that so many of us have faced through these platforms.”
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