Sport wagering industry seeks to secure itself
16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
Betting on sport is huge organization.
Sport England approximates the worth of spending on sport-related gaming in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
And that figure is likely to have grown further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.
Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt estimates the total
worldwide betting market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and
sports betting gaming.
But when the stability of occasions are hit the gambling industry suffers, and profits are put under hazard if clients can not wager 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 discuss the
sports betting gambling market now.
"Not just is it a considerable market in world company, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by police over spot-fixing allegations connecting to a test versus England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players have actually 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 prohibited last week for six months for stopping working to report the prohibited technique to him to throw frames.
There are likewise two other continuing investigations - not related to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, one of the UK's most significant online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is viewed as truthful, straight and fair that benefits betting companies since individuals will invest cash wagering with self-confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unrelated to the UK regulated wagering market ... it is not truly a positive story for wagering in the UK.
"That is because the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might need to be mindful about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to avoid future scandals?
According to professionals 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 points out: "The only individuals who can fix a match are the competitors or the referee."
His organisation represents guys and ladies in 15
sports betting in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He believes that it is inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the method to take on potential problems around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor states rules require to be described plainly to players with clear examples, and by people they respect.
"Through informing players about
sports betting you reinforce integrity and that is in everybody's interest," he adds.
"If gamers are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal guidance at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is better than remedy, and we likewise make a point of telling gamers 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is essential that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly," he adds.
"If it loses that then people don't desire to bet, that is not in
sports betting firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that when an excellent reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA guidelines mean gamers are not enabled to bet on a competition in which they are included.
Mr Johnson says gamers have actually to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he says could trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitors.
So, even a 2nd Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We need to overcome to gamers the reputational risk to the game," he says. "Once self-confidence has actually been harmed it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" method, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate business
sports betting in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all betting in the UK apart from spread
sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The frustrating majority of
sports betting occurring through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the outcome of a sporting event.
"Such unfaithful has the potential to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it likewise harms the industrial interests of
sports betting bodies and
sports betting."
The commission has actually established an in-house
Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and disseminate info to sporting authorities, betting companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a considerable insight into world of corrupt
sports betting," he states.
"We will notify
sports betting of our concerns, to assist avoid or curtail [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also presented a confidential telephone hotline for those with details or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year period there has actually been simply one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old male who was cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight ongoing investigations, and that much useful info has actually also been passed to
sports betting authorities.
He stated that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost reliable, then the commission would think about terminating a criminal examination "in favour of letting
sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states much of those seeking to cheat the
sports betting industry were experienced about
sports betting and sporting individuals, and about
sports betting operations and the motion of cash.
"They look for out the vulnerabilities of these to help in their business."
Related internet links
World
sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
BLP
Gambling Commission
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