Sport sports betting industry looks to safeguard itself

16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson

Business reporter, BBC News

sports betting on sport is substantial organization.

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

Which figure is most likely to have actually grown further, with an ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.

Meanwhile, German research firm Sport & Markt approximates the total global 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 events are hit the betting industry suffers, and earnings are put under hazard if clients can not bet with self-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 substantial 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 relating to a test versus England at Lord's last month.

Three of these gamers have actually said they will likewise challenge the corruption charges installed 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 accusations, however was banned recently for 6 months for stopping working to report the unlawful method to him to throw frames.

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

'Honest'

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

"If the sport is perceived as sincere, straight and reasonable that is excellent for betting companies because individuals will invest cash wagering with confidence," he says.

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

"That is since the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might have to be mindful 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 gambling, the focus needs to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation mentions: "The only people who can repair a match are the competitors or the referee."

His organisation represents males 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 procedures, however that the method to deal with potential problems around gamers is likewise through education.

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

"Through educating gamers about sports betting wagering you enhance stability and that remains in everybody's interest," he includes.

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

'Brand damage'

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

"Prevention is better than cure, 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 straight," he includes.

"If it loses that then individuals don't wish to bet, that is not in sports betting firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He stated that once a good reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".

FA guidelines suggest gamers are not enabled to bank on a competition in which they are included.

Mr Johnson states players need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he says could cause "brand name damage" to football and its competitors.

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 final the following spring.

"We need to overcome to gamers the reputational risk to the video game," he says. "Once confidence has been damaged it is difficult 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 established under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate industrial gaming in Great Britain.

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

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

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

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

The commission has developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and disseminate details to sporting authorities, betting companies and policing authorities.

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

"We will signal sports betting of our concerns, to help avoid or reduce [unlawful] activity"

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

'Vulnerabilities'

But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has actually been simply one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was warned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
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However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still eight continuous investigations, and that much helpful information 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 think about stopping a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".

Meanwhile, he says many of those wanting to cheat the sports betting industry were educated about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the motion of cash.

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

Related web links

World sports betting Law Report

ICC

Professional Players Federation
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Professional Footballers' Association

The FA

Betfair

Sport & Markt

BLP

Gambling Commission
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