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

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Betting on sport is big business.

Sport England estimates the value of spending on sport-related gaming in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.

Which figure is likely to have actually grown even more, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.

Meanwhile, German research firm Sport & Markt estimates the general international betting market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gaming.

But when the integrity of events are hit the gambling market suffers, and profits are put under threat if customers can not bet 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 speak about the sports betting market now.

"Not only is it a considerable market in world business, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."

Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by cops over spot-fixing accusations connecting to a test versus 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 champion John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing accusations, but was banned recently for six months for stopping working to report the prohibited technique to him to throw frames.

There are also 2 other continuing investigations - unrelated 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 viewed as sincere, straight and fair that is good for betting firms since individuals will spend money wagering with confidence," he states.

"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unassociated to the UK managed betting industry ... it is not actually a favorable story for wagering in the UK.

"That is since the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might have to take care about'."

'Education'

So what can be done to prevent future scandals?

According to professionals at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus needs to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation points out: "The only people who can repair a match are the rivals 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 thinks that it is inadequate to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the method to take on potential concerns around players is likewise through education.

Mr Taylor says rules need to be described plainly to players with clear examples, and by people they respect.

"Through informing gamers about sports betting wagering you reinforce stability which is in everyone's interest," he adds.

"If players are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."

'Brand damage'

Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal guidance at the Football Association, concurs.

"Prevention is better than remedy, and we likewise make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be caught'."

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

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

He said that when a good credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".

FA guidelines indicate gamers are not enabled to bet on a competition in which they are involved.
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Mr Johnson states gamers need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he says might trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitions.

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

"We have to get over to gamers the reputational danger to the video game," he states. "Once self-confidence has been harmed it is hard to get it back - mud sticks."
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'Overwhelmingly legal'

If this represents the "carrot" approach, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of guideline at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage commercial gambling in Great Britain.

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

"The overwhelming majority of sports betting taking location through UK operators is legal and fair," he says.

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

"Such cheating has the prospective to undermine the stability of a sport, and it likewise harms the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports wagering."

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

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

"We will alert sports of our concerns, to assist avoid or reduce [prohibited] activity"
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In May 2010, the commission also presented a private telephone hotline for those with info or suspicions.

'Vulnerabilities'

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

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

He said that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost efficient, then the commission would think about terminating a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports governing bodies take the lead".

Meanwhile, he states much of those aiming to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the movement of money.

"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business."