Sport sports betting industry looks to safeguard itself
16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
Betting on sport is huge service.
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Sport England estimates the value of costs on sport-related betting 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 approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.
Meanwhile, German research study firm Sport & Markt approximates the general international gambling market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting.
But when the integrity of events are struck the gaming market suffers, and earnings are put under risk if clients can not wager with 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 talks about the sports betting market now.
"Not just is it a considerable market in world company, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by cops over spot-fixing claims relating to a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players have stated they will also 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 allegations, but was prohibited last week for six months for failing to report the illegal approach to him to throw frames.
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There are likewise two other continuing examinations - not related 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 sincere, straight and reasonable that benefits sports betting companies since people will spend money sports betting with self-confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unrelated to the UK managed wagering industry ... it is not really a favorable story for wagering in the UK.
"That is because the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might have to take care about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to prevent future scandals?
According to experts at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting gambling, the focus has to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation points out: "The only people who can fix a match are the rivals or the referee."
His organisation represents males and ladies in 15 sports betting in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He thinks that it is not sufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the way to deal with prospective issues around players is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says rules require to be described plainly to players with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through informing players about sports betting you enhance integrity and that is in everyone's interest," he includes.
"If gamers are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of recommendations at the Football Association, agrees.
"Prevention is much better than cure, and we also make a point of informing players 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is essential that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly," he adds.
"If it loses that then individuals don't want to bet, that is not in gaming 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 imply players are not enabled to bank on a competition in which they are included.
Mr Johnson states players need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he states might cause "brand name damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a Second 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 get over to players the reputational risk to the game," he states. "Once self-confidence has been damaged it is hard to get it back - mud sticks."
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'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" technique, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate business gaming in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has duty for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.
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"The overwhelming bulk of sports betting taking location through UK operators is legal and fair," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the outcome of a sporting event.
"Such unfaithful has the possible to weaken the stability of a sport, and it also hurts the industrial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."
The commission has actually developed an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive 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 states.
"We will inform sports betting of our issues, to help prevent or cut [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also presented a confidential telephone hotline for those with details or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has actually been simply one prosecution, a 24-year-old male who was cautioned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 ongoing examinations, which much useful details has actually also been passed to sports betting authorities.
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He said that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost reliable, then the commission would consider stopping a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he says a number of those wanting to cheat the sports betting industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting people, and about sports betting operations and the motion of cash.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business."
Related internet links
World sports betting Law Report
bit.ly
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Wants To Protect Itself
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