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Sport wagering market looks to protect itself
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16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson

Business press reporter, BBC News

sports betting on sport is substantial organization.
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Sport England estimates the value of costs on sport-related sports betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.

And that figure is likely to have grown even more, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.

Meanwhile, German research study firm Sport & Markt estimates the overall worldwide gambling market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting.

But when the integrity of occasions are struck the gaming industry suffers, and profits are put under risk if customers can not wager with 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 talks about the sports betting gambling market now.

"Not just is it a substantial market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers.“

Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by police over spot-fixing claims associating with a test against England at Lord's last month.

Three of these players have actually stated they will likewise 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 claims, however was prohibited recently for 6 months for failing to report the illegal approach to him to throw 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 perceived as sincere, straight and fair that is good for wagering firms due to the fact that individuals will spend cash sports betting with confidence,” he says.

"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unrelated to the UK controlled wagering market ... it is not actually a favorable story for wagering in the UK.

"That is because the perception is that ‘cricket is now something we might have to be careful 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 sportspersons and sportswomen.

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players’ Federation explains: “The only people who can repair a match are the rivals or the referee.“

His organisation represents guys and women in 15 sports betting in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers’ Association.

He thinks that it is inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, but that the way to tackle possible problems around gamers is likewise through education.

Mr Taylor says rules require to be discussed plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.

"Through informing gamers about sports betting you strengthen stability and that is in everybody's interest,” he includes.
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"If gamers are harder 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 remedy, and we also make a point of informing gamers ‘you are going to be captured’.“

"It is crucial that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight,” he includes.

"If it loses that then people do not wish to wager, that is not in sports betting companies’ interests, and it is not in our interests.“

He said that when a great track record was lost, the damage to a sport was “incalculable”.

FA guidelines mean players are not allowed to wager on a competition in which they are involved.

Mr Johnson says players need to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he says might 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 bet on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup final the following spring.

"We need to get over to gamers the reputational risk to the game,” he states. “Once confidence has been damaged it is hard to get it back - mud sticks.“

'Overwhelmingly legal'

If this represents the “carrot” method, then possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the “stick”.

The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to control industrial gaming in Great Britain.

An of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.

"The frustrating bulk of sports betting taking place through UK operators is legal and reasonable,” he states.

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

"Such unfaithful has the possible to undermine the integrity of a sport, and it likewise harms the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting.“

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

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

"We will signal sports betting of our issues, to help avoid or cut [illegal] activity"

In May 2010, the commission also presented a personal telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.

'Vulnerabilities'

But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has actually been simply one prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was cautioned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.

However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight continuous examinations, and that much helpful information has actually likewise 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 think about discontinuing a criminal examination “in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead”.

Meanwhile, he says much of those seeking to cheat the sports betting industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the movement of cash.

"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to help in their enterprises.“

Related internet links

World sports betting Law Report

ICC

Professional Players Federation

Professional Footballers’ Association

The FA
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Betfair

Sport & Markt

BLP

Gambling Commission