Our commitments against cyberbullying
of athletes

Passion never justifies hatred. No result, no underperformance, or lost bet can serve as an excuse for bullying or threats.

Insults, threats, defamation: cyberbullying increasingly affects athletes (both competitors and referees), coaches, and trainers. This violence is not just a "slip-up": it is a reality that undermines those who embody it.  

In light of this observation, Betclic Group is taking the initiative for an unprecedented collective mobilization, with eight major sports federations (handball, football, rugby, tennis, volleyball) and professional leagues (basketball, rugby, volleyball) to provide a coordinated response against the cyberbullying of athletes. 

A collective and sustainable response 

Because cyberbullying concerns the entire sports ecosystem, Betclic Group has chosen a collective response, developed with its partners in the sports world, to put an end to these toxic behaviors. 

This approach is based on three clear priorities: 

  • Preventing risks by training athletes and the Betclic teams.

  • Raise awareness and inform our players and more broadly the public opinion

  • Sanction those who cross the line and harass athletes.

Clear commitments against cyberbullying of athletes

Our ambition is clear: to set a demanding framework, protect the stakeholders in sports, and refuse to allow the game or betting to become an excuse for unacceptable behavior. 

Consult Betclic's commitments platform and that of its partners.

“No lost bet can justify insults, threats, or harassment of athletes. With this programme, we are making a strong collective commitment.”

JULIEN BRUN, PDG - BETCLIC GROUP

“No lost bet can justify the insult, threat, or harassment of athletes. With this program, we are making a strong collective commitment.”

JULIEN BRUN, PDG - BETCLIC GROUP

“No lost bet can justify insults, threats, or harassment of athletes. With this programme, we are making a strong collective commitment.”

JULIEN BRUN, PDG - BETCLIC GROUP

Preventing and Supporting Athletes 

In partnership with the NGO Respect Zone, Betclic Group is deploying practical tools, built with sports federations and professional leagues, to help athletes protect themselves: securing accounts, detecting warning signs, information on existing recourse, reporting procedures, guidance towards appropriate resources in case of online attacks...  

“Cyberbullying is now a major societal phenomenon, constantly increasing, that crosses all areas of public life. Sports, despite the values it embodies, is not immune: athletes and sports stakeholders are increasingly exposed to waves of hate and online violence. As an expert organization in the prevention and handling of these digital deviations, Respect Zone is pleased to partner with Betclic to build concrete responses, protect athletes, and sustainably engage in a collective change of behaviour,” explains Philippe Coen, President of Respect Zone.

A clear and coherent editorial line

Sport deserves a passionate and safe space for expression. Together with its partners, Betclic Group works to counter the trivialisation of cyberbullying and contribute to a respectful sporting environment, both on and off the field, by implementing enhanced moderation (swift removal of comments, bans, and reports) and tailored training for its teams of Community Managers and customer relations.  

Zero tolerance for cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is fueled by toxic online behaviours. As a major player in sports entertainment, Betclic Group encourages its 5.5 million players to adopt responsible behaviours by asking them to join it in the fight against the cyberbullying of athletes.  

To give more impact to this commitment, we are modifying our terms of use to prohibit any insulting, threatening, or violent remarks towards athletes. Any breach of these commitments may now lead to sanctions ranging from suspension to the closure of the player account, and reporting to the relevant authorities depending on the severity of the facts. 

Raising awareness in the long term

Betclic Group runs two awareness campaigns each year aimed at the general public as well as its players through various channels (digital, audio, press, newsletters...) to remind a simple rule: you can enjoy, debate, and tease... without ever falling into hatred or violence. 

"Sport has always sparked strong passions. Supporterism has sometimes been excessive, loud, and even aggressive. What is changing today with social networks is the scale and permanence of violence. No defeat, no result, no lost bet justifies insults, threats, or harassment. With this programme, we are making a strong collective commitment. Together with our partners in the sports world, we are drawing a clear line: the passion for sport is a strength that should unite us, but must never harm those who bring it to life."  Julien Brun, CEO of Betclic Group.