sport-betting-industry-seeks-to-protect-itself

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Betting on sport is substantial company.

Sport England estimates the value of costs on sport-related betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
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Which figure is most likely to have grown further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.

Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt approximates the overall worldwide gambling market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting.

But when the stability of events are struck the betting market suffers, and revenues are put under risk if clients can not bet with confidence.

And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport wagering stories than those affecting cricket and snooker this year.

High-profile

As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone talks about the sports betting gambling market now.

"Not just is it a substantial market in world company, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."

Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by cops over spot-fixing claims relating to a test against England at Lord's last month.

Three of these gamers have actually said they will likewise challenge the corruption charges mounted 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 allegations, but was banned last week for six months for failing to report the prohibited method to him to toss frames.

There are likewise 2 other continuing examinations - not associated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.

'Honest'

David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, one of the UK's biggest online sporting exchanges.

"If the sport is perceived as truthful, straight and fair that benefits betting companies due to the fact that individuals will invest money wagering with self-confidence," he states.

"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK regulated wagering market ... it is not really a positive story for wagering in the UK.

"That is due to the fact that the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may have to be mindful 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 has 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 guys and females in 15 sports betting in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.

He thinks that it is insufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, but that the method to tackle prospective issues around players is likewise through education.

Mr Taylor says guidelines need to be discussed clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they respect.

"Through informing players about sports betting you enhance integrity which remains in everyone's interest," he includes.

"If gamers are harder to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt."

'Brand damage'

Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal advice at the Football Association, agrees.

"Prevention is better than treatment, and we also make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be captured'."

"It is essential that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly," he includes.

"If it loses that then people don't wish to bet, that is not in gambling companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He stated that as soon as a good track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".

FA rules suggest gamers are not enabled to wager on a competitors in which they are involved.

Mr Johnson says gamers have to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he states might trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitors.

So, even a 2nd Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not bet on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.

"We need to overcome to players the reputational danger to the game," he states. "Once confidence has been damaged it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."

'Overwhelmingly legal'

If this represents the "carrot" method, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage commercial gaming in Great Britain.

An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has duty for policing all betting in the UK apart from spread betting, which is the remit of the FSA.

"The frustrating bulk of sports betting wagering occurring through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he states.

"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the result of a sporting event.

"Such unfaithful has the possible to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it likewise hurts the business interests of sports bodies and sports betting."

The commission has actually established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and share information to sporting authorities, betting companies and policing authorities.

"Since 2007 we have experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he states.

"We will signal sports of our issues, to assist prevent or curtail [prohibited] activity"

In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced a personal telephone hotline for those with info or suspicions.

'Vulnerabilities'

But in a two-and-a-half year period there has been simply one prosecution, a 24-year-old male who was cautioned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.

However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 continuous examinations, which much helpful information has actually likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

He said that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense efficient, then the commission would consider stopping a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
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Meanwhile, he states much of those wanting to cheat the sports betting industry were well-informed about sports betting and sporting people, and about betting operations and the movement of cash.

"They seek out the vulnerabilities of these to help in their enterprises."