Sport wagering industry seeks to safeguard itself
16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business press reporter, BBC News
Betting on sport is big service.
Sport England estimates the value of spending on sport-related sports betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
Which figure is most likely to have grown even more, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.
Meanwhile, German research study firm Sport & Markt estimates the overall worldwide gaming market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gaming.
But when the integrity of occasions are hit the gambling industry suffers, and incomes are put under hazard if clients can not wager with self-confidence.
And there can have been few higher-profile sport wagering stories than those affecting cricket and snooker this year.
High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone discuss the sports betting gambling market now.
"Not just is it a considerable market in world organization, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by cops over spot-fixing accusations associating with a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players have stated they will likewise challenge the corruption charges installed versus the trio by the sport governing body the International Cricket Council.
Meanwhile, three-times snooker world champ John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing claims, but was banned recently for six months for stopping working to report the unlawful method to him to toss frames.
There are also two other continuing examinations - not related to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, one of the UK's greatest online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is perceived as sincere, straight and fair that benefits sports betting companies because individuals will invest money wagering with self-confidence," he says.
"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unassociated to the UK regulated sports betting market ... it is not actually a favorable story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is since the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might need to be cautious about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to prevent future scandals?
According to specialists at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus needs to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation explains: "The only people who can repair a match are the competitors or the referee."
His organisation represents men and females in 15 sports betting in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He believes that it is insufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, but that the way to tackle possible issues around players is also through education.
Mr Taylor states rules need to be described clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they respect.
"Through informing gamers about sports betting you strengthen integrity which remains in everyone's interest," he adds.
"If players are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
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'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal advice at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is better than treatment, and we also make a point of informing players 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is vital that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
"If it loses that then individuals don't desire to bet, that is not in sports betting firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that when a great track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA guidelines indicate gamers are not enabled to bet on a competitors in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson says players need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he says might cause "brand name damage" to football and its competitors.
So, even a Second Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We have to get over to players the reputational danger to the game," he says. "Once self-confidence has been damaged it is hard to get it back - mud sticks."
legal'
If this represents the "carrot" method, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to control business betting in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all betting in the UK apart from spread betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming majority of sports betting occurring through UK operators is legal and fair," he states.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the outcome of a sporting occasion.
"Such unfaithful has the possible to weaken the stability of a sport, and it also harms the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."
The commission has actually established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and distribute information to sporting authorities, sports betting firms and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a considerable insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he states.
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"We will signal sports betting of our issues, to help prevent or cut [illegal] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also presented a private telephone hotline for those with details or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year period there has been just one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old male who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still eight continuous investigations, and that much helpful info has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He said that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense effective, then the commission would consider discontinuing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he says much of those aiming to cheat the sports betting wagering market were experienced about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the movement of money.
"They seek out the vulnerabilities of these to help in their business."
Related web links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
bit.ly
BLP
bet9ja.com
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Looks To Protect Itself
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