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Sport wagering market aims to protect itself
16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is huge company.
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.
And that figure is likely to have grown further, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.
Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt approximates the general global sports betting market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting.
But when the integrity of events are struck the gaming market suffers, and incomes are put under hazard if consumers can not bet with confidence.
And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport sports betting 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 significant market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing claims associating with a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have actually said they will likewise challenge the corruption charges mounted 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 claims, however was prohibited recently for six months for failing to report the unlawful approach 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 truthful, straight and reasonable that is great for wagering companies since individuals will invest cash wagering with confidence," he says.
"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unassociated to the UK managed betting market ... it is not actually a positive story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is since the perception is that 'cricket is now something we may need to beware 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 has to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation points out: "The only people who can repair a match are the rivals or the referee."
His organisation represents males and females 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 inadequate to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the way to deal with possible issues around gamers is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor states guidelines need to be described clearly to players with clear examples, and by individuals they respect.
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"Through educating gamers about sports betting wagering you enhance stability which remains in everyone's interest," he adds.
"If gamers are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal guidance at the Football Association, agrees.
"Prevention is much better than treatment, and we also make a point of telling gamers 'you are going to be caught'."
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"It is necessary that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly," he includes.
"If it loses that then individuals do not wish to bet, that is not in gambling firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that as soon as a good reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA guidelines indicate players are not enabled to wager on a competition 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 name damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a Second Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We need to get over to players the reputational risk to the video game," he says. "Once self-confidence has actually been damaged it is hard to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" technique, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of guideline at the 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 responsibility for policing all sports betting in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The frustrating bulk of sports betting wagering happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable," 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 undermine the stability of a sport, and it also harms the industrial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has actually developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and share info to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he says.
"We will signal sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or cut [illegal] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced a confidential telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has been simply one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old male who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 ongoing examinations, which much helpful 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 think about stopping a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states many of those wanting to cheat the sports betting industry were educated about sports betting and sporting people, and about sports betting operations and the movement of money.
"They look for out the vulnerabilities of these to help in their enterprises."
Related web links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
BLP
Gambling Commission
The BBC is not accountable for the material of external websites.
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Sport Betting Industry Aims To Protect Itself
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