Sport wagering industry looks to protect itself
16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is huge organization.
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 further, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.
Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt estimates the general international gambling market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gaming.
But when the stability of events are struck the gambling industry suffers, and revenues are put under danger if clients can not wager with confidence.
And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport sports betting stories than those affecting cricket and this year.
High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone speak about the sports betting market now.
"Not only 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 police over spot-fixing accusations connecting to a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players have actually said they will also 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 accusations, but was banned recently for 6 months for stopping working to report the prohibited technique to him to toss frames.
There are also 2 other continuing investigations - 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 perceived as sincere, straight and reasonable that benefits wagering firms since individuals will spend money sports betting with confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unassociated to the UK managed wagering industry ... it is not actually a favorable story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is because the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may have to beware about'."
'Education'
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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 points out: "The only people who can fix a match are the rivals or the referee."
His organisation represents males and ladies 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 simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the method to take on possible issues around players is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says rules require to be explained plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by people they respect.
"Through informing players about sports betting you strengthen stability and that remains in everybody's interest," he adds.
"If players are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal advice at the Football Association, agrees.
"Prevention is much better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is necessary that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
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"If it loses that then individuals don't want to bet, that is not in sports betting companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that when a good credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA guidelines indicate players are not allowed to wager on a competition in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson says gamers need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he says might trigger "brand damage" to football and its competitors.
So, even a 2nd Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We have to overcome to gamers the reputational threat to the video game," he states. "Once confidence has actually been damaged it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
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 control commercial gambling in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has duty for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming majority of sports betting wagering happening through UK operators is legal and fair," he states.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the result of a sporting event.
"Such unfaithful has the potential to weaken the stability of a sport, and it likewise hurts the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has actually developed an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share details to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he says.
"We will signal sports betting of our issues, to help avoid or reduce [illegal] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced a personal telephone hotline for those with info 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 cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
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However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight continuous examinations, and that much helpful information has also been passed to sports betting authorities.
He stated that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense reliable, then the commission would consider stopping a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he says many of those aiming to cheat the sports betting market were educated about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the motion of cash.
"They look for out the vulnerabilities of these to help in their business."
Related web 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 Looks To Protect Itself
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