Sport wagering market aims to protect itself
16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business press reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is huge service.
Sport England approximates the worth of costs on sport-related gambling 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 summertime.
Meanwhile, German research firm Sport & Markt estimates the total international gaming 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 struck the gambling industry suffers, and revenues are put under danger if customers can not bet with confidence.
And there can have been few higher-profile sport sports betting 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 company, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by cops over spot-fixing allegations relating to a test versus England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players have actually stated they will also challenge the corruption charges mounted against the trio by the sport governing body the International Cricket Council.
Meanwhile, three-times snooker world champ John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing allegations, but was banned recently for six months for failing to report the illegal method to him to toss frames.
There are also 2 other continuing examinations - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK's greatest online sporting exchanges.
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"If the sport is perceived as honest, straight and fair that is excellent for sports betting companies since people will spend cash wagering with confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK controlled wagering industry ... it is not really a favorable story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is due to the fact that the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may have to beware about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to prevent future scandals?
According to specialists 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 explains: "The only people who can fix a match are the rivals or the referee."
His organisation represents males and females 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 sufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, but that the way to take on possible concerns around players is also through education.
Mr Taylor states guidelines require to be discussed clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.
"Through informing gamers about sports betting wagering you strengthen integrity which remains in everyone'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 regulative legal recommendations at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is much better than cure, and we also make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is imperative that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
"If it loses that then people do not want to bet, that is not in gambling firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that once a great reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA guidelines mean players are not permitted to wager on a competitors in which they are included.
Mr Johnson says players need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he says could trigger "brand damage" to and its competitions.
So, even a 2nd Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup final the following spring.
"We need to get over to players the reputational threat to the game," he states. "Once self-confidence has actually been damaged it is hard to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" method, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation 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 authorities, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
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"The frustrating bulk of sports betting wagering happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he states.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the result of a sporting occasion.
"Such cheating has the potential to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it also damages the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."
The commission has actually developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and share details to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.
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"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a substantial insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he states.
"We will signal sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or reduce [illegal] 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 actually been just one prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still eight ongoing examinations, and that much helpful info has also 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 discontinuing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states a number of those seeking to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting people, and about sports betting operations and the motion 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
bit.ly
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Looks To Protect Itself
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