Sport wagering market seeks to secure itself
16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is substantial service.
Sport England estimates 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 most likely to have actually grown even more, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.
Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt estimates the general worldwide gaming market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gaming.
But when the stability of events are struck the betting industry suffers, and incomes are put under threat if customers can not wager with self-confidence.
And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport wagering stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.
High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone speak 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 been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing accusations connecting to a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players have said they will likewise challenge the corruption charges mounted against the trio by the sport governing body the International Cricket Council.
Meanwhile, three-times snooker world champion John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing claims, however was banned last week for 6 months for stopping working to report the prohibited technique to him to toss frames.
There are likewise 2 other continuing examinations - unrelated 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 sincere, straight and fair that is good for wagering companies due to the fact that individuals will spend cash wagering with self-confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unassociated to the UK managed sports betting market ... it is not truly a favorable story for wagering in the UK.
"That is due to the fact that the perception is that 'cricket is now something we may have to take care about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to avoid 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 individuals who can repair a match are the rivals or the referee."
His organisation represents men and women 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 not enough to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the way to take on possible issues around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor states rules need to be described clearly to players with clear examples, and by people they respect.
"Through informing players about sports betting you strengthen integrity which remains in everybody's interest," he adds.
"If gamers are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal advice at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is much better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of telling players 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is vital that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
"If it loses that then individuals don't wish to bet, that is not in betting companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that when a good reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA rules mean gamers are not allowed to wager on a competitors in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson states players have actually to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he states could cause "brand damage" to football and its competitions.
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So, even a 2nd Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We have to overcome to players the reputational threat to the game," he states. "Once self-confidence has been damaged it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" technique, then possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate commercial sports betting 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 sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming bulk of sports betting occurring through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly interfere with the outcome of a sporting occasion.
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"Such unfaithful has the possible to weaken the stability of a sport, and it likewise damages the industrial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has actually developed an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute information to sporting authorities, sports betting firms and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he says.
"We will alert sports betting of our issues, to assist avoid or curtail [unlawful] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise presented a personal telephone hotline for those with details or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has been just one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old male 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 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 consider ceasing a criminal examination "in favour of governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states much of those aiming to cheat the sports betting market were well-informed about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about betting operations and the movement of cash.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to assist 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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Sport Betting Industry Wants To Protect Itself
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