Sport Betting Industry Wants To Protect Itself

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Sport wagering market aims to itself


16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson


Business reporter, BBC News


sports betting on sport is substantial company.


Sport England estimates the worth of spending on sport-related gambling in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.


Which 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 firm Sport & Markt approximates the general 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 events are hit the sports betting industry suffers, and profits are put under threat if customers can not wager with confidence.


And there can have been few higher-profile sport wagering stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.


High-profile


As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone discuss the sports betting market now.


"Not just is it a significant market in world company, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."


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


Three of these gamers have actually stated 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 champ John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing allegations, however was banned recently for six months for failing to report the illegal technique to him to toss frames.


There are likewise 2 other continuing investigations - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.


'Honest'


David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK's most significant online sporting exchanges.


"If the sport is perceived as sincere, straight and reasonable that is good for sports betting companies because people will spend money wagering with confidence," he states.


"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK regulated sports betting industry ... it is not really a favorable story for wagering in the UK.


"That is since the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might need to beware about'."


'Education'


So what can be done to prevent future scandals?


According to professionals 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 points out: "The only individuals who can repair a match are the competitors or the referee."


His organisation represents guys and ladies 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 insufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to tackle prospective issues around players is also through education.


Mr Taylor states guidelines need to be explained clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.


"Through informing gamers about sports betting wagering you strengthen stability and that remains in everyone's interest," he includes.


"If gamers are harder to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt."


'Brand damage'


Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal guidance at the Football Association, agrees.


"Prevention is much better than cure, and we also make a point of telling gamers 'you are going to be caught'."


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


"If it loses that then people don't want to wager, that is not in sports betting firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."


He said that once a great credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".


FA rules suggest players are not allowed to wager on a competitors in which they are included.


Mr Johnson says gamers have actually to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he states might trigger "brand damage" to football and its competitions.


So, even a 2nd Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not bet on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.


"We have to overcome to players the reputational threat to the game," he says. "Once confidence has actually been harmed it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."


'Overwhelmingly legal'


If this represents the "carrot" technique, 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 regulate business gaming in Great Britain.


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


"The overwhelming bulk of sports betting happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he states.


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


"Such unfaithful has the possible to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it also damages the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."


The commission has actually established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute details to sporting authorities, wagering firms and policing authorities.


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


"We will notify sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or curtail [illegal] activity"


In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced 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 male who was cautioned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.


However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 ongoing examinations, which much helpful info has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.


He stated that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense efficient, then the commission would consider stopping a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".


Meanwhile, he says a number of those looking to cheat the sports betting market were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting people, and about sports betting operations and the motion of money.


"They seek out 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


Betfair


Sport & Markt


BLP
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Gambling Commission


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