Sport sports betting market seeks to secure 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 business.
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.
Which figure is most likely to have actually grown even more, with an ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.
Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt estimates the overall global gaming market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gambling.
But when the integrity of occasions are struck the sports betting industry suffers, and profits are put under threat if clients can not wager with self-confidence.
And there can have been few higher-profile sport wagering stories than those affecting cricket and snooker this year.
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High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone talks about the sports betting gambling market now.
"Not just is it a significant market in world business, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing allegations associating with a test versus England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players have actually said they will likewise challenge the corruption charges mounted versus the trio by the sport governing body the International Cricket Council.
Meanwhile, three-times snooker world champion John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing claims, however was banned last week for 6 months for stopping working to report the unlawful method to him to toss frames.
There are also 2 other continuing investigations - not related 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 sincere, straight and fair that benefits wagering companies since people will invest money sports betting with confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK managed wagering market ... it is not actually a positive story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is due to the fact that the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may need 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 gambling, the focus needs to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation mentions: "The only people who can fix a match are the competitors or the referee."
His organisation represents guys 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 simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the method to deal with prospective problems around players is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says rules need to be explained clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.
"Through informing players about sports betting wagering you enhance stability which is 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 regulative legal suggestions at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is much better than treatment, and we also make a point of informing players 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is essential that sport is directly, and is seen to be directly," he adds.
"If it loses that then people don't wish to wager, that is not in gaming companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that as soon as a good reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA rules mean players are not allowed to bank on a competitors in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson states gamers have to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he says might trigger "brand damage" to football and its competitors.
So, even a Second Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not bet on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We have to get over to players the reputational threat to the video game," he states. "Once self-confidence has actually been harmed it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" method, then possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of guideline at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage business sports betting in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands cops, Mr Tofiluk has obligation for policing all sports betting in the UK apart from spread wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The frustrating majority of sports betting wagering occurring through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.
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"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the outcome of a sporting event.
"Such unfaithful has the potential to undermine the integrity of a sport, and it likewise harms the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share details to sporting authorities, sports betting companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a substantial insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he says.
"We will notify sports betting of our concerns, to help prevent or cut [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also introduced a confidential telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has actually been simply one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old guy who was cautioned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 continuous examinations, 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 effective, then the commission would consider ceasing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states a number of those aiming to cheat the sports betting market were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting individuals, 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
bet9ja.com
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
bet9ja.com
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Aims To Protect Itself
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