Sport wagering market wants to safeguard itself
16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
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Business press reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is big company.
Sport England estimates the value of spending on sport-related sports betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
And that figure is most likely to have actually grown further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.
Meanwhile, German research firm Sport & Markt estimates the total international betting market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gambling.
But when the stability of events are struck the gaming industry suffers, and revenues are put under hazard 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.
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High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone speak about the sports betting gambling market now.
"Not only is it a considerable market in world organization, 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 players have 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 champ John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing accusations, but was prohibited last week for six months for failing to report the unlawful technique to him to toss frames.
There are also two other continuing investigations - unrelated 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 honest, straight and reasonable that is great for sports betting companies since people will invest money wagering with confidence," he says.
"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK managed sports betting market ... it is not actually a positive story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is because the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might have to beware about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to avoid future scandals?
According to professionals 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 explains: "The only individuals who can fix 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 thinks that it is insufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the method to tackle possible concerns around players is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says rules require to be described plainly to players with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.
"Through informing players about sports betting wagering you reinforce stability and that remains in everyone's interest," he adds.
"If players are more difficult 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 better than cure, and we likewise make a point of telling gamers 'you are going to be caught'."
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"It is important that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
"If it loses that then individuals do not desire to bet, that is not in gambling firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that as soon as a good was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA rules suggest players are not enabled to bet on a competition in which they are included.
Mr Johnson states gamers have to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he says could trigger "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 wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We have to get over to gamers the reputational threat to the game," he says. "Once confidence has actually been damaged it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" approach, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage commercial sports betting in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming majority of sports betting taking location through UK operators is legal and fair," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly interfere with the outcome of a sporting event.
"Such cheating has the potential to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it likewise harms the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."
The commission has established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and share information to sporting authorities, sports betting companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a considerable insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he states.
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"We will alert sports betting of our issues, to help avoid or cut [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced a private telephone hotline for those with details or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
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But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has been simply one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old guy who was cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight continuous examinations, and that much helpful details has actually also 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 discontinuing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states a number of those aiming to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were knowledgeable 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 business."
Related internet links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
bet9ja.com
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Aims To Protect Itself
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