Sport sports betting market seeks to protect itself
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16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is substantial organization.
Sport England estimates the worth of spending 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 further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.
Meanwhile, German research firm Sport & Markt approximates the total global gaming market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gaming.
But when the integrity of events are hit the gaming industry suffers, and incomes are put under hazard if consumers 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 speak about the sports betting market now.
"Not only is it a substantial market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by cops over spot-fixing allegations relating to a test versus England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers 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 champion John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing claims, however was prohibited last week for six months for stopping working to report the illegal technique to him to throw frames.
There are also two other continuing examinations - not associated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK's most significant online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is viewed as sincere, straight and reasonable that is good for sports betting companies since people will spend cash wagering with self-confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unrelated to the UK regulated wagering industry ... it is not really a favorable story for wagering in the UK.
"That is since the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might have to be careful 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 of the Professional Players' Federation mentions: "The only individuals who can repair 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 believes that it is not adequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the method to tackle prospective issues around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor states rules require to be explained clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through educating players about sports betting wagering you reinforce integrity and that is in everyone's interest," he adds.
"If gamers are more difficult 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 much better than cure, and we also make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is vital that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he includes.
"If it loses that then individuals do not desire to bet, that is not in gaming firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that as soon as a good credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA guidelines imply gamers are not permitted to bank on a competitors in which they are included.
Mr Johnson states gamers have to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he states could trigger "brand 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 overcome to players 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" technique, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of guideline at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage commercial gambling in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands cops, Mr Tofiluk has duty for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming majority of sports betting occurring through UK operators is legal and fair," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly disrupt the result of a sporting occasion.
"Such unfaithful has the potential to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it likewise damages the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."
The commission has developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and disseminate 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 wagering," he states.
"We will alert sports betting of our issues, to assist avoid or curtail [illegal] 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 duration there has been just one prosecution, a 24-year-old male who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 ongoing investigations, which much beneficial info has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He stated that where an investigation 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 says a lot of those wanting to cheat the sports betting market were well-informed about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the motion of cash.
"They seek out the vulnerabilities of these to assist 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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