Sport wagering industry seeks to secure itself
16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is huge business.
Sport England estimates the worth of spending on sport-related gambling in grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
Which figure is most likely to have grown even more, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.
Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt estimates the overall global sports betting market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting.
But when the stability of occasions are hit the gambling industry suffers, and earnings are put under threat if consumers can not bet with confidence.
And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport sports betting stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.
High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone talks about the sports betting gambling market now.
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"Not just is it a significant market in world organization, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by police over spot-fixing accusations relating to a test versus England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have said they will also 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 last week for 6 months for failing to report the unlawful technique to him to toss frames.
There are also two other continuing investigations - not associated 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 honest, straight and reasonable that benefits sports betting companies due to the fact that people will invest money sports betting with confidence," he says.
"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK regulated sports betting market ... it is not truly a positive story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is because the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may 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 gambling, the focus has to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation explains: "The only individuals who can fix 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 believes that it is not enough to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to tackle possible issues around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor states guidelines require to be discussed plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through informing players about sports betting wagering you enhance integrity and that remains in everybody's interest," he adds.
"If gamers are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal suggestions at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is better than remedy, and we also make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is imperative that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
"If it loses that then individuals don't wish to wager, that is not in gaming firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
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He stated that when an excellent credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA rules suggest gamers are not enabled to bank on a competitors in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson says gamers need to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he says could trigger "brand damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a 2nd Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We need to get over to players the reputational risk to the game," he states. "Once self-confidence has actually been harmed it is hard to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
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If this represents the "carrot" method, 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 regulate business gambling in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands cops, Mr Tofiluk has obligation for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
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"The overwhelming bulk of sports betting wagering occurring through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he states.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly interfere with the outcome of a sporting occasion.
"Such unfaithful has the possible to undermine the integrity of a sport, and it likewise damages the industrial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has actually developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share information to sporting authorities, wagering firms and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have experienced a considerable insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he says.
"We will notify sports betting of our issues, to assist prevent or curtail [illegal] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise presented a confidential telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
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But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has been just 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 eight continuous examinations, and that much beneficial details has actually likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He stated that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost effective, then the commission would consider ceasing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states a lot of those looking to cheat the sports betting wagering market were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the movement of cash.
"They seek out the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their enterprises."
Related internet links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
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Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
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BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Seeks To Protect Itself
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