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Sport wagering market aims to safeguard itself
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16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is huge organization.
Sport England estimates the value of costs on sport-related gaming in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
Which figure is likely to have actually grown even more, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.
Meanwhile, German research firm Sport & Markt estimates the general international sports betting market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gambling.
But when the stability of events are struck the sports betting industry suffers, and incomes are put under threat if customers can not bet with confidence.
And there can have been few 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 significant market in world business, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by cops over spot-fixing allegations relating to a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have said 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 prohibited recently for 6 months for failing 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 viewed as sincere, straight and fair that is excellent for wagering firms due to the fact that individuals will spend money wagering with self-confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unrelated to the UK regulated wagering market ... it is not really a positive story for wagering in the UK.
"That is due to the fact that the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may have to be mindful about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to avoid future scandals?
According to specialists at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus needs to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation explains: "The only individuals who can fix a match are the competitors or the referee."
His organisation represents males and females 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 simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to deal with possible issues around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor states rules require to be explained clearly to players with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through informing players about sports betting you strengthen stability which is in everybody's interest," he includes.
"If players are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal recommendations at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is better than remedy, and we also make a point of telling players 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is vital that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
"If it loses that then individuals do not wish to bet, that is not in sports betting companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that when an was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA guidelines imply players are not enabled to wager on a competitors in which they are included.
Mr Johnson states players need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he says might trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitors.
So, even a Second Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We need to overcome to players the reputational risk to the video game," he states. "Once confidence has been harmed it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" technique, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage business gambling in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has obligation for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The frustrating majority of sports betting taking place through UK operators is legal and fair," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the result of a sporting occasion.
"Such cheating has the prospective to weaken the stability of a sport, and it likewise hurts the industrial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share information to sporting authorities, sports betting companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he states.
"We will notify sports betting of our issues, to assist prevent or reduce [illegal] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced a confidential telephone hotline for those with details or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has been simply one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old guy who was warned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 continuous investigations, which much beneficial information has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He stated that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost efficient, then the commission would consider 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 educated about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about sports betting operations and the movement of cash.
"They look for 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
bet9ja.com
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Looks To Protect Itself
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