Sport wagering industry looks to secure 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 value of spending on sport-related gaming in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
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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 firm Sport & Markt estimates the overall global gambling market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gambling.
But when the integrity of events are hit the sports betting industry suffers, and revenues are put under hazard if consumers can not bet with self-confidence.
And there can have been few higher-profile sport sports betting stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.
High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone speak about the sports betting gambling market now.
"Not only is it a substantial market in world organization, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by cops over spot-fixing accusations relating to a test versus England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have 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 banned recently for 6 months for stopping working to report the unlawful approach to him to toss 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 viewed as honest, straight and reasonable that is good for wagering companies due to the fact that people will invest cash wagering with confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unrelated to the UK regulated wagering industry ... it is not really a positive story for wagering in the UK.
"That is because the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might have to beware about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to avoid future scandals?
According to experts at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus has to be on sportsmen 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 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 inadequate to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to take on possible issues around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor says to be discussed clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through educating players about sports betting wagering you enhance integrity which is 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 regulatory legal recommendations at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is better than remedy, and we also make a point of informing players 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is crucial that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
"If it loses that then individuals do not wish to wager, that is not in gaming firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that as soon as a great reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA guidelines indicate gamers are not enabled to bank on a competition in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson says players have actually to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he says could trigger "brand damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a Second Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We have to overcome to players the reputational risk to the game," he states. "Once confidence has actually been damaged it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
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'Overwhelmingly legal'
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If this represents the "carrot" approach, then possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage commercial gaming in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has obligation for policing all sports betting in the UK apart from spread wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming majority of sports betting wagering happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly interfere with the result of a sporting occasion.
"Such unfaithful has the possible to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it likewise damages the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."
The commission has established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and distribute information to sporting authorities, wagering firms and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have experienced a substantial insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he states.
"We will notify sports betting of our issues, to help avoid or cut [unlawful] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also presented a private telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has actually been just one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 ongoing investigations, which much beneficial information has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He stated that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense reliable, then the commission would think about discontinuing 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 industry were well-informed about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the motion of cash.
"They look for out the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their enterprises."
Related internet links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
bit.ly
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Looks To Protect Itself
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