Sport betting market wants to safeguard itself
16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
Betting on sport is big business.
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.
Which figure is most likely to have actually grown even more, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.
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Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt estimates the total global gambling market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gambling.
But when the stability of occasions are struck the gaming market suffers, and revenues are put under risk if consumers can not wager with self-confidence.
And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport wagering 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 business, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing claims relating to a test versus England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have actually said they will likewise challenge the corruption charges installed 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 claims, but was prohibited recently for six months for stopping working to report the illegal method to him to toss frames.
There are likewise 2 other continuing investigations - not associated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, one of the UK's biggest online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is perceived as truthful, straight and fair that is excellent for sports betting firms since people will invest money sports betting with self-confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK managed sports betting market ... it is not actually a favorable story for in the UK.
"That is because the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may need to take care 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 fix a match are the competitors or the referee."
His organisation represents men 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 method to deal with possible problems around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor says rules need to be explained clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through educating players about sports betting you enhance integrity which remains in everyone's interest," he adds.
"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 cure, and we also make a point of telling players 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is imperative that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly," he includes.
"If it loses that then people don't wish to bet, that is not in sports betting companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that once a great track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA rules indicate gamers are not permitted to bank on a competition in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson states players need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he states might cause "brand damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a 2nd Division player 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 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" approach, then possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
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The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to control industrial gaming in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has duty for policing all sports betting in the UK apart from spread betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The frustrating majority of sports betting wagering happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the result of a sporting occasion.
"Such unfaithful has the potential to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it also harms the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."
The commission has established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute info to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a substantial insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he says.
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"We will inform sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or reduce [unlawful] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced a personal telephone hotline for those with details or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year period there has actually been just one prosecution, a 24-year-old male who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 continuous investigations, which much beneficial information has also 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 many of those wanting to cheat the sports betting industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the motion of money.
"They look for out the vulnerabilities of these to help in their business."
Related internet links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
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BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Aims To Protect Itself
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